Rush #01: AMIGA NEWS: Key Developments and Updates
The material is prepared based on data from the Russian-speaking amiga site:
http://amigaworld.cch.pmc.ru
We thank its creators and sincerely hope for cooperation and establishing contacts...
This issue contains an overview of events from the beginning and middle of 1998. For technical reasons, the continuation - the review for the end of 1998 and the first half of 1999 will be published in the next issue. We will constantly publish detailed coverage of the most important events of the Amiga platform from issue to issue.
January
The beginning of 1998. A year that brought many positive changes to the AMIGA platform, instilling confidence in the hearts of its fans that AMIGA will continue its development with new energy.
14.01
Lotus Pacific announced plans to produce and sell 300,000 Wonder TW A6000 machines in China in 1998, which are set-top boxes based on AMIGA, with a built-in MPEG decoder and other additions.
22.01
Paxtron announced a new A1200 clone for use in multimedia kiosks.
28.01
Vulcan Software announced cooperation with ATO (Amiga Translators Organisation - an organization engaged in translating information in programs into various languages). This means that future Vulcan releases will also be in Russian.
games:
-Sword - a jump & run game
-Amiga Quake by Klick Boom
-Doom for PPC
systems:
-Picture Manager Professional
-ImageFx v.3.0 by Nova Design
-StFax v 3.0
-Mik Mod - a tracker for playing MOD, STM, S3M, MTM, XM melodies, etc.
-PGP 5.0
February
04.02
Information and specific data about the BoXeR computer - a new Amiga clone - became available.
05.02
Persuasive Softwarx creates datatypes for JPEG and PNG for PPC processors.
06.02
Phase 5 began production of dual-processor Blizzard 603e/603e+ accelerators for A1200.
20.02
It was announced that BoXeR would have a PowerPC processor slot, as part of cooperation with Phase 5.
games:
-Star Fighter by Geosync Media, demo version
-Gilbert Goodmate by Alive Mediasoft, demo version. Quest.
-Blitz Bombers
-Zha Doom for PPC
-Counter Strike (in development). In the style of "Command & Conquer"
-Amiga Descent alpha version
-Orion Wars (development announced). In the style of "Elite", "Wing Commander"
-Forgotten Forever (in development)
-Max Rally (in development)
-Myst v1.1 by Click Boom
systems:
-Isis PPC v2.1 - Mpeg player
-UAE - emulator for classic Amiga for emulation on fast machines
-Monsoon - program for reading USENET and Fido Net mail
-X-DVE & Font Mashine
-Miami v3.0
March
10.03
Phase 5 received a license for Amiga OS 3.1. This means that it has the right not only to produce hardware for Amiga machines but also to include the operating system in the package.
20.03
Hurricane Software announces support for PowerPC processors in all its new games.
games:
-Caveman Species (in development). Strategy
-Moon Bases (in development). In the style of "Dune II"
-Great Nations (in development). In the style of "Civilization"
-Phoenix (in development). Flight simulator + adventure
-Engine-X
-Wasted Dreams (in development). From Vulkan. In the style of "Diablo"
-Claws of the Devil (in development). In the style of "Tomb Raider"
-Wingnuts
-Bermuda (in development). Quest
-Acsys (in development).
-Shadow of the Third Moon 2
systems:
-MasterSO v2.0 - CD-R working package
-Photogenic NG
-Reflections - animation package
-Tornado 3D v1.5
-MPD Mail post v2b - for working with email
-Word Worth 7 - word processor
-IBrowse 1.2 - web browser
-Fusion v3.1 - MAC emulator
-Vojager v2.95 - browser
-MySNES - Super Nintendo emulator
-AWeb v3.1
April
06.04
Amiga net Z-II, Z-III, and Amiga net PCMCIA network cards became available.
24.04
Audio cards for A1200 - Melody 1200 Pro / 1200 Plus were released.
games:
-The Boom Room - football
-Testament 2 - doom-like
-Marian Tales
-Olofight (in development)
-StarFighter (demo version)
-Phoenix
-Napalm: The Crimson Crisis (in development). Real-time strategy from Click Boom
-Moon Bases - strategy
-Virtual Carting 2 (in development)
-Wingnuts
-Marblelous 2
-Final Step (in development). Adventure
systems:
-Elastic Dreams from Motion Studios
-CYCAS - package for 2D, 3D graphics
-GUI extension v1.70
-Amplifier - audio MPEG player
May
16.05
The World of Amiga exhibition took place in London.
20.05
Access Innovation announced that it prioritizes the use of PowerPC processors in its future activities. Cooperation and collaboration in the development of the Amiga platform between Phase 5, Haage Partner, and Access Innovation was also announced.
games:
-Sambo World Cup - sports
-Virtual Carting II
-Genetic Species
-Enforce (demo version)
-Foundation - in the style of "Settlers"
-Golem - adventure
-Amiga Descent v 0.43
-Z - real-time strategy from Bitmap Brothers
-Fortress of Fear - in the style of "Diablo"
systems:
-Barfly 2.0 - assembler for PPC
-Shapeshifter v3.9 - MAC emulator
-Air Mail Pro 3.0
-Samplitude Opus v3.5L7 - audio processing program
-Frodo PPC v4.1 - Commodore-64 emulator
demos for PPC:
-VA_EDies PPC
-VA_Ghost PPC
-Mega 4 PPC
June
Phase 5 announced that Blizzard PPC accelerators with processor frequencies below 240 MHz and CyberStorm PPC with frequencies below 233 MHz would no longer be produced.
An accelerator based on the G3 (750) processor with level 2 cache and the ability to emulate 68K series processors faster than the fastest MC68060 is expected to be released.
Video cards from Phase 5 CyberVision PPC and BVision PPC, which will connect to CyberStorm PPC and Blizzard PPC accelerators respectively, are being prepared for release. New support libraries - Rave 3d.library are being written for them.
Access Innovation began developing the AA+ chipset. This chipset will ensure full compatibility with AGA, increase the speed of CHIP memory by 20 times, and correspondingly increase the speed of the Blitter. The chipset will be compatible with CPU 68020/30/40/60/PPC. Memory Simm/Dimm. PCI bus. Graphics resolution up to 1024 X 768 X 16 bits, 16-bit sound, support for HD, FDD, EIDE Ultra-DMA, and USB bus.
An audio card for A1200 Delfina 1200 is being developed.
games:
-Net War - network game (up to 8 players)
-Trauma Zero - in the spirit of "Super StarDust"
-Space Station 3000
-Schoolboy Sixes 3.1 - sports
-AMR Voxel - racing for PPC
-War Blood 2 (in development). Strategy
-Savage (in development). In the style of "Ufo"
systems:
-Linux for Amiga PPC
-Easy Writer - word processor
-Amiga AMP v2.0 - MP3 player for M68K and PPC processors
-Video FX
-MUI base
-PPaint 8 (in development). Major revisions expected
-Master Gear 1.3 PPC - Sega emulator
July
08.07
CyberVision PPC video cards with 8 MB of SGRAM video memory were released. They are installed on the high-speed local bus of the Cyberstorm PPC accelerator.
09.07
Version 1.3.2 of the NetBSD operating system was released.
14.07
New versions of the 68060.library and PPC.library libraries were released.
19.07
The NIMIQ PCMCIA Ethernet card was released.
Ariadne II - a network Ethernet card for the Zorro II bus was released.
games:
-Ultra Violent Worlds
-Blade - RPG
-In Shadow of Time (demo version)
-The Dark Zone (in development). RPG/Action
-Imperator (demo version) - strategy
-Putty Squad - platforms
systems:
-AWeb v3.2
-STFax Professional
-PCx PPC (in development) - Pentium MMX emulator
August
05.08
Details about Amiga OS 5.0 were published. It will contain a completely new kernel and new APIs. The kernel is written in C++ with subsystems of independent Java classes. The philosophy and internal principles of Amiga OS will be preserved. The API will include both new and industry standards, such as Open GL.
10.08
Demo Compo, held annually in Finland - Assembly'98, has concluded. The first place on Amiga was taken by the demo "Relic" from the group Nerve Axis, scoring 2757 points, which turned out to be the best result among all platforms.
27.08
Officially denied the information that appeared in various sources that the new generation Amiga computers would be based on Intel processors.
Digital Images announced plans to port two games to Amiga - "Wide Out 2097" and "Tomb Raider 3".
games:
-Day Dreaming (in development) - quest
-3D Racing (demo version) - for M68K, PPC
-Tales of Tamar (in development)
-Exor - The Extreme Ordeal (in development) - in the style of "Master of Orion"
-Gord (in development) - adventure
-Virtual Ball Fighter (in development)
-Gun Bee F99 (demo version)
-Fubar (in development) - real-time strategy
-Napalm: The Crimson Crisis (demo version)
-Trauma Zero
-Expansion
systems:
-Sound FX 3.70
-Net connect v2
-Isis PPC 2.11 - MPEG video/audio player
-Video FX 2.0
-Make CD 3.2a
-Image FX 3.2
-Amiga Writer
-Storm C DSK
-News Rog v1.1
September
09.09
20-bit audio cards for A1200 Melody 1200, 1200 Pro went on sale at prices of 309 DM ($170), 430 DM ($238) respectively.
It became known that active work on Amiga OS 3.5 is underway. One group of programmers is working on the PPC version, while another is on the MC680x0 version.
demos for PPC:
-The Field Where I Died
-Absolon - from Venus Arts
games:
-Descent PPC
-Wasted Dreams (demo)
-Whales Voyage 2 (in development)
systems:
-Strl CQ v0.722
-IDE fix97 v2.10
-Gold ED Studio 5
-Amiga AWT
-MonZoom3D
-VRML editor
-Body Guard (in development) - memory protection system for Amiga OS
-Moo Vld - AVI file player
-Ripley - MPEG player with support for various formats, M68K, PPC, graphics cards
-Mesa GL v3.0
-Regina - new version of the REXX interpreter
-Samplitude Opus v3.5L9
-ScalOS v1.1
October
The developer of Amiga OS - Karl Sørensen released Rebol - a powerful platform-independent language.
04.10
Bill McEwen from Amiga Inc announced that Amiga OS 3.5 will be released in the first quarter of 1999. It will implement support for PPC, Warp OS, PowerUP, an M68K emulator for PPC. It will include support for RTG, RTA, Internet tools, CDFS, and a new user interface. The operating system will be distributed on CD.
12.10
The company Micronik released a new tower kit for upgrading Amiga A1200 to A1200T Infinitiv MK-II. The cost of the kit, including a futuristic metal case and a PS/2 keyboard adapter, is 289 DM.
The release of kickflash - a replacement for existing ROM with FLASH memory, allowing any kickstart to be flashed, is expected.
26.10
An audio card Atlantis (18/20-bit audio codec, 96kB of static memory, built-in DSP processor Motorola DSP56002, operating at 80 MHz - for creating effects and playing audio files in MPEG-2, MPEG-3 format) is being prepared for release.
29.10
The company Quik Pak will establish the production of A4000T in Europe. They are already producing them in the USA.
30.10
ACT Electronics began serial production of the Prelude 1200 audio card for Amiga 1200.
games:
-The Hole Trinity (in development) - RPG
-Fubar (demo version)
-Max Rally
-Creepz (in development)
systems:
-RayStorm v2.2
-WildFire v7
-Ray Lab
-Digital Universe v1.03
-Octamed Soundstudio v2 beta 016
-Light View v1.0
-PasTeX - word processor
-VRML Viewer
-Page Stream v3.4b1
-MAVI
-RA v2.0 - Real Audio format decoder
-Worse Format
-X-DVE v3.50 PPC - package for creating video applications
demo:
-TFWID - for PPC, from the group Venus Arts
November
04.11
A dual-processor accelerator for Amiga 3000/4000 based on the G3 processor is being prepared for release. Direct access to the Zorro III bus. The OS used is Warp OS. The author is the company Escena, the manufacturer is the German firm DCE. Up to two G3 processors 233-400 MHz can be installed. Software emulation of M68K. The expected price is around 750 DM.
06.11
Blittersoft announced some specifications of their developing computer Boxer - fully 64-bit architecture, dual IDE controller, increased performance of Chip memory, etc.
The company ACT released a new accelerator for A1200 - Apollo 1230 MK III.
The German company Villagetronik began developing a 3Dfx module based on the Voodoo 2 / 8 MB chip for the Picasso IV video card. Price around 249 DM. They also released a network card for Amiga with Zorro II, Zorro III - Ariadne II.
systems:
-Pov Ray v3.1
-Amiga AMP v2.2
-Dopus Magellan II
-RayStorm v2.22
-BlizzKick v1.16
-Web Design v2.0
-PFS 2 v4.2 - file system
-Master ISO v2.2
-Envoy v3
-P96Speed v1.0
-Amiga Writer v1.2
-Miami v3.2b
Contents of the publication: Rush #01
- AMIGA NEWS Amiga Inc works on Amiga OS 3.5 with enhancements like CD drive and PowerPC support. Split development for M68K and PPC processors. Delayed release to late 1999 or early 2000.
- AMIGA NEWS Description of the 'Fast JPEG 1.10' viewer for Amiga, focusing on its features, installation, and usage. It highlights advantages like fast processing without quality loss and provides user tips. Readers are encouraged to share their software experiences.
- AMIGA NEWS Basic programming for classic Amiga, discussing challenges and sharing knowledge in Amiga coding. Overview of Amiga graphics capabilities and processor features. Introduction to Amiga assembly language specifics.
- AMIGA NEWS Overview of events related to the Amiga platform from early to mid-1998. Highlights include new hardware, software releases, and notable company collaborations. Future updates and developments are scheduled for the next issue.
- AMIGA NEWS Collection of cheats and secrets for classic Amiga games compiled by Postcard Man. Readers encouraged to share their findings on complex games. Selection of tips and level codes provided for various games.
- AMIGA NEWS Discussion of Phase-5's graphics cards and Permedia 2 processor capabilities. Details on Permedia 2's 2D/3D acceleration and compatibility. Mention of GLINT Delta processors and comparison of prices and availability.
- AMIGA NEWS Analysis of Amiga's survival in the 90s, highlighting community efforts and technological advancements. Discussion on hardware improvements and software development. Encouragement for further exploration and learning about the Amiga platform.
- Spectrum Programming Explanation of a fast method for real-time 3D graphics on the ZX Spectrum. Introduces efficient rotation and deformation techniques for 3D objects. Emphasizes improvements over traditional methods with practical examples.
- Spectrum Programming - Ticklish Jim Discussion of combining sound effects with music for Spectrum's AY chip. Examples from development of 'CSC: Deja Vu' and technical challenges faced. Contains practical guide and code examples.
- Spectrum Programming Discussion on byte mirroring and background restoration in ZX Spectrum programming, with examples.
- Spectrum Programming Comprehensive guide for system programmers with practical tips for creating efficient and user-friendly software, including coding techniques, device compatibility, and program testing strategies.
- Spectrum Programming Advanced coding techniques and modern graphics methods for ZX Spectrum. Tips for optimizing graphical procedures and coding on assembly. Useful advice for programmers to improve performance and efficiency.
- The End Reflections on the creation of the first issue of the magazine 'Rush', its goals, audience, and future development.
- ZX-SOFT - Вячеслав Медноногов Development updates on Vyacheslav Mednoy's new game 'Black Raven II', including gameplay changes, new spell introductions, and performance improvements.
- ZX-SOFT Overview of new features in the updated commander from REAL software for ZX Spectrum, including file management, autodetection, and media viewing. Improvements in text, font, and music handling. Questions addressed regarding future updates.
- ZX-SOFT Debate on which demo deserved the top spot at Funtop'98: Forever by DR or Refresh by XTM. Discussions in the demoscene community highlight the clash between technical prowess and conceptual depth. Different opinions reflect on the evolution of demoscene preferences.
- Authors Acknowledgment of contributors and partners in creating Rush magazine. Detailed roles of each author and collaboration insights. Recognition of technical support and media partnerships.
- Virtual Specky Discussion on converting graphics from PC to Spectrum, featuring insights from various experts. Techniques for improving conversion quality and tools like Photoshop are detailed. Emphasis on post-conversion refinement in Spectrum graphics editors.
- Virtual Speccy Discussion on the CBSpeccy emulator for ZX-Spectrum on Amiga, highlighting its features, community opinions, and technical performance. Criticisms and praises for its emulation capabilities, particularly compared to PC emulators. Examination of potential improvements and community debates around version updates.
- Virtual Speccy FAQ on ZX-Spectrum emulation on PC, covering popular emulators and file formats. Instructions for using different emulators and managing file types like Hobeta and TR-DOS. Discussion on Russian ZX-oriented servers and resources for enthusiasts.
- Introduction Introduction to the Rush magazine, emphasizing creativity, progressive scene, and the goal to create a superior information source. The magazine seeks to gather promising groups and offer a unique perspective. Focuses on content and atmosphere, welcoming creators to contribute.
- Introduction - Grunge Introduction to Rush, a new scenemag for Speccy/Amiga enthusiasts, aims to provide quality content and news while encouraging reader feedback.
- Interview - Konex Interview with ANTARES group after FUNTOP-98. Discussion on their demos, challenges, and future plans. Insight into the group's formation and dynamics.
- Interview - Kvazar, DUX Interview with Alexander Seleznev (KVAZAR), discussing his history with computers, the state of the ZX Spectrum scene, and future plans.
- Interview - Kvazar Interview with Vitebsk group POWER on demo 'Crazy Love', development experiences, and future projects.
- Informatorium Exploration of a CD with emulators for various platforms, highlighting Spectrum. Details the content organization and diversity. Concludes with insights from the CD-ROM Project's Spectrum software collection.
- Informacrium Compilation of interesting and useful Internet addresses related to Amiga resources, including magazines, hardware manufacturers, and software companies.
- Informacrium - Viator Overview of existing and upcoming publications on the Amiga platform. Discussion of the availability and distribution challenges for Amiga literature. Appeal for collaboration with new publications.
- About the Magazine Discussion on creating a multi-platform magazine focusing on Spectrum, Amiga, and PC. Emphasis on broader understanding of computer scene. Encourage professionalism and adaptation to changing technology.
- Parallel Worlds Overview of the evolution of Windows OS and PC processors from 1981 to 2000. Development milestones of MS-DOS, Windows, Intel processors, and competition with AMD and Cyrix. Challenges in maintaining compatibility with new processor technologies.
- Parallel Worlds Overview of Macintosh models and their relevance in design and graphics fields, covering prices and specifications from 1997-1998. Discussion includes the evolution of Apple's hardware, notably the PowerMac series, and compares new G3 processors with PC counterparts. It highlights the resurgence of Macintosh post-crisis and its ongoing influence in the market.
- Development of the Spectrum - Slider The article discusses a new graphical extension for the ZX Spectrum that enhances color palettes without increasing resource demands. By using a modified flash signal, new colors are created without interfering with existing software compatibility. The article provides implementation details and addresses practical usage concerns.
- Development of Spectrum Connecting a CDOS modem to the 'Compact-128' computer by addressing keyboard port conflicts. Description of hardware modifications to solve the issue. Solution includes automatic blocking using a transistor inverter.
- Development of Spectrum - Ars Discussion on AZX-Monstrum 512K development, its hardware compatibility, processor options, and potential enhancements in graphics and OS.
- Development of SPECTRUM Discussion of Clive Sinclair's new computer platform, the ZX2000, designed to outperform PCs with enhanced speed, affordability, and battery efficiency.
- Development of Spectrum - Андрей Савичев Examination of the evolution and ongoing relevance of the Z80 processor, and its role in embedded systems. Comparison of Z80 with its successors, highlighting advantages like energy efficiency and command enhancements. Overview of integrated Z80-based CPUs and their peripherals.
- Advertisement This article is an advertisement for Scorpion products including hardware for ZX Spectrum and Amiga software, along with pricing and ordering details.
- Advertising Collection of advertisements for Amiga and ZX Spectrum hardware and software, with contact information for sellers and details about the new Amiga magazine subscription.
- Advertisement Advertisement for X-TRADE's General Sound music board. Includes pricing, technical details, and purchase instructions. Features a FAQ section and compatibility info.
- Meaning Without Meaning - Viator Philosophical reflections on existentialism, immortality, and human destiny. The narrative weaves through stories of ambition, the quest for eternal life, and a utopian downfall. A blend of introspection and speculative fiction.
- Scene vs Professionals Exploration of the demoscene's creativity versus commercial game development. Discussion of potential for professional-quality programs by scene members. Call for collaboration with leading scene groups.
- Scene Chronicle - Андрей Савичев Reflections on ZX Spectrum's enduring appeal, its community's resilience, and its potential resurgence in Russia.
- Scene Chronology Overview of the Rush group's activities, including past projects, current endeavors, and future plans, with emphasis on software development and gaming.
- Scene Chronicles The article discusses various ZX Spectrum scene news, including game releases, demoparties, and updates from developers and teams.
- Chronicles of the Scene The article discusses the FUNTOP'98 international computer art festival held in Moscow, highlighting key events, notable attendees, and the various competitions held during the event.
- Scene Chronia Discussion on Amiga scene development through collaboration, addressing user isolation and promoting network expansion.
- Shell Management Статья описывает управление оболочкой для ZX Spectrum и Amiga, включая клавиши и функции для навигации. Упоминаются особенности работы на Amiga с PAL монитором и предоставляется контакт для поддержки. Также отмечено, что текстовые файлы имеют стандартную MS-DOS кодировку.
