I’ve written quite a bit AROS lately and the reason is that there is so much happening in relation to that OS these days.
The AROS Research Operating System is a lightweight, efficient and flexible desktop operating system, designed to help you make the most of your computer. It’s an independent, portable and free project, aiming at being compatible with Amiga OS at the API level, while improving on it in many areas.
The hottest news is that a brand new AROS compatible computer has been released. It is called the AresOne 2012 and it looks awesome. Please have a look for yourself:
It’s worth mentioning that this computer has been specifically assembled to be used with AROS. According to Vesalia, the hardware components were selected to get the most out of the current version of AROS, as well as making it ready for future improvements. They say that the AresOne 2012 is suitable for Amiga enthusiasts, friends of light HTPC systems and experienced users in general. They point out the fact that AROS is still in development.
Before we take a quick look at the hardware specifications, here’s a video about the AresOne 2012 with the AEROS r3 distribution installed.. have fun!
There is a lot of configuration options available at Vesalia.de, so that you can upgrade certain components. These basic specs will make AROS fly anyway, since it is a very efficient OS.
In addition to AROS, the AresOne comes with a special OEM version of Amiga Forever, the Amiga emulator system. This package is helpful for UAE, as it contains the required Kickstart and Workbench images, as well as 50 games and 50 demos. You’ll also get the AMC software package, which is a powerful media center, Cinnamon Writer and Frying Pan. Vesalia also states that you can get the machine with Debian GNU/Linux and/or Windows pre-installed if you want.
A portion of the price you pay for the computer will go back to fund the future development of AROS. Thumbs up for that!
So, what does this AROS machine cost? One bundle I saw at Vesalia would set you back 309.89 EUR (including German VAT).
Personally I’m still looking to buy a suitable motherboard for my AROS mini-ITX project. That reminds me that I should post a “want to buy” advertisement at AmiBay.
Have a good weekend everyone and thanks for reading!
For those of you that are interested in emulating the Amiga or the C64 in the easiest way possible, you’ll be happy to hear that Cloanto have released a new version of Amiga Forever and C64 Forever. These packages will get you up and running with emulation in no time, as it’s purely plug and play.
Here’s the full press release:
Cloanto Releases Amiga Forever and C64 Forever 2012
August 26, 2011 – Cloanto released today Amiga Forever 2012 and C64 Forever 2012, the latest versions of the award-winning Commodore-Amiga preservation, emulation and support suites for Windows.
By adding powerful content authoring and integration functionality, Amiga Forever and C64 Forever 2012 close the circle between gaming, productivity and preservation of digital culture while adding new features and providing easier access to a universe of free and legal downloads.
The new versions build on a powerful synergy of original components:
RP9 file format, which is a compressed cross-platform archive containing media images, configuration, description and ancillary data, developed by Cloanto
RetroPlatform Player and API to interface with different emulation plugins
Cloanto’s unique portfolio of ROM and OS licenses
The new packages can emulate the full range of 8-bit (C64, VIC 20, PET/CBM, etc.) and 16/32-bit systems (Amiga, CDTV, etc.) using an intuitive media player-like interface. The advanced RP9 authoring functionality sets new references in preserving and making accessible digital culture from the 1980s and 1990s. Content created or edited with the Windows software can be played back on other systems, including mobile devices (in part under development).
The 2012 versions not only include hundreds of software enhancements, but also add content of historical interest, like new interviews with Amiga legends RJ Mical and Dave Haynie, also with HD-quality video footage.
Amiga Forever 2012 is available now in three editions:
Value Edition (downloadable installer for Windows systems)
Plus Edition (downloadable ISO image with additional Windows and platform-neutral content)
Premium Edition (physical Plus Edition content plus additional videos on 3 DVDs)
C64 Forever 2012 is available now in three editions:
Amiga Forever and C64 Forever passed official Windows 7 logo tests on both x86 and x64 systems. Prices for both Amiga Forever and C64 Forever start from $9.95 (special upgrade offers).
Are you interested in playing old games on new hardware? Isn’t emulation enough for your retro needs? Then do not despair. The Multiple Classic Computer (MCC) from Arcade Retro Gaming is here to save the day.
The MCC makes it possible for you to enjoy three great platforms with one computer. We are talking about the legendary Commodore 64, the fantastic Amiga 500 and last, but not least, the Atari 2600. There are thousands upon thousands upon thousands of games available for these three computers.. Now you can play them all from just one machine!
The MCC let's you play this machine on new hardware!
First of all, let’s have a look at what the MCC really is. How did they accomplish making three computers in one? We can read the following on the official homepage:
The Multiple Classic Computer is based on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) core. This FPGA hosts all main digital functionality of the MCC. It is has the possibility to be reconfigured with different implementations of Classic Computers and other applications without having to modify the hardware design itself. The integrated non-volatile and volatile memory stores the program and application data. Several external interfaces allow the connection of devices needed for the classic computer and retro gaming experience.
Sounds good to me. This means that you can add new platforms with a future updates for example. Maybe the Atari ST will get a revival through the MCC? I’d like to see that. Anyway, let’s continue with the technical details of the MCC. Here’s a list over the most important aspects of its hardware:
Reconfigurable hardware core includes the main CPU, graphic engine, sound engine and interfaces
Integrated SDR Memory 16 MBytes
Integrated non-volatile memory (2Mbyte) for different classic computer platform realization, programs and games enable up to 150 in a closed system
Support of external keyboard and mouse (PS-2), 2 DB-9 joystick connectors
S-Video output or VGA output
Stereo Audio Output
Micro SD-card interface for external programs (Ed: Excellent!)
Mini USB Battery or external power supply support
Dimensions: 140 x 130 x 40 mm
Isn’t that something? Easy connectivity (plug it into your computer screen or your TV), use your old joysticks (yes, the TAC-2 of course!) and load your games from a Micro SD-card! Can’t be more plug and play than that.
Select your Commodore 64 game from this menu. Look, there's Chuck Rock and Arkanoid!
Have you heard about C64 Forever by the way? This is an emulation package from Cloanto. Cloanto is the company behind the Amiga Forever package, which many of you might have heard of. The good news is that the MCC comes bundled with the C64 Forever software. This means that you’ll have instant access to hundreds of games and demos for the C64. More games for all three platforms are of course available for download on various sites on the Internet.
If you’re interested in learning more about the MCC, please head over to their homepage by clicking here. There you’ll find all the information you need.
The MCC is available for purchase right now and it is not expensive at all. I’m actually a bit surprised about that, as I’ve seen other projects with much higher prices. How about 149.99$ for the complete package? That is NOT bad for this kind of hardware.
So, are you interested in purchasing this machine? What are you thoughts about the MCC? Maybe you’ve bought one? I hope to hear from you, so please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you in advance.
