Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report
Amiga Update (2000-01-23)
======================================================================
_ __ _ <>_ __ _ ||
/\\ |\ /|| || / ` /\\ || A M I G A U P D A T E
/__\\ | \ / || || || ___ /__\\ || -News and Rumors-
/ \\_ | \/ ||_ _||_ \__// / \\_|| (An Occasional e-mail
WELCOME TO TOMORROW || News Source)
======================================================================
AMIGA and the Amiga logo are trademarks of Amiga, Inc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
000123
A M I G A A N D T A O R E L A T I O N S H I P
A M I G A R U M O R C O N T R O L
F L E E C Y E X P L A I N S T A O
T A O A N D E S P I A L C O L L A B O R A T I O N
T A O ' S E L A T E C H O S E N B Y I N F O M E D I A
O P E N L E T T E R F R O M C O S A
N E W E X H I B I T O R S F O R A M I G A 2 K
S U P E R V I E W S I T E C L O S E D F O R N O W
F R O G G E R P P C V 1 . 5 A V A I L A B L E
H & P H A S G R A P H I R E D R I V E R
N O M O R E N E W S R O G
F U S I O N P P C S T A T U S U P D A T E
D I G I T A L I M A G E S O P E N L E T T E R
S E A S I D E , E N G L I S H V E R S I O N
Q U A K E N E W S T O P L E A S E G A M E R S
T W O N E W G A M E S F R O M D A R K A G E
Editor's Thoughts and Introduction:
Things really are happening in the Amiga community, some of it fast
paced indeed. The first story in this issue came out on the day we
sent out the last "Amiga Update". It came out after the issue was
mailed, however, so it had to wait for this one.
It's grouped with a couple of other stories that we hope will help
people begin to get a feeling for the work of Tao, Amiga's new
"content partner".
We also find it interesting that Motorola, makers of the 68XXX family
of CPUs that have powered Amigas for so long, has taken a stake in
Tao. A story published recently in England carried the following
information:
"Motorola Inc. has taken a small minority stake in Tao Group Ltd.
here and will use the company's virtual processor and Java-like OS
technology in portable communications and computing gear, Internet
appliances and digital-imaging products.
Neither the size of Motorola's stake in the 35-person company nor the
monetary terms have been disclosed."
The new Amiga has been in place for less than a month, and we're just
beginning to get a feeling of what their long term plans are. They
sound good so far. The only negative - a strong tendency to try so
hard not to be corporate types, they may end up scaring off potential
worthwhile business associates. We certainly hope that doesn't happen.
On balance, we're very pleased with events to date and feel all
Amigans have reason to feel much relief.
Lots to read below - we hope you enjoy this issue.
Brad Webb,
Editor
----------------------------------------------------------------------
E-mail to the E-ditor:
09 Jan 2000
Hello Brad,
I hope this is the right addy to send stuff to?
First let me say, excellent work with Amiga Update. I really look
forward to getting the news and info you send out. Please stay with us
and keep up the excellent work.
Now that CUCUG's "Amiga Web Directory" is gone, sadly, what are our
best WWW sites to go to for Amiga News? Has anyone talked to CUCUG and
asked/begged them to continue? The community can use all the support
it can get and the AWD was a great presence on the WWW.
Good luck to the *new* Amiga Inc. Go get 'em guys and dont give in no
matter what the "big" guys do, say or offer! The world needs a
realistic alternative and Amiga is it.
Regards
Simon
~~~~~~
Simon,
Well, I hope you'll let "Amiga Update" help you keep up with the
news. As for alternative sites to the old Amige Web Directory, I'd
recommend two:
http://www.amiga.org/
http://www.realdreams.cz/AMIGA/
Neither site has all the features the old CUCUG site, but both will
help you stay on top of Amiga news.
Brad
======
5 Jan 2000
brad,
just a quick note to say "keep up the good work" ! i enjoy recieving
this e-publication. also, let me add that i prefer this "e-mail style
" as opposed to the old "download style "!!!! makes it easier for me
to read.
best,
dave
~~~~~~
Dave,
Thanks very much. As we're happy to state, we plan on being around
for a while to come.
We've always been e-mail based, never download style, so I'm a bit
confused by your statement, but if you (or any reader) know of someone
who's bumped into our archive site and figured that's all there is,
please let them know we're a subscription based publication. And that
we'd be happy to welcome them aboard!
Thanks again,
Brad
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A M I G A A N D T A O R E L A T I O N S H I P
8 January 2000
Amiga and Tao-Group enter into a strategic relationship
Las Vegas, NV January 8, 2000 - Amiga begins expressing plans for the
new Amiga with a strategic alliance with Tao-Group.
"Things started going wrong the moment the PC rode into town and the
home computer revolution of the 1980s ground to a halt. We are here to
right that wrong." said Bill McEwen, Amiga's El Presidente. 'We kind
of feel guilty about not having been around to show the world the
evils of the PC, but inept management sent the Amiga off to a bad
place. Luckily, its users and developers have kept it alive, and now
we are back."
"Existing products are very rude.' He continued. "Shoving PCI slots,
interrupts, file systems, registries, megahertz, and megabytes right
into your face. My grandmother just wants to play a game, or send an
email, or draw a picture. She doesn't want to have to mortgage the
house and get a masters degree."
"Digital Technology has become stalled because of the predominance of
Windows." quiped in Fleecy Moss. "Putting a thousand monkeys on
typewriters may eventually produce the works of Shakespeare but it's
not something you're going to want to wait around for, and you don't
want to be responsible for cleaning up the mess in the meantime."
"Our approach is outrageous. WE look at what actual people want, and
then give them the most simple, elegant solution. Even calling it
computing is falling into the PC trap. It is participation in the
digital content universe, whether it be developing an application,
playing a game, making your own video, watching TV or buying S&M gear
online. Computing companies are trying to paint digital convergence as
computers and TVs coming together, so they can stick "TV" in front of
PC and continue to sell the same old garbage. Digital Convergence is
something much bigger though. It is about content, information,
services, and activity transforming into a digital format and coming
together in a single place that has no boundaries. If someone tells
you you need a PC to get into this new content universe, smile nicely
and hit them with a big stick."
"Elegance, simplicity, invisible and universal technology." sings
Bill McEwen, trying to get a word in edgeways. "That is why we are
just giddy to be working with the Tao Group. Others rant on about how
their products are next generation, warp capable, but the truth is
that most of them are based upon old concepts and architectures -
that's why you need the latest monster machine just to type letters.
Chris Hinsley (CTO/Tao Group) was one of those smartass child
prodigies you wanted to beat up at school. By age 20, he had already
been a commercial games developer for 5 years, and wrote some great
Amiga games. Being a smartass though, he saw the future, realised
nothing out there was ready for it, and dedicated the last ten years
of his life to making sure the human race was ready when the future
arrived."
"The Amiga was special because it refused to settle for second best.
If something is worth doing, it is worth doing right, and the proof of
that is in the global following that it still has today. With the
nightmare of the past five years behind us, the Amiga is ready to push
out ahead again, and save the future from a muddled, poorly fitting,
frustrating PC enema. With the foundation that the Tao Group gives us,
we are ready to re-introduce the world to a novel computer concept -
fun."
"We aren't stupid enough to think it's going to be easy," interrupts
Fleecy Moss, shoving McEwen to the ground and gagging him. "A lot of
people have been brainwashed by the advertisements and the slick
salespeople. However, the digital information revolution is all around
us, waiting to happen. Everyone can feel it, everyone wants to be a
part of it. Amiga is going to stick a pretty big bomb under that PC
logjam and blow it clean back to Redmond. Elegance, simplicity,
invisible and universal technology. Time to start smiling again."
"We are happier than a crocodile at a waterpark to be working with
Amiga." said Francis Charig, CEO and international stud. "We are very
proud of what we have created in our garden shed. We could have sold
out long ago, but the market was crowded with companies doing that so
we decided to actual create a product and make it a good one. Now we
are finding that OEMs are seeing our product and getting even more
excited about it than we are ourselves; it almost makes the whipping
and torture we have had to inflict on our employees worthwhile. An
Amiga solution powered by Tao technology is a match made in heaven for
everyone."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A M I G A R U M O R C O N T R O L
14 Jan 2000
{A posting to the Net from Fleecy Moss, with some helpful
clarifications. Brad}
In my trawling around the community hangouts,
I have come across several misconceptions, rumours,
and a lot of confusion. Whilst I can't hope to answer
everything, here are some things I want to set straight.
0. Amiga will build a digital content universe. Digital
content means anything composed of 0 and1 -
applications, video, audio, games, emails, whatever.
We will focus on 2 markets, the pathfinder market,
for digital adventurers, power users, gamers,
content creators, DTPers, artists, video ppl
and those who refuse to define a computer as
a digital appliance. Our second market will
cocentrate on the Domestic Digital Habitat (DDH).
1. If you are a personal computer person, there will
be a personal computer second wave Amiga.
2. We will support classic development in so much
as we want to help users and developers transition
to a new machine. That will be the total extent of our
support for the classic machine. If this involves further
AmigaOS releases, then so be it.
3. We are targetting x86 and PPC for the first consumer
release of Pathfinder products (if you are a personal
computer person, this means you).
4. We will do everything in our power (that doesnt bankrupt
us or interfere with our primary goals) to ensure classic
Amiga software runs on the new machine in some form or
another.. The new Amiga product family (formerly called
AQUA) will run natively and hosted. This is to create a large
market fast for Amiga developers to profit from. For the first
pathfinder release it will run hosted to see this market grow
fast. We see one of our core duties as serving the developers.
6. We are talking to the Phoenix Consortium about common
interests.
7. We have been contacted by QNX but currently have no plans
to work with them.
8. We will develop Amiga products for another market, the
Domestic Digital Habitat (DDH) market. This markets will
be kept separate but products will work together if the installer
so desires it.
9. There will be a new website and it will be public shortly. It has
been tested on all browsers, Amiga and non Amiga, and given
the compatibility problems between the implementations of open
standards, our best effort has been made. The site will grow
quickly and more information will be added. We want it to become a
village where all Amigans can come to voice their opinions, chat,
and travel off to different parts of the Amiga universe.
a. A developer support manager has been selected and they are
working on implementing the developer support program. This will
be in place before the developer boxes are released.
b. The developer boxes are specced out, we have contacted several
whitebox manufacturers and we are building the distribution.
c. Amiga will not provide dates until we have a product. We will
share
timelines, but will not attach dates to them. Enough damage has
already been done.
d. We have had acceptances from 75% of our development team and
their names and roles will be announced once we get back from
training (before the end of the month).
This mail can be redistributed without modification within the
community. As further questions and issues come up, we will attempt to
answer them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
F L E E C Y E X P L A I N S T A O
10 Jan 2000
{The following exchange from a the Net may help ansewr questions
about Tao for many people. Our thanks to Fleecy Moss for posting the
answer to these questions. Brad.}
>Hi fleecy, I was wondering if you could clear up a question that's
appeared >in various forums. Specifically, is Amiga going to use the
Elate RTOS as >the new AmigaOS kernel? It seems there's some confusion
over that. Your >comments that it will run on top of other OSes tend
to point towards the >J-Engine being more important. I guess I'm just
a little confused, or maybe >I don't understand the Elate RTOS very
well. :)
----
Tao has a virtual processor system and a set of services that run
above it. You can call it an "OS" if you want, but the term is
increasingly irrelevant, as it is in KOSH. It can run natively, in
which case it is its own complete solution, or it can run on top of
other OSs, in which case the services are either provided by Tao, as
in the native version, directly to the VP, or they are "passed
through" to the host OS, and they provide the services.
AQUA {Note: it's unlikely Amiga will use the AQUA name as Apple seems
to have grabbed it. Brad.} will offer a set of services accessed
through interfaces/APIs and developers will write to them no matter
what the situation. The situation itself can be AQUA running native,
which means only Amiga and Tao code, or it can be hosted, for instance
on Linux, or Windows even, in which case it can look a lot like an
application.
No matter the situation, AQUA is still AQUA and developers and users
will see the same product. The only issue will be in speed, with the
native version running the fastest. For market reasons though we will
support it running hosted. In fact the first one or two releases will
most likely be hosted.
The J-Engine is merely an example of how efficient the Tao products
are. Coding, initially will be in C, C++ (if you enjoy pain) and Java.
However, the tao ppl code in VP code directly, and it is so easy to do
and you get such screaming results with the tools that it may become
the preferred method for developers.
It is far more than a Java support engine though.
So to answer your question, we will concentrate on a full AQUA (tao
and amiga only) solution but we also have the ability to offer it
working on other OSs as well.
Amiga will define and develop AQUA which defines how developers and
users access AQUA. What happens deep down can be different though.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
T A O A N D E S P I A L C O L L A B O R A T I O N
Leaders in embedded Java(TM) technology announce collaboration for
interactive multimedia for wireless, digital TV, and network gaming
Internet appliances.
Ottawa, Canada, January 11th, 2000
Espial, the leading provider of embedded Java(TM) technology for
Internet appliances, and Tao Group, a provider of leading-edge Java
virtual machine technologies in the fields of compact, fast, and
portable operating environments, today announced that they will
collaborate to offer a complete Java-based solution for the multimedia
and interactive entertainment content delivery targeted at the
wireless and consumer markets. This collaboration will offer the
world's first Java based solution for delivery of multimedia and
interactive content to Internet appliances, which promises to
revolutionize the wireless, digital TV and network gaming industries.
The Espial and Tao collaboration brings together Tao's intent(TM)
Java Technology Edition (JTE) virtual machine with Espial's market
leading full-featured Espial Escape(TM) web browser and Espial(TM)
Espresso application framework. The combined solution brings together
an optimized, high performance embedded JVM with the most advanced
Java based Internet and graphics technologies for embedded Internet
appliances. Espial's other products include Espial DeviceTop(TM), the
only service-ready Internet appliance platform for Java-based Internet
appliances; Espial Ebox(TM), a highly customizable Java based email
client; Espial Assistant, a full-featured Java based personal
information manager (PIM); and Espial Architect; a RAD tool for
embedded Java applications that gives developers the most
comprehensive development environment available today for developing
multimedia content, games and software applications for Internet
appliances.
According to a recent report from International Data Corporation
(IDC), the market for Internet appliances is positioned to explode
over the next several years. The future is much brighter than most
have anticipated and will grow to become an annual 55 million unit
market and $15 billion market by the year 2001, the report says.
"This partnership with Espial brings together two complementary
technologies," comments Francis Charig, Chairman and Chief Executive,
Tao Group. "By putting them together we are not only providing a
completely integrated software solution for the interactive
entertainment industry but also working together in bringing fast,
compact Java performance solutions to market. Developers for the world
of Java based interactive entertainment, network gaming, digital TV,
wireless and multimedia information appliances are now free to focus
on the benefits of their accelerated time-to-market."
"In the Internet appliance and wireless markets, application and
content services will drive the adoption of smart devices." said Mal
Raddalgoda, Senior Director of Strategic Marketing, Espial Group.
"Through our partnership with Tao Group, we will be enabling a new
generation of service-driven, smart devices that will deliver a
compelling multimedia and interactive user experience. This will take
Java technology to a whole new level in the consumer electronics
market"
Pricing and Availability
The combined Tao and Espial solution is available today for smart
devices running embedded operating systems such as Linux(R),
WindowsCE(R), OS-9, QNX(R)4. Future operating systems include VxWorks,
pSOS, QNX/Neutrino, TRON and EPOC32. Pricing information is available
from Espial and Tao for their respective products.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
T A O ' S E L A T E C H O S E N B Y I N F O M E D I A
Reading, England, January 10th 2000
Infomedia Network, manufacturer of advanced consumer hardware
computing and entertainment devices announced today that it has
selected the Elate(RTM) Real Time Operating System and the intent(TM)
multimedia content platform by Tao Group for use in INFOMAX, the
company's next generation of advanced set-top boxes. Due to the high
performance and small footprint of Elate(RTM) and intent(TM) these
technologies are well suited for use throughout Infomedia's entire
product line of advanced set-top boxes, portable computers and
point-of-sale devices.
"Infomedia is represents a new generation of hardware manufacturer,"
said Patrice Haftman, Executive Vice-President of Infomedia Network,
Inc. "Our approach is to address solutions and to design hardware in
accordance with the needs of maximizing the value of the software.
Consumers do not buy hardware for it's own sake; they buy it for what
it can do for them. Tao's Elate(RTM) combined with intent(TM) gives us
the greatest potential to enable even the most demanding Java(TM) and
multi-media applications in the embedded market."
intent(TM) was launched at CES on 6th January 2000. Its portable
multimedia content platform includes its Java(TM) technology edition
(Tao is a Sun Java(TM) technology licensee) and its 2D graphics
libraries, world-class audio and 3D technologies are also shortly to
be made available as intent(TM) becomes one of the standard content
platforms for consumer products.
Infomedia Network will be introducing the INFOMAX line of advanced
set-top boxes and portable computers in 2000. All will be enabled for
Java(TM) applications and secure electronic commerce via Elate(RTM)
and intent(TM).
"Infomedia's clear focus and commitment has been to provide high
performance systems designed for the Consumer. This explains our
support at Tao for INFOMAX and why we are excited about the
partnership between the two companies", commented Francis Charig,
Chairman of Tao. "Infomedia's approach has been to integrate world
class components while working consistently within industry standards.
By taking Tao's technologies, Infomedia has armed itself with products
to make its appliances easier to use, lower cost and faster to market
than its competition."
"Since we are focused on delivering applications, the operating
system is of key importance to us," said Haftman. "Tao has
consistently demonstrated that Elate and its Java(TM) Virtual Machine
are the fastest, most compact and robust, and Tao has been there to
support us during our product development phase. We look forward to
our continuing relationship with Tao as new ideas are turned into new
products."
For more information about Tao please visit Tao's website at
http://www.tao-group.com/
----------------------------------------------------------------------
O P E N L E T T E R F R O M C O S A
COSA PROGRESS UPDATE
JANUARY 11, 2000
An Open Letter - January 11, 1999
By COSA President, Steve Crietzman
Introduction
Our last open letter to the community talked about the status of our
negotiations with Tom Schmidt, and where we would be taking them after
the new year. Well, talk about bad timing! Just a week later, Amiga is
snapped up by Fleecy Moss and Bill McEwen in the form of Amino. Out
with the old, in with the new. And along with the new, comes new ideas
and plans for the future, and a fresh start.
This begs the obvious question: How does this affect COSA and our
plans for the future of the AmigaOS?
Well, in truth, the change in ownership of Amiga is entirely a good
thing for COSA. Our plans remain unaffected, and we continue to plan
and organise for the day when the classic Amiga operating system is
released as open-source, as we hope it will be. Fleecy, afterall, is
on record in numerous places supporting open source, including on
COSA's very own website, so it's hardly as if the new owner has
scupperred our original plans.
If anything, the change is a positive one. Fleecy Moss has always
been very open and accessible, and we have found it an entirely
positive experience discussing the future of the AmigaOS with him. He
has been very receptive to the idea, and willing to discuss many
different possibilities.
COSA's Plans for the Future
COSA is working on a number of different, but related and
inter-connected ideas to support the future of the classic AmigaOS.
While many are still in their infancy, they are already being to take
shape.
Some of the major ones are discussed in the rest of this open letter,
but many more exciting plans and projects are being worked on behind
the scenes. These will be discussed in due course in future open
letters to the community.
What sort of plans, you ask? Well, here's a clue.
Imagine COSA providing Amiga-related products and services for the
Amiga community. Some of the revenue generated from sales of these
products and services could then be reinvested, and spent in any way
the community feels appropriate to aid the classic AmigaOS in it's
revival.
COSA is already in negotiation and discussions with one large company
for access to their product's source code. That's a hint of the sort
of things you can expect to see in the future if COSA's plans are
successful, as we expect they will be.
Think big name apps for AmigaOS and revived Amiga software, all being
made freely available on the AmigaOS, and you're on the right track.
Beyond that, I'm afraid we're going to have to be a tease and give a
"no comment," but as we've always promised in the past - and always
kept - when the time is right, these plans will be discussed openly so
they can be debated. In the meantime, our negotiations are still
preliminary and we must remain quiet about them for the timebeing. I
hope you understand our reasons.
In the meantime, think what we could do if we had a few dollars to
spend. Any suggestions are welcome. Details of our mailing list can be
found below, where suggestions are particularly welcome, but otherwise
feel free to e-mail any ideas, comments and suggestions of things you
would like to see, to president@amigakernel.org.
Developer Registrations Now Being Accepted
As a result of the optimistic outlook, COSA are now focusing on the
hard work that lies ahead assuming, of course, the AmigaOS does indeed
go open-source. While it can't be entirely certain at this point, it
can never hurt to make plans. We are cautiously very optimistic about
our chances now, and are eager to get going - as are COSA's minature
army of users and developers.
To that end, COSA is now accepting registrations for developer status within
our open-source AmigaOS development team, led by Ian Parker, formerly of
Free Amiga/AMozillaX.
If you are an Amiga developer, we would welcome your support and
contributions to the project. There is a need for a wide variety of
skills and experience in a project such as this. Those with kernel
experience, porting experience, a variety of languages including 68k
assembler and C/C++, GUI enhancements (ReqTools, MUI, ClassAct, etc),
writing "stability" or "improvement" patches for AmigaOS - improved
filing systems, etc. etc. are kindly requested to join our list, as
all help offered to this project will go a long way.
Joining the Open Source AmigaOS Developer Base is simple. Just send a
blank e-mail to the following e-mail address:
amigaos-dev-subscribe@egroups.com, and you will be added to the
AmigaOS developer's discussion list, where developers can discuss and
debate future enhancements and additions to the AmigaOS and the
AmigaOS Kernel.
For more information, you can visit the official Open AmigaOS
Development Website at http://www.amigakernel.org.
Your Feedback Is Welcome and Encouraged
Feedback from the community on what you would like to see come from
future versions of the AmigaOS are also welcome. Indeed, they're
essential if developers are to know what features the community would
like to see integrated into future versions of the Amiga operating
system.
Those members of the Amiga community who welcome the opportunity to
play a part in forging the future shape of AmigaOS are welcome and
encouraged to join COSA's Members' Mailing List, by sending a blank
e-mail to savetheamiga-subscribe@egroups.com.
This mailing list has been created as a way for the community to
discuss and debate different ideas about the future of the AmigaOS as
Open Source, so that the community have a way to communicate their
feelings to those who will be managing the AmigaOS development
project. These ideas and comments can then be passed onto the
developers, who will integrate those suggestions into future versions
of the AmigaOS and kernel.
Conclusion
COSA is very excited about the future of the Amiga, both of the
classic and the next-generation Amiga range. Our focus will of course
be entirely on the classic AmigaOS, while Amino and Phoenix, etc. will
be handling the next-generation Amiga systems and OS.
It is COSA's goal, as it has always been, to have the AmigaOS (most
likely v3.1) released as open-source, radically improved and updated,
and ported to a wide variety of hardware platforms and CPUs. This
would dramatically expand the AmigaOS's existing userbase, and bring
fresh new ideas and talent into our community.
COSA remain committed to our goal of overhauling and reviving the
classic Amiga, as an open-source OS environment, and bringing it into
the new millennium with new energy and life, with new ideas and
perspectives, and a fresh new start to give it a fighting chance in
the future.
Our members and developers believe that the classic AmigaOS has
plenty of life left in it yet, and with a little work, stands a good
chance of making a comeback.
We would welcome comments and feedback from the Amiga community,
especially those who would like to play a part in this process. Our
contact information is below. We want to thank the Amiga community for
their continuing support of COSA and for helping us come this far. The
Amiga community united can achieve so much, and we look forward to a
future where that talent can be unleashed, and the community can work
together as a team to take our OS into the new millennium - the next
generation.
Kindest Regards,
Steve Crietzman
President, COSA/Open Amiga.
E-Mail Feedback: president@amigakernel.org
Member/Users/Community List: savetheamiga-subscribe@egroups.com
AmigaOS Developer's List: amigaos-dev-subscribe@egroups.com
http://www.savetheamiga.org.uk
----------------------------------------------------------------------
N E W E X H I B I T O R S F O R A M I G A 2 K
January 19, 2000
More exhibitors have signed up in the last ten days.
individual computers of Germany is our first German
exhibitor, but not our first European exhibitor. That
title goes to Paul Nolan Ltd. of England.
Other exhibitors signing up include NASAU, amiga.org,
Digital Arts, AmiTech Dayton Amiga Users Group,
E.S. Productions and Northwest Amiga Group.
The pace is quickening, as more developers, dealers and
distributors sign up. Stay tuned for more information
on the largest and best Amiga show in the Americas...
Amiga 2K.
Bob Scharp
Amigan-St. Louis
----------------------------------------------------------------------
S U P E R V I E W S I T E C L O S E D F O R N O W
{The following message has recently been posted on the PerSuaSiVe
SoftWorX site. There's a message to the wise here. Brad}
CLOSED. Today.
-------
Thanks for being able to gain your attention.
Due to massive piracy and other efforts to destabilize the Amiga
software market (not counting the subtile attempts to bash
competetitors with unfair methods) I've decided to put this site on
hold for a few days.
This is just to show that it's in your own hands (customer is king)
to decide what should happen next. I personally will have to think
about that as well.
In case I'll have to take different job oppurtunities, this will mean
ceasing or at least slow-down of the Amiga development. There of
course are people who would not mind about this, but I'm more
interested to hear what the rest is thinking (and how many they are).
Let's call this a thinking pause
http://www.ar-kleinert.de/
----------------------------------------------------------------------
F R O G G E R P P C V 1 . 5 A V A I L A B L E
21 Jan, 2000
Short
------
Frogger is the ultimate MPEG video player, with MPEG-2 layer support.
Frogger was oryginally relased by Miloslaw Smyk (thorgal@wfmh.org.pl),
recently, the development has been taken over by Sebasian
Jedruszkiewicz (bjsebo@jota.wi.tuniv.szczecin.pl) Additional
programming was made by Przemyslaw Gruchala.
Changes in this release
------------------------
v1.5
- Added direct VideoCD support!!! (only in PPC version).
- There is new mailing list, dedicated to all our programs
(including Frogger,VisionFX and SoftCinema). To subscribe
send blank message to: tvision-subscribe@egroups.com and
then follow the instructions.
- Fixed an ugly bug in P96 dislay code.
- Removed BUFSIZE,FORCEAUDIO and AUTOEXIT parametters.
- New parametter: FASTDIRECTCGFX. It will speed direct video memory
access routines, but may be dangerous. I have not got single crash
when using this option, but who knows? If there will be no problems
with it repoted by users, this option will be enabled by default.
- Fixed (at least I hope so) bug which caused Frogger to lock at
end of some movies.
- Reworked main loop, simplified messages received code. Also I have
added some new keyboard commands.
- Fixed slider code. It now 'almost' works, with sound disabled. Also
Pause/Play now works.
- +/- keys can now be used also in windowed mode to scale display.
- switched to faster IDCT code in 68k version. Applied the same
changes in PPC version. IDCT code is about 10% faster now, But it
gives only 2-5% overall speedup.
- Replaced calls to WritePixelArray with my own fast direct routines.
Also scaling is now done by CPU; ScalePixelArray calls has been
removed. Windowed mode is now really fast.
- Added support for every possible pixel format supported by
cybergfx. However, I have tested only some of them. in case of
problems, please use VERBOSE option, send me output and (if it is
possible) make me a screenshot. Almost forgot - there is no conversion
for 8bpp cgfx screens. But who needs it? However, 8bpp mode works in
grey. Of course 8bpp mode works on AGA machines.
- Updated Speed section of the guide.
- Switched back to old pll calculation code. Frogger now needs latest
ppc.library emulation (v0.7c) if you working under WOS.
- version string is now y2k compatible ;)
- It was impossible to exit (in some movies), when LOOP was used.
Fixed.
- Again I had to fix main loop, to be able to read multiple video
sequences movies. It now works ok. Thanks must go to Miroslaw
Bagrowski, for sending me CD with such a movie.
- Changed filename format for saving iff images. it now looks like
this: basename.x, where x is frame number (6 digits:
000001,000002,etc.).
http://jota.wi.tuniv.szczecin.pl/~bjsebo/Frogger/
----------------------------------------------------------------------
H & P H A S G R A P H I R E D R I V E R
22 Jan., 2000
Amiga drivers for new Wacom graphics tablet "Graphire"
We all know there's no such thing as an input device that lends
itself equally well to every application. Which is why H&P created
Graphire. Its mouse and pen combination means you always have the
right tool at hand. Graphire is the all-round solution, from
Web-browsing to retouching, from illustration to Office. Switch on to
the benefits of the unique Graphire set - for precise pointing and
clicking, for intuitive drawing, for sketching and writing.
Finally Amiga fans can use the new graphics tablet. The driver
supports the pressure sensitive pen as well as the enclosed wireless
mouse and the finger-wheel.
The "Graphire" can be used with any Amiga computer with external
keyboard (PS/2 connectors). Unfortunately all Amiga models besides
A4000 Desktop were delivered with normal DIN connectors you might need
an additional adapter set.
Prices
Graphire: 249 DM
PS/2 Adapter Set: 12 DM
Graphire Driver: 89 DM
Haage&Partner Computer GmbH
Schlossborner Weg 7
61479 Glashuetten, Germany
Phone: +49 (6174) 966 100
Fax: +49 (6174) 966 101
www.haage-partner.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
N O M O R E N E W S R O G
04-Jan-2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ShadowWorks Software regrets to announce the end of the NewsRog
project for the Amiga. NewsRog is an NNTP News client running on Amiga
personal computers.
Unfortunately, due to a combination of factors which include the lack
of a market for Amiga software, obsolescent hardware, and a recent
increase in piracy and fraudulent credit card orders, it is no longer
financially possible to continue developing NewsRog. The last version
stands at 1.8b, and the update is available to all registered users
via the web page below:
http://www.frii.com/~srk/ShadowWorks/Preview/NR.html
ShadowWorks Software is proud to have pioneered a large number of
news client features that have yet to be duplicated in any other
software that we are aware of. We regret that it was not possible to
continue development of the software, since there was a great deal
more planned for the future.
ShadowWorks Software wishes to thank all of our loyal customers who
have supported our attempt to bring the Amiga a world class NNTP news
client.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
F U S I O N P P C S T A T U S U P D A T E
1 Jan., 2000
{The following was posted by Jim Drew to the Microcode Solutions
mailing list. Brad:}
"Microcode Solutions is still working the PowerPC upgrade module for
FUSION (Amiga version). We have run into difficulties with compilers,
poor response from the customers (nearly 1,000 people pledged their
support, yet a little more than 200 people have actually ordered the
product), and many other unexpected problems along the way! These
factors have caused a significant delay in the release of FUSION-PPC.
We originally planned on hiring a few extra people to help develope
the emulation, however, due to the actual response we were not able to
do that and so far we have been doing everything ourselves! We are
extremely happy with the progress we have made thus far, and we know
that those people who did pledge their support will be happy too! We
ask that you please be patient and let us do our magic! :-)"
... "We are hoping to see it end January/beginning February".
----------------------------------------------------------------------
D I G I T A L I M A G E S O P E N L E T T E R
11 Jan., 2000
Hello,
This is the first time I have written an open letter to the
community, but this should breifly outline our plans for the future.
First of all, we are pleased with how Wipeout 2097 is selling and I
would like to thank everybody who has bought a copy of the game! For
those of you who have been waiting for the new graphics cards to be
released to play it, your wait is almost over! So, as soon as you plug
it in, download the Wipeout 2097 demo and then go and buy the full
game!
A lot of people have been asking about Space Station 3000. We
apologise to the long wait that people are having for this, but it is
a much bigger project than we have ever anticipated. But we hope to
bring an accurate release date soon as well as a brilliant game that
will keep you hooked!
We intent to port more games from the PC. We will keep you posted on
this.
We will also be porting Wipeout 2097 to the Apple Mac which should
provide a brilliant 3D racing experience for them! Just go and take a
look at it running on your friends Amiga's and you'll get a good idea
of what to expect!
We will keep you posted with our current and future games
developments.
I will be away between January 10th and March 31st and so I will not
be able to answer any e-mail sent directly to me. If you have any
queries, then use these e-mail addresses:
info@di-games.co.uk - Customer Service
technical@di-games.co.uk - Technical Support
wipeout2097@di-games.co.uk - Wipeout 2097 (non-technical) queries
webmaster@di-games.co.uk - Webmaster
Have a very happy new year!
Kind Regards,
Stuart Walker
Managing Director, Digital Images
http://www.di-games.co.uk
----------------------------------------------------------------------
S E A S I D E , E N G L I S H V E R S I O N
13 Jan 2000
Today we release the english version from SeaSide. You can order the
game in some days at all dealers worldwide or direct by APC & TCP. You
found some Screenshots and infos on our homepage:
www.chiemgau.com/apc&tcp
Please dont forget:
Due to a stay at a hospital we are not available from mid January to
early March. During this period we can not be reached via phone, fax
or e-mail and we also can not deliver orders. This will be done from
early march when we resume our bussiness as usual. During this time
our homepage will not be updated. Thank you.
Andreas Magerl
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Q U A K E N E W S T O P L E A S E G A M E R S
23 Dec., 1999
The creator of Quake, John Carmack of id software's, has released
Quake sources and placed them on the Internet.
According to John, "All of the Quake data files remain copyrighted
and licensed under the original terms, so you cannot redistribute data
from the original game..."
This means you can create new Quake PPC, QuakeWorld and other
executables and spread the code without restriction, but not copy
Quake levels, textures, or other files found on the Quake CD.
Further, if you wish to use any new Quake PPC executables tha become
available, you are required to own a copy of Quake. These restrictions
are minor and we expect a lot of Quake PPC activity in the Amiga
world.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
T W O N E W G A M E S F R O M D A R K A G E
23 Jan., 2000
Amiga Classix 2
The official sequel to one of the most succesfull Amiga compilation
ever!
Over 230 freeware, shareware and commercial FULL games, no demo
versions!
Produced exclusively for Epic Marketing ltd.
Featuring commercial games by:
o Andreas Seebeck Software Development (Tiebreak, Hannibal, Space
Max, Aunt Artic Adventure, Charon V)
o Darren Ithell (Dithell In Space)
o Dark Unicorn Productions (Scorched Tanks)
o Diamond Production (Diamond Caves, Diamond Caves 2, Maniac Ball,
Master Blaster)
o Digital Concepts (Island of lost hope, Lords of War, Torch2081)
o Eclipse Software (Lethal Xcess, Monster Business)
o Frank Otto (Lost on Parrot Island)
o Hitek Softworks (Barravento)
o MegArts (Bomb Mania)
o Mental Image (Bandit Mania, Technology 2, Winning Post)
o Scorpius Software (Antz, Blade, Hilt, Hilt 2, Hideous)
o Team Hoi (Hoi Aga Remix)
o and the very famous game Ports of Call!
Suitable for both Amiga and PC (you can play all games directly from
the cd, no installation required!)
Format: Cd-Rom
Publisher: Epic Marketing ltd./Islona
Requirements: AGA Amiga or PC
Release Date: February 2000
Powerball
Powerball is a simple puzzle game where the player must clean each
screen from all the coloured bricks. Doing this is possible by using a
ball that bounces up and down in the screen and that can be controlled
by the player who can move it left or right.
The game features:
80 levels in 8 worlds
Runs also on an A500!
Level editor to add your own levels
Only one floppy disk, but it's also hard disk installable!
A password system to save your position
Loads of fun included in the package! :)
Format: Floppy Disk
Publisher: To Be Announced
Requirements: Any Amiga with 1Mb Ram
Release Date: March 2000
http://www.idealia.net/darkage/
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Amiga Update on the net:
All back issues available at:
http://www.globaldialog.com/~amigaupdate/index.html Stop by and check
out our archive!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2000 by Brad Webb. Freely distributable, if not modified.
======================================================================
_ __ _ <>_ __ _
A M I G A /\\ |\ /|| || / ` /\\ A M I G A
U P D A T E /__\\ | \ / || || || ___ /__\\ U P D A T E
/ \\_ | \/ ||_ _||_ \__// / \\_
amigaupdate@globaldialog.com
======================================================================
