Hyperion: Bug-fixed Installer for AmigaOS 4 released
Hyperion Entertainment has released version 53.12 (10.5.2021) of the Installer, which can be loaded and installed via AmiUpdate within AmigaOS 4. This release fixes a bug which mainly occured during the installation of the recent version of the Enhancer 2 package.
Detailed version notes:
Remove test for GFLG_SELECTED when handling the radio buttons as the state of the flag was indeterminate due to a race with intuitions internal boolGoInactive()
Replace FindRomTag() with equivalent function from C:Version
Mailbox: AmiExpress 5.4.0
AmiExpress 5 is a rewrite of the original mailbox program by Joe Hodge/LightSpeed Technologies written by Darren Coles in Amiga E. Besides various bug fixes, version 5.4.0 now supports the YModem and ZModem protocols. FTP authentication and a shortcut mode have also been implemented. (dr) (Translation: bb)
Turn-based space strategy: Imperium Terranum 2.816
The source code of the round-based space strategy game Imperium Terranum 2 has been ported from Pascal to C for some time and adapted to graphics cards. Since version 2.813 some minor bugs have been fixed and the package size has been reduced further:
bugfix for "pump-up" level crash - error in civilwar routine fixed
binary size reduction due to code optimization (again -1Kb)
fix for water-transport (planets lost their water)
code cleanup + binary reduction of ~2KB
starsystem jump now works correctly
water transport fixed: planets can not exceed 100% water anymore
Games announcements: Chases of Death, Swapped Arts (AGA), JetHuntERS
Developer "Coagulus" (Super Wormy, JetHunt) works on three titles, of which he presents early versions on Youtube: Chases of Death (video) is a conversion of the Spectrum classic Deathchase, Swapped Arts (video) seems to be a puzzle game while the sequel to the H.E.R.O. clone JetHunt called 'JetHuntERS' (video) seems to develop more towards a horizontally scrolling shoot'em up. (cg) (Translation: bb)
Development tool: vasm 1.8k
Three days ago already, Frank Wille has published an update of the modular assembler vasm. The list of changes in the current version can be found at the title link. (snx)
WHDLoad: New installers until 15.05.2021
Using WHDLoad, games, scene demos and intros by cracking groups, which were originally designed to run only from floppy disks, can be installed on harddisk. The following installers have been added until 15.05.2021:
2021-05-15 improved: Voodoo Nightmare (Palace Software) 68000 quitkey, 2nd button/joypad support added, new install script (Info)
2021-05-15 improved: Alien Fish Finger (Skull Army/Davis J. Cruickshank) supports another version, trainer added, new install script (Info)
2021-05-15 improved: Pro Boxing Simulator (Code Masters/Optimus Software) delay for boxer status screens added, trainer added, high score load/save added, 68000 quitkey support, WHDLoad v17+ features used (config), new install script (Info)
2021-05-14 improved: Brides of Dracula (Gonzo Games) new RawDIC imager, 68000 quitkey support, delay for title picture added, WHDLoad v17+ features used (Info)
2021-05-14 improved: Fraction Action (Unicorn Software) copperlist problem fixed, black screen problem (title pictures) fixed (Info)
2021-05-13 updated: Ultimate Golf (Gremlin) patch rewritten, real files used, title music is replayed now, self-modifying code fixed, source code included (Info)
2021-05-12 improved: Sword of Sodan (Discovery Software) imager fixed, another icon added (Info, Image)
2021-05-12 fixed: Black Lamp (Firebird) remove black border on toggle music/sfx (Info)
2021-05-11 improved: Bombuzal (Imageworks) supports another version, buttonwait added, trainer added, 68000 quitkey, manual and icon added (Info)
AmigaRemix: Further files added
AmigaRemix collects remixes of well-known soundtracks of Amiga games. Since our last news-item, the following mp3 files have been added:
Ruff 'N' Tumble - The Fantasy Forest
Obliterator
Macrocosm
Hybris Imploded!
Apidya - Credits
Desert Dream
Fury of the Furries - Title theme
Cream Of The Earth (Nothing Surpasses The Original)
Startfenster "A-FTP"
"A-FTP Server" can be started using a GUI or in background, preferably already at startup by dropping it into the WBStartup. The program requires the MUI Royale plugin.
Update: (05:50, 18.05.21, dr)
Meanwhile an update to version 1.19 is available which fixes bug on startup. (dr) (Translation: bb)
Mitigated a problem with TLS that would often cause crashes when Wayfarer was used alongside Iris
Addressed some potential ffmpeg abort() calls as seen in bugreported crashes
Trims the title lengths the in Tabs menu
MorphOS 3.15 and 1 GB RAM are required. A processor with at least 1.5 GHz is recommended. For feedback to the author, e-mails to wayfarer at wayfarer.icu or the corresponding MorphZone discussion on the topic can be used in addition to the integrated crash detector. (dr) (Translation: bb)
Author George 'walkero' Sokianos aims to extend Mediavault further. In the future it should be possible among other things to create a favorites list and also to retrieve podcasts. The program needs the oo.library v1.11 and the jansson.library v2.12.1. (dr) (Translation: bb)
Hyperion releases AmigaOS 3.2 Press Release: Hyperion Entertainment CVBA is pleased to announce the immediate availability of AmigaOS 3.2 for 68K-based Amigas. AmigaOS 3.2 includes well over 100 new features and dozens of updates to nearly all system components, as well as a battery of bug fixes that will undoubtedly further enhance the user experience.
AmigaOS 3.2 is the result of more than two years of intensive and tireless work by over 60 contributors to this new milestone in AmigaOS history. Hyperion Entertainment CVBA is at a loss for words to express our gratitude to this talented and resilient team for their impressive work ethic.
The most comprehensive version of AmigaOS 3.2 is now available on CD-ROM and includes floppies and Kickstart ROMs for all Amiga models ever produced, allowing customers to install AmigaOS 3.2 on different Amiga types simultaneously.
Purely digital, but then model-specific releases of AmigaOS 3.2 will follow soon.
AmigaOS 3.2 FEATURE LIST SUMMARY
ReAction GUI toolkit integration
Built-in ADF (Amiga disk file image) management
Integrated Help subsystem
Updated Data Type system
Workbench and other user interface improvements
Improved Tools, Utilities and System applications
Enhanced Shell behavior
New and reworked command set
Touched up Preferences
Polished MultiView
Revamped Commodities
Expanded BootMenu
Inclusion and refinement of the AmigaOS 3.1.4 feature set
Flexible delivery media
Many remarkable additions
1. REACTION GUI TOOLKIT INTEGRATION
The incorporation of the ReAction GUI Toolkit not only opens up a plethora of existing applications for AmigaOS 3.2 users, it also ensures much easier portability and cross-development between different versions of AmigaOS
No additional installation required, it just works, even on low-end 68000 systems
A new multi-file text editor called "TextEdit" is included as a show-case
ReAction has its own Preferences editor which lets you set backfilled patterns for ReAction based programs
Fresh and bug fixed Classes backport from AmigaOS 4.x with many exclusive characteristics and brushed up aesthetics
2.BUILT-IN ADF (AMIGA DISK FILE IMAGE) MANAGEMENT
DAControl & trackfile.device provide unprecedented functionality, as they enable users to create, mount, insert and eject ADF files
ADF images are handled just like any physical floppy disk
On "Workbench" you can mount an ADF image by double-clicking on it
ADF handling can be accomplished via Shell through the use of an extensive set of available options
Accessing such mounted ADF disk image files is fast and requires very little memory
Multiple ADF disk images can be mounted at the same time
A shared cache system is available in order to speed up ADF operations
3.INTEGRATED HELP SUBSYSTEM
A complete "Reference Manual" covers all commands and most complex topics
An AmigaGuide based central "Help hub" is available by simply pressing the HELP key
The Help database can be quickly queried from the Shell/CLI
Preferences and many other programs contain Help menu items
In the WBStartup folder, MenuTools adds the "Help" menu item to the "Tools" menu but can be customized to add other Tools as well
4.UPDATED DATA TYPE SYSTEM
New AIFF uncompressed audio data type
New GIF image data type
New WAV audio data type
New JPEG picture data type
New PNG multi-platform image data type
New BMP data type for Windows/OS2 bitmap images
New Icon.datatype enables use of ".info" files as images
New ACBM picture data type (used in AmigaBASIC & SpectraPaint)
The AmigaGuide data type can now display inline images
Text data type with search functionality
Faster and more configurable CDXL and ANIM data types
Sound.datatype manages bit rate samples of 8, 16, 24 and 32 bit
Picture.datatype is now stunningly fast even on low-end 68000 processors
5. AMIGAOS WORKBENCH AND OTHER USER INTERFACE IMPROVEMENTS
Resize windows from any border
Window iconification
Workbench title bar customization
Maximize a window by holding down the SHIFT key and clicking on the window zoom gadget
The [ESC] key quits easy requesters
Scalable "GadTools" user interface adapting to different font sizes
Workbench menu "Open volume"
Menu Window -> Sort Order (Forward or Reverse)
Off-Screen windows is a built-in default that is now configurable
Scrollers and sliders now feature 3D-style embossed knobs and a darker container background
C:Assign incorporated DENIED and DISMOUNT switches
C:Type supports AUTO, TEXTONLY, WIDTH and BUFFER options
C:Reboot restarts your Amiga but waits for any ongoing write operations to prevent validation issues
C:Group and C:Owner commands added for networked environments
C:MD5Sum calculates and compares checksums of files and volumes
C:MountInfo command helps in the creation of MountLists
C:Break and C:ChangeTaskPri NAME handle wildcards options
C:DefIcons identifies files and applies a default icon to them
C:AssignWedge allows users to create or deny an assign on the fly
C:LoadMonDrvs simplifies and quickly starts monitor drivers.
9.TOUCHED UP PREFERENCE EDITORS
Custom printer output device and unit number
WBPattern has layout options for Backdrops, Screens and Windows which include both color and dithering
PointerPrefs has been overhauled to support 40 different pointer types
Font Preferences comes with Shadow and Outline font options
IControl received a massive makeover which introduced new functionality such as Window and screen border aspect ratios customization
10.POLISHED MULTIVIEW
A new "Edit/Paste" menu item opens the contents of clipboard unit 0 (thus complementing "Edit/Copy")
The "About" window now reports the width, height and depth of the currently displayed picture or animation
The names of ARexx scripts for user menus can now be up to 40 characters long and may contain "spaces"
Pressing the [Shift] key while the "Save as..." menu item is selected, forces MultiView to save the displayed document in IFF format
Now lists pattern matching in its ASL requester that, if removed, can also display icons (useful in conjunction with the new icon.datatype)
11.REVAMPED COMMODITIES
"RAWBInfo" is an improved replacement of the icon information tool
"AsyncWB" is an AmigaOS Workbench enhancement Commodity with divers functionality
"AutoPoint" KEEPSTRINGS prevents this Commodity from automatically stealing focus from a window with an active string gadget
"ClickToFront" TOBACK_QUALIFIER selects a qualifier for sending windows back (with a single click)
"ClickToFront" no longer brings Workbench windows to the front when double-clicking on an icon
"NumericPad" allows numeric pad keys to be remapped to the standard keyboard
The "AutoArrangeIcons" Commodity-like set of scripts automates the ordering and snapshot of icons in the active window
12.EXPANDED BOOTMENU
An option to trace the Startup-sequence line by line is now available
The user can disable ROM Module updates by clicking on a gadget
The hardware expansion screen displays expansion board addresses and sizes
A new option to redirect serial port output to a file is available with the "Enable System Log" option
The "Failsafe" boot gadget starts the Amiga in a robust and safe environment to carry out maintenance and troubleshooting tasks
More keyboard shortcuts for the majority of options
Displays AmigaOS Kickstart version numbers
13.INCLUSION AND REFINEMENT OF THE AMIGAOS 3.1.4 FEATURE SET
Support for storage media bigger than 4 GB
Modernized AmigaOS Workbench
DiskDoctor for disk diagnostic and salvage operations
Native support for pipes, softlinks, hardlinks and long filenames
CrossDOS supporting FAT 32 and long filenames
CD-ROM file system that supports Rockridge and Joliet extensions as well as UDF and now also Macintosh HFS
Both FFS (FastFileSystem) and the CD-ROM file system are now smarter, faster, and multi-threaded
Fully reworked and bug-fixed printer drivers
Built-in GlowIcons support as an installable option
More than 2100 icons in GlowIcon style included on the AmigaOS 3.2 CD-ROM
14.FLEXIBLE DELIVERY MEDIA
The distribution AmigaOS 3.2 CD-ROM contains ADF disk images that can be transferred to physical floppy disks or Gotek-type drives
All Modules disks perform as emergency boot disks too
The DiskDoctor disk can help users to quickly get back on their feet when facing disk failures
The AmigaOS 3.2 CD-ROM content can be copied "as is" to an Amiga formatted hard drive and booted right away for installation thanks to the "Amiga Preinstallation Environment" (AmigaPE)
All Amiga model disks and AmigaOS Kickstart ROM set images are available on the AmigaOS 3.2 CD-ROM
Attractive printable labels are available for all your favorite AmigaOS 3.2 storage media variants (AmigaOS 3.2 CD-ROM version only)
Experimental CD-ROM-based Amiga CDTV and Amiga CD32 support
15.MANY REMARKABLE ADDITIONS
Wheel mouse support for scrolling on AmigaOS Workbench windows
IPrefs stacks multiple changes and refreshes the screen only once
IPrefs points out names of blocking windows when refreshing
No more DF0:???? icons as disk.resource now does proper checking
Increased ROM Modules flexibility by loading more modules from disk without requiring an additional reboot for them
Game Announcements: Krogharr, Polar Panic, L'Abbaye des Morts Krogharr is the new project of Inviyya developer 'Tigerskunk'. In this beat'em up you have to control the sword-wielding barbarian of the same name, the title is inspired by the SMS classic Black Belt.
The platformer 'Polar Panic' (video) is created with the Scorpion Engine. The game is still in an early stage, further details are not yet known.
'L'Abbaye des Morts' (video) is also being developed with Scorpion. The title was originally released for the PC and has since been ported to various 8- and 16-bit platforms. (cg) (Translation: bb)
MorphOS: E-mail client Iris 0.117
Jacek 'jacadcaps' Piszczek's "Iris" is going to become the standard e-mail client of MorphOS. It supports IMAP and can display as well as create HTML e-mails.
Changes in version 0.117 include removal of own e-mail addresses when replying "to all", down-scaling of large pictures when displaying e-mails, a spell-checking selector cycle gadget in the e-mail editor toolbar and a fixed bug regarding TLS that caused crashes when Iris was used alongside with Wayfarer. For feedback to the author, the corresponding thread at MorphZone can be used. (snx)
ASCII-Szene: Relaunch of aSCIIaRENa
The aSCIIaRENA (opened in 2009) sees itself as a database and as an archive for the Amiga-ASCII scene. A year of development time has gone into a completely new version of the website which went online a few days ago. (cg) (Translation: bb)
Print magazine: Issue 130 of Amiga Future readable free of charge
German and English issue 130 (January/February 2018) of the print magazine "Amiga Future" is available free of charge now at the magazine's website. Published as image files of the individual pages, remainders of the physical issue as well as PDF files at a higher resolution are available at the publisher. (snx)
Fixed to update page's url when traversing history
Updated ffmpeg to 4.4
Improved player's handling of bogus stream data
Partially mitigated a player memory leak
MorphOS 3.15 and 1 GB RAM are required. A CPU with at least 1.5 GHz is recommended. For feedback to the author, besides the integrated crash report tool also e-mails to wayfarer at wayfarer.icu or the corresponding thread at MorphZone can be used.
Update: (12:19, 11.05.21, snx)
Meanwhile version 1.19 is available, which, besides bug-fixes, reduces frame-drops and supports YouTube's video playback statistics. (dr) (Translation: dr)
AmigaOS 4: Fractal and Mandelbrot program FlashMandelNG 3.5
The developer Dino Papararo, about whom we published a detailed portrait the other day, has uploaded version 3.5 of his fractal and Mandelbrot program FlashMandelNG to OS4Depot. This version fixes bugs when starting the program from the workbench and the palette selection. Already in the previous version 3.4, the author had introduced the use of the datatype.library for loading and saving images. These operations create an additional file with the extension ".fmng" which contains the coordinates. (dr) (Translation: bb)
WHDLoad: New installers until 08.05.2021
Using WHDLoad, games, scene demos and intros by cracking groups, which were originally designed to run only from floppy disks, can be installed on harddisk. The following installers have been added until 08.05.2021:
2021-05-07 improved: Sensible World of Soccer (Sensible Software) uses less chip memory, using fast memory, 68000 quitkey (Info)
2021-05-07 improved: Captain Planet (Mindscape) supports another version, new imager, trainer added, 2nd button support, 68000 quitkey, new icon and install script (Info)
2021-05-06 fixed: Turbo Sprint (McGeezer) 2 more BEAMCON0 accesses disabled (no more NTSC display on exit), check for NTSC monitor added (Info)
2021-05-06 new: Megalo Demos (Wild Copper) done by Psygore (Info)
2021-05-05 fixed: The Munsters (Tiger Developments/Teque) out of bounds blit fix corrected, no flickering characters anymore (Info)
2021-05-04 improved: Pro Tennis Simulator (Code Masters) install script updated, supports another version (no slave changes, only the install script has been updated) (Info)
2021-05-02 improved: Final Countdown (Demonware/Global Software) uses less memory (Info)
2021-05-02 improved: Dynamite Dux (Activision/Sega) supports another version, highscore saving, trainer added, 2nd button support (Info)
2021-05-02 improved: Brian the Lion (Psygnosis) added joypad controls, trainer improved, uses less chip memory (Info)
2021-05-02 improved: Eswat (U.S.Gold) less chip memory used, made 68000 compatible, decruncher relocated, trainer added, manual added, new install script (Info)
Preview-Video: Port of C64-Jump'n Run 'Henry's House'
'Henry's House' is a classic single-screen platformer that was released for the C64 in 1984. The Amiga conversion (video) comes from the developer team 'MC STUDIOS', which apparently wants to port a whole series of 8-bit titles to the Amiga. (cg) (Translation: bb)
He has divided his video tutorial into seven chapters:
Part 1: Unpack the delivery and take a closer look at the components.
Part 2: The first trial run.
Part 3: Installation in the tower. Vertical arrangement of the graphics card.
Part 4: Installation of AmigaOS4 FE with the help of a USB stick with Radeon drivers.
Part 5: Making basic settings: Network, Audio and Extras.
Part 6: Installing Update1 and Update2.
Part 7: Complete configuration. Evaluation of suitability for everyday use.
The video tutorial is accompanied by music. English subtitles explain his individual actions in detail. He uses a MasterBox NR200P as tower case, a RadeonHD r270 Verde (which he had originally purchased for his AmigaONE X5000) for the first test and a Radeon RX 560 graphics card as the final solution.
On amigaworld.net, the creator gives first impressions: USB on the Sam460 would be much faster than on the X5000. However, the Odyssey browser would definitely run slower, especially video rendering. Likewise, loading game data into memory would take longer. The FPS would be three times slower on all games tested compared to the X5000.den von Spieledaten in den Arbeitsspeicher länger dauern. Der FPS-Wert wäre dreimal langsamer auf allen getesteten Spielen im Vergleich zum X5000.
Conclusion: "In other words, it is sufficient for everyday use, but the X5000 is definitely better. However, for those who only want to spend $700 for a complete system, it is certainly OK and a good way to get started using AmigaOS 4. The installation is very tricky (no RadeonRX drivers included in the AmigaOS 4 installation CD, Uboot not visible, no default boot from USB in the Uboot settings) - this is quite complicated for newbies. But once that is done, everything works." (dr) (Translation: bb)
Top-Down-Racer: 'Super Sprint'-Clone Turbo Sprint
'Turbo Sprint' (video) is a clone of the Atari classic Super Sprint. According to the developer, he tried several times to contact Atari about a license. After no reply the developer changed the title of the game and "various other things" to avoid copyright problems.
Turbo Sprint was entirely written in assembler. To be as close as possible to the original Atari machine, which uses a resolution of 512x384 with 32 or more colors, the game runs in interlace mode and requires an AGA Amiga. A demo version, limited to five minutes running time, can be downloaded for free. The full version, also available as a download, comes in at around 11 British pounds (12.66 euros).
A release on disk in a 'Bix Box' is also planned. However, production will not start until there is sufficient interest. So anyone who wants to purchase such a physical edition should contact the developer. (cg) (Translation: bb)
MorphOS: ZoneXplorer 2.0 (Beta)
Elena Novaretti's fractal generator ZoneExplorer hasn't seen any updates for several years. The developer has now released the latest version of the software - as a farewell gift. In the attached readme Novaretti makes clear that she does not want to invest any more time in ZoneXplorer and also asks to refrain from contact attempts. (cg) (Translation: bb)
Various improvements in the player pipeline, including improved HLS
MorphOS 3.15 and 1 GB RAM are required. A CPU with at least 1.5 GHz is recommended. For feedback to the author, besides the integrated crash report tool also e-mails to wayfarer at wayfarer.icu or the corresponding thread at MorphZone can be used.
(dr) (Translation: dr)
Print/PDF Magazine: Amiga Addict, Issue 5
Fifth issue of British magazine "Amiga Addict" is expected to be shipped mid of May, content includes "UFO: Enemy Unknown", "Slayers of High Toro" and OctaMED. Amiga Addict is a monthly magazine printed in full colour A4 and available in both print and digital download versions. (snx)
Game Construction Kit: RedPill 0.89 RedPill developed by Carlos Peris is a Game Construction Kit written in AmiBlitz 3.8, which can help developing games of diverse genres - see our little review of two games. Recently the boxed edition of the platform game "Putter" has been released which also has been developed with RedPill. An ADF image of the game is available as well. RedPill is compatible to AGA and ECS, the "player" requires a total of 1,5 MB RAM.
Changes of version 0.89:
Profiler menu is here to help to find out any performance problem in your games.
Profiler data can be seen after playing a game, it only takes into account what happened during the playing time.
Sounds can loop if that option is selected in the Audio menu.
OS version is displayed in settings menu.
In Settings menu you can choose if you want the profiler screen to be shown after each Play.
In Settings menu you can disable Network to test multiplayer games without the need of a network connection.
Keyboard read routines have been reworked.
Fix for the keyboard image display in Input Screen.
Fix in export triggers to text, some triggers were incorrectly exported.
Plattformer: Second playable alpha version of 'Super Delivery Boy'
A second alpha version (video) of platformer 'Super Delivery Boy' developed with the Scorpion Engine can be downloaded from the developer's website. Besides new graphics, new enemies and checkpoints were implemented. Also, the stability has been improved. (cg) (Translation: bb)
Print magazine: Amiga Future, issue 150
The German and English issue 150 (May/June 2021) of print magazine Amiga Future has been published today and can be ordered directly from the editorial staff and from Amiga retailers. The topics of the issue include an interview with Hubo Labrande (Tristam Island) and test reports on the Raspberry Pi 400 and 'Dodgy Rocks'.
The editor points out that issue 150 does not yet mark the 25th anniversary, since the very first Amiga Future issue was issue 11 - nevertheless a URL has already been set up under 150.amigafuture.de, where information about the upcoming anniversary will be published. (cg) (Translation: bb)
MorphOS: New webstore for hardware and software
Yannick Buchy has opened "an online sales site offering new and refurbished equipment to users of the MorphOS system. This site is not affiliated with the MorphOS development team." Additional to hardware he is going to sell software and currently is contacting different retailers, publisher and developers but is also grateful for suggestions. So far the quiz game Ask Me Up XXL is the first listed game.
(dr) (Translation: dr)
QEMU: Excursion of Amiga operating systems on non-native hardware
What do you do if you want to test and use a new Amiga operating systems like AmigaOS 4 or MorphOS, but you don't want to or can't buy the necessary hardware like a Sam-Board, PowerBook or a Pegasos-II? For AmigaOS 4 there are various emulators like WinUAE or FS-UAE. But for MorphOS? QEMU could help.
QEMU, version 6.0 has just been released, is an open source computer emulator and virtualizer. This means you can functionally simulate computers or provide virtual systems that replicate the functionality of a real system. QEMU is able to emulate a complete computer in software without the need of hardware virtualization. QEMU is released under the GNU General Public License, version 2 (cf. corresponding explanations on the QEMU Gitlab page).
So it is possible to emulate Amiga operating systems like AROS, AmigaOS or MorphOS on QEMU. This support is provided by QEMU developer Zoltan Balaton, who gives lots of tips and info on a dedicated website. Since it is not a commercial project with a roadmap or the like, for which donations are neither expected nor solicited, the author asks for appropriate consideration that not everything is perfect and may never be. It is a pure hobby project.
For the use and installation of AmigaOS 4.1 FE only the emulation of a Sam460 was available until now. This still has some bugs and problems like an initial wrong graphics mode, random crashes of some programs or slow graphics operations. The advantage of emulating a Sam460EX is that both AmigaOS 4 and MorphOS support it. Likewise, the emulation of most of its components was already available in QEMU or relatively easy to implement.
The disadvantage of Sam460EX is that it is slow. However, emulation speed and speed of the emulated hardware are not related. The more complex the hardware, the slower its emulation because the additional complexity has to be processed. However, there could be speed advantages if a computer with a G4 CPU is emulated, because AltiVec instructions could be used as well. Therefore the Pegasos2 emulation was considered, which is especially interesting for AmigaOS 4, because MorphOS already runs over "mac99". A separate Pegasos2 subpage was created especially for this.
As the author writes, always willingly and extensively answering our questions, the provision of the Pegasos2 emulation is planned for version 6.1. It should be noted, however, that "the emulation might be slightly better than that of the Sam460ex, but AmigaOS 4 does not provide a graphics driver for it, so that this OS cannot be booted so easily and thus (currently) is not intended for end users".
He continues, "First and foremost, more developers are needed to join the project and improve it, as I'm currently working on it alone and in my spare time, which is why it's progressing very slowly. I have created a project for it but so far the interest in it has been very low."
In the practical test, we now want to see whether MorphOS can be installed and whether it is usable. The target platform in this case is Windows 10 running on a somewhat outdated laptop.
For the installation there is no better illustrated and clearer guide than the one on Mambo's Amiga Blog, regardless of the fact that MorphOS 3.15 and QEMU 6.0 are now available. The latest versions can be used accordingly. I would refrain from installing the Chrysalis package for a new installation, because (for my purposes) a lot of unnecessary software and games will be installed. In addition, there are already new versions for a large number of programs.
The installation went without problems, but I didn't feel like switching to the Windows command prompt every time I started the program and copying the long startup command into it. My original idea to save and call this in a batch file was certainly not bad, but failed during execution. I got a very helpful tip from a programmer - thanks, Jörg!
Create a shortcut of 'qemu-system-ppc.exe' in the program directory of 'QEMU' and drag it to the desktop. Then call the properties with the right mouse button and copy the start command into it:
If you want to learn more about the options, you can read about them here. QEMU starts and you will get the following picture after about 15 to 20 seconds:
The current version of the browser Wayfarer can be installed and used without problems (without having performed deeper tests):
In my tests, it turned out that using the "sm501" device worked in the most reliable way. If I used "ati-vga" instead, "graphics losses" occurred permanently: Folders and windows were only partially displayed and were only fully visible when I hovered over them with the mouse. With both variants, I also had to deal with the problem that a window opening from an existing window/program always disappeared in the background:
Overall, I did not have any crashes during my tests. In this respect: For a first acquaintance with MorphOS a comparatively simple, inexpensive and above all space-saving possibility.
Update: (19:05, 03.05.21, dr)
The developer Zoltan Balaton has made some remarks regarding the sound support, which we like to pass on:
"Maybe it would worth mentioning that sound is not working yet for MorphOS because the sound part of neither the sm501 nor the pegasos2 are emulated yet. This is not too hard to do, would just take reading the chip docs and implement it in QEMU like done for similar devices that are already emulated (these are AC'97 compatible just with different register mappings) but I haven't had time for it. This may be a simple project for somebody who wants to help and learn about it and can already program in C and not frightened by a lot of code in QEMU but no need to understand all those, only the part about sound which is not that much.
Alternative would be to use some other sound device already emulated and AmigaOS4 does work somewhat with -device ES1370 but MorphOS has no driver for it. It may work with usb-audio but due to some problem with either USB or device emulation that does not seem to work either so best would be to emulate sm501 audio part or the via-audio on pegasos2. (I've briefly tested usb-audio on pegasos2 now which has different USB to see if it's a problem with USB or the audio device itself but on pegasos2 the USB prefs freezes while on mac99 it detects the device but cannot open it when trying to play sound. Maybe I should try with AROS on sam460ex that I can sources for so I could debug it but if eventually we can get via-audio then it's not that important.) Also when using ES1370 with AmigaOS I've found it has some dropouts which may be due to default sound parameters in QEMU is not optimal but I don't know how to tune them. If you want to find out, you can contact people who know about audio who can be found in Git history.
Of those who should know are Gerd Hoffman who is the maintainer of that part and Volker Rümelin who did the last cleanup to improve audio backends. The optimal parameters to use may depend on audio backend though (ALSA, pulseaudio or others)."
(dr) (Translation: bb)
WHDLoad: New installers until 01.05.2021
Using WHDLoad, games, scene demos and intros by cracking groups, which were originally designed to run only from floppy disks, can be installed on harddisk. The following installers have been added until 01.05.2021:
2021-05-01 improved: Carrier Command (Realtime Games/Rainbird) install script created and RawDIC used, 2 slaves version merged, interrupts fixed, quitkey supported for 68000, save games into files instead of disk image, manual, hints and strategy doc included (Info)
2021-05-01 improved: Final Countdown (Demonware/Global Software) slave uses latest kick13, manual protection removed, less chip memory needed, trainer added, new install script (Info)
2021-05-01 improved: Cool World (Ocean) first display of HighScore has been fixed (Info)
2021-05-01 improved: Black Lamp (Firebird) trainer enhanced (Info)
2021-05-01 updated: Blastar (Core Design) patch rewritten, graphics problems on fast machines fixed, option handling improved, lots of trainer options added, access faults fixed, delay for mission objective screens added, new install script (Info)
Amiga-Emulator: Amiberry 4.1.2
Amiberry is an Amiga emulator for ARM-based single-chip systems like the Raspberry Pi, the Odroid XU4 or the Tinkerboard from ASUS, which brings some newly developed features like a "WHDLoad-Booter" or support for controller configuration using RetroArch. (cg)
Preview videos: nameless platformer, Turbo Sprint, 3D shooter 'Exhumed'.
The programmer 'DomKid' has published a first video of another platformer developed with the Scorpion Engine. The release of the Super Sprint clone 'Turbo Sprint' is apparently imminent, a promotional video should whet the appetite for the title.
Besides Shadow Warrior, Szilárd 'BSzili' Biró works on another shooter based on the 'Build' engine from 'Duke Nukem 3D': Exhumed, distributed in the USA as 'PowerSlave'. According to the author, the Amiga version (video) is still in a very early stage and still has various serious bugs. (cg) (Translation: bb)
New articles on the Obligement website
In the last two months the website of the French AmigaOS and MorphOS magazine Obligement has been extended by the contributions below. Translations into other languages are always welcome, interested parties please contact David 'Daff' Brunet.
March/April 2021 news.
Old articles from Joystick 19 to 21:
Reviews of Adrenalynn, Mad TV, Pit-Fighter, The Blues Brothers, Wildwheels, Death Knights Of Krynn, The Light Brigade
Report: Computer Entertainment Show 1991
Interview with David Jones,
News: Two new future hits from Bullfrog
Interview with Claude Schwarz (PiStorm).
Interview with Dan Dodge (QNX, from 2000).
Interview with Darren Doyle (Greyfox Books).
Review of Amiga Forever 9.
Review of Dale Hardshovel And The Bloomstone Mystery.
Hardware: D520.
Hardware: Video Converter.
File: Classic Reflections - Whatever happened to ICD?
MorphOS: Web browser Wayfarer 1.16 (update)
Version 1.15 of Jacek 'jacadcaps' Piszczek's web browser Wayfarer brings multiple media playback improvements, including seeking, stream quality changes and HLS video support fixes. Furthermore it is possible now to play videos on machines not equipped with Altivec.
Required are MorphOS 3.15 and 1 GB RAM. A CPU with at least 1.5 GHz is recommended. For feedback to the author, besides the integrated crash report tool also e-mails to wayfarer at wayfarer.icu or the corresponding thread at MorphZone can be used.
Update: (15:25, 01.05.21, dr)
Meanwhile already version 1.16 is available which disables screensaver while playing video and fixes a crash when shutting down the video decode. (snx)
CDTV: Installation of CDTV OS ROMs/Extended ROMs 2.7/2.30
The website CDTV Land deals with Commodore's game console and multimedia player CDTV, which was released in 1991. In his latest >blog entry, the author goes into detail about installing and using the publicly available 2.7 and 2.30 versions of the CDTV OS ROMs/Extended ROMs, which are often used to upgrade the CDTV player.
The website CDTV Land deals catchily with Commodore's game console and multimedia player CDTV, which was released in 1991. In his latest blog entry, the author discusses how to install and use the publicly available 2.7 and 2.30 versions of the CDTV OS ROMs/Extended ROMs, which are often used to upgrade the CDTV player. The website CDTV Land deals with Commodore's game console and multimedia player CDTV, which was released in 1991. In his latest >blog entry, the author goes into detail about installing and using the publicly available 2.7 and 2.30 versions of the CDTV OS ROMs/Extended ROMs, which are often used to upgrade the CDTV player. (dr) (Translation: bb)
ComicOn 1.2 (all Amiga systems)
Developed with Hollywood, ComicOn downloads short comic strips from the publishers' websites and displays them locally. Numerous English strips such as Garfield, Calvin and Hobbes or Peanuts are supported. ComicOn is available for AmigaOS 3/4, MorphOS and AROS, it requires some additional Hollywood plugins to be installed before using the program. New features in version 1.2:
Changed GUI from RapaGUI to MUI. This adds better support for Imagebuttons with MUI3.x
Some GUI-optimisation to get a little more space for the images themselves
The scalemode is now selectable. Especially on smaller Screens the comics are better readable now
PDF magazine: REV'n'GE 121 (Italian/English)
Besides the Italian original issue, the PDF magazine REV'n'GE ("Retro Emulator Vision and Game") is also available in English. The magazine's reviews compare the different ports of classic games to the various platforms of their time. (snx)
Added support for SAM440*/460 boards (* The sam440ep-flex doesn't have PCIe ports. But the driver was successfully tested with low profile HD audio cards and the Startech PCI1PEX1 adapter.)
Added 24bit recording
Added profiles for faster driver loading (most noticeable on a Sound Blaster FX)
Added HD audio front panel support
Furthermore the sound card "Terratec AUREON 7.1 PCIe" now is listed as working (verified).
(dr) (Translation: dr)
"Yes, another ZitaFTP Server update has just been released, and it's almost a milestone. More about that later. Here's what's new:
The server settings can now be edited via the UI
Security/encryption settings also have a UI page
You can even tweak the UI's own little HTTP server
In short, the UI can now edit all of the server's setting. This would be a milestone, but one thing is missing: the buttons to renew or get a TLS certificate. I ran out of time and decided to leave it out rather than postpone this release. It'll be there next time.
To those who were waiting for the UI to be finished, now is a good time to download ZitaFTP and try it. Don't worry about the missing certificate renewal. It'll be there long before you'll need it (when your certificate expires two years from now)."
The new version can be tested for free for 30 days. The author also has published a YouTube video explaining the server settings.
(dr) (Translation: dr)
Amiga emulator for Mac OS: vAmiga 1.0 Beta 1
Dirk Hoffmann's "vAmiga" is a new Amiga emulator for MacOS computers emulating an A500, A1000 or A2000. The source code is available on Github. Changes in version 1.0 Beta 1:
Reworked the DDF code in Agnus (Lupo Alberto, #485, #487)
Fixed a bug that prevented Roms from being saved if the Rom folder wasn’t created yet (#469)
Fixed a bug that crashed the emulator when an IPL event was served right before a TXD event (#477)
Fixed a bug that crashed the emulator on exit
Restructured all config panels
The emulator has gotten a command console (debug terminal) which can be invoked by clicking the corresponding icon in the toolbar
Shoot 'em up for the vampire: preview video for 'Jake and Peppy
In a Youtube video, the graphic designer of the development team presents a shoot'em up that is being developed specifically for vampire accelerator. The release of 'Jake and Peppy' is planned for late 2021, early 2022. (cg) (Translation: bb)
A2000 motherboard in E-ATX form factor: Amiga-2000-ATX
'Amiga-2000-ATX' is a replica of the A2000 motherboard in revision 6.4, which unlike the original, uses the E-ATX form factor and thus fits into standard PC cases. Another goal during development was to replace components that are no longer available with newer alternatives wherever possible. The developer has commissioned a first prototype, so the design has not yet been finally tested. All documentation needed for production is available on Github under a free license. (cg) (Translation: bb)
FPGA accelerator card: Raptor 1200
In a video interview, Gunnar von Böhn of Apollo team announces a feature-reduced variant of the FPGA accelerator card Vampire. If everything would proceed well, he expects the first cards already next month. The new card, too, would be produced by Igor Majstorovic and be distributed exclusively via the Apollo shop.
The Raptor 1200 card aims at those customers interested in the CPU implementation only, i.e. the 68080 Apollo core, while wanting to keep using the AGA chipset. Thus the new card is just a pure accelerator card with 100 MIPS and 128 MB RAM, but without RTG and HDMI, IDE or SD card support. While thus being cheaper than a Vampire card, the main cost factor, a big FPGA chip, would remain, though. (snx)
Inspired by Apitrace, but completely written from scratch and specifically for AmigaOS 4, the tool records "the call count and duration of known OpenGL ES 2.0 and Warp3D Nova functions". It can be used as command line tool or via GUI and provides the folowing features:
Support ogles2.library version 3.1 and Warp3DNova.library 1.83
WHDLoad: New installers until 24.04.2021
Using WHDLoad, games, scene demos and intros by cracking groups, which were originally designed to run only from floppy disks, can be installed on harddisk. The following installers have been added until 24.04.2021:
2021-04-24 improved: Space Quest Enhanced (Sierra) made saving 68000 compatible, MT32 support added (Info)
2021-04-24 new: Peter Pan (Coktel) done by CFOU! (Info)
Tech demo: 'Street Fighter 2' implementation with the Scorpion Engine
Street Fighter 2' is an attempt to convert the well-known beat'm up to the Amiga with the help of the Scorpion Engine. A playable demo is offered for download - but there have no intention to finish the title. (cg) (Translation: bb)
New Preview-Videos: Beat'em Up 'Metro Siege', Run'n Gun 'DaemonClaw' Metro Siege is a side-scrolling beat'em up for up to two players that requires 512 KB of chip and Fast RAM each. DaemonClaw: Origins of Nnar is supposed to be a side-scrolling run and gun. Development was originally started on the Amiga, but is currently being developed on modern platforms using the "Construct 2" construction kit. The finished game will then be backported to the Amiga. The developer team responsible for both titles, BitBeamCannon, gives an insight into the current state of both projects in a new preview video. (cg) (Translation: bb)
Amiga poster and disk label to print
Vasilis Psomiadis provides numerous high-resolution posters on his website for downloading and printing. Some are plagiarisms of actually existing Commodore advertising posters, while others are freely invented motifs that advertise various Amiga models. Posters with motifs from Amiga games or various disk labels are also offered. (cg) (Translation: bb)
Programming language: AMOS Professional Unity Alpha 2, SpecialFX-Plugin
'AMOS Professional Unity' is Frédéric 'AmiDARK' Cordier's second attempt to improve the classic BASIC compiler AMOS Professional and retrofit AGA support. The second alpha release includes the following new features:
AGA Sprites with 16,32 and 64 pixels width
AGA Sprites combination (like original Amos Professional but with AGA capabilities)
Sprite color palette selection
New system ScreenFX to create Stunning visual effects in Amos Professional Unity screens
Cordier also provides SpecialFX, the first version of a library that implements visual effects and already takes advantage of AMOS Unit's new AGA-compatible features. (cg) (Translation: bb)
Search engine and proxy: FrogFind! makes the web more IBrowse-compatible
The programmer of 'FrogFind!' regularly plays around with his old 68k-based Macs, which don't have up-to-date browsers or the hardware power needed for the modern web. To mitigate this problem, he has developed a portal that displays search results (from DuckDuckGo) and generates a highly simplified version of the desired page when a search result is clicked.
To achieve this, FrogFind! uses a PHP port of Firefox's "reading mode," which automatically removes elements such as menus, headers or footers and displays only the actual content of a web page. FrogFind! then simplifies the result of this operation again and delivers a page in HTML2 standard, where originally embedded graphics are now linked at the end of the document. (cg) (Translation: bb)
AmigaOS 4: New game ports: Worlds, Eldritch, Gorynlich, new GL4ES SDK
Roman 'kas1e' Kargin has ported more games to AmigaOS 4 using the OpenGL wrapper GL4ES. New are the 3D shooter 'Worlds' (video), the rogue-like 'Eldritch' (video) and the hack'n slash 'Gorynlich' (video). A new version of the GL4ES SDK was also released and Kargin's older ports 'Fricking Shark', 'Night of the Zombies' and 'SuperTuxKart' were updated.
The mentioned titles all require the latest version of Warp 3D Nova, OpenGL ES and GL4ES, which are part of the commercial Enhancer 2 package. A detailed announcement with more information and screenshots can be found at amigaworld.net. (cg) (Translation: bb)
disabled media playback support for all CPUs except G4 and G5
Requires MorphOS 3.14 and 1 GB RAM. A processor with at least 1.5 GHz is recommended. For feedback to the author, e-mails to wayfarer at wayfarer.icu or the corresponding MorphZone discussion on the topic can be used in addition to the integrated crash detector. (dr) (Translation: bb)
Print magazine: Amiga Future, issue 150 - preview and excerpts
Preview and excerpts of Amiga Future issue 150 (May/June 2021) have been published online now at the title link. Its content includes an interview with Alinea, an ApolloOS review and a workshop for mySync.
Amiga Future magazine is available as an English and a German printed magazine and can be bought directly from the magazine's editorial office as well as several Amiga dealers. (snx)
Music: Psyria plans new album. Survey for song remake
Dennis 'Psyria' Lohr writes: After "The Last Obligation [EP] (2005)" and the following longplayer "The 2nd Chapter (2007)", fans had to be patient for another 11 long years, until 2018 - With the longplayer "Moving On" the long awaited follow-up finally succeeded. Regarding the fourth album, things should proceed a little faster this time ;-).
According to current plans, both new and old tracks are included as each reloaded version. Now you have the choice! Which tracks of Psyria's previous music albums would you like to have as a reloaded version? Cast your vote now! Voting ends on 05/19/2021." (cg) (Translation: bb)
Preview-Videos: Super Metal Hero, Eulen-Spiel
Ein weiteres Preview-Video des mit BlitzBasic entwickelten Jump'n Run 'Super Metal Hero' zeigt neue Level und weitere Gegner. Zielplattform für diesen Titel ist ein nackter A1200. Auch vom bisher noch namenlosen, mit der Scorpion Engine entwickelten Jump'n Run mit einer Eulen als Helden gibt es neue Bewegtbilder. (cg) (Translation: bb)
Game Construction Kit: RedPill 0.88
RedPill developed by Carlos Peris is a Game Construction Kit written in AmiBlitz 3.8, which can help developing games of diverse genres - see our little review of two games. Recently a preview video of the forthcoming game "Putter" has been released being also developed with RedPill. RedPill is compatible to AGA and ECS, the "player" requires a total of 1,5 MB RAM.
Changes of version 0.88:
In Objects screen it is possible to quick jump to objects thanks to the new object bar.
Camera code has been reworked.
Camera set pos trigger has been reworked.
Export now prompts user if files to run the game from floppy must be included.
Edit Image creates a new IFF file if the Image field in empty in Tiles and Sprites.
Input menu now shows a keyboard image with the rawkey values to use.
AmigaOS 4: Status update for new audio editor 'Rave'
In his blog Rear Window, the developer Daniel 'trixie' Jedlicka has summarized the latest level of development of his audio editor "Rave".
(dr) (Translation: dr)
WHDLoad: New installers until 17.04.2021
Using WHDLoad, games, scene demos and intros by cracking groups, which were originally designed to run only from floppy disks, can be installed on harddisk. The following installers have been added until 17.04.2021:
2021-04-17 improved: Globdule (Psygnosis) level skip trainer added, rolled back complete skip of protection screen (Info)
2021-04-17 improved: Weird Dreams (Rainbird) crash on 68000 fixed, trainer added, QuitKey support for 68000 added, manual & solution added, new install script (Info)
2021-04-17 improved: Myth (System 3) uses only 512k chipmem and code relocated in fastmem, full joypad controls, changed delay loop to avoid lockup on game over (Info)
2021-04-17 improved: Jumping Jack Son (Infogrames) kickemu used instead of OSEmu, trainers added, QuitKey support added for 68000, manual and hints included, new install script (Info, Image)
2021-04-17 improved: Grand Monster Slam (Rainbow Arts) readme file fixed, old Slave file removed from install package (Info)
2021-04-17 new: Fire! (New deal Productions) done by CFOU! (Info)
2021-04-17 updated: Fallen Angel (Emerald Software Ltd) version check added, readme file updated, new install script (Info)
2021-04-17 improved: Black Lamp (Firebird) RawDIC imager updated, red border screen color replaced by black, trainer added, QuitKey support for 68000, new install script (Info)
2021-04-16 improved: Grand Monster Slam (Rainbow Arts) new imager, supports another version, 68000 quitkey, manual and icon added (Info)
2021-04-14 improved: Tennis Cup 2 (Loriciel) uses less memory, stack relocated, new install script (Info)
2021-04-14 new: Minos (Turtle Byte) done by CFOU! (Info)
2021-04-14 new: Dal'X (Mediagogo) done by CFOU! (Info)
2021-04-14 new: Charon 5 (Mindware) done by CFOU! (Info)
2021-04-14 improved: The Moochies (Breadline) patch adapted to work with 512k chip memory, 68000 quitkey support, byte write to volume register fixed, Bplcon0 color bit fix (Info)
2021-04-14 improved: The Munsters (Tiger Developments/Teque) WHDLoad v17+ features used, 68000 quitkey support (Info)
2021-04-13 improved: The Munsters (Tiger Developments/Teque) chip memory requirements reduced to 512k, out of bounds blit fixed (Info)
2021-04-13 updated: APB (Tengen) patch reworked, all supported versions use real files (game has to be reinstalled), 68000 quitkey support, much simpler Atari ST palette brightness fix, source code included, new install script (Info)
2021-04-12 improved: Pinball Dreams (Digital Illusions) uses less chip memory (512K instead of 1MB) (Info)
2021-04-12 improved: Mystical (Infogrames) uses less chip memory, stack relocated in fast memory, some accesses fault fixed, trainers aded, new install script (Info)
2021-04-12 improved: Battle Ships (Elite) another version supported (Info)
2021-04-11 improved: Blazing Thunder (Hi-Tec Software) patch for main game corrected, title music is now replayed, lowpass filter access in slave removed, replayer code for title tune fixed (Info)
MorphOS: Web browser Wayfarer 1.12
In version 1.12, Jacek 'jacadcaps' Piszczek's web browser Wayfarer supports YouTube for the first time. For now, there are some limitations, though. Sometimes it helps to change the "allow media playback" setting or to spoof as an iPad for example.
Wayfarer requires MorphOS 3.14 and 1 GB of RAM. A CPU with at least 1,5 GHz is recommended. For feedback to the author, besides the integrated crash report also e-mails to wayfarer at wayfarer.icu or the corresponding thread at MorphZone can be used. (snx)
Fourth preview video: Puzzler 'Follix' for AGA computers
Simone 'saimo' Bevilacqua is working on another puzzle game for AGA computer, this time called 'Follix'. The name of the game is inspired by Atomix. His version will offer 24-Bit graphics effects and 8-Bit transparency. The fourth preview video shows which changes the author have added, e.g. added HUD, added saving of the number of the last level played, reworked startup code and reduced disk space occupation.
(dr) (Translation: dr)
Version 0.5 offers so-called "assumptions" - it is now possible to separate identical search terms. For example, a search for "Berlin" will distinguish between the cities with this name, the band name and the first name or family name.
Update: (20:05, 17.04.21, dr)
Marcus Sackrow has released version 0.6 which fixes a little bug, especially on AROS, that images prevent from loading properly. (cg) (Translation: bb)
Video: World of Commodore 1992 Demo-Competition, Frankfurt
Shortly before the "World of Commodore 1992" in Frankfurt, the German branch of Commodore had called for a demo contest. The four best entries received prizes like various Amiga computers, the main prize was actually a new car. The jury of the competition consisted of Jeff Porter, Dave Haynie (both from Commodore's hardware development department), the graphic designer James D. Sachs ( Defender of the Crown, CDTV among others) and Rainer Benda from Commodore Germany.
A video on Youtube shows the award ceremony and a demonstration of the two best placed demos World of Commodore (video) by Sanity and the winning demo Wicked Sensation (video) by TRSI.
(cg) (Translation: bb)
