With less than a week before Christmas, it appears that Microsoft's initiated another series of bans on modded Xbox 360s. Details are still sketchy, although owners state that the ban seems to be targetting 360s running in ixtreme firmware. More detail are available in the full article.

Among the Xbox 360 community, one familiar name is Commodore4eva (C4eva), and his line of Xtreme Firmware updates that ensure our consoles stay in tip-top condition. Following Xtreme's success, C4eva created the iXtreme firmware for TS-H943 Xbox 360s, which has recently updated to version 1.2b. Here are the fw's latest change list since version 1.0:

• (v1.2b) Slow-read (4x) version
• (v1.2)  Extra verification performed on Stealth backups
• (v1.1)  Extra verification performed on Stealth backups
  

Aside from these updates, iXtreme firmware also carries features like media stealth, disc-jitter, disc-lock on, firmguard, and Xbox 360 backup firmware modification. That's the latest word iXtreme for the Xbox 360. Remember to drop by in case we receive word on more updates.

A couple of days ago, homebrew guru, Commodore4eva (aka C4eva) released the iXtreme Firmware v1.0 for the Xbox 360 console. This new stealth firmware was capable of defeating all current and upcoming Xbox Live detection attempts, and is also capable of booting all original and Stealth Extreme backup Xbox 360/Xbox 1 discs.

Now, in case you're in the mood for a possible update, we've just picked up a rumor that iXtreme Firmware 1.1 is already under works. This new update is currently reported to carry a new extra video/PFI check, and is expected to be for Samsung drive owners. Like we said earlier - this is just a rumor, though we'll keep our eyes peeled in case C4eva verifies this info.

Commodore4eva (aka C4eva) was the one person to come up with a stealth firmware for TS-H943 Xbox 360 consoles known as Xtreme Firmware. This allows users to create backup copies regardless of the disc check command employed by the console.

Well, the guy is back once more. C4eva recently released iXtreme Firmware 1.0 - a new stealth firmware promising to defeat all current and some future Xbox Live detection attempts.

Microsoft, as all of you know, is currently taking actions against firmware modding. Seemingly unfazed, C4eva came up with Xtreme Firmware v5.3 and this new one, iXtreme. Aside from the already mentioned, iXtreme Firmware is also offering media stealth, disc-jitter, disc-lock on, firmguard, as well as Xbox 360 backup firmware modification.

Version 1.0 has the following features:

• Defeats all current and some future Xbox Live detection attempts
• Boots ONLY Stealth Xtreme Xbox 360 backups
• Boots ONLY Stealth Xtreme Xbox 1 backups
• Boots all Xbox 360 originals
• Boots all Xbox 1 originals on Xbox 360

We don't know what's your stand on this one but QJ.Net, even C4eva himself, would like to caution everyone that this firmware replacement should be used at your own risk.

You've probably heard enough about the just-released Spring Dashboard update already (Previous coverage: here, here and here), so we won't bore you guys with any more duplicate coverage. If you've been under a large rock all this while, our previous coverages will bring you up to speed with the latest happenings regarding the Dashboard update. The update brings a lot of great new features making your Xbox 360 experience that much more enjoyable.

Anyways, the main reason for this article is to douse the suspense surrounding the fate of people who've modified their DVD drives with a hacked firmware to play pirated games, err backups. This might sound surprising: the latest Dashboard update doesn't mess with hacked DVD drives; meaning that if you've modified your DVD drive firmware, you'll still be safe with the latest update. People having Hitachi drives haven't been lucky enough to get regular updates to the hacked firmware, but even that doesn't matter, they're safe too!

While this doesn't rule out the possibility that Microsoft might be collecting data regarding these hacked drives and waiting to do something a little later, it's safe to say that's close to being improbable. Hackers, like Commodore4Eva, have made claims that they have complete control over the DVD drive and that Microsoft can't really do anything with it. Even though Microsoft might have something up their sleeve, it would be pretty risky to do something now.

In related news, Commodore4Eva has also announced that he is working on an Xtreme Firmware v2.4 for Hitachi users which would include the latest Disc Jitter update recently packed in Xtreme 5.3 for Samsung drives. We'll keep you posted on C4E's work, stay tuned.

While a head-on collision threatens to break over the Spring Update's cross-border Marketplace restrictions, another head-to-head is brewing up on the horizon. Gameswank snagged a Q&A with Commodore4Eva about his views on the Spring Update - but not about cross-border DL - and Xtreme Firmware 5.3.

It all begins, Commodore4Eva tells Gameswank, when a little mouse whispered into his ear that the Spring Update might contain an ability to detect backup games and not make it boot (Commodore4Eva emphasizes this detection method isn't about modded disk drives). Hence Xtreme FW v5.3 Patch, which Commodore4Eva hopes to release before Microsoft releases the Spring Update.

v5.2, he notes, "already has many FEATURES that prevent detection, 5.3 just adds another," although it seems that the patch is a stopgap based on Commodore's uncertainty whether Microsoft will really implement the detection capability.

The plan is to do an emergency patch if required after the update if the detection is put in by MS, otherwise a full update for Hitachi to bring it up to V5.3 from V2 will come in the next several weeks...

Caveats: v5.3 currently works on Samsung drives, although work is underway to bring it up to spec for other DVD drives.

(To be fair and just to Gameswank, we must include his emphasis that he's not taking any stance regarding modding with this interview with Commodore4Eva; he is simply conducting an interview with the guy. We take quite the similar stance, too: not weaving flags for either side. Besides, we remember a quite painful story back towards Halloween 2006 about Live updates, mods... and debunked rumors of brickage. Got it?)

Commodore4eva's working overtime this New Year apparently, as he brings in Xtreme firmware 5.2 for our Xbox 360's consumption. With the release of his Xtreme firmware 5.1 just last week, we're hoping this guy still had time for celebrating. As for the new stuff in Xtreme firmware 5.2A, 5.2B, 5.2C, 5.2D for TS-H943:

• (v5.2) Disc-LockOn added for chronic open tray consoles.
• (v5.2) DVD Video disc problems fixed.

Yeah, not much on updates this time around, but you gotta respect the guy's work ethic. For the full details on other previous tweaks, view the read link. Once again, we thank Commodore for these apparently around-the-clock updates. Kudos.

Here's a big, juicy treat for the Xbox 360 dudes. We've been covering Commodore4eva's Xtreme firmware lineup for some time now, and for a post-Christmas suprise he's giving us an update.

Commodore's announcing the release of Xtreme firmware 5.1A,5.1B,5.1C,5.1D for the TS-H943 Xbox 360. For the guys asking about what's new in this firmware update, here's a brief list:

• (v5.1)  Open Tray errors fixed (PFI and SS read routines updated)
• (v5.1)     5.1c (Dual speed, default fast) and 5.1d (Dual speed default quietslow) read speed (Originals unaffected). Both toggle with original Xbox1/360 disc
• (V5.1)    Xbox1 DDE errors caused by firmware, patched
• (V5.1)    Possible Xbox1/360 DDE errors caused by firmware, patched
• (V5.1)    Single Layer DVD disc support(+/-RW) for both Xbox1 and 360
• (v5.1)  New easier batch file "Make Xtreme firmware.cmd" to make all firmwares.

The full details can be read in the read link below. We'd like to thank Commodore for the update, and we're sure you guys will like it too. Be sure to read up on Commodore's previous 4.1 update to check out what else was changed.

Being the typical wonderkid/overachiever that he is, Commodore4eva has recently released Xtreme firmware 4.1A and 4.1B for TS-H943 Xbox 360 drives.

Just in case this is the first time you're reading about this, this little creation happens to be a FirmGuard, Dual Speed, Media Stealth, One Firmware, Xbox 360 backup and extraction firmware modification all in one. This nifty application gives your mean gaming machine the ability to play back-up copies of games with the quality that is like the original.

You gotta admire this guy as it was only a few days ago when he released Xtreme firmware 4.0A and 4.0B. Anyway, this new version is a proud recipient of an improved FirmGuard and as Commodore4eva proudly mentions, it is now impregnable. He also mentions that you should use this at your own risk especially when on Xbox Live. So with all that aptly mentioned, let's go right down to the nitty-gritty of things.

For Xtreme 4.1A default backup Read Speed is same as original game disks 12x. When Original Game disk is booted, all subsequent backup loading will be at Quiet/Slow Read mode, Original Game disks are unaffected. Turn console off/on to reset back to Default backup read speed (12x). Quiet/Slow Read Speed is for quiet operation and/or cheap DVD+R DL media.

For Xtreme 4.1B default backup Read Speed is Quiet/Slow 2-4x. When Original Game disk is booted, all subsequent backup loading will be at Fast Read mode 12x, Original Game disks are unaffected. Turn console off/on to reset back to Default backup read speed for backups (2-4x).

It is best to refer to our earlier article which contains pertinent instructions about flashing your drive, creating a backup, extracting PFI and PMI, and turning off 0800 mode of firmware.

Commodore4eva has released Xtreme firmware 4.0A and 4.0B for TS-H943 Xbox 360 - the world's first FirmGuard, Dual Speed, Media Stealth, One Firmware, Xbox 360 backup and extraction firmware modification all in one. Talk about your typical overachiever.

The app plays back-up copies of games on the Xbox 360 as if they are the original. The firmware works using raw/unmodified dumps, patching (security sector on ISO and DVD drive key on firmware), and DVD + DL (double layers) recordable discs.

The latest version features the following:

• MS28 core firmware. Also better and faster media detection.
• FirmGuard added. On by default. Firmware cannot be Read/Written by 360 console. Can ONLY be turned off (Read/Write enabled) via Enable0800 mode.
• 4.0A firmware. 4.0A is default Fast Read Speed mode. Quite/Slow Read mode for backups activated via any Xbox 360/Xbox 1 Original game disk.
• 4.0B firmware. 4.0B is default Quiet/Slow Read Speed mode. Fast Read mode for backups activated via any Xbox 360/Xbox 1 Original game disk.

You can read the full technical details after the jump.