03.Jan.2024
Mastodon
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Recovered: Early music programs "Computer Composer" and "Magic Harp"
Josh Renaud's blog about BBS history, retro computing and technology reminiscences also manages a curated collection of software believed to be lost by Israeli cartoonist Yaakov Kirschen. The collection comprises ten games, demos and experiments on artificial personality and artificial creativity, which also includes the two music programs "Computer Composer" (1986) and "Magic Harp" (1986/87) for the Amiga.
Perhaps Kirschen's most ambitious idea was to make software that could generate music autonomously using "artificial creativity". Early versions of the project, called "Magic Harp", were developed for the Amiga 1000, using digital sound samples. The Amiga software was never published commercially, but was profiled in several large newspapers in 1988 under the name "JFY Box" or "Jiffy Box" after it was used to score a BBC TV documentary.
"Computer Composer" (demo version) is a colorful early demo of Kirschen's process to generate new music by recombining patterns extracted from existing music. Unlike the later "Magic Harp", which featured large (silent) animated "artificial personalities", this demo uses speech synthesis to announce when it is "writing an original composition". It was probably intended to be shown by Kirschen at technology and music trade shows in summer 1986. This software was created on an Amiga 1000.
This demo allows the user to create or play music in four styles: "Maharishi Madness", "Saxman Rock", "Peruvian Indian" and "Bugle Boy Blues".
In "Magic Harp" Kirschen arranged the production of two themed music discs ("Pop" and "Baroque") with Irving Gould, which were to be included with the Amiga 1000. Only a beta version of the Baroque version has survived.
(dr)
[News message: 03. Jan. 2024, 11:10] [Comments: 0]
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03.Jan.2024
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Mailbox: AmiExpress 5.6.0
AmiExpress is a rewrite by Darren Coles of the original Joe Hodge/LightSpeed Technologies mailbox program in Amiga E. It is open source and includes most of the features of the previous version as well as new features and bug fixes. Version 5.6.0 offers improved password encryption, a complete setup editor and installer.
(dr)
[News message: 03. Jan. 2024, 07:53] [Comments: 0]
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03.Jan.2024
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Individual Computers: Buddha Plus One can be preordered
Press release: The new Buddha Plus One IDE controller adds new features to a 27-year old design that has been extremely successful over the decades. We're proud to say that even after 38 years of Amiga history, we've introduced novel design ideas how to make installation easier, less error-prone and much friendlier in terms of preservation of the original cases. Read all about the new features and ideas on the Buddha Plus One product page.
Shipments will start in late January 2024. If you order a Buddha Plus One and an X-Surf-100 networking card during the pre-order phase, we'll give you 15,- EUR off the total(*). Unfortunately, this shop system can't do that automatically or with a voucher code. If you pay with a wire transfer, just deduct 15,- EUR from the total quoted by the shop, and if you pay with PayPal, we'll make a 15,- EUR refund on the next business day.
(dr)
[News message: 03. Jan. 2024, 07:39] [Comments: 0]
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03.Jan.2024
Amigans
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Demo: THE CURE v1.5 for AGA-Amigas
Some time ago, Simone 'saimo' Bevilacqua released a demo called 'THE CURE' (YouTube video) which placed first at the 'Solskogen' demo party 2020 in the category Oldskool (amiga-news.de reported).
This demo he keeps on developing and meanwhile has released version 1.5:
- Improved CPU data cache handling on 68040 and 68060.
- Ensured the system MMU setup does not affect performance.
- Ensured the 68060 susperscalar dispatch is enabled.
- Made some small optimizations.
- Made startup and cleanup code more robust.
Additional to an AGA Amiga the demo requires a 68030 processor with 50 MHz and about 15 MB FAST-RAM.
(dr)
[News message: 03. Jan. 2024, 07:25] [Comments: 0]
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02.Jan.2024
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Puzzle game: Spheroid
In April 2022, we introduced the puzzle game, which was still in development at the time, in detail, and now Andrew Vaisey has published "Spheroid" (YouTube video).
He had already started writing Spheroid in AMOS in the mid-90s. When he restored all the data from his old HD some time ago, the AMOS version no longer ran. However, he liked the idea of the game and so he rewrote it from scratch in Blitz Basic 2. It offers 50 levels and requires at least 1MB of RAM.
(dr)
[News message: 02. Jan. 2024, 12:22] [Comments: 0]
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02.Jan.2024
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Text adventure: Adventure 1
grindercowboy' has published a text adventure created with the ADMS (Amiga Dungeon Mastering System) in which you have to return a stolen painting as a private detective. The author describes the game as a proof of concept that can be solved in 20 to 30 minutes with the appropriate experience.
(dr)
[News message: 02. Jan. 2024, 12:01] [Comments: 0]
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02.Jan.2024
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Platform game: Dogi (demo version)
After NinjFeratu, the next project from Amiten Games is another platform game: in Dogi (YouTube video), the aim is to collect various fruits and avoid obstacles and enemies. A first, early demo version of the game currently in development is now available.
(dr)
[News message: 02. Jan. 2024, 11:52] [Comments: 0]
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02.Jan.2024
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Game development: IFF/ILBM exporter v1.3 for Aseprite
Recently We introduced a script written by Prismatic Realms for the image editor Aseprite that converts graphics into an IFF/ILBM file. Version 1.3 has now been released with the following changes:
more ...
(dr)
[News message: 02. Jan. 2024, 11:37] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
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AmigaOS 4: Tool for the DeepL translation service
In addition to AmiTranslate, there is another option for AmigaOS 4 users to use the DeepL translation service: the tool of the same name is now available in version 0.92. The changes:
- added Ukraine language
- little improvements in copy function
- aouth keys now check correctly
- small gui improvements, wordwrapping is now enabled
- removed an UTF8 character from the readme file
- updated to hULR version 2.0 with AmiSSL5 support
The author has included his DeepL access key, but recommends registering and using your own access key.
(dr)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 14:54] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
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AmigaOS 4: Creating PDFs with "Compression" V0.30 (beta version)
In addition to the ignition spreadsheet and the LüttjeBookholler financial management software, Achim Pankalla is also working on a third project: similar to a DTP programme, Compression allows text and graphics to be set and the document, for example a manual, then output in PDF format (amiga-news.de reported). A German manual is included in the "Extra" folder, the tools ZIP and UnZIP are required. Changes since version 0.20:
- fixed a layout-problem in block-layout
- faster and optimised pdf generation
- now recognize changing the headline-props
and warning at leaving the project
- optimised spelling-correction, now it is
possible to add a word to database and
reduce the the number of requests
- fixed and updated manual
- fixed a problem with different screen
resulotion beside FullHD
(dr)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 13:36] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
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Creating Amiga Reaction GUIs: ReBuild 0.8.0 (beta version)
In mid-November, we introduced Darren 'dmcoles' Cole's "ReBuild" in detail, with which it should be possible to create graphical user interfaces for ReAction, the evolution of ClassAct. Changes of version 0.8.0:
- change ActivateGadget to ActivateLayoutGadet as the old call was causing lockups on tab key
- add hint info on code gen form, list manager form, menu editing form, arexx editor form and the main window
- force number of ticks on fuelgauge to 2 if set to 1 as 1 causes a crash
- fix spelling error of Backdrop on window properties form
- fix enabling/disabling of certain buttons/menus on the main form
- add tutorial files created by Michael Bergmann
The author asks you to test ReBuild extensively and report any bugs to him.
Download: rebuild0.8.0-beta.lha (2,6 MB)
(dr)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 09:43] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
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Aminet uploads until 30.12.2023
The following files have been added until 30.12.2023 to Aminet:
more ...
(snx)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 09:17] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
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OS4Depot uploads until 30.12.2023
The following files have been added until 30.12.2023 to OS4Depot:
more ...
(snx)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 09:17] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
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AROS Archives uploads until 30.12.2023
The following files have been added until 30.12.2023 to AROS Archives:
more ...
(snx)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 09:17] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
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MorphOS-Storage uploads until 30.12.2023
The following files have been added until 30.12.2023 to MorphOS-Storage:
more ...
(snx)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 09:17] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
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WHDLoad: New installers until 30.12.2023
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 30.12.2023:
(snx)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 09:16] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
Frank Abbing (ANF)
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Game: Re-release of Weltendämmerung (german)
"Weltendämmerung" is a real-time strategy game by Frank Abbing (UAC Design, Risk implementation "Riskful"), which he had already written at the beginning of the 90s in AmigaE and Assembler (DevPac) as his first Amiga game, but only published in 2001. Now the author has made it available again as an ADF file on archive.org.
more ...
(snx)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 09:16] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
Puni (ANF)
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AmigaOS 4: Blog summary for December
For the month of December 'Puni' has again published a news summary for AmigaOS 4 at the title link.
(snx)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 09:16] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
Puni (ANF)
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Demoscene: Diskmagazine Versus #9 from 2019 as online edition
Issue 9 of Versus, the disk magazine from Nucleus and Void with Amiga demoscene charts, was released in 2019 and has been made accessible now by 'Browallia' as an online edition.
(snx)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 09:16] [Comments: 0]
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31.Dec.2023
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Video: Transfer of the RGB signal from the Amiga to the PiStorm
Following a video published three weeks ago by PiStorm developer Claude Schwarz (amiga-news.de reported), Emu68 developer Michal Schulz now shows the RGB video pass-through from the Amiga to the Pi's HDMI output in more detailed preview. The pass-through is almost latency-free, works with the Pi's DMA engine and thus consumes 0% CPU time. He also provides further information in his new Patreon-Post.
(dr)
[News message: 31. Dec. 2023, 07:28] [Comments: 0]
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29.Dec.2023
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AmigaOS 4: Editor Lite XL 2.1.2r1
George 'walkero' Sokianos has just released version 2.1.2r1 of the editor Lite XL for AmigaOS 4 (amiga-news.de reported). He wrote:
more ...
(dr)
[News message: 29. Dec. 2023, 21:46] [Comments: 0]
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29.Dec.2023
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Analogue Pocket: Amiga core V0.1.2
The handheld game console Analogue Pocket (Wikipedia) is FPGA-based and as such supports modules from Nintendo, Sega, the PC Engine or the Atari Lynx. Version 0.1.2 has now been published of the Amiga Core which adapts the mouse setting to the new firmware 2.0.
(dr)
[News message: 29. Dec. 2023, 14:22] [Comments: 0]
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29.Dec.2023
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Christmas game: Santa's Workout 3 - Silent Night
After "Vector5 Games" released the first two parts only for the C64, the third part is now also available for the Amiga: in "Santa's Workout 3 - Silent Night" (YouTube video) the special feature is that the player, as Santa Claus, has to act extremely quietly so as not to wake the sleeping children.
(dr)
[News message: 29. Dec. 2023, 14:17] [Comments: 0]
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29.Dec.2023
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Platform game: "Super Delivery Boy - The Holiday Shift" 2023.1
The mini game "Super Delivery Boy - The Holiday Shift" (YouTube video) was updated again (amiga-news.de reported). Changes:
- Rewritten and simplified most of the code
- Improved performance on low end machines
- More precise collision detection when delivering presents
- Some graphical improvements
- Bug fixes
(dr)
[News message: 29. Dec. 2023, 07:19] [Comments: 0]
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28.Dec.2023
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AmigaOS 4: Web browser NetSurf 3.11
After around three and a half years various test builds an update of the NetSurf browser to version 3.11 was published today, together with a version for AmigaOS 4, provided by Chris Young under the title link. NetSurf 3.11 features improved page layout with CSS flex support. It also features many other optimisations and enhancements. Changes of the Amiga port:
- Added page theme option.
- Improved bitmap handling.
- Improved and optimised Unicode handling.
- Stability improvements.
After initial tests on our part, the support for encrypted pages that had been lost in test builds is working again. Unfortunately, access to downloads from GitHub pages ("Assets") still does not work.
Officially, no conversion for AmigaOS 3 has (yet) been published, but the last test build from 28 December 2023, NetSurf-gcc-6637.lha (4,3 MB), should basically correspond to version 3.11.
(dr)
[News message: 28. Dec. 2023, 19:20] [Comments: 1 - 28. Dec. 2023, 21:55]
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28.Dec.2023
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Java program: ham_convert 1.9.3
Sebastian Sieczko's java-based program ham_convert converts modern graphic formats to the Amiga's HAM format and is now available in version 1.9.3. Changes:
- dded Oric mode (experimental). Oric was a British 8-bit computer powered by the 6502 cpu with 8-color graphics with no v-sync.
- Dynamic Hires: cancel option to abort conversion.
- rgbg_pal cli parameter can be used to select fixed rgbg ham pattern mode in ham6.
- Code cleanup.
(dr)
[News message: 28. Dec. 2023, 15:00] [Comments: 0]
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27.Dec.2023
Gaming on AmigaOS 4 (ANF)
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Interview with Steffen Häuser (Heretic II port)
In addition to his monthly summaries of AmigaOS 4 news, 'Puni' has now also conducted an interview with Steffen 'TheMagicSN' Häuser, who is working on AmigaOS 4 ports of the games Heretic II and Sin, at the title link.
(snx)
[News message: 27. Dec. 2023, 08:26] [Comments: 0]
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27.Dec.2023
Amigaworld.net (Forum)
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AROS: Review of December 2023
In his blog, Andrzej 'retrofaza' Subocz has published a summary of AROS news for the month of December at the title link.
(snx)
[News message: 27. Dec. 2023, 08:26] [Comments: 0]
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27.Dec.2023
Nicola Morocutti (ANF)
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Italian print/PDF magazine: Passione Amiga, issue 17
The seventeenth issue of the Italian magazine "Passione Amiga", which is available with 50 color pages both as a booklet and digitally, deals with the following topics:
more ...
(snx)
[News message: 27. Dec. 2023, 08:26] [Comments: 0]
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27.Dec.2023
Seiya (ANF)
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PDF magazine: REV'n'GE 153 (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, if available, the different ports of classic games to the various platforms of their time. Furthermore a focus is on rather unknown retro games.
Amiga-related, the current issue is about 1000cc Turbo and Frogger500.
(snx)
[News message: 27. Dec. 2023, 08:25] [Comments: 0]
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27.Dec.2023
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8/16-bit emulator for Mac OS and Linux: Clock Signal V2023-12-26
Thomas Harte's Clock Signal is an emulator for various 8- and 16-bit platforms aiming to be invisible to the user. The idea is to simply start the source medium without configuring the emulator oneself. Clock Signal is available for Mac OS and Unix-compatible systems. While there is also an Amiga emulation included, it "remains wilfully inaccurate" for now. Changes:
- improves support for Apple II NIB images;
- thanks to @ryandesign corrects Apple II/II+/IIe floating bus issues;
- resolves a potential crash-at-startup for the Enterprise;
- resolves potential stuck-on drive motors on the Amiga;
- resolves some disk writing issues specific to the Enhanced Apple IIe;
- thanks again to @ryandesign also corrects an internal optimisation around Disk II write protection sensing, and an error to do with data bus loading
- adds emulation of the most basic form of IBM PC — an 8086 compatible with MDA or CGA graphics and a floppy drive.
(dr)
[News message: 27. Dec. 2023, 07:23] [Comments: 0]
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27.Dec.2023
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Christmas game: Santa and the Goblin
Havsoft' has also contributed a Christmas game: based on the Atari game Dragonfire and written in Blitz Basic 2, you have to help Father Christmas get his presents back by storming the castle and then collecting them (YouTube video)
(dr)
[News message: 27. Dec. 2023, 07:20] [Comments: 1 - 29. Dec. 2023, 07:14]
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27.Dec.2023
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Christmas game: Deck the Drones
'Amiga Cammy' decided on 23 December to write a Christmas game for my Amiga in the hope of finishing it by Christmas Day. It didn't quite work out, but she would like to share the first playable level with everyone and thus contribute to a successful Christmas. In this platform game (YouTube video), the player must retrieve the stolen Christmas presents from mysteriously reprogrammed delivery drones.
(dr)
[News message: 27. Dec. 2023, 06:48] [Comments: 1 - 29. Dec. 2023, 07:14]
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26.Dec.2023
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AmigaOS 4: Videoplayer MPLayer 1.5RC2
A team of several developers has published a second release candidate of version 1.5 of the video player MPlayer for AmigaOS 4. This version is based on the official MPlayer 1.5 source code, merging code from LiveForIt-MPlayer, MickJT-MPlayer and Andrea Palmatè's MPlayer ports, with several additional changes and improvements.
(dr)
[News message: 26. Dec. 2023, 07:35] [Comments: 0]
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26.Dec.2023
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AmigaOS 4: Music tracker Protrekkr 2.6.3r1
Protrekkr (formerly marketed as "NoiseTrekker") is an SDL-based music programme that combines a software synthesiser with a traditional sample-based tracker. Daniel 'trixie' Jedlicka has now published a first release candidate for version 2.6.3, which is based on the official Protrekkr 2.6.3 source code and on the previous port (version 2.5.5) by Fredrik Wikström.
(dr)
[News message: 26. Dec. 2023, 07:24] [Comments: 0]
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