13.Jun.2024
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Worth a read: 42 years of programming - The Amiga
Matthias Wiesmann is a Swiss computer scientist who took part in a programming camp 42 years ago, where he learned to program for the TRS-80. As he writes in his blog, programming languages have changed a lot over time, and the computer world used to be much more diverse back then:
"These days, a lot of concepts in computer science settled on one solution: there is one network stack, one type of filesystem, one low-level programming language, etc. It certainly makes things simpler, but this kind of consensus is also a big risk. What I will do is go over the various devices I interacted and explain how they were weird compared with today’s mental model."
In a previous article in English, Wiesmann took a look at the Commodore 64. Now he has turned his attention to the Amiga under the title link and describes the special features of the system from a personal perspective: chipset, planar graphics, weird graphics modes such as HAM8, interlaced graphics and sound modules. (nba)
[News message: 13. Jun. 2024, 13:39] [Comments: 0]
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13.Jun.2024
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Floppy disk images: Disc Image Manager V1.47 for Linux, macOS and Windows
Gerald J Holdsworth's Disc Image Manager is an application used to load a retro disc image, read the catalogue and output any required files. In addition, it will also add files to the image, delete, and rename files and directories. On the Amiga side, reading and writing of AmigaDOS disks and hard disks with OFS and FFS formatting are supported (not fully tested with FFS). Support for directory cache and international characters is still missing (amiga-news.de reported). Version 1.47 provides several new features and bug fixes.
The author also provides a detailed PDF manual. (dr)
[News message: 13. Jun. 2024, 08:43] [Comments: 0]
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12.Jun.2024
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Book: AmigaOS 3.2 Reference Manual - Limited print run, pre-orders being taken
Press release: Following the successful release of the German edition, Look Behind You is delighted to announce the English version of "AmigaOS 3.2 Reference Manual". This comprehensive guide is essential for anyone using the AmigaOS in its latest and greatest version 3.2 (up to and including 3.2.2.1).
In this upcoming reference book, which will span around 450 pages, readers will not only find a clear explanation of the basics and advanced functions of AmigaOS 3.2, but also valuable insights into the Amiga system, from A to Z. Whether readers are experienced Amiga users or are just getting started (or even restart), this book will accompany them at various levels of knowledge.
Step by step, the editorial team guides the reader through the installation on classic Amigas, on emulated Amigas and even on the THEA500 Mini, demonstrates the setup of the Kickstart ROMs in 68k Amigas and explains the basics of the operating system, its operation and structure. It is shown how the system is optimised with the various prefs (presets) and how the tools, utilities and commodities are used efficiently.
A large chapter is dedicated to the Shell, the command line interface of the AmigaOS - all commands, including new ones, are explained and the use of the Shell is illustrated with many practical examples. In addition to shortcuts and start scripts, advanced users will also discover a comprehensive guide to ARexx and script control of the Workbench, MultiView and TextEdit.
Furthermore, there is a lot of content beyond AmigaOS 3.2: data exchange between PC and Amiga, internet access, as well as many recommendations for new hardware and software to make the Amiga ready for the future.
The authors are experienced Amiga enthusiasts from the very beginning: IT journalist Martin Steigerwald (among others, Amiga Magazin, AMIGAplus), graduate engineer Simon Neumann (owner of Alinea Computer) and digital expert Nico Barbat (among others, editor-in-chief of AMIGAplus). During the work on the book, they were supported by the development team of AmigaOS 3.2, including the beta test team for quality control.
Please note that the print run of "AmigaOS 3.2 Reference Manual" will be strictly limited. The expected launch date is 26th August 2024.
Early bird customers who purchase their book until 21st July 2024 will benefit from our special offer: the combined price of the book plus digital edition (PDF) is 35 ¤, saving 10 ¤.
Editions
Hardback (full colour, 450 pages):
¤ 35,00 / £ 30,00 / $ 37,80
ISBN 978-3-9826022-6-4
Digital Edition (PDF):
¤ 17,50 / £ 14,90 / $ 18,90
ISBN 978-3-9826022-7-1
Hardback + Digital Edition:
¤ 45,00 / £ 38,90 / $ 48,90
Early Bird (until 21st July 2024): 35,00 ¤ (snx)
[News message: 12. Jun. 2024, 11:50] [Comments: 1 - 12. Jun. 2024, 16:06]
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12.Jun.2024
Sven Scheele (ANF)
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Event: Interface XXXVIII in Kiel, Germany, on 22.06.2024
Sven Scheele writes: On Saturday, June 22, 2024, the second "Interface" in 2024 will take place in Schwentinental near Kiel, Germany. This will be the 38th edition of the retro computer get-together. As always, the organizers are the Vintage Computer Club (VCC), the Amiga Club Schleswig-Holstein (ACSH) and the Computer Club Klausdorf (CCK).
Registration by e-mail to interface@jugendhaus-klausdorf.de is recommended. Without registration there is no guarantee of a free place.
There are again two large rooms available. The café on the first floor (as a "workshop" for hardware projects, repairs, etc.) and the top floor offer enough space to talk and play on the computers and consoles you have brought with you. Participants must bring their own power strips and network cables.
The official start is at 2 p.m., the organization team will begin setting up the tables etc. at around 12 noon. The venue is the Jugendhaus Klausdorf, Dorfstraße 101 in Klausdorf, which is part of 24222 Schwentinental. (snx)
[News message: 12. Jun. 2024, 11:49] [Comments: 0]
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12.Jun.2024
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Developer log: Weapons for the strategy game "Ecliptic"
At the beginning of April, a new demo version of the strategy game "Ecliptic", which is currently under development, was released (amiga-news.de reported). In another detailed developer diary, the author now writes about some of the weapons that can be used to send these monsters to the afterlife (flamethrower video, grenade video) (dr)
[News message: 12. Jun. 2024, 06:25] [Comments: 0]
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11.Jun.2024
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Video game history: Amiga Germany trading cards
The team behind Amiga Germany, which founded and manages the Facebook group of the same name and publishes the associated magazine, has presented a new project that should be of interest to collectors who are interested in the history of video games: the "Amiga Germany Collector's Cards" are high-quality, double-sided cards that celebrate the long history of Amiga games.
Each of the four sets currently available contains five of those high-quality cards with box artworks of popular games and logos of legendary developer studios on the front. On the back of each card, you will find additional information about the motifs, such as the year of publication and the name of the artist (for game artwork) or the year of foundation and the games published (for developer logos), as well as a star rating and the number of the issue of Amiga Germany Fanzine in which the corresponding game was discussed.
The following four sets of five cards are available initially:
- Set 1: Apidya Box Artwork, Dune Box Artwork, Kaiko Entwickler Logo, Midnight Resistance Box Artwork, Nathan Never Box Artwork
- Set 2: Monkey Island 2 Box Artwork, Psygnosis Entwickler Logo, Starglider 2 Box Artwork, Apprentice Box Artwork, Black Crypt Box Artwork
- Set 3: Turrican Box Artwork, Thalion Entwickler Logo, Lethal Xcess Box Artwork, Simon the Sorcerer Box Artwork, Defender of the Crown Box Artwork
- Set 4: Toki Box Artwork, Golden Axe Box Artwork, Turrican 2 Box Artwork, Lionheart Box Artwork, Factor 5 Entwickler Logo
Further sets are in the pipeline. Each set costs ¤2.50, while the starter pack containing all four sets is available for ¤9.50. For ¤26.50, there is a "Deluxe Supporter Pack" that contains all initial four sets and a matching collector's album. (nba)
[News message: 11. Jun. 2024, 20:43] [Comments: 0]
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11.Jun.2024
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Using image files and discs in PC drives: DiskFlashback V1.0.1.0
Developer Rob Smith has written DiskFlashback, a convenient software for Windows 10/11 (64-bit) that enables PC floppy drives to read and write image files such as ADFs (Amiga Disk Files) during operation. It also allows you to process real discs in Amiga or Atari format, with the appropriate hardware extensions. To use it, you need the FloppyBridge plugin, which in turn requires additional hardware (amiga-news.de reported). Now he has released version 1.0.1.0 of the software. Changes:
- Fixed disabling "auto-detect com port" being ignored
- Better support for hard disk image files larger than 4G (some partitions got ignored before)
- Upgraded to use the new ADFLib v0.9
- Changed error handling when reading from disks to include the Always Ignore option
- Added Amiga PFS3 file system support (this was a real PITA!)
Editorial update, 12 June 2024 (nba): Our original news article stated that no special hardware is required to process physical Amiga disks. That is not accurate. The FloppyBridge plug-in is required, which in turn requires DrawBridge, Greaseweazle or Supercard Pro hardware. The article has been updated accordingly. (dr)
[News message: 11. Jun. 2024, 06:18] [Comments: 0]
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10.Jun.2024
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Background: The Amiga 8 sprite myth
In a recent article Edwin van den Oosterkamp corrects the misconception, which in his opinion is still widespread today, that a programmer has to resort to tricks on the Amiga in order to be able to display more than 8 sprites on the screen. (dr)
[News message: 10. Jun. 2024, 10:26] [Comments: 0]
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09.Jun.2024
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Action-Adventure: 2nd June update of "Castlevania AGA"
Dante Mendes has released another June update (amiga-news.de reported) for his conversion of Konami's NES action adventure Castlevania, originally called "Akumajou Dracula", which fixes some problems:
- a problem with screen transitions after a continue in world 3
- the "hang on screen bottom edge instead of falling" glitch that happened sometimes
- a problem with Dracula going offscreen at the final battle
As the author writes, the feedback so far has been very positive. However, Castlevania is still a little too easy. He will continue to work on it. (dr)
[News message: 09. Jun. 2024, 09:51] [Comments: 0]
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09.Jun.2024
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Survival game: Zombie Survivor V1.00
Sami Vehmaa's current project is a game called "Zombie Survival" for Amigas with a graphics card, in which you have to fight off an endless army of the undead (YouTube video). After several beta versions (amiga-news.de reported), he has now released version 1.00 with the following changes:
- Settings menu open
- Death weapon done, kills everyone
- Added flame throw weapon
- Added speed kick lightning pickup
- Some more speech
- Added difficulty adds per day
- Enemys stops at things like stones
- Added simple menu effect just to look cooler
- Dumped mouse support from menu
- For Menu, Settings, Upgrade menu, use arrow keys or joystick
- Pixel motion bug fixes + some other bugs
- Readme updated
(dr)
[News message: 09. Jun. 2024, 09:42] [Comments: 0]
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09.Jun.2024
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Aminet uploads until 08.06.2024
The following files have been added until 08.06.2024 to Aminet:
amigassh.lha comm/net 99K 68k SSH2 for the Amiga
convolver.lha dev/amos 114K 16bit mono convolver
HollywoodSP.lha dev/hwood 928K Hollywood 10.0 spanish catalo...
HWP_hTeX.lha dev/hwood 13M 68k Use LaTeX from Hollywood
A1XE-Diagram_gif.gif docs/hard 90K A1 XE motherboard layout/jump...
A1XE-Diagram_pdf.pdf docs/hard 35K A1 XE motherboard layout/jump...
Rompuller.pdf docs/hard 195K How replace ROM on early Amig...
P96Prefs.lha driver/vid 88K 68k P96 Preferences Editor
Voodoo.lha driver/vid 14K 68k Voodoo P96 driver
GiocoDel15aros.zip game/board 343K x86 classic puzzle game from 50 y...
GITressetteAros.zip game/board 503K x86 Tressette a Perdere card game
LoViewMOS.lha gfx/show 5.5M MOS LoView - the Easy Viewer and ...
AmiArcadia.lha misc/emu 7.6M 68k Signetics-based machines emul...
AmiArcadiaMOS.lha misc/emu 8.0M MOS Signetics-based machines emul...
AmiArcadia-OS4.lha misc/emu 8.2M OS4 Signetics-based machines emul...
AmiVms.lha misc/emu 3.8M 68k Simulates OpenVMS commands
A1_Debian_Install.pdf misc/os 52K Debian 3.0 install guide for ...
A1_Debian_Install_de.pdf misc/os 57K Debian install guide for A1 S...
debian-install.iso.bz2 misc/os 10M Debian 3.0 boot CD for AmigaO...
LN3Outro24.lha mods/misc 972K 16bit 4ch LN3 Outro 24 by HKv...
sidid.lha mus/misc 58K 68k HVSC playroutine identity sca...
a1222_abstract.lha pix/back 12M Abstract backdrop for AmigaOn...
AmiSSL-5.16-OS3.lha util/libs 3.7M 68k OpenSSL as an Amiga shared li...
AmiSSL-5.16-OS4.lha util/libs 3.4M OS4 OpenSSL as an Amiga shared li...
AmiSSL-5.16-SDK.lha util/libs 2.3M AOS OpenSSL as an Amiga shared li...
AnalogClock.lha util/time 40K 68k Resizeable analog transparent...
(snx)
[News message: 09. Jun. 2024, 07:59] [Comments: 0]
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09.Jun.2024
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OS4Depot uploads until 08.06.2024
The following files have been added until 08.06.2024 to OS4Depot:
amissl-sdk.lha dev/mis 2Mb 4.0 SDK for AmiSSL
gluae.lha emu/uti 15kb 4.0 Integrates UAE into AmigaOS
hwp_htex.lha lib/hol 13Mb 4.0 Hollywood plugin for LaTeX
amissl.lha lib/mis 3Mb 4.0 OpenSSL as an Amiga shared library
iconecta.lha net/mis 2Mb 4.0 A little and easy program to tes...
(snx)
[News message: 09. Jun. 2024, 07:59] [Comments: 0]
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09.Jun.2024
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AROS Archives uploads until 08.06.2024
The following files have been added until 08.06.2024 to AROS Archives:
i386-aros-python2.5.2.zip dev/lan 16Mb Python-2.5.2.i386
hollywoodsp.lha dev/mis 928kb Spanish catalog for hollywood 10
giocodel15.i386-aros.zip gam/car 343kb classic puzzle game from 50 year...
gitressette.i386-aros.zip gam/car 503kb popular Italian game
iconecta.lha net/mis 2Mb A little and easy program to tes...
(snx)
[News message: 09. Jun. 2024, 07:59] [Comments: 0]
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09.Jun.2024
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MorphOS-Storage uploads until 08.06.2024
The following files have been added until 08.06.2024 to MorphOS-Storage:
hTeX_1.0.lha Dependencies/Hollywood A plugin for Hollywood ...
AmiArcadia_32.52.lha Emulation A Signetics-based machi...
Wayfarer_8.7.lha MorphOS-update Wayfarer is the latest ...
Easy2Install_1.0b53.lha Network/PackageManager A package manager to do...
iConecta_5.25.lha Network/Wifi A little and easy progr...
(snx)
[News message: 09. Jun. 2024, 07:58] [Comments: 0]
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09.Jun.2024
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WHDLoad: New installers until 08.06.2024
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 08.06.2024:
- 2024-06-04 improved: Manic Miner (Software Projects) replaced GUI with WHDLoad options, updated installer script and icons, added button waits and speed fixes (Info)
- 2024-06-04 improved: Jet Set Willy II (Software Projects) replaced GUI with WHDLoad options, updated installer script and icons, added button waits and speed fixes (Info)
- 2024-06-03 fixed: Universe (Core Design) blitter wait routine sometimes called with wrong address, fixed now (Info)
- 2024-06-03 fixed: Inviyya (Tigerskunk) better level 3 interrupt handler, last hiscore entry was cleared (CD32) (Info, Image)
(snx)
[News message: 09. Jun. 2024, 07:58] [Comments: 0]
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09.Jun.2024
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AmigaRemix: Further file added
AmigaRemix collects remixes of well-known soundtracks of Amiga games. Since our last news-item, the following mp3 file has been added:
- Flashback from the Future
(snx)
[News message: 09. Jun. 2024, 07:58] [Comments: 0]
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09.Jun.2024
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Game: Ami-H.E.R.O. 1.1
"Ami-H.E.R.O.", inspired by the Atari 2600 game H.E.R.O., (amiga-news.de reported) is now available in version 1.1. New features include updated graphics and a pause function. (snx)
[News message: 09. Jun. 2024, 07:58] [Comments: 0]
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08.Jun.2024
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Preview video: Game "Loony Ledges" V0.3C
Besides some other projects like "Deathmine" or "Pumpman", 'PixelPlop' is about to port a game he wrote a while ago on the PC but never published to the Amiga (amiga-news.de reported). The second preview video shows the following changes:
- Rewrote/redesigned the frontend menus so they can all be operated by joystick aswell as keyboard.
- Added a checkpoint password system instead of a save file.
- Wrote a new blitter routine that can clip a sprite to any arbitary rectangle. (Needed by the later levels.)
- Fixed a ton of bugs and got everything fitting in memory.
- Optimized the screen dissolve effect.
(dr)
[News message: 08. Jun. 2024, 20:53] [Comments: 0]
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07.Jun.2024
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Java tool: ham_convert 1.10.1
Sebastian Sieczko's Java-based tool ham_convert converts modern graphic formats into the Amiga's HAM format and is now available in version 1.10.1. New in this version:
- Temporal dithering (fake rgb666 in ham6 animations, dither_temporal command line parameter) updated with flipped pattern on odd fields (similar to dither_masked).
- ICtCp set as default HAM color distance mode.
- write_pal cli parameter can be used to enable saving the calculated palette to a separate JASC pal file.
Download: ham_convert 1.10.1 (7 MB) (dr)
[News message: 07. Jun. 2024, 22:54] [Comments: 0]
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07.Jun.2024
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Encryption protocol: AmiSSL 5.16 (AmigaOS 3/4)
Version 5.16 of the open source encryption protocol AmiSSL has been released, which is now based on the latest version OpenSSL 3.3.1. Detailed changes:
- Updated OpenSSL backend to full compatibility with the latest OpenSSL 3.3.1 (4.6.2024) version which includes these low severity bug fixes and mitigations:
- Fixed potential use after free after SSL_free_buffers() is called.
- Fixed an issue where checking excessively long DSA keys or parameters may be very slow.
Downloads:
AmigaOS 3: AmiSSL-5.16-OS3.lha (3,7 MB)
AmigaOS 4: AmiSSL-5.16-OS4.lha (3,4 MB)
SDK: AmiSSL-5.16-SDK.lha (2,3 MB) (dr)
[News message: 07. Jun. 2024, 20:32] [Comments: 2 - 08. Jun. 2024, 15:13]
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07.Jun.2024
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Blog: Stupid Slow: The Perceived Speed of Computers
Swedish technology nerd and software developer Carl Svensson has published a new article on his website datagubbe.se, entitled ‘Stupid Slow: The Perceived Speed of Computers’. This article deals with the subjective perception of computer speed and examines how various factors influence this perception, with a particular focus on the Amiga. The article covers historical and technical aspects and offers interesting insights for technology fans – interesting stuff for anyone who wants to learn more about the perceived performance of their machines. (nba)
[News message: 07. Jun. 2024, 11:55] [Comments: 0]
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07.Jun.2024
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Platformer: Release of "Tony Montezuma's Gold"
Monochrome Productions has published the Amiga game ‘Tony Montezuma's Gold’ (amiga-news.de reported). This new platform game lets players take on the role of Polish explorer and film-maker Tony Halik (1921-1998), whose adventures spanned continents and decades. Players will experience a journey through ancient temples and dangerous jungles in search of the legendary gold of Montezuma.
The game, created by graphic artist Rafał Dudek, who also contributed the game concept, and programmer Paweł ‘TUKINEM’ Tukatsch, features unusual monochrome graphics in 8-bit style and appealing gameplay. The music was composed by Marcin ‘EIGHTBM’ Białobrzewski.
The download version can be purchased for $9.99 under the title link. A physical version with a fancy box and two floppy disks can be pre-ordered for 23.11 euros. (nba)
[News message: 07. Jun. 2024, 11:41] [Comments: 0]
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07.Jun.2024
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Blog Epsilon's World: 1080p videos on the A1222 Plus
As usual, this time Epsilon shows in detail and with numerous pictures how it installs an RX550 graphics card in its A1222 Plus in order to be able to play videos with a 1080p resolution. (dr)
[News message: 07. Jun. 2024, 06:09] [Comments: 0]
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07.Jun.2024
MorphZone (Forum)
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MorphOS: Web browser Wayfarer 8.7
Jacek 'jacadcaps' Piszczek has released version 8.7 of his web browser Wayfarer for MorphOS. Changes:
- Rebased to WebKitGTK 2.44.2
- Implemented a targeted ReCaptcha workaround to improve its reliability on slower hardware
- Updated to latest cURL
- Fixed the busyloops on cURL thread
- Implemented various performance optimizations in cURL
- Added a workaround for cURL regression that broke video playback and/or seeking
- Fixed PayPal login page redraw issues
- Updated Safari user-agents
- Fixed editing of custom user-agents
(dr)
[News message: 07. Jun. 2024, 06:03] [Comments: 0]
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