Microsoft released a new Xbox 360 update as the game console maker continues to look for new ways to combat piracy. The new Xbox Live Dashboard also includes the AP 2.5 anti-piracy checker aimed at preventing pirated game play while red-flagging some accounts for future bans.
This is one of Microsoft's most direct and public responses to game piracy, with the new anti-piracy measures just being discovered. The new Microsoft system poses different "challenges" for each game title to meet before being loaded, with incorrect responses preventing users from logging into Xbox Live.
Legitimate games will be able to easily pass the authentication system, but pirated games are more likely to be red flagged. Any time firmware is tested and results are abnormal, a 'dirty disc' error will appear while the console is internally flagged for review.
Specifically, Microsoft increased its anti-piracy measures to better secure the DVD drive's firmware, which has been widely exploited in the past. Since the Xbox 360's DVD drive is responsible for running security checks on game media, Microsoft may have found a more permanent solution.
The Xbox 360 Dashboard update launched publicly earlier this month, and was notable because it included native Kinect support.
In the future, Microosft hopes its newest anti-piracy measures will also allow it to prevent future generations of hacked firmware and hacked video games from being played.
Microsoft recently had to begin planning an attack strategy against a Kinect open source driver contest that includes a $2,000 bounty. A poster on the NUI Group forums indicated they have successfully tested the "Johnny 5 Kinect Robot" that allows the Kinect to be controlled via PC, although only the motor is controllable as of now, which is reportedly the easiest component to take control of.
Additional video evidence of other working Kinect hacks are expected in the coming weeks, as programmers dabble with open source drivers.
