Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report
Atari Online News, Etc. Volume 01 Issue 11
Volume 1, Issue 11 Atari Online News, Etc. May 14, 1999
Published and Copyright (c) 1999
All Rights Reserved
Atari Online News, Etc.
A-ONE Online Magazine
Dana P. Jacobson, Publisher/Managing Editor
Joseph Mirando, Managing Editor
Atari Online News, Etc. Staff
Dana P. Jacobson -- Editor
Joe Mirando -- "People Are Talking"
Michael Burkley -- "Unabashed Atariophile"
Albert Dayes -- CC: Classic Chips
With Contributions by:
Curt Vendel
Fred Horvat
To subscribe to A-ONE, send a message to: dpj@delphi.com
and your address will be added to the distribution list.
To unsubscribe from A-ONE, send the following: Unsubscribe A-ONE
Please make sure that you include the same address that you used to
subscribed from.
To download A-ONE, set your browser bookmarks to one of the
following sites (more to be added soon):
http://people.delphi.com/dpj/a-one.htm
http://www.icwhen.com
http://a1mag.atari.org
http://homestead.dejanews.com/ssag
Visit the Atari Advantage Forum on Delphi!
http://forums.delphi.com/m/main.asp?sigdir=atari
=~=~=~=
A-ONE #0111 05/14/99
~ People Are Talking! ~ Titan Now Core Design ~ Sears to Sell i-Macs
~ NUON Peripherals Shown ~ Pentium III Price Cuts ~ E3 Showdown!
~ Don Thomas Conference! ~ Apple Keeps Moving Up! ~ Pong Anyone?
~ Hasbro Licenses Q*Bert ~ Mickey Mouse Does N64! ~ New PowerBook
-* Gaming Industry Fights Back! *-
-* Woman Sues to Use '7 Dirty Words'! *-
-* Microsoft's "Permatemps" Get Stock Victory *-
=~=~=~=
->From the Editor's Keyboard "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Well, the weather has been steadily nice, but a little on the cool side.
I've managed to get some work done outside, but have plenty more to finish.
The joys of owning your own home, my father keeps reminding me!
In this week's issue, we've included the transcript of the conference
in the Atari Advantage Forum on Delphi, held last Saturday, with former
Atari Corporation's Don Thomas. It was a small group, but Don kept us
informed and entertained for almost two hours! It was a lot of fun; and we
hope you enjoy the event, after the fact. The conference brought back a lot
of memories of the many conferences held on the various online services of
the day (Delphi, CompuServe, and GEnie) with countless Atari dignitaries,
developers, show organizers, and the like. Perhaps A-ONE can play a role in
revitalizing those conferences a bit. We'll see...
Along the lines of fond memories, I'm about to do something that I've been
hoping I wouldn't be seriously considering for a number of years to come.
As many of you may recall, I've been running Toad Hall BBS for what seems
like forever - since late-1987 to be exact. Well, with the decline of
Atari, the rise in activity on the internet and the cheap prices of PCs,
activity on Toad Hall has been negligible. I've always felt that as long as
there was interest, I'd keep the BBS running. It was one way for me to keep
supporting Atari users, and, in a way, my form of protest of the growth of
the internet. My feeling is that the internet is a vast resource of
information, but lacks the feeling of community that an interactive resource
such as a BBS provided. Still, you can't buck technology for too long before
it takes its toll on the past. So, Toad Hall is about to join the long list
of bulletin board systems to fall by the crowded wayside. It's been a lot
of fun and source of knowledge and comraderie these past 12 years. I'm
going to miss it immensely!
In its place will go a second PC that I've just received. I bought my wife
a PC in January, but instead of keeping hers tied up as well as the house
phone line, I'll put the second PC in my study with the old BBS line. I
essentially use the PC for web browsing and doing the web version of A-ONE.
I'm NOT giving up my Falcons and other machines. However, I've found that
the PC allows me to utilize my time more efficiently doing research for A-
ONE. I enjoy the Atari browser, but for my needs, STiK, STiNG, and CAB just
don't provide the speeds I'd need on the Falcon, unfortunately. The Falcons
will still be my workhorses for many years to come; I enjoy them too much to
change over to the PC world! <g>
Until next time...
Titan Press Release
CORE DESIGN - PRESS RELEASE
10th MAY 99
NEW NAME: CORE DESIGN!
NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS: Now fully implemented!
sales@titan-bss.co.uk
tech@titan-bss.co.uk
** PLEASE UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS BOOK **
http://titan-bss.co.uk ('www' not necessary)
SAME: people, products, telephone and fax numbers!
Type Bytes...
ECLIPSE NOW IN PRODUCTION - Reserve one now to avoid disappointment!
The hash sign (#) indicates price in UK pounds sterling
-------------------
C-LAB MK.X CASES --- from #159.00!
-------------------
ECLIPSE - NOW EVALUATING THE 4MB ATI CHARGER GRAPHIC CARD.
- up to 1600x1200 at 16-bit, or 1280x1024 at 24-bit!
-------------------
TEMPEST - NOW BEING DESIGNED WITH POWERPC PROCESSOR
- speeds from 100MHz to 266MHz!!!
-------------------
CORE DESIGN PC SYSTEMS, from only #299.00!
-------------------
HD DRIVER V7.7 - Yes, a new version expected any day!
NEW PRICE: #15.95.
-------------------
HP 400C COLOUR DESKJET: #99.00
HP 695C COLOUR DESKJET: #149.00
EPSON STYLUS COLOUR 400: #139.00
** ECLIPSE - PCI ADAPTOR FOR THE FALCON
PLEASE NOTE:
We are close to shipping Eclipse and are currently taking reservations.
To avoid disappointment, if you require one please contact us now to
ensure delivery.
Expected prices:
UK - 199.00 pounds
Euro* - Eu 298
Germany*- DM 598
France* - FF 1990
USA* - $320
* Price is dependant on currency exchange rates and import duties.
Distributors:
Germany: AG Computertechnik (also Austria and Switzerland)
e-mail: AG_Comtech@t-online.de
Tel: +49 (8331) 86373
France: ACS Production (also Belgium)
e-mail: alainc@imaginet.fr
USA/Canada: to be confirmed
All other countries will be supplied directly by Core Design.
OVERVIEW
--------
ECLIPSE is an adaptor that accepts standard PCI cards. Currently we
are evaluating the 4MB ATI range of graphic cards, so Eclipse will
offer up to a massive 1600x1200, 16-bit colour with high refresh
rates.
Also being evaluated is the TV Tuner version for outputting to TVs
and RGB monitors.
Eclipse offers the best performance of any graphic adaptor, and
runs with the full 14MB upgrade (unlike other graphic adaptors!).
fVDI
----
fVDI (Fenix VDI) is part of an on-going development of the Fenix OS, a
replacement operating system. fVDI is being used to drive Eclipse and
beta-test versions can now be downloaded for testing against a variety
of different applications.
If you would like to assist in the Beta Test program of fVDI prior to
Eclipse being available, this can be downloaded free from...
ftp://rand.thn.htu.se/pub/fVDI/
If you have problems downloading please mail us:
sales@titan-bss.co.uk
NOTE: Please read the enclosed documentation - we are already aware of
certain minor problems which are being eliminated. Our main concern is
compatibility with a variety of programs.
NOTE: fVDI also works on standard Falcons.
BENCHMARKS
----------
Currently Eclipse is producing Gembench results with an average of;
1500% *without* NVDI
864% *with* NVDI
Our web site only contains details of figures used with NVDI, but this
will be updated shortly.
PRICE
-----
While this development is still being prototyped we expect the Eclipse
adaptor, complete with fVDI driver software AND 4MB graphic card, to
retail for only 199.00 UK pounds.
NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS ;-)
------------------------
Resolution Bit planes
---------- ----------
640x480 8,16,24,32
800x600 8,16,24,32
1024x760 8,16,24,32
1152x864 8,16,24,32
1280x1024 8,16,24
1600x1200 8,16
Graphic card supplied is the excellent ATI Charger, featuring the
RageII 3D chipset.
AVAILABILITY:
We hope that production models could be ready by the end of May
1999. Prototyping of the hardware is already complete - and the fVDI driver
software is being finalised.
NOTE: We understand the Centurbo2 is no longer fitted with an expansion
through port which will make it difficult to fit Eclipse. We believe
there is a technical problem with Centurbo2 in this area.
Tempest, however, WILL be fitted with an expansion port!
** TEMPEST
TEMPEST: The FASTEST accelerator for the Falcon - NOTHING can compete
with this! A simple, inexpensive way to accelerate a _standard_ Falcon
to achieve amazing performance!
*** Now with the PowerPC (PPC) Processor
This means Tempest could run with a staggering 266MHz processor! Due
to the lack of board space, the proposed AGP slot will not be fitted.
Currently being evaluated are the inclusion of;
* USB ports - multiple peripheral expansion!
* Dual-processor support when fitted with Afterburner040!
AVAILABILITY:
Not yet determined, but hopefully prototypes will be ready by Q2 1999.
** C-LAB MK.X CASES
Now reduced substantially in price.
MK.X Case, no keyboard - #159.00
MK.X Case, Mega STE keyboard - #179.00 (down #20.00)
Experience the ultimate casing solution for the Falcon.
OPTION (also suitable for standard Falcons):
Internal SCSI adaptor - #39.95 (down #10.00)
** CORE PC SYSTEMS
333MHz Cyrix based system starts at only #299.00!!!
333MHz AMD K6-2 system: from only #349.00 (now even cheaper!)
Features:
* 100MHz Bus
* 32MB PC-100 SDRAM
* 4.3GB hard disk drive
* 40x CD-ROM drive
* ATX Midi Tower case
* 8MB AGP graphics
* Full 16-bit Sound
* 80W Speakers
* Keyboard and Mouse
ADD (applies to any system):
* Internal K56 Flex (v.90) modem
* Windows 98 (installed)
* 15" monitor
For only #199.00 (also priced separately) - SAVE #20.00!
Many upgrade options to the above, e.g:
32 to 64MB - add #27.00
AMD K6-2 400MHz - add #52.00
Contact us for details on other systems; AMD, Cyrix, Celeron-A, PII
and PIII.
** OTHER OFFERS
Atari compatible mouse - now only #9.95!
Genuine branded Sony 1.44MB floppy disks
- #2.79 per box (10)
- #12.95 per 5 boxes (50)
- #24.95 per 10 boxes (100)
SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS OFFERS (still current)
FALCON 14MB MEMORY UPGRADE: only #79.95!
MEDIA: Laser toners, Inkjet cartridges, CD-R disks, etc - give us a
call.
PRICES, CARRIAGE & STUFF
All prices quoted in this press release are in UK pounds sterling and
are denoted by the 'hash' (#) sign. All inclusive prices except for
carriage.
Carriage is extra so please call first for further advice. Please make all
cheques payable to "TITAN DESIGNS" for the time being - this will change in
due course to "Core Design".
Core Design
6 Witherford Way, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 4AX. U.K.
Tel: +44 (0)121-693 6669
Fax: +44 (0)121-414 1630
e-mail: sales@titan-bss.co.uk
Browse our Web site for further details;
http://titan-bss.co.uk
*************************************************************************
This conference transcript is the exclusive property of the Atari
Advantage on DELPHI. Permission to reprint is granted only if this
notice is included and the transcript is left unchanged.
To get your own DELPHI account and join in on the many activities
sponsored by the Atari Advantage on DELPHI, use your modem to call
1-800-695-4002. Press RETURN until you see a Password prompt, then
type NEW and press RETURN to continue. Signups via this method can
choose from the Content (a.k.a. Premium), Value Access, and 25-Hour
Access plans. You can sign up by telnetting to delphi.com from an
existing ISP, login as JOINDELPHI with password NEW. From the web
you can get a free web account. Set your browser to the following
URL: http://www.delphi.com and follow the prompts for free access.
************************************************************************* Transcript of a formal Conference with
Formal Conference Transcript
Donald A. Thomas, Jr.
Saturday, May 8, 1999
Welcome to the Atari Advantage Forum on Delphi! Tonight, we're holding
a special edition of our weekly conference (usually held on Tuesday
evenings at 9:00 p.m. EST). Tonight's special guest is Don Thomas, Jr.
For those of you who don't already know, Don worked for Atari Corp. for
a number years and left shortly after the merger with JTS. Don moved
on to the SCEA division of Sony, working on the Peripherals side of
things in support of the PlayStation. Don recently left SCEA to go
to VM Labs. FYI, VM Labs is run by former Atari VP Richard Miller; and
the company employs a number of past Atari luminaries such as Bill
Rehbock and many others. VM Labs is currently working on the Nuon, a
new generation of console gaming.
For those of you unfamiliar with our 'formal' CO procedure, let me
briefly set some guidelines. If you have a question, signal me with a ?
I'll keep track of who's next and handle the traffic direction. When
you've completed your question, please signal with a GA (go ahead) and
we can keep the discussion flowing smoothly. We'll be providing a
transcript of this conference for those interested.
That's about all I can tell you, without being inaccurate, so I'll let
Don make some opening comments and then we'll start taking questions.
Don?
Don Thomas> Thanks Dana...
It's a pleasure to be here. I suppose I should have prepared some
opening comments in advance, but, well, I didn't. <g>
I do ejoy conferences like these...
and being a part of the industry.
(ejoy=enjoy) ga
Dan?
AAHZNOTOZ> Thanks.
Don Thomas> you're welcome, next?
<g>
Dana> <g>
Don Thomas> <he>
AAHZNOTOZ> Don, any idea when the nuon DVD players are going to be hitting?
I'm getting ready to get a second player (for the bedroom) and thought I'd
get one with the nuon in it. GA
Don Thomas> Yes, but we have not announced that yet publicly...
The OEMs that have partnered with us have different product life cycles
than traditional video game systems...
We are obliged to abide by their product release and announcement plans.
Personally...
I could not wait for NUON. I like DVD that much and...
I did not want to keep collecting VHS, knowing I would eventually
switch to DVD...
but I definitely plan to upgrade as soon as NUON emerges. GA
AAHZNOTOZ> Thanks. I love my DVD player too and wouldn't give it up for
anything.
Dana> Don, can you explain exactly what Nuon is? GA
Don Thomas> yes. GA
Dana> And would you? <g>
Don Thomas> NUON is...
NUON is a MPEG decoder alternative for any device that performs
that function. In addition it hosts a great number of added features
including an advanced video game engine. It is being installed now
by Motorola into settop boxes and will emerge "soon" in DVD players
worldwide. GA
Dana> Thanks.
Don Thomas> No problem. See you next week.
Dana> Advantages over the next next generation PSX and Dreamcast? GA
Don Thomas> NUON is not positioned to compete against PSX2 or Dreamcast.
We're not going after the traditional video game market. Our target
audience is the couch potato... having said that, NUON feature sets
are powerful and will rival the new machines. GA
Dana> Big target audience!
Don Thomas> Ubiquity. <g>
Dana> Can you tell us about VM Labs....
I met Richard Miller at the Falcon...
unveiling in Boston a few years ago - bright guy who seems...
to be heading in a great direction...
I understand there's a number of ex-Atari folks at VM Labd. GA
er. VM Labs
Don Thomas> Sure. VM Labs was founded in 1994 by Richard Miller an ex-VP of
Engineering from Atari. He and some of the most talented engineers in
Silicon Valley formed VM Labs to create a single chip solution for smart
devices that focus on multimedia playback. I think has has succeeded...
and so have a number of prominent partners. GA
Don Thomas> ... 'm so impressed, I left the comfort of Sony on the bet!! GA
Dana> Who else from Atari is now at VM Labs?
Don Thomas> Bill Rehbock, Mike Fulton, Pradip Fatheruia (sp?), Eric Smith,
Hans-Martin Kroeber, Nick LeFever, Scott Hunter, Joe Sousa, Greg LaBrec and
some others I can't think of right now. GA
Dana> Atari Corp, 3rd generation! <g>
Don Thomas> ...Keep in mind that Atari was a huge company once. Ex-Atari
employees are in all the big companies and a major number of the small
ones. GA
Dana> Yup, I see names from the past being announced in the news almost
weekly!
Is Atari just a part of history now - never to be revived? I know,
speculation..... GA
Don Thomas> Any particular day?
Dana> nope
Don Thomas> Question was in reference to your "weekly".
Dana> I know <g>
Don Thomas> Answer to question...
Dana> hmmmm....
Don Thomas> Atari continues as a Coin-Op namesake and also is popping up on
numerous retro game releases for many systems...
I don't see Atari ever being re-established as its own company
again, but I do see the trend toward retro games continuing. GA
Dana> Those games from yesteryear are hard to kill off!
Don Thomas> I don't think anyone wants to kill them off, they just want
them to be profitable. <g> GA
Dana> Pac-Man 2001!
Don Thomas> In Pac-Man 2001 ---...
Dana> lol
Don Thomas> Our fearless hero takes up arms and marches the dark corridors
filled with glowing pills. Will he down the enemy?...
I hope not! GA
Dana> GA Bob
Bob> Don, I can't help but feel that if Atari had produced a quality line
of PC clones, it might have survived. Was this ever discussed there?
Don Thomas> Atari did make PC clones. ABC Computers. I own one. Trouble is
Atari could not compete. By the time Jack found the way to get all the
components cheap enough, larger clone companies had already beat
them to the punch...
I sat in on a number of sales presentations including CompUSA.
CompUSA made it clear that they had plenty of clone sources without having to
risk their reputation on a line from a video game company. GA
Dana> Did that reputation (video game company) really do that much damage?
Don Thomas> I think they were at least 5 years too late trying to do that. GA
depends on definition of damage...
Dana> Atari wasn't considered a serious player.
Even with the early success of the ST.
Don Thomas> did it decrease the mass markets likelihood of buying "real"
computers from them? Yes. Imagine if Tonka introduced a line of computers
tomorrow. Would you suggest buying those to your employer? GA
.Bob> He's right there, even after I got my ST, people would say "Atari -
that's a game machine". Thanks. GA
AAHZNOTOZ> It was the same even back in the days of the 8-bit.
Dana> I agree with you, just asking! <g>
Don Thomas> It was the same as the days as 8-bit, but...
People didn't have a prayer of putting a room size IBM computer
into their home. The 8-bit computers were wonderful because they offered
computer-like capabilities for an affordable price. When PCs
dropped far enough in price, the mass market didn't have to buy
toys any longer. GA
Dana> Because IBM had the name recognition as a serious machine.
Don Thomas> IBM, in my view, became a symbol of compatibility more than it
did a brand name in the eyes of the consumer. Many people didn't care if
IBM made it, they just cared that it was compatible. GA
Dana> When did Jack (or Sam) realize that they were no longer a possible
contender, before or after the Falcon's release?
Don Thomas> I can't know when they finally realized things were not
recoverable in the computer arena. I think it was about the time the
Falcon started shipping. By that time, they hoped to have a lot more
orders than they had. GA
AAHZNOTOZ> I gotta run. It was nice chatting! Don, let me know if you
hear of any game companies in Denver. I'd love to get back into games
again, but don't want to leave here. ;-)
[At this point, we lost Don for a few minutes]
Bob> huh?
Joe> Uh oh.
AAHZNOTOZ> Oops. Dana, could you pass that along to him for me? Gotta go. ;-)
Dana> sure
AAHZNOTOZ> Thanks! Bye!
Dana> waiting for Don to find his way back in...
Rob@atari-users.> SO Joe... can you send that Beer over and chips?
Dana> lol
Rob@atari-users.> or was Dana bringing the food?
Dana> nope, joe has food _and_ drink
Bob> I got the wimmen here!
Joe> <g> You got here too late Rob. The beer is gone and the chips have been
reduced to a few crumbs. A six-pack and a bag of ruffles doesn't go as far as
it used to. <G>
Rob@atari-users.> lol
Dana> he's b-a-a-c-c-k
Don Thomas> Whhha
Dana> we didn't do it!
Don Thomas> Then the forum software said I needed a group code?
Bob> I swear Sam is somewhere around here...
Dana> Anyway.....Where were we?
Don Thomas> You were telling us what's on the Spice Channel tonight. <g>
Dana> ahhhh!
Dana> How did Atari lose its edge with the Jaguar? Lose steam? Not
enough money? Or just no sales?
Don Thomas> Atari never had an edge with Jaguar. The equipment was good,
but they never did sell enough units to make the big software companies
drool. Pretty much a marketing flop. Very difficult to launch a
video game system with just 30 million dollars give or take. GA
Dana> But they tried anyway?
Do you think the problems lay with the Tramiels, or was Atari never
considered a... "legitimate" player?
Don Thomas> Jack always believed that if you build a better mouse trap, the
world will beat a path to your door... That worked in the 8-bit days, but
nowadays, you have to buy your customers even if the product is good. GA
Dana> I guess you answered both questions! <g>
So why JTS?
Don Thomas> I credit the Tramiels for breathing a new decade into Atari
that would not have been there if Jack never took it over from Warner.
There would have been ways to turn Atari around and Jack seemingly
did that for a while, but his eyes were bigger than his appetite.
Federated was a mistake that cost $67 million. His heart was in the right
place I think... just to ambitious too fast... and not focused. GA
JTS was a way out with bankrupting his family. GA
Dana> without bankrupting, I hope!
Don Thomas> si.
Dana> Why not someone who would do something with the Atari name & product?
It...seemed like JTS wasn't going to do anything, and didn't. GA
Don Thomas> JTS had no intention to do anything with Atari, but had to let the
SEC believe they would to get the "merger" approved. JTS was in desperate need
of cash and Jack had it. GA
Dana> Is Jack & Sam still with JTS?
Or is the company kaput? GA
Don Thomas> JTS has filed for Chapter 11. I think Jack may have been on the
board, but otherwise the Tramiels are uninvolved as far as I know. GA
Dana> Vacationing in Toronto somewhere! <g>
Don Thomas> <g>
Don Thomas> a needle pulling thread...
Dana> So...what do you think of Hasbro's decision to make the Jaguar an
open platform?
Don Thomas> I think its a means to an end for them and could be nice for
some undon projects to see the light of day. GA
undon=undone Sorry! <g>
Joe> On the computer side of things, many of us just can't seem to bring
ourselves to leave our trusty Atari computers behind and move on. Any
thoughts on why that might be? Are we just fanatics?
Don Thomas> Well...
My wife was my high school sweetheart. She was with me during an
important time in my life. She is a integral portion of my fondest memories
and someone who has always been there whenever I needed
her. I've grown to trust her and enjoy being with her...
I think human beings like being near people and things they have
learned to trust...
I think people like to hold on to the most important parts of their past...
For me, computers and video games helped link a special interest to
those shared by friends and colleagues...
Joe> Not to mention saving a buck along the way. <g>
Don Thomas> That's why I still love the Atar brand and why Commodore users
love the Vic 20, etc. GA
<tear rolling down cheek.>
Dana> We all know Don still has a soft spot...
Any new plans for Atari, hence his web site at ICWHEN. Any new
plans/additions for it?
Don Thomas> Any new plans for what?... ICWhen?
Dana> yes.
the site. Anything new, Atari-related?
Don Thomas> My plans for it are never ending. I have amassed literally
thousands of resource materials and I enjoy finding time to go through them
and adding to the historical content. Then, for fun and
diversion, I'll add games and other features. GA
Dana> Cool. I was hoping to be able to read new chapters!
Don Thomas> I'm working on a A-One resource page now.
.Dana> <g>
Don Thomas> The real chapters of the "book" are begun with each new year.
Joe> A-ONE? What's that??
Don Thomas> A-One is only the most comprehensive venue for up-to-date news and
information related to Atari and classic games... duh!
Dana> I paid him to say that!
Don Thomas> Big time too. <g>
TJ I thought _everybody_ knew that!
Dana> <g>
Oops, better send out more checks!
Dana> We're going on an hour and a half, more questions for Don?
I don't want to hog the mike!
Rob@atari-users.> Don.. What are your feeling on the Atari TOS Clones?
(Milan)
Don
Thomas> No we're not, we started twenty minutes late. You liar! <g>
Bob> No, I just want to say I like his web site so much I made it my home
page! Lots of good STuff there!
Dana> <g>
TJ> So...I wasn't the only late one!
Don Thomas> Would you like to be in my next visitor spotlight?...
I'm a bit late updating that.
Dana> who?
Bob> Visitor spotlight?
Don Thomas> .bob... the guy who made it his homepage silly. Not YOU!
<g>
Dana> "Fan o' the month!
that's why I asked!
Don Thomas> Used to be "of the month", but VM Labs hogs a lot of time...
hard to keep up with.
Bob> I didn't see one when I visited today... what happened to the last
one? Did he disappear? <G>
Don Thomas> I changed it from Visitor of the month to visitor spotlight.
Bob> I'll think about it... I don't want any Police Departments to see me,
though?
Dana> I think there was a question on the table regarding TOS clones.
Bob> Sorry
Don Thomas> Dana, I miss these conferences. <g> I remember doing them on
GEnie and CIS.
Dana> We can do more!
Don Thomas> What was the question?
Dana> Rob, care to repeat?
Rob@atari-users.> sure..
Your thoughts on the Tos Clones
Don Thomas> I'm sorry. I don't know if I understand the question. Are we
talking legal or illegal clones?
(I suspect illegal)
Dana> Milan, etc.
legal, I thought.
Rob@atari-users.> thanks Dana... Yes the Milan..
Don Thomas> Is Milan the german clone?
Rob@atari-users.> Yes
Joe> As far as I know, the TOS version is licensed. That would make it
legal.
Rob@atari-users.> Forgive me... but doesn't Hasbro own the rights to the
Computer copyrights also?
Don Thomas> Yes, I believe it is, but I did not know they were still around to
tell the truth.
Yes, Hasbro has those rights, but assuredly they have to honor
existing agreements when the sale took place.
I don't have any particular thoughts about Milan except that I am
elated to learn they're still around and able to give people product they
feel they need. GA
TJ> I'm afraid I'm not knowledgeable enough to ask pointed, intelligent
questions of Don. I've been in an 8-bit time warp until six months ago.
Now I'm stuck in a 16/32 bit time warp. <G>
Dana> So are we, TJ!!
TJ> I'm still catching up!
Don Thomas> TJ, I wasn't sure I knew enough to answer questions, but I find
myself actually answering a few. <g> GA
Joe> Don, you've always been very candid and full of insight... What do you
see in the future for the video gaming industry? Anything new and exciting?
Don Thomas> I think Sony, Nintendo and Sega will continue trying to outdo
each other until they eventually only appeal to techno-people. In the
meantime, companies like Hasbro and Tiger (a Hasbro property) will figure
out that a lot of people like to play simpler games. GA
Joe> Does that contribute to the "retro" gaming trend that we talked about
earlier?
Don Thomas> I think retro gaming is a fulfillment of just that theory. I
actually think a 2600-like game system will one day be popular again. While
the costly systems get more complex and realistic, there will be a growing
demand for raw simplicity again... where the challenge is in beating scores
and learning patterns. GA
TJ> Don, you see...A former fellow user group member gave me his Mega ST4
six months ago--actually , he gave me _all_ his remaining Atari stuff.
I've been doing a lot of studying this winter. My name is quite well-known
in the remaining 8-bit circles, but I'm practically unknown among STers.
Sorry about that. I hit RETURN just as I saw Joe's question.
Dana> I have to agree with that analysis! I still l enjoy playing a pinball
machine rather than a "mindless" video game that has no plot other than to
blast everything in sight!
TJ> I always liked text adventures best--except for Star Raiders, of
course!
Don Thomas> TJ, me also. In fact I have purchased all the Activison
re-releases of Infocom games for the PC. GA
Joe> Today's faster machines (both computers and video game systems) make
it possible to emulate those old systems. Do you see any trend toward
licensed emulators for that purpose?
Don Thomas> Joe, the problem with emulators is that profit-oriented
companies cannot control the licensing very well. I think as a matter of
practice, companies will not prefer emulation over building a demand for
an independent system. GA
Dana> Don, what's your fondest memory at Atari?
And worst? <g>
Don Thomas> Fondest memory...
I should determine one to tell for when people ask me...
Remember, as much as liked the products we were making, it was also a
career...
So my fondest memories are probably those that brought me close to
colleagues and staff... such as trade shows or when we all helped out in
the warehouse to repack something. The worst memories are those when Garry
Tramiel would have final checks in his back pocket and walk past my desk to
ask a co-worker into his office. GA
Dana> ouch!
Rob@atari-users.> WHat was/is your favorite Atari Product?
Don Thomas> I told you that if you shove the finger up there far enough,
Dana, it might hurt.
Don Thomas> Favorite product...
Dana> <g>
Don Thomas> My favorite Atari product will always be the six button version
of the Atari VCS.
favorite=favorite, okay Dana? <g>
Dana> si
Dana> I'll utilize the Don Thomas spell-checker before releasing the final
transcript!
Don Thomas> hehe. Much appreciated.
Dana> What's your role at VM Labs (for those who don't know)?
[and missed the opening 'credits'] <g>
Don Thomas> I am the Director of Peripherals Licensing primarily. I work
with companies interested in making peripherals for our technology. GA
i.e. gamepads, joysticks, etc. GA
Dana> Will VM Labs be doing any software (with the likes of [Jeff] Minter
and [Scott] Legrand on board)?
Don Thomas> VM Labs is a technology company. We will not be publishing any
of our own software. GA
TJ> I always thought it was unfortunate that Warner named the 2600 "Video
Computer System." It was the basis of the Game machine image for Atari's
"real" computers. Lately I thought they should have embraced the game
image, as long as it was there, long before the Jag. "The Game Machine
that does so much more..." would have been a good slogan. Of course, I
know nothing of business. <G>
Don Thomas> ... or building any of our own machines. GA
Don Thomas> TJ I don't disagree with you for the timeframe. GA
TJ> Hindsight is _always_ 20/20.
Don Thomas> Maybe I should walk backwards? <g>
Dana> What is the role for Minter and Legrand, then, if not games? Just
curious.
Don Thomas> Both of them are working on firmeware projects. A good game
programmer usually has good skills to be used on non-game projects as well.
But, bear in mind, that I did not say those boys were not working on games.
I just said that VM Labs will not be a publisher. <g> GA
firmeware=firmware <sigh>
Dana> I'll remember to be more specific! <g>
Don Thomas> Okay then. <g>
Dana> Are they currently working on any games, to be published by someone
other than VM Labs?
Don Thomas> Right this very second? I really couldn't say what they're
doing at the moment. They might be eating. <g>
Dana> ...one in every crowd....
Don Thomas> Hehe. You will definitely see their coding in NUON specific
content if that answers your question. <g>
Dana> Titles, working or otherwise? And not sir, mr., etc.!
Don Thomas> I don't know what's been announced and what hasn't to tell you
the truth, so I better stay away from those specifics. GA
TJ> Well, I really have to go, I guess. :( Nice to meet you, Don.
Don Thomas> Likewise TJ, Thanks for stopping by.
Dana> Any other questions for Don?
Rob@atari-users.> Just Thanks for doing the conference..
Bob> No, I appreciate him being here with us!
Dana> Any closing comments, Don?
Don Thomas> It was fun. Thanks for the eats.
Rob@atari-users.> or did Dana bug the hell out of you to do it?
Dana> he did!
Joe> Yes Don. Thanks a lot for taking time out of what I know is a very
busy schedule.
Dana> We'll have to do it again, sooner rather than later!
Bob> Now, if we could just get Jack and ask him a few questions
Rob@atari-users.> going to check out the NUON page...
Don Thomas> Dana has been very polite and has asked more times than he
should have had to, but each time professionally. (creep). In any case, I
don't know what to say in parting except... Thanks Mom!
Dana> lol
Dana> Well, than I guess we can end the formal portion of this conference
and let it go crazed mode! <g>
Don Thomas> tada!
Dana> Thanks for being here, Don.!!
Don Thomas> Ooops and I though I was here.
You're welcome.
Dana> I miss all of the CO's that were prevalent in the past!
Don Thomas> ditto
Don Thomas> Back then 15 people might attend. <g>
Dana> All part of the culture of being an Atari user! lol
Rob@atari-users.> well Then why not TRY to start them up again Dana??
Like the atariusers.com site does...
[End of formal conference]
=~=~=~=
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
compiled by Joe Mirando
jmirando@portone.com
Hidi ho friends and neighbors. There's been lots going on around me
lately, and I must admit that I'm even more bogged down than usual
because of it.
The one bright spot in the past week was a piece of email I received
from a semi-local former Atari user who wanted to give his beloved Atari
wares a good home. The only proviso was that I had to pick everything up
at his house. Since it was only a matter of ten or fifteen miles, this
was not a problem.
After finding the house and meeting the owner, he showed me the
collection of both hardware and software that he had acquired over the
years. A collection to rival my own. Two computers, two printers, two
monitors, a Spectre GCR, and more software than most computer stores
carried for the ST at the height of its popularity. And for all of this,
the owner asked only that the equipment and software be used. A promise
that I had no problem making since I still use my Atari computers daily,
and can always find a use for another. Add to that the fact that I know
of several people who could make use anything that I can't make use of.
The owner was quite happy to hear that I understood his feelings about
this equipment. He was only moving on to another system because he could
no longer do the things he needs to do on the Atari. And as anyone who's
read my columns knows, I don't have a problem with switching platforms
because you NEED to. Only those sheep who are content to follow the
crowd without stopping to wonder if they really need to invoke my ire.
While driving home, my mind wandered onto the subject of how the scene
would have played out if this had been PeeCee equipment. First of all,
were it PC stuff, it would probably have been unceremoniously thrown
into the trash. Either that, or the owner would have wanted anywhere
from half to two thirds of the original cost of all the items. There
doesn't seem to be any middle-of-the-road attitude in the PC world.
At any rate, not only was the owner happy that someone actually wanted
his equipment, but also that someone understood its worth. While most of
this equipment is quite dated it is, when all is said and done, still
quite useful and probably more usable than much of what's available on
the PC platform. But do me a favor and don't tell PC users that... let's
keep it our little secret, huh? <grin>
Well, let's get on with the column...
From the comp.sys.atari.st NewsGroup
====================================
Wayne Chayer asks:
"I am looking for a Windows 3.11 printer driver for an Atari Model
SLM804 dot matrix printer. Anyone know if this will work on Windows and
where I can find a driver?"
Kenneth Medin tells Wayne:
"Maybe you can try an Epson FX driver?. SMM804 lacks some of the graphics
modes but it might work. Also there is the "Generic printer driver" that
should work. I think this driver will not use graphic printout at all?
The SMM has the Atari ASCI as default but several national character sets
are also available."
Steve Stupple adds:
"Use an Epson print driver; FX for 9-pin, LQ for 24-pin."
Wayne tells all:
"I was able to get the printer functioning with the generic driver and
just the standard font. This was with all (8) dip switches in "off". I
couldn't get it to work with the Epson or several other drivers I tried.
I presume the dip switches need to be set properly. Do you know if any
information is available on dip switch settings for this printer?"
On one of my favorite subjects, STinG, David Sime asks:
"What internet providers... support Atari St running STing & CAB? Does
anyone have examples of the dial.scr scripts for these?"
Nick Bales tells David:
"Just about any ISP will do. Avoid people like AOL or Compuserve who use
non-standard protocols. Anything else should be ok.
Forget about dial scripts. I think this is where lots of people go wrong.
Just because the default.cfg and dial.scr files are editable doesn't mean
that they have to be editable. Lots of people go in there and change
things and then STinG will no longer work.
My advice is just to go into the STinG Dialer, and set the following
information from there:
-Phone Number
-Login
-Password
-DNS Numbers (even these are not always required)
This should be enough to get basically up and running, and doesn't need
tweaking unless you have serious performance problems. Read the docs for
more information, or the Quick FAQ for a quick setup procedure."
bob King adds:
"In my humble opinion, ZETNET are by far the best. They are not free, but have active
Atari specific support including dedicated Sting SCR and CFG files. See
the Atari help page at URL:
http://users.zetnet.co.uk/robertg/zetnet/index.htm"
Mike Kerslake adds his experiences:
"I've used the following three ISPs with an Atari over the years:
CIX is very good for Atari users, both for internet stuff and the
excellent conferencing facilities. There's around 250 Atari users on CIX.
I use STing/CAB/NEWSie with CIX and it works absolutely perfectly!
There's a lot of help available to get you up and running with STing etc
on CIX. It took me just a minute or so to edit the scripts to get a
first-time connection!
Zetnet are pretty good as well for internet only stuff, and there's
around 100 Atari users. I used STiK with CAB, but STing will work just
fine as well. There's quite a few knowledgeable Atari users that should
be able to help you out here.
Demon is also accessible with an Atari, although I left because their
service was abysmal a few years ago! I used NOS originally, then moved
onto OASIS 1.35, then after severe connectivity problems ditched Demon
and went to Zetnet! I vaguely recall using STiK and CAB with Demon a
bit, but it was years ago!
Some of the free ISPs are useable with an Atari, though most seem to
require that you use a PC (spit!) initially to sign up, but after that
you can extract the script details and connect with STing and use the
usual tools!
Price-wise CIX is the most expensive at about 17.50 a month, but that
includes the unrivalled (IMO) conferencing and unlimited internet access,
as well as the usual web site space. You can take a cheaper CIX option at
7.50 a month which includes 2 hours a month internet/conferencing, time
above this is payable by the minute.
Zetnet is about 10 pounds a month.
Demon was about 11.75 a month when I last looked.
As far as connectivity, reliability and newsfeeds go, I've found CIX to
be the best of the three. I did run CIX and Zetnet in tandem for about
three months, and CIX was better overall. Can't say much about Demon
because my experience with them was not good. They even admitted that all
the problems were their fault, but refused to reduce my bill or pay
compensation for all the wasted phone calls. I even have the letter in
which they admit they were at fault!!!
I guess/hope they have improved since!"
Derryck Croker tells David:
"No UK ISPs directly support the Atari.
Otherwise I know for a fact that the following ISPs will work with the
software you mention:
CiX (strong Atari presence in CiX conferencing)
Zetnet (strong Atari presence with a newsgroup)
FreeServe
Connect4Free"
"Paul at Cylinders" asks:
"I have been told that it is possible to boot *.IMG files from disk,
effectively allowing you to 'upgrade' from the TOS version that your ST
has on ROM. I have grabbed a couple of *.IMG files from the Little Green
Desktop, and I have also found a little program called quicktos.prg. -
but it doesn't seem to like the *.IMG files I've got.
I want to use TOS 2.06 of my STf (which has TOS 1.02 on ROM). Can anybody
recommend a good TOS booter program that I can use?"
Nick Bales tells Paul:
"You'll find some stuff that should do the job here:
http://www.freeweb.org/computer/vezz/atari/stsoft.htm
> I want to use TOS 2.06 of my STf (which has TOS 1.02 on ROM). Can
> anybody recommend a good TOS booter program that I can use?
>
You probably won't benefit much from this [using TOS 2.06 in this
fashion], as loading a disk based TOS takes more time to boot, and lots
of RAM. For TOS 2.06, we are talking about at least 256K, probably more,
so if this is on a 1Mb machine, you won't have much RAM left for most
programs, and you can just forget it on a 520STF.
Your best bet is to get a real TOS switcher board that allows you to
switch from TOS 1.02 to 2.06."
Fred Horvat asks for info about MiNT:
"I have an Atari TT030 and a Mega4St that I am interested in running and
learning Mint. Where can I get information on Mint for a unix beginner
like myself?
I did load Mint v.095 from Umich and it appears to be installed
correctly. Also where can I go to get the latest version of Mint for
Internet browsing and other applications?
One last question, how is the Whiteline MINT98 CD-ROM? Systems for
Tomorrow and Chromagic carry it here in the States for $35.00. I was
wondering how good of a source of information it is."
Nick Bales tells Fred:
"I'm afraid there is no central beginner's MiNT resource at the moment,
and that is rather a shame.
The version you mentioned is old. What you need the KGMD/KEMD
distribution from ftp.funet.fi. It's a large package to download,
especially if you want the MiNTnet package too. Follow the instructions
that come with the KEMD package.
Once you've got that, replace the old MINT.PRG with the latest MINT.
There is supposed to be a new distribution coming out soon, the NMD, but
Martin-Eric Racine who is responsible for this is still finishing it.
I'm personally waiting for this before reinstalling MiNT."
David Leaver posts this tidbit about a problem that I just recently
noticed myself with the latest version of STinG:
"Each time I boot, STinG 1.20 reports failure to load the DNS cache.
STinG seems ot write a new version at each session but is then unable to
load it at the next. I have tried deleting the file to ensure that a new
one is written, but it still can't load.
It doesn't appear to affect operation, although I assume that it is
slowing down resolving."
Ronald Andersson tells David:
"That means either that the cache file is missing, or that it has become
corrupted in a way that the resolver module can detect. There are some
types of corruption which it can't detect, so occasionally it may become
necessary to delete the file 'manually'.
Writing a new CACHE.DNS is normal when it can't load the file because it
is missing.
Not being able to load on the next bootup, however, is of course not
normal.
At the next boot after deleting the file, loading will naturally fail,
but then it should create a new functional file, and that should load
on later boots.
It would cause a lot more DNS queries to be sent than is intended,
rather than looking for addresses in the accumulated cache. But
if the internal RAM cache works ok, you might not notice it very
much, because it only happens once per address per session.
There are mainly three things that affect this.
1: In DEFAULT.CFG you need to have "DNS_CACHE = 100"
though "100" can be changed to some other limit.
(it limits the number of cached addresses)
2: In DEFAULT.CFG you need to have "DNS_SAVE = TRUE"
this enables saving of cached addresses to the file.
3: In DEFAULT.CFG you need to have "ALLOCMEM=100000"
where "100000" can be some other number but should not be lower than
50000 and preferably higher.
The ALLOCMEM value reserves RAM for use by STinG and its modules.
This is the same RAM from which buffers is taken for all data packets,
and it is also used for the internal DNS cache. If this STinG RAM
is exhausted at any time, then caching may fail, and that failed cache
might then overwrite the existing file. That depends on when and how
it happens.
A fourth thing which has caused problems in the past is the use of IP
addresses in numerical form, which are unknown to the name servers on
Internet even though there are real servers at those adresses.
If none of the above seems to fit your problem, then I am out of ideas
for the moment."
Dave Murphy tells Dave Leaver:
"I had this problem too.
My DNS_CACHE entry was set to 64, I changed it to 128 & no more problems.
Not sure if this helps any - is the resolver expecting a bigger cache?"
Ronald Andersson tells both Daves:
"I haven't made any such change, and 64 is a mighty big number for such
things. That should not normally be exceeded in a single session. But
I do use 100 myself (for no special reason) since a long time back.
I'll have to look over the code again to find the reason for such a
dependency, but in the meantime I suppose it would be a good idea
for David too to try your method. It should not harm anything, and
it might help, since you say it did so for you."
Well folks, that's it for this week. Tune in again next week, same time,
same station, and be ready to listen to what they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
=~=~=~=
->In This Week's Gaming Section - Hasbro Licenses Q*Bert to Sony!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" SC&T & VM Labs: NUON Peripherals!
Gaming "Battles" at E3!
Gaming Industry Fights Back!
And much more!
->From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
We have a lot of gaming news this week! This is probably the busiest time
of the year for gaming news because of the E3 show going on right now.
Everyone is showing their newest products, and the news is flowing like
crazy.
This week we'll be providing with with a lot of news that's come out prior
to E3 starting. Next week will appear to be an issue dominated by the news
coming out of E3 - the new games and other product announcements by the
various systems and developers/publishers. For the gaming public, this is
almost as good as Christmas!
Until next time...
=~=~=~=
->A-ONE's Game Console Industry News - The Latest Gaming News!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Hasbro Interactive Inks Deal With Sony Signatures to License
Worldwide Rights for Arcade Classic Q*Bert
Leading entertainment software publisher Hasbro Interactive announced
Monday it has signed a license agreement with Sony Signatures, consumer
products division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, to bring back the arcade
classic Q*Bert to the PC and video game console platforms. Q*Bert will join
Hasbro Interactive's all-star '99 line up of action arcade favorites
including Frogger, Centipede, Pong, Missile Command and The Next Tetris.
Hasbro Interactive will unveil Q*Bert at the Electronic Entertainment Expo
(E3), May 13-15 in Los Angeles.
``Q*Bert is one of my all-time favorite games, and I am delighted it will
join our growing line of action arcade classics," said Tom Dusenberry,
President of Hasbro Interactive. ``As we have learned with Frogger's
success, a lovable character with quick, approachable game play is truly a
winning combination."
``Hasbro Interactive is an ideal partner to bring Q*Bert into the new
millennium," said Peter Dang, Executive Vice President of Licensing, Sony
Signatures Licensing. ``They understand how to capture the essence of
classic game play while enhancing it for today's gaming hardware. They also
know how to create a mass market sensation."
Q*Bert, the big-nosed, fuzzy ball of orange fun, bounced into gamers'
hearts in 1982 as the star of the quick-paced, puzzle-solving arcade game.
Q*Bert's broad-based appeal and addictive game play made it a huge success
with a loyal fan following.
Hasbro Interactive looks to bring Q*Bert back to life in 3D with the
original game where players complete a solid-colored pyramid by jumping
from cube to cube, and new 3D worlds loaded with new puzzle challenges and
game play enhancements, bright 3D graphics and numerous game play levels.
It won't be easy because Q*Bert's old nemesis are back, too - Coily, Uggs,
Wrong-Way, Slick and Sam are ready to change block colors, wreak havoc and
crush Q*Bert at every opportunity.
Hasbro Interactive's success with publishing 3D-enhanced versions of
classic arcade games began in 1997, when the company licensed Frogger, from
KONAMI Co., Ltd. in Tokyo. The blockbuster arcade hit from the 80s proved
he had legs in the 90s and Hasbro Interactive has sold more than 2.5
million copies of Frogger for the PC and PlayStation game console. In
March, the two-year-old title hopped its way to #2 on the PC games sales
chart, according to PC Data. In 1998, Hasbro Interactive made another bold
move and acquired the rights to over 75 Atari game properties including
Pong, Missile Command, Centipede, Tempest, Breakout, and Asteroids. Most
recently the company announced a license agreement with Namco for the
rights to eleven arcade classics including the legendary Pac-Man.
``With Q*Bert we now have access to all of the greatest arcade
properties," added Dusenberry. ``These classic titles are truly magical
because their play patterns are fun for people of all ages, and once you
start playing you just can't stop."
New versions of Q*Bert will begin shipping this fall for the PlayStation
game console and Windows 95/98 CD-ROM.
Video Game Industry To Meet As Stage Set For Big Battle
The $6.3 billion video game industry's biggest trade show gets under way
this week in Los Angeles, setting the stage for the coming battle between
the dominant Sony PlayStation and the new Dreamcast from Sega.
As the first battles in this marketing war rage across the giant show floor
at the Los Angeles Convention Center, another fight is also expected, as
U.S. legislators attack the interactive software and entertainment
industries for developing games and movies that many believe are too
violent.
The issue came to light again after the high school massacre in Littleton,
Colo., where two gunmen killed 12 students, a teacher and themselves last
month. The teen-aged shooters belonged to a clique called the ``Trenchcoat
Mafia" and enjoyed violent movies and video games.
``It's a really hot topic and it's probably going to heat up especially
(this) week when some congressional hearings start, right during E3," said
Ben Rinaldi, senior editor of GameWEEK, an industry publication based in
Wilton, Conn.
``But I don't think they will hold back at all because of this. Everyone
will be showing their best games, regardless of violence of not," he said.
For their part, Sony and Sega are set to go head-to-head. Sega of America,
which in recent years has sunk to the No. 3 video game console maker, plans
a $100 million marketing blitz for the U.S. launch in September of its new
Dreamcast system, in a bid to regain lost market share.
Sony Computer Entertainment America, a U.S. division of Sony Corp., is
expected to roll out its highly-touted next generation PlayStation II
sometime next year, in time for the fourth quarter holiday shopping season.
The Dreamcast, which was launched in Japan by Sega's parent company, Sega
Enterprises Ltd. in November, will come out almost a year ahead of the new
Sony. The console has much faster and more realistic graphics and will also
be the first video game console to include Internet access.
``There is a lot of buzz about hardware about who will win the next
hardware platform battle," said James Lin, an analyst with Wedbush Morgan.
``They (Sega) do have a nice 12-month window, but with such a huge
installed base in North America and worldwide ... I think Sony will retain
its lead."
Still, San Francisco-based Sega of America hopes to make life miserable for
Sony and Nintendo at the Los Angeles trade show, dubbed E3, and this
autumn.
``Consumers will not be able to go on with daily life without hearing about
Dreamcast. Sega will be everywhere," Bernie Stolar, president of Sega,
said in a conference call last month, to discuss the launch of Dreamcast.
At the E3 show, Sega is hosting a press briefing to provide more details on
its Internet strategy before the show begins, plus plenty of demonstrations
of Dreamcast and some of the 10-12 video game titles that will be available
at launch.
Sony is not worried about losing its position of dominance -- with an
estimated 60 percent to 62 percent share of the market -- and plans to tout
to the vast audience at E3 the many new software titles for the current
PlayStation at the show.
One of Sony's key weapons, apart from new console's ultra-fast graphics and
processing power, is that the new PlayStation will run games written for
the current version.
``Our main focus (at E3) is not on the PlayStation II, but to further the
market for the current PlayStation. We have a fabulous line of software
titles we will be introducing at the show," Kazuo Hirai, president of Sony
Computer Entertainment America, said. ``We can tell consumers that you can
invest in the current games and your library will be intact."
Meanwhile, No. 2 Nintendo of America, the U.S. unit of Nintendo Co. Ltd.,
plans to tout its Star Wars game, ``Racer," developed by LucasArts
Entertainment for the N-64 and the PC, based on a pod racing sequence in
the widely-anticipated movie, "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom
Menace".
According to the show's organizers, the Interactive Digital Software
Association, more than 1,900 games for both the personal computer and video
game consoles will be launched at the show, which starts Thursday, May 13.
Sony's Hirai points out that under the industry's rating system, which is
not yet mandatory, games rated M -- for those of an extreme nature -- are
less than 10 percent of the market.
``We would not have grown into this sort of an industry if what we were
offering was for a limited audience," Hirai said. "That really means that
by and large the titles are things that anyone can enjoy with their entire
family."
SC&T and VM Labs Co-Operatively Announce Exciting
New Line of NUON Designed Peripheral Products
SC&T International Inc., and VM Labs Inc., of Mountain View, Calif.,
co-operatively announced Monday a strategic licensing partnership for the
forthcoming NUON technology platform.
SC&T has entered into a licensing agreement with VM Labs, to launch a new
line of peripheral products supporting the NUON technology. Initial
products will focus on SC&T's Per4merr, Ultimate Per4merr, and Air
Racer(TM), racing wheel and game controller products. These NUON specific
products by Per4mer, will be targeted at the retail mass market channel.
The NUON architecture is expected to achieve more than fifty (50%) percent
market penetration in worldwide sales of DVD players by the end of the year
2000. It is expected that the technological advances found in DVD players
will replace the current VCR products.
NUON technology is designed to be embedded into the next generation of
digital video products such as DVD players and set-top boxes. The powerful
NUON processor provides the raw horsepower to decode digital video and
audio, while delivering advanced trick modes and an enhanced user
interface.
At the same time, the NUON operating system provides a powerful platform
for interactive content, Hybrid DVD movies, 3D video games and many other
applications.
Jamie Copland, SC&T's chairman & chief executive officer stated, ``We hope
that over the next three to five years that our Per4mer NUON peripheral
products will be found in the family and living rooms of every home across
America.
Despite the excitement and revenue opportunities associated to the PC and
video gaming arena, it pales in comparison to the mass market of the
consumer electronics category, where unit sales of TVs, VCRs, CD players
and home stereo systems are in the hundreds of millions.
NUON products are targeted at this much broader consumer market and will
augment, and not compete with, the existing PC and Game Console
categories.``
Don Thomas Jr., of VM Labs stated, ``We selected SC&T International Inc,
because our primary focus in choosing business partners is to examine the
standards of quality and customer support offered by those companies. SC&T
clearly surpasses such expectations by demanding quality components,
arranging precise manufacturing and expeditiously attending to all customer
issues."
Thomas further stated, ``SC&T is growing and has proven that they are a
hard working innovative company, often setting new standards and trends by
adding features to their products. They also have a track record for
investing great resources to issues such as ergonomics and customer's
requests. VM Labs is very excited about this new alliance with SC&T
International Inc."
Copland commented, ``This is a great partnership, the talent and technology
at VM Labs is awesome. They have the future in their hands today. Both our
companies share a common vision in wanting to shape the future of this
industry.
SC&T's reputation for innovative products and its desire for partnering
alliances is rapidly growing within the industry. This is ground zero. The
future potential for SC&T's line of Per4mer-NUON peripheral and accessory
products is virtually limitless.``
SC&T will have prototype products on display at the VM Labs Exhibit at this
month's E-3 show in Los Angeles. VM Labs, Concourse Hall, Booth No. 5018.
SC&T International Inc., develops and markets racing wheels, game
controllers and sound enhancement products for the rapidly growing PC and
video game arenas. Developer of the world's first Force Feed Back racing
wheel, the company also holds patents, and receives licensing revenues for
these technologies.
SC&T's Air Racer(TM), Per4merr, and Ultimate Per4merr, are the world's
fastest growing brand names for video game and PC accessory and peripheral
products. SC&T has wholly owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong and Europe, with
strategic marketing alliances in Canada and South America. For further
information visit SC&T's website at www.per4mer.com.
VM Labs, based in Mountain View, Calif., was founded in 1994. NUON
technology represents a new standard in interactive entertainment. It
provides casual and hardcore video gaming and interactive content, combined
with Internet access, delivered in tandem with mass-market movie and video
entertainment.
Analysts predict that digital video will replace the current analog method
over the next five to 10 years. VM Labs and their partners are poised to
achieve total market penetration for interactive entertainment with
NUON-enhanced digital video products; the same way televisions and VCRs are
now available in virtually every home in the nation.
For more information, visit VM Labs website at http://www.vmlabs.com
Sound Source Interactive Signs NUON Developer Agreement with VM Labs
Sound Source Interactive Inc., a leading U.S. publisher of children's
interactive software, Tuesday announced that it has signed an agreement
with Mountain View, Calif.-based VM Labs, to become a
licensed software
developer for the revolutionary NUON platform.
This technology is quickly expected to become the standard in DVD hardware.
NUON technology is designed to be embedded in the next generation of
digital video products such as DVD players and set-top boxes. The powerful
NUON processor provides the raw horsepower to decode digital video and
audio, while delivering advanced trick modes and an enhanced user
interface. At the same time, the NUON operating system provides a powerful
platform for interactive content, Hybrid DVD movies, 3-D video games and
many other applications.
The VM Labs software developer license allows Sound Source Interactive to
develop current and future content in the NUON format. Nearly all of Sound
Source Interactive's current content licenses give the company the
exclusive worldwide rights to publish software for the DVD platform. The VM
Labs license, in combination with those signed earlier with Sony Computer
Entertainment America, a subsidiary of Sony Corp. (NYSE:SNE - news), and
Nintendo of America Inc., a subsidiary of Nintendo Company LTD, provides
Sound Source with the vital hardware relationships necessary to launch its
game console software business into both the dedicated game console market
and the mass consumer electronic market, which includes DVD hardware.
Sound Source Interactive will have a presence at the VM Labs booth at the
upcoming E3 Convention (May 13, 14 & 15, Los Angeles).
In commenting on this event, Vincent Bitetti, chairman and chief executive
officer, said: ``We are very excited about joining the distinguished ranks
of VM Labs licensees and strategic partners and in being part of a very
promising advanced home technology. NUON's content diversity and
educational/entertainment breadth provide for a broad set of family
resource applications. This consolidated family hardware resource is very
consistent with our family-oriented software. We believe that consumer
demand for NUON-enhanced DVD players will be strong and we will enjoy a
very attractive opportunity with this license."
``We are pleased to have Sound Source Interactive on board," said Bill
Rehbock, vice president of Third Party Development at VM Labs. ``Sound
Source has compelling titles based on key licensed properties that will be
able to realize their full potential in the living room on NUON-enhanced
DVD players."
Convergence Sports Media Announces Agreement to Develop
NUON Enhanced Version of its Sports Instructional DVD Series
Convergence Sports Media (CSM) Tuesday announced that it has signed an
agreement with VM Labs Inc. to develop ``Elevate" sports titles using the
NUON technology.
NUON is a powerful and versatile technology that transforms digital video
products such as DVD players, digital satellite receivers and digital
set-top boxes into interactive multimedia centers for the whole family.
The ``Elevate" series leverages the Web-connected, broadband DVD platform
to deliver engaging sports lessons beyond the traditional instructional
category. The first DVD title, ``Elevate your Golf," will be available in
late summer.
Bob Fuchs, chief executive officer of CSM, said, ``This venture gives us
the ability to further elevate the series by offering a premium experience
that uses NUON to push the boundaries of DVD."
From golf to snowboarding, car racing to fly fishing, the ``Elevate
series" is designed to bring out the personality of each sport. It is the
first sports instructional series created to fully utilize the capabilities
of the DVD format, including interactive Web features.
``The Elevate series of interactive instructional titles that Convergence
Sports have developed are perfectly suited for the broad audience that NUON
appeals to," said Bill Rehbock, vice president of Third Party Development
at VM Labs.
CSM Chief Media Officer David Schultens said, ``At the very least, Nuon
will allow the 'Elevate' series to be a highly sophisticated, immersive 3-D
video experience that will give our audience the ability to get a
360-degree fly through and zoom of the perfect swing. And at the same time,
deliver an updated lesson from the ClubElevate.com site to the same device
seamlessly."
Tim Murphy, chief development officer, added, ``The 'Elevate' series was
created to converge the richness of the DVD platform with an entertaining
sports learning environment. These attributes are very appealing to DVD OEM
manufacturers (computers and set-top players) that are seeking DVD software
to showcase their hardware lines."
The ``Elevate" series will bring a new experience to the electronic and
computer audience, spotlighting previously unexplored capabilities of the
DVD format.
``We are negotiating with some unconventional distribution partners that
would give the 'Elevate' series the ability to be seen by millions of users
in an uncluttered, highly targeted channel," Murphy said.
The ``Elevate" series will be shown to select individuals for the first
time in the VM Labs booth No. 5018 at the Electronic Entertainment
Exhibition (E3), May 13-15 in Los Angeles.
Ripcord Parachutes to Freedom, Eyes Console Market
Ripcord Games is now an independent company, having completed its
management buyout from Panasonic Interactive Media (PIM), Ripcord will
announce at E3. Without the restrictions of its former parent, it plans to
move beyond PC and into the more lucrative console market, GM Lou Viveros
tells mmWire.
This year, Ripcord plans to publish Spec Ops II: Green Berets; GorkaMorka;
Fading Suns: Noble Armada and Legend of the Blademasters, all for PC. Next
year, the company plans to publish six titles, two for PC (one of which is
a DVD-ROM title), and four for console, Viveros says. While Ripcord hasn't
announced specific console plans or obtained hardware licenses (it plans
to begin the process at E3), obvious candidate platforms are PlayStation 2
and N64, Viveros adds. All console titles will be sequels to existing PC
products; likely titles include Return Fire 3 and GorkaMorka 2.
Following the buyout, Ripcord retains rights to its trademark, logo and
"Buzz" icon, the company says. It also keeps existing inventory and
publishing rights to "most" of the products previously controlled by MECA,
including the Spec Ops series, Return Fire 2 and Enemy Infestation.
Additionally, it owns rights to ports and sequels for all Ripcord products.
It expects the first console products to appear in mid 2000, most likely
sequels to its more successful PC titles.
Ripcord signed a definitive agreement with PIM parent Matsushita Electric
Corp. of America (MECA) last month (mmW, March 15). Terms were not
disclosed.
Infogrames to Showcase Impressive Lineup of Titles at E3
Fresh from the acquisition of U.S. and European game companies Accolade and
Gremlin, global powerhouse Infogrames Entertainment Inc. plans to unveil 35
titles at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo) May 13-15.
In line with the company's multiplatform commitment, Infogrames' lineup
will include nine titles for the Sony PlayStation, six for PC systems,
four for the Nintendo 64, eight for Game Boy Color, three for Sega
Dreamcast and five for additional platforms or the Internet.
Infogrames' presence at the event will be led by two high-profile titles,
the wacky escapade "Lost in Time," based on the famous Warner Bros.' Looney
Tunes characters, featuring Bugs Bunny, and the hero-based,
action-adventure "Outcast."
Infogrames' headliner to the "Games for the Next Mil-Looney-Um" line of
titles, "Lost in Time" lets gamers truly interact with Bugs Bunny for the
first time in a series of "looney" adventures and pranks. Players duel
Yosemite Sam, Marvin the Martian and other Warner Bros. characters while
avoiding the shenanigans of Elmer Fudd throughout different eras of time.
The PlayStation title is slated for release in June.
Available this fall for the PC, the contender for Best of Show honors,
"Outcast," uses Real Virtuality(tm) to thrust gamers into a parallel world
in which the need to save humanity is secondary to a fight for survival.
Throughout the adventure, players interact with the game's multitude of
characters who respond based on the friendliness or hostility of the
gamer's actions. This leads to a variety of story lines and gameplay
options.
Infogrames will also show the all-new adventure PC title "Silver," a
good-vs.-evil fantasy that is sure to dazzle fans with its real-time
combat, RPG elements and awe-inspiring graphics.
E3Expo attendees can also preview a new PlayStation title, "Eagle One," an
arcade-action, aerial-combat game that lets players fly Harrier jump jets,
F-16s and attack helicopters over terrorist- controlled Hawaiian islands.
Infogrames plans a fall release for both "Silver" and "Eagle One."
"We'll have a great roster of A-plus titles this year at E3, headlined by
'Looney Tunes' and 'Outcast' and bolstered by the addition of the Test
Drive franchise," said Jim Barnett, president and chief executive officer,
Infogrames North America. "We're poised to make the show a strong launch
pad for the future."
Racing titles for the PlayStation that will be shown in the Infogrames
booth from newly acquired Accolade include "Test Drive 6," "Test Drive
Off-Road 3" and "Demolition Racer." These titles race to stores this fall.
Infogrames' sports roster is further bolstered by "Supreme Snowboarding"
for the PC and Sega Dreamcast systems. The snowboard thriller puts players
down the slopes for intense aerials and wild half-pipes. The high-end game,
launching this fall, is specially designed to utilize the processing power
of the new Sega Dreamcast system and 3-D-accelerated PCs.
Infogrames' hit game last year on the Nintendo 64, "Mission:Impossible,"
will be previewed on the PlayStation for the first time. Fans of all
systems will now be able to take on the role of secret agent Ethan Hunt in
a series of covert operations filled with intrigue and espionage. The
PlayStation version of the blockbuster title is due this fall.
In addition, the show will offer a first glimpse of the eagerly awaited,
newest addition to Infogrames' famed "Alone in the Dark" series; the
follow-up to last year's space simulation of the year "Independence War
Deluxe Edition: Defiance" for the PC; and the remaining cast of Looney
Tunes platform games for Nintendo 64, "Taz Express" and "Duck Dodgers."
The first of a new line of titles based on the world-famous Brazilian
soccer star Ronaldo, "Brazil V-Soccer" for the PlayStation will also be on
display.
For the Game Boy Color, Infogrames will show Looney Tunes-inspired titles,
including "TWOUBLE," "Carrot Crazy" and "Looney Tunes Collector Series."
Additional Game Boy Color titles include "The Smurfs' Nightmare," "V-Rally"
and "Klustar."
Infogrames Titles to Be Shown at E3Expo 1999
TITLES PLATFORM(S) RELEASE DATE
Looney Tunes Line
Bugs Bunny Lost in Time PlayStation Summer 1999
Taz Express Nintendo 64 Spring 2000
Duck Dodgers Nintendo 64 Winter 1999
Carrot Crazy Game Boy Color Available
TWOUBLE Game Boy Color Available
Collector Series Game Boy Color Winter 1999
I-Motion Line
Outcast PC Fall 1999
Sega Dreamcast Summer 2000
Silver PC Fall 1999
Mission:Impossible PlayStation Fall 1999
Nintendo 64 Available
Eagle One PlayStation Fall 1999
Independence War II PC Fall 2000
Independence War Deluxe
Edition: Defiance PC Fall 1999
Alone in the Dark 4 Dreamcast Fall 2000
Heart of Darkness iMac Fall 1999
Sports and Racing
Supreme Snowboarding PC Fall 1999
Sega Dreamcast Fall 1999
Game Boy Color Winter 1999
Brazil V-Soccer PlayStation Spring 2000
V-Rally Edition '99 Nintendo 64 Spring 1999
Game Boy Color Spring 1999
Demolition Racer PlayStation Fall 1999
PC Fall 1999
Test Drive 6 PlayStation Fall 1999
PC Fall 1999
Sega Dreamcast Fall 1999
Game Boy Color Fall 1999
Test Drive Off-Road 3 PlayStation Fall 1999
PC Fall 1999
Game Boy Color Fall 1999
Game Boy Color Titles
Smurfs Nightmare Game Boy Color Summer 1999
Klustar Game Boy Color Summer 1999
Lucky Luke Game Boy Color Summer 1999
Nintendo To Publish New Disney Games
A week before the biggest computer-entertainment show of the year, Disney
Interactive and Nintendo of America announced Thursday a multititle deal
that will bring Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters to the N64 console
system.
Although the games won't be shown at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in
Los Angeles next week, Disney said it believes the new games, to be
published by Nintendo, will expand its reach to a platform that's becoming
more popular with younger game players. Nintendo partner Rare, the U.K.
developer of N64 hits including Diddy Kong Racing, Banjo Kazooie, and
GoldenEye 007, will design at least two console titles featuring Mickey
Mouse, said Jan Smith, senior vice president and general manager of
Disney Interactive worldwide. The deal also calls for Nintendo to publish
10 games for its Game Boy Color product.
"It's a huge opportunity," said Smith, who declined to discuss financial
terms of the agreement. Console systems are "becoming the entertainment
choice for families and children," she said.
Nintendo is scheduled to deliver a Mickey Mouse racing title in the fourth
quarter of 2000 that lets players link their N64 and Game Boy units for
simultaneous play, said Smith. A Mickey adventure title is slated for 4Q
2001.
In addition, Disney Interactive said it will deliver several console games
for girls this fall, based on its Beauty and the Beast and Alice in
Wonderland movies. Those games could be published by Nintendo and others,
and appear on multiple console systems, Smith said.
LEGO Media International to Demonstrate Four New Software Titles at E3
LEGO Media International will demonstrate four new software titles at the
Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, including LEGO Racers,
the first LEGO product for the Nintendo64 and PlayStation game consoles.
The other releases include LEGO Rock Raiders(tm) (PC CD-ROM, PlayStation),
LEGO Friends(tm) (PC CD-ROM) and LEGOLAND (PC CD-ROM). These four new
software titles follow the successful worldwide launch of LEGO Creator(tm),
which was released in November 1998. According to software industry
research firm PC Data, LEGO Creator was #1 in dollar sales in the home
education software category in North America during the month of December
1998.
All four products will be demonstrated at the LEGO Media and LEGO
MINDSTORMS(tm) shared booth space (#1524, South Hall) at E3, held in the
Los Angeles Convention Center May 13-15. LEGO Media has enlisted master
LEGO model designers from LEGO Systems, Inc. to create a giant model of one
of the primary characters from LEGO Rock Raiders, a new game available this
September for PC CD-ROM and PlayStation. The model -- which depicts the
heroic Rock Raider ``Jet" aboard a Hover Scout -- will be constructed
during the course of the show.
To celebrate the first LEGO products for the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation,
LEGO Media has also created large-scale models of the Nintendo 64 and
PlayStation game controllers. These models will be constructed before E3
and will be on display at the LEGO Media booth during the show.
In addition, LEGO Media will have a full-size model of Rocket Racer's
speedy vehicle on display near the front of the booth. This 6' long, 4'
tall model will be entirely constructed from LEGO Bricks. A ``Guess the
Bricks" contest involving the car will be used to determine which lucky E3
attendees win the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 game controller models.
LEGO Racers
Ages: 6+
Available: July 1999 (PC), August 1999 (PlayStation), September 1999
(Nintendo 64)
Retail: $39.95 (PC) / $49.95 (PlayStation) / $59.95 (Nintendo 64)
Platforms: PC CD-ROM, PlayStation, Nintendo 64
Customize your own unique LEGO racecar and driver, then challenge up to
five other drivers in landscapes based on four LEGO SYSTEM(tm) play themes:
Castle, Town, Space and Adventurers. A unique power-up system provides
players with numerous ways to gain the upper hand. Discover hidden
shortcuts and secret pathways that will help you defeat challengers and
become the ultimate LEGO Racer.
LEGOLAND
Ages: 6+
Available: October 1999
Retail: $29.95
Platform: PC CD-ROM
Whether or not you've visited the newly opened LEGOLAND California theme
park, you can play the LEGOLAND computer game! Design, build and manage
your very own LEGOLAND theme park, complete with rides and attractions
based on LEGO SYSTEM(tm) Western, Adventurers and Castle play themes. Two
different play modes enhance the play experience: Free play mode allows you
to enjoy your park by placing a wide variety of attractions for your
guest's enjoyment, while Game mode introduces a progressive challenge that
relies on your decision-making ability. As your LEGOLAND park achieves the
approval of guests, you will receive rewards and surprises as you advance
to the next level.
LEGO Rock Raiders
Ages: 8+
Available: September 1999 (PC), October 1999 (PlayStation)
Retail: $39.95 (PC) / $49.95 (PlayStation)
Platforms: PC CD-ROM, PlayStation
Based on the new LEGO SYSTEM Rock Raiders theme, this 3D action/strategy
game allows you to explore, tunnel and excavate in the underground tunnels
of an unexplored planet, light years from home. Establish and maintain the
Rock Raiders HQ and then protect it and your teammates from the menacing
Rock Monsters and other creatures of the underground. Overcome all the
obstacles as you collect precious energy crystals that can be used to power
your machinery and the ship's engines, and LEGO ore to build new vehicles.
LEGO Friends
Ages: 5-10
Available: September 1999
Retail: $29.95
Platforms: PC CD-ROM
The LEGO Friends universe invites girls to explore their creative skills
and express themselves as never before. The player is invited to join a
group of outgoing girls, share in their everyday adventures and participate
in a pop band called ``Tuff Stuff". LEGO Friends includes such fun
activities as composing music, creating dance routines and preparing a show
for the ultimate gig at the girl's school.
Video Game Industry Hits Back Over Colo. Shooting
The video game industry came out swinging Thursday at critics who say
violent video games were one of the causes of the Columbine High School
shooting in Littleton, Colorado.
Leaders of the $6.3 billion industry said at the start of its biggest trade
show that games should not be blamed for last month's shooting by two
teenagers, who killed 12 students and a teacher before turning their guns
on themselves.
``Since Littleton, this industry has been scrutinized like never
before...resulting in a portrayal that has not been accurate at all
times," Douglas Lowenstein, president of the Interactive Digital Software
Association, told reporters at the E3 trade show.
He said that in last year's list of the 10 most popular games, only two
were considered violent and rated ``extreme for mature audiences" under
the industry's voluntary rating system.
He said the current scrutiny of the video game industry by U.S. legislators
was more intense than in previous years, such as the time when a game
called Mortal Kombat came under fire.
``The concern among politicians is greater than before," said Lowenstein,
who attended this week's White House meeting on violence. ``This frankly
has set us back."
After Monday's closed-door session in Washington, President Clinton urged
the entertainment industry to think twice before making violent movies,
games of discs.
``We have to ask the people who produce things to consider the consequences
of them, whether it's a violent movie, a CD, a video game," he told
reporters. ``If they are made, they at least should not be marketed to
children."
Littleton gunmen Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were part of a clique whose
members wore black trenchcoats and played violent video games such as Quake
and Doom.
Don Tapscott, chairman of a think tank called Alliance for Converging
Technologies, said they gravitated to the images of violent video games
like these ``to express their psychosis."
``The best the government can do is back off from any draconian legislation
that would ban any content," he said.
Tapscott said no connection had been shown between video games and tragic
incidents such as Littleton, and suggested parents should talk more to
their children.
``Gee, your kid is walking out the door with a swastika, it's time to have
a conversation," he said.
He said countless studies had linked youth violence to factors such as
poverty, lack of parental involvement, family violence, untreated mental
illness, the proliferation of guns, substance abuse and wars over illegal
drugs.
Bloody Games Don't Breed Violence
A trade show full of game and entertainment executives were told Thursday
they are not responsible for the teen violence displayed in such places as
Littleton, Colo.
Instead of blaming the Internet and computer games for violent behavior,
society should be doing more research, said Don Tapscott, chairman of the
new media think tank Alliance for Converging Technology, during the opening
keynote at the Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Video games, the Internet and "geek culture" have been the main targets of
societal scorn since the April tragedy in Littleton that left 15 people
dead.
"Kids can tell the difference between what's in a game and what is real,"
said Tapscott. "When I asked my kid if he thought games were making him
more aggressive, he said, 'It's only a game, Dad.'"
Looking for scapegoats for societal ills is not new, he said.
"In 1977, 70 percent of a Gallup poll said TV caused crime," Tapscott
said. "Today, schools are banning Goths, suspending students that express
feelings of self isolation. They are banning what they don't understand."
Tapscott, who has written several books on the effects of the Internet and
new media on society, told the game industry that youth violence has
actually decreased since 1995, around the time that video games really
became big.
After Littleton became the latest in a two-year spate in school shootings,
violent entertainment has become a hot button issue for politicians and the
news media.
On Monday, President Clinton hosted a summit to discuss the causes of
adolescent violence and how to combat it.
But Tapscott contended that healthy people can tell the difference between
what is real and what is not. "Falling from a 20-story building and jumping
from the same height using a bungie cord are physically exactly the same,"
he said. "However, the participant has a completely different experience."
Instead of focusing on "draconian" legislation to censor or ban video
games, Congress's time would be better spent on more research, said
Tapscott.
"It is time to step back and attack the real cause of violence. We know
there is a violence cocktail," he said, listing poverty, family violence,
drug abuse, untreated mental illness, parenting practice and youth
alienation as the main factors in driving adolescents to commit violent
acts.
"If my kid is going online with my credit card and charging up $2,000 to
buy video games, games are not to blame -- that family has a problem," he
said. "If you kid is going out the door with a swastika on his arm, it is
time to talk about values."
Tapscott, pointing out the dangers of censoring content, even wandered
into dangerous territory. "For years, we have had religious-based
killings," he said, "but we should not try and ban the Bible."
The game industry may change itself as well, the researcher pointed out.
Looking to the future, Tapscott predicted that like ultra-violent movies
today, ultra-violent games would only appeal to a niche market.
Instead, game companies should look to making interactive learning
experiences for children. Already, several studies have reported that kids
are leaving behind the passive experience of TV and moving over to the
interactive experience of computers.
"TV took away 24 hours a week for the average baby boomer child," said
Tapscott. "And now they are taking it back."
=~=~=~=
->A-ONE Gaming Online - Online Users Growl & Purr!
"""""""""""""""""""
Pong Anyone? Article/Video
From: Curt Vendel <cvendel@worldnet.att.net>
Pong Anyone? The Rise and Fall of Atari.
An article and video clip by News Media, the article/video talk about
Atari with an interview with Curt Vendel from Atari's Historical
Society as well as the man without whom Atari would not exist... Nolan
Bushnell.
Pong Anyone? Article:
<http://www.newmedianews.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/newmedianews/
archive/1999/05/07/TSatari.dtl>
Curt Vendel
The Atari Historical Society
www.atari-history.com
=~=~=~=
A-ONE's Headline News
The Latest in Computer Technology News
Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson
Sears To Sell Apple iMacs In More Than 800 Stores
Apple Computer Inc.'s curvy, translucent iMac computer will be on the
shelves of more than 800 Sears, Roebuck & Co. stores by the Memorial Day
weekend, the companies said Monday.
Apple's interim Chief Executive Steve Jobs made the announcement at the
company's worldwide developer conference in San Jose. He also introduced
what the company says are the fastest notebook computers available.
In his keynote address, Jobs ticked off a list of Apple's latest
accomplishments, including paring its inventory down to one day, boosted
cash reserves and the vastly popular iMac. First-time computer buyers
account for 32 percent of iMac purchases, Jobs said.
``We're really excited about this," Jobs told more than 2,500 software
developers gathered at the annual conference. Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple
said attendance is up 43 percent from last year, setting a record for paid
attendance.
As expected, Jobs gave an overview of the Macintosh operating system and
the latest version of its QuickTime multimedia software. The PowerBook
laptops are 20 percent thinner than their predecessors, sport faster
microprocessors and have longer battery life.
``These are the fastest portables in the marketplace," Jobs said.
In the past 10 days, Apple stock has climbed due to a big recommendation
by Goldman Sachs and as investors bet on new products being announced or
demonstrated at the conference.
Since Jobs took the reigns at Apple again in September 1997, he and his
management team have led Apple back into the black, focused the company's
product development and introduced snazzy new products like the
consumer-oriented iMac. Jobs, a co-founder of Apple, was ousted in 1985 in
a boardroom coup.
In fiscal 1998, Apple reported its first full year of profits in three
years and has reported consecutive profits since.
At last year's conference, Jobs announced Mac OS X, the next generation of
the Macintosh operating system, which he said could be Apple's biggest leap
in technology since 1984, when it introduced the first Macintosh computer.
Jobs also said the latest version of its current Mac OS, 8.6, is now
available and will be around until Apple introduces OS X, which will be
available early next year.
Jobs and other executives gave a peek into some of the new features of Mac
OS X, such as an e-mail program built right into the operating system, as
well as a sophisticated yet intuitive file finder system.
In order to make it easier for developers to bring their applications from
older versions of Mac OS over to Mac OS X, Apple has created a programming
interface it calls Carbon.
Jobs also showed some of the four new trailers for the upcoming film ``Star
Wars Episode I, The Phantom Menace." Apple teamed up with Lucasfilm to put
the first live video clip over the Internet, using Apple's QuickTime 4.0
multimedia software which now has video and audio streaming capabilities.
Many of the Macintosh faithful were hoping that the company also may give
a sneak preview of its much-rumored consumer portable device, which has
been described in published reports as a portable iMac. Jobs mentioned the
product, and said it would be available ``later this year."
Analysts who follow Apple said it was not a likely forum for Jobs to show
or introduce the product, which will be targeted to consumers and the
education market.
Jobs Pumps Up the Mac Faithful
Apple delivered the first developer preview of Mac OS X's client version on
Monday along with a wide range of announcements during its annual Worldwide
Developers Conference in San Jose, Calif.
Besides spelling out new details about its next-generation desktop
operating system -- now slated to ship early next year -- interim CEO Steve
Jobs used his keynote presentation at WWDC to announce the immediate
availability of Mac OS 8.6 and offer a "sneak peek" of an interim OS
upgrade code-named Sonata that is due to ship this fall.
In other news, Apple unveiled a new iMac distribution deal with Sears
Roebuck and Co. and debuted two new PowerBook G3 models whose processors
use copper-based technology.
Apple executives drew the most complete picture yet of Mac OS X, which
they said will build on the Darwin core of Mac OS X Server and feature
Quartz, a new graphics and windowing layer based on Adobe Systems Inc.'s
Portable Document Format. According to Jobs and Senior Vice President for
Software Engineering Avadis Tevanian, the native version of PDF will add
extensive compositing support, including built-in support for alpha
channels.
On top of Quartz, Mac OS X will offer native support for "classic" Mac apps
(formerly known as the Blue Box); a Carbon option for Mac OS X-optimized
software; and Cocoa, which will offer native support for Java applications.
Vice President for Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller demonstrated a
revamped Finder and a Mail Viewer e-mail client running atop Carbon and
Cocoa, respectively.
Tevanian said the preview version of Mac OS X, available immediately to
WWDC attendees, includes Version 3.0 of the Mach kernel, the Quartz imaging
layer and a new compiler. Jobs and Tevanian said that a second preview
version will ship to developers in the fall.
Schiller came onstage to outline Sonata's enhancements, including Version
2 of Apple's Sherlock Internet search utility and built-in features that
will allow multiple users to maintain individual preferences on a single
computer.
According to Schiller, Sherlock 2 will include interface enhancements,
allow users to switch between sets of search plug-ins, and offer fast
access to custom searches that poll major Web information services and
display results based on the type of information requested. To illustrate
the new feature, Schiller demonstrated Sherlock 2's ability to display
appropriate results based on a search for an individual or when comparison
shopping among e-commerce sites.
Under Sonata, users will also be able to customize the desktop and set
access to applications and files, Schiller said. Sonata's personalized
security features will include allowing individual users to log on using
their own "voice signature." Schiller demonstrated a built-in Keychain
capability that will allow users to unlock access to all the servers they
access via a single password.
Jobs and Tevanian said Mac OS 8.6 -- available now to Mac OS 8.5 owners as
a free download -- packs significant kernel enhancements that offer
improvements such as extended battery life for portable systems.
Jobs announced that Apple's version of the OpenGL 3D API and Version 2.1.2
of its Mac OS Runtime for Java are available now from Apple's Web site.
Jobs said MRJ 2.1.2 is five times faster than its predecessor, with a
Caffeine mark of nearly 7,000.
Jobs and Tevanian wowed the WWDC crowd with a "technology demonstration"
of forthcoming Mac support for Sun's Java 2 format. Their tag-team bake-off
showed a 400-MHz G3 running a Java 2 animation four times faster than a
500-MHz Pentium III system.
While he brushed aside rumors of a WWDC debut for Apple's consumer
notebook, Jobs, unveiled two new professional-level G3 PowerBooks. Jobs
said the 400-MHz PowerBook G3 will sell for $3,499 and a 333-MHz model for
$2,499. The new PowerBooks are 20 percent thinner and 2 pounds lighter than
current models, and extending the laptops' battery life 90 minutes -- now
able to run five hours on a single charge.
The PowerBooks will ship May 20 with 10/100Base T Ethernet, 64 Mbytes of
RAM and USB connectors, Jobs said. The 400-MHz model will have a 6-Gbyte
hard drive and a DVD drive; the 333-MHz model will have a 4-Gbyte hard
drive and a CD-ROM drive.
In another widely rumored development, Jobs announced that Sears has
signed on as a retail outlet for Apple's most popular Mac, with iMacs
expected to go on sale on Memorial Day, May 31, at more than 800 Sears
Roebuck and Co. stores nationwide.
Apple Unveils New PowerBook
Apple Computer Inc. interim CEO Steve Jobs gave computer programmers a
taste of the future Monday, unveiling a faster and more powerful PowerBook
laptop for professionals, new speech recognition software and a deal to
sell the popular iMac desktop computers at Sears, Roebuck and Co. stores.
``I don't think there's ever been a better time to be a Mac developer,"
Jobs told more than 2,500 programmers at Apple's annual Worldwide Developer
Conference in San Jose.
The new PowerBook G3 is 20 percent thinner and almost two pounds lighter
than its predecessor. The top models, selling for $3,500, come with DVD
players and batteries that last up to 5 hours, allowing users to watch
entire movies.
Jobs said that Dragon Systems Inc. is creating Macintosh-compatible
products based on Dragon NaturallySpeaking, the top-selling retail speech
recognition software.
Dragon Systems Janet Baker said their company has received many requests
for a Macintosh version.
Jobs also announced that Sears will offer the iMac and a wide range of iMac
peripherals to its customers by Memorial Day weekend.
Court Broadens Class In Microsoft 'Permatemp' Case
In a case that could have broad ramifications for labor relations in the
technology industry, an appeals court ruled that thousands of temporary
workers for Microsoft Corp. are eligible for stock options.
In a ruling handed down late Wednesday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
significantly expanded the class of workers eligible to apply for damages
in a long-running lawsuit against the software giant.
Rather than just a relatively narrow group of so-called "permatemp"
employees who worked for Microsoft from 1987 to 1990, the appeals court
ruled the company's lucrative stock option plan must be opened to all
``common law" employees from 1986 to the present.
That could make well over 10,000 past and present workers eligible for
damages based on stock options they should have received years ago, said
David Stobaugh, attorney for the plaintiffs in the long-running lawsuit.
Stobaugh said the ruling could be read broadly to mean that temporary
employees and contract workers at companies throughout the Western region
served by the appeals court can claim the same benefits as full-time
staffers.
``It's now very clear that Microsoft should immediately stop treating its
temp agency employees like second class citizens," said Stephen Strong,
another plaintiffs' attorney. ``This is a victory against employers who
create two-tiered benefit plans that penalize many of their workers."
Microsoft, which has been battling the class action for years, had no
immediate comment.
But the decision was met with outrage from other companies in the
technology sector, which depends heavily on temporary workers and
independent contractors.
``If this ruling stands it could effectively destroy the ability of
companies to set up businesses for which they contract out workers," said
Harris Miller, president of the Information Technology Association of
America.
He and others argued that technology companies in particular rely on
temporary workers because of fast-changing market conditions and a scarcity
of labor.
Technology workers often prefer temporary assignments because it gives them
greater flexibility and, unlike regular employees, they get paid for every
hour they work, said Toby Malara of the National Technical Services
Association, which represents agencies employing more than 300,000 people.
``We've had more than a few people tell us they've turned down full-time
employment with the firm they're working for because it would be
financially disadvantageous to them," Malara said.
But a 1997 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 60 percent of
temporary workers surveyed would prefer permanent jobs, said a spokeswoman
for the AFL-CIO, the nation's largest labor group.
Since running afoul of federal tax laws in 1990, Microsoft has relied on
outside agencies to bring in temporary workers, who technically are
employed by those agencies.
But the appeals court ruling destroyed any notion that Microsoft could
avoid its obligations to provide stock options and other benefits by using
the agencies.
``Even if for some purposes a worker is considered an employee of the
agency, that would not preclude his status of common law employee of
Microsoft," the three-judge panel said in a unanimous, 28-page ruling.
``The two are not mutually exclusive."
That effectively opens the stock option plan to any temporary or contract
worker who meets its requirements of having worked at least half-time for
five months of any year since the company went public in 1986. Under the
plan, thousands of Microsoft employees have become millionaires by buying
discounted stock through payroll deductions.
The ruling could be appealed, or the two sides could return to federal
district court in Seattle, where they have been arguing over how to
determine the value of stock options that were never granted.
Pentium III Prices to Fall Sunday
PC chip maker Intel Corp. will drop prices by as much as 35 percent on
Sunday, including deeps cuts on the company's two-month old Pentium III,
said a source familiar with the cuts.
In addition, Intel will announce new speeds for its
mobile and desktop processors.
Intel's aggressive price cutting is becoming standard practice as it
attempts to outpace Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and other rival chip
makers. The latest price slashes seem planned to quickly shift customers
to its Pentium III line, rolled out in March.
"Many of the price changes are driven by Intel's desire to phase out the
Pentium II products," said Mike Feibus, industry analyst with chip watcher
Mercury Research Inc.
It's no surprise then that the biggest cuts will be on the prices of
Intel's Pentium III processors. The price tag of the 450MHz chip will drop
35 percent to $268, while the price of the 500MHz chip will fall 24 percent
to $482, according to the source.
Typically, PC makers cut the prices of their products following a reduction
in Intel's price list. This latest round could mean quickly declining price
tags on Pentium III systems.
Prices on the Pentium II are falling as well, with the 450MHz Pentium II
dropping 32 percent to $268 and the 400MHz version dropping 21 percent to
$193.
An oddity of Intel's phase-out strategy is that both the 450MHz Pentium II
and the 450MHz Pentium III are priced identically.
Intel also cut prices on Celeron processor by up to 21 percent, said the
source. Intel would not confirm nor comment on the cuts.
The chip giant also plans to introduce a 550MHz Pentium III processor for
its desktop lineup as well as a 366MHz mobile Celeron processor, said the
source.
Both processors increase the top speeds of their respective processor
family by 10 percent.
That's par for the course this year, said Feibus. "For the next year, we
are looking at bump ups in performance with no change in architecture," he
said.
The latest Pentium III will sell in lots of 1,000 units for $744, while the
new mobile processor will cost $170.
Online Video Calling Made Easier
A startup company will introduce a system that would let users of a popular
videoconferencing protocol find each other on the Internet.
Visitalk.com, a Phoenix-based company, will debut its Permanent
Communications Number systems at the Networld+Interop show in Las Vegas
next week. The company has signed up White Pine Software, makers of the
CU-SeeMe conferencing program, as a "premier partner."
Until now, CU-SeeMe users could not call someone unless they knew the
specific IP address they wished to reach. A new service, Internet Locator
Service, was recently established to help users track each other down.
Users log onto one of dozens of servers, but they have no way to know which
server another person has logged onto, or to find someone who is not logged
on.
The Visitalk.com system assigns each user his or her own ID number, but
oes not require a fixed IP address. Whenever a user logs on, the system
detects what their IP address is and sets up a router to that address. That
would allow a user to log in from any device that has an IP connection, but
maintain the same ID.
Visitalk.com works with the h.323 protocol, a standard for sending video
and voice data over packet-switched networks as the Internet. It will list
PCNs in a central database, so that people can find a connection to a
person whether they're logged in or not. And the company will accept
messages for clients who are not currently online, and save them in a voice
mail box.
"For first time you can use [h.323 clients] effectively as a permanent
presence on the Net," said Michael O'Donnell president and co-founder of
Visitalk.com. "Right now, ILS amounts to a temporary directory -- when you
log on you appear and when you log off you disappear."
Visitalk.com officials are hoping that their system will take off and
become a central directory for H.323 users, similar to the white pages.
Their goal is to establish the Visitalk.com site as a portal of sorts, and
create revenue by selling ad space.
"If White Pine's software is the client, the way a browser is a client,
then Visitalk.com is the portal. So we as a portal will [try and get the]
the traditional revenue stream -- advertising to people who enjoy the
benefit of the systems," O'Donnell said.
White Pine has agreed to promote the new system to its users, who number
between 3.5 million and four million, said White Pine exec Scott Cavanagh.
The company will make the Visitalk.com directory a default directory in the
new versions of its products.
"This has been a service that's been lacking, it's greatly in need and
will be embraced by the community," he said.
Lucent Unveils Single Chip For Internet Phones
Lucent Technologies Inc. said Monday it has distilled the functions of five
computer chips into a single chip for telephones that carry voice on
Internet networks.
Lucent, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, is calling
its new invention ``Phone-On-A-Chip," and will unveil the tiny processor
this week at the Networld + Interop trade show in Las Vegas. The chip will
not be marketed until some time next year, the company said.
Murray Hill, N.J.-based Lucent said the chip should cut the electronics
cost of the specialized phones 30 percent.
It expected initial interest would come from small- and medium-sized
businesses that want to design their in-house networks using Internet
technology for voice as well as data.
That technology requires the use of specially-designed phones, which
currently sell for $250 or more each. These phones are different from the
mobile ``Web phones" used to access the Internet for voice and data.
Internet telephones typically require several chips to perform multiple
functions, while Lucent has 13 functions including core processing,
analog-to-digital conversion, and amplification, packed into the new
design, it said.
To get to market quickly, Lucent plans to offer a two-chip product by the
fourth quarter of this year, priced at less than $30 for quantities of
100,000. The single chip version will be tailored to market needs for a
later release, a spokesman said.
Lucent wants to get feedback from manufacturers, after which it may cut out
some of the features and memory of the initial model in order to help phone
makers keep their prices low.
Woman Sues To Use '7 Dirty Words'
A woman is suing a company that assigns U.S. Internet addresses for the
right to use George Carlin's ``seven dirty words."
The federal lawsuit filed by Lynn Haberstroh of Raymond seeks to force
Network Solutions Inc., a private company that registers the most popular
Web names under contract from the government, to allow her to register
those words in addresses.
``There's a well-defined First Amendment right that is being violated,"
said Jonathan Springer, Haberstroh's lawyer.
A California company called Seven Words filed a similar lawsuit in that
state, after Haberstroh filed hers in January, Springer said.
NSI says it merely is following long-established policy on public
communication. Carlin's seven words - from an old comedy routine - describe
body parts, functions and sexual acts and are banned from the airwaves by
the Federal Communications Commission as part of court-upheld restrictions
on obscenity. The words effectively are kept off the air by laws forbidding
vulgar speech that date at least to the Radio Act of 1927 and which were
upheld in a $1.7 million FCC fine against radio personality Howard Stern in
1995.
NSI, which did not respond to phone messages seeking comment on last week,
has asked to move Halberstroh's suit to Virginia, where the company is
based.
=~=~=~=
Atari Online News, Etc.is a weekly publication covering the entire
Atari community. Reprint permission is granted, unless otherwise noted
at the beginning of any article, to Atari user groups and not for
profit publications only under the following terms: articles must
remain unedited and include the issue number and author at the top of
each article reprinted. Other reprints granted upon approval of
request. Send requests to: dpj@delphi.com
No issue of Atari Online News, Etc. may be included on any commercial
media, nor uploaded or transmitted to any commercial online service or
internet site, in whole or in part, by any agent or means, without
the expressed consent or permission from the Publisher or Editor of
Atari Online News, Etc.
Opinions presented herein are those of the individual authors and do
not necessarily reflect those of the staff, or of the publishers. All
material herein is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing.
