This log reflects the chat Fleecy Moss had with Team*AMiGA last night on IRC.
It is 'inside only' info and is NOT to be distributed to non-amiga folks. Please don't re-distribute.
18.00.55 Join fleecy [100] ([email protected]) 18.00.56 #universaty, collage 18.00.59 # Cryto: I agree 18.00.59 # aieee who turned on the purple lights 18.01.00 # hi Asha 18.01.05 # hi fleecy 18.01.12 # hi defacto 18.01.12 # fleecy: Bought time! Sheesh! :) 18.01.13 # yikes, I thought this was the hymen barmitzvah? 18.01.22 # hi yoshi 18.01.23 # 'lo there Fleecy 18.01.23 # ;-) 18.01.26 # that's down the hall. 18.01.27 # ooops 18.01.29 # Fleecy! 18.01.29 # no /msg and no /dcc guys and gals! 18.01.30 # Wull howdy Fleecy! 18.01.30 # fleecy: hi 18.01.32 # re fleecy! 18.01.36 # Asha! 18.01.37 # asha: hello m'lady (hope ppl bugging her doesn't get auto kicked :) 18.01.44 # fleecy 18.01.44 # Good Grief! Every man and his Amiga are here :) 18.01.46 # hey everybody - thanks for turning up (and staying up late for those of you not in the US) 18.01.47 # and Asha too. 18.02.03 # Fleecy : 2am is NORMAL for me :) 18.02.05 # It's only 11AM in Australia :) 18.02.07 # (As long as it is not the Gould bar mitzvah...) 18.02.07 # Jamesc: You'd think someone important was coming! :) 18.02.11 # * Yoshi grins... 03:00 local time... 18.02.11 # Jamesc: I would like to hope the Amiga market is a little bit bigger ;) 18.02.18 # Everybody: log ON! 18.02.21 # Hi Yoshi 18.02.24 # Traditional dinner time here on the left coast. 18.02.24 # 3 AM too in Paris... ;) 18.02.27 # hesido: Darx has got it! 18.02.28 # bit late due to having to get the American beer out of the way and get some decent english beer from the back 18.02.31 # Cryto! 18.02.36 # I'll have to log tomorrow 18.02.36 # Yeah you would... Answers both questions :)o 18.02.40 # ok, how do we play this game? 18.02.43 # alanwall 18.02.47 # hi all! :) 18.02.51 # Isn't Darx Logging Dave? 18.02.54 # 'lo alanwall 18.03.00 # yes, Darxis logging 18.03.00 # What do you drink Fleecy ? 18.03.04 # * Harv_ sprays gang slogans on alan's wall 18.03.13 # ChrisP 18.03.14 # someone get fleecy a cup of coffe 18.03.14 # Oh weel, grab that :) 18.03.17 # Anything that doesn't have the word "lite" on the end of it! 18.03.22 # Wish identd was working on this thing... 18.03.28 # fleecy: Want some questions? 18.03.34 # Anyone fired up ident on AmiTCP? 18.03.38 # Get some Abbot Ale...put hair on your chest ! 18.03.38 # TA : why not? 18.03.48 # I only have one... 18.03.56 # <- has to figure out how to get identd to work through Linux IP Masquerading. {^_-} 18.04.05 # Will a 233 686 box be sufficient for the dev box? 18.04.06 # Abbot - ahh, that, Old Pec, Bishops Finger, Burton and 6X, my favourites 18.04.06 # i thought you were going to ask us stuff fleecy 18.04.07 # hi sdesros 18.04.26 # is the developer box gonna be on time? 18.04.27 # Hello everyone. 18.04.48 # * hesido asks when the chan will get moderated!! and before that, some info on the game would do good.. 18.04.48 # And whatg is "On Time" too please ) 18.05.31 # Dave_C : OS5Dev will be written to use only a certain number of PCI cards. The 233 686 should be ok BUT it is the cards that will be the problem 18.05.38 # if fleecy wants it modereated, we will 18.05.39 # Hmmm.. Not a bad turn out... Might pop into a graphical client for this :) 18.05.44 # Something I wanted to ask in London, was third in line for Havermost before he left :( 18.05.47 # fleeecy:I have 1.I read that Joe Torres said that os5 may use usb and if so that when a game console is installed it would show a console screen-but only that scrren.Is that correct? 18.05.51 # got here in the end =) 18.06.03 # 'lo Eyesy 18.06.07 # Dave_C : these questions are coming too fast Moderation begins--- 18.06.43 # thanks _ I want to make sure everyone gets good answers - If you have a question and dont' get it answered here, pleae email me and I will get back to you 18.06.43 # you have a couple on the table so we'll wait. 18.06.52 # you guys know the drill... 18.07.02 # Dave will keep the queue, /msg dave to ask a question please 18.07.08 # /msg me with ? and I'll put you on the queue 18.07.16 # ok, let's start 18.07.34 # 'lo Barnes 18.07.44 # I'll explain the drill to the newcomers :) 18.07.56 # what is the optimum for a developer box? 18.09.05 # For OS5Dev, any x86 box will serve as a base (233+) but since we intend to be on it for as short a time as possible, we will only write drivers for one or two cards so that will be your problem if you don't go with the AInc solution. 18.09.41 # We hope to offer a low end and a high end solution 18.09.54 # will Joe Torre's departure affect development of the new machine ? and when can we expect to see the new machine (or proper specs) 18.11.09 # Joe's departure will affect it in as much as we'll miss the little bugger. He was working closely with the GW2K staff to get the dev box done but I think most of the design work was done. I work from the home and not the office so I don't know. The specs should be out by or at Cologne. 18.11.46 # Fleecy: Why all this paranoia with having to sign up for news at the Amiga Inc. site? Is it just a clever plot to collect email addresses? :) 18.12.28 # As for seeing it, as I explained in csa.misc, the bits are coming together but we are not sure whether ALL the bits will be ready by Cologne. We will show it but it might not be available for sale by then. GW2K are getting 3000 orders a day more than they can fill so we may have to look elsewhere. 18.12.55 # Yoshi : damm, there goes our QVC contract ;-) 18.13.13 # As Bill explained at Sacremento, we want to stay under the Radar for as long as 18.13.39 # possible, not just for us but also for our partners, who are MS partners and have no desire to be EX MS partners before we have proved ourselves. 18.14.05 # I know it seems paranoid, but many of them have been bitten once too often by MS and their henchmen. 18.13.20 # What language are we going to be using. I assume 'C' but will it be Gcc ? We need to spend this time before the release of the Dev system learning the language NOW 18.14.52 # Languages : C++ first and foremost, then Java. We are talking and the ICOA is working on a model to bring more languages as quickly as possible. I hope so because I HATE C++ 18.15.34 # How close are you working with the "third paryt" h/w developers ? and how many 3rd ptys are there ? 18.16.58 # HW developers - I have spoken to Pios, DKB, P5, Index and A.C.T. They are all very keen BUT they want to see specs....since the MMC company is more shy than a virgin at a bachelor party, this is pissing them off. 18.17.35 # As soon as the MMC company opens up, we will get them in there for a first look but I don't see this being until next year...another reason for the OS5Dev step 18.18.09 # Are the new MMC chips coming along on time? Also, any new info on them? Also, what will be the new CPU? Or has that not been decided yet? Also, any preliminary OS features that are gonna be in the new OS? (Resource tracking, Multi-processing/Threading, etc.) 18.19.13 # ok, the last time we spoke to the company, they were on time - however, that was THEIR word - we are supposed to be going up there to check on this but we have to be our chopsticks first ;-) 18.19.44 # Info on them will only become available when they let us, I'm afraid. Intel would crucify them if they found out. 18.20.21 # OS features - SMP, MP, MT, VM - all the advanced OS features you would expect a kernal to have. 18.21.18 # How many major developers have actually indicated an interest in the platform - enough to make the platform viable once more ? Any 'killer apps' on the horizon ? 18.21.33 # the 'pumpkins rock ;-) 18.22.31 # Developers - I have spoken to as many of the commercial developers as I can and they are a) looking forwards to developing for OS5 b) wondering how they are going to stay alive long enough to get there. We have plans to help them on both accounts 18.23.03 # non Amiga developers ;-) Oh yes, there are plenty of them. Bill leaves up in Seattle and he has more lunch invites than you can shake a hairy stick at 18.22.16 # What is AI's opinion and "stance" regarding the closure of CU Amiga? 18.25.04 # I am very distressed. I talked to Tony and Andy over the past two day (Bruce as well). Both wished us their best. I have bought CU for 4 years and I shall miss it. We are planning something special for CU's final issue, so make sure you buy it. 18.25.32 # Fleecy: exactly how many software/os people work at AInc? afaik, there's only Havemose atm? 18.26.49 # Well I am a project manager/system architect of no mean repute myself. However, you are correct. Until we get all our ducks in a row then we have most of our staff as contractors. No one wants to live in South Dakota (ask Joe!!!), including me. 18.27.13 # Fleecy: Gary said you'd also ask question to us. I'd be interested to hear those :) 18.27.14 # Fleecy: Besides, I don't really understand how the AmigaOS5dev machine can be out before the MMC is revealed, I always thought the OS5dev machine would already emulate it? 18.27.54 # Yoshi: *I* said we might get some questions from fleecy... 18.28.10 # IRC is a two way street and he MAY have some for us. 18.28.24 # When you design a chip, you do it in SW first and create emulations for it. This is WHY we have to use x86, despite P5 wanting us to use PPC. 18.29.06 # This may sound a bit negative, but I am an seeing-is-believing kinda person. 18.29.07 # You just told that the team that is designing OS5 is pretty small. 18.29.09 # Why do you think you (and your team) can create a complete new OS in so little time? 18.29.09 # I mean, BeOS for example had a lot more developers for a longer time..... 18.29.10 # And even if it could be done, why do you think it will be better than other OS's 18.29.11 # Plus you can design an OS on another platform first and then port it - remember the Amiga was designed on Suns first. 18.30.21 # As a PM of some ten years experience, I can tell you that small teams ARE the best - always. They maintain focus and consistency in a design. Once the design is completed, then you can bring more programmers in on the job. 18.31.27 # Why do I think it will be better? Because of Allan, and the ppl he is bringing into this? These ppl are top in their fields and once we take them on board and announce them, you will see that. These are ppl who want to be the next great thing and who feel stymied in existing companies. They have found a home with us. 18.31.54 # Time is a concern, as always - but we have lots of Jolt. 18.32.55 # It's phricking freezing in here, Mr Bigglesworth! 18.33.03 # O.K. - It's going to be C++ and Java. Tell me about the ICOA and other languages ! As an aside, JForth has been downloaded over 700 times, things are heating up - e-mail me ! 18.33.23 # Slam : send me a mail and I will tell you. 18.34.17 # What do you see as the main selling point of OS5 over rival os's of the future, I mean, Linux will be awesome by the time it is released (with the support which is growing for it at the moment), so what will it offer to make it better? 18.35.34 # Linux is a lovely OS but that is all it is - it is for techies for love editing with VI. The Digital Convergence market is much, much bigger than anything that exist so far but it requires an OS that ALL ppl can use 18.36.04 # yeah, er, well, what's the plan with PPC? a lot of people are not buying PPCs not only because of their hackish nature but also because of the announcement. What do you plan on doing with it? AltiVec sounds like it will be excellent, are you going to give a firm announcement on what you plan on doing with it? 18.36.39 # The same way Be started from scratch with its assumptions, so we started with us - luckily for us, the Amiga OS was already half way there. We are just taking the next step, and moving onto faster HW. 18.38.02 # PPC is a very nice processor family. Altivec will show the world, yet again, how something should be done. However, it is a standalone CPU. Add all the extras you need to turn it into a computer (a la iMac) and you still have a price. The MMC delivers what we need, high price/performance all across the spectrum. 18.37.36 # How aggressively has the OS5Dev machine been marketed, and how aggressively do you plan to market both OS5Dev and the OS5 machine in the near / far future? 18.39.30 # OS5Dev is and will be marketed back channel. Our PC inflicted partners and the Amiga community will be in on the secret so that when we go public, we will give the world one hell of a surprise. Ppl thing the Year2000 problem refers to time, it is going to refer to a new Amiga that kicks PCs all over the face of the new millenium 18.38.55 # fleecy: How far is the OS4 dev s/w and when is it estimated to go to beta ? 18.40.29 # OK, first, we boobed with OS4 - stupid name, stupid idea. What we are doing is skipping OS4 alltogether, since many ppl associate it with a PPC classic OS. Instead we are calling it OS5Dev and OS5Prod. 18.40.28 # Should we be worried about GW2K's stockmarket problems ? What would stop Bill Gates buying GW2K out, and shelving all opposition to his 'evil empire' ? (thanx and goodnight) 18.41.26 # phoe: errr, nothing at the moment 8-( That is one reason for looking for partners. Many partners holding minority interests would give us much better protection. 18.42.05 # the DoJ might have something to say, as well, and Ken Starr would probably get involved somehow ;-) 18.42.04 # The only question I have is the same one I put to everyone.... "If Amiga chooses another CPU (ppc or other), why can't they just port the OS and make a new 68k-Datatype that would enable complete backward compatibility with all exisiting software? Thanks... 18.43.03 # Multiview : not sure I understand here. Why would you want a 68K datatype? For backwards compatibility with OS3.1? 18.43.31 # Well the big Q is ...will my software work with the new OS... Ihear it all the time. 18.44.05 # Ahh, Ok. For OS5Dev there will be a classic card - it will be an Amiga on a PCI card and will give you complete 18.45.08 # compatibility - it is an Amiga after all. For OS5Prod, we are not producing the machines. I presume the third parties, if they see a market advantage will provide compatibility, perhaps through siamese, perhaps through the OS5Dev cards, perhaps through AROS or UAE 18.45.31 # Fleecy: Are there any plans to update the Amiga.com website more regularly? A site that changes every two months doesn't make a very good impression on future (1999) customers, IMHO. 18.46.45 # I know - it is an eyesore and we are working on doing something that will provide a great deal more information. It will take a month or so to get it up and running. I do apologise for this. If everything had panned out the way we expected at WoA, there would be a lot more news on it by now. 18.47.24 # (a) what's up with the 4060t situation and (b) give us ONE news "headline" - something NEW we can take away from this. 18.48.52 # The 4000 situation is gunged up with lawyers, screwy contracts and a lot of other stuff. We are doing all we can BUT it is out of our hands at the moment. WE can't even get machines...... 18.49.02 # something new??? 18.49.20 # something we haven't heard over and over. 18.49.32 # spill one (1) bean. 18.50.24 # Clinton is innocent ;-) I'm afraid there isn't anything - we are trying to give CU Amiga an exclusive BUT that depends on another partner...sorry Harv, have to disappoint you (again) 18.50.34 # sigh. 18.50.48 # My question is similar to Multiview's. If I spend money purchasing a second hand A4000/060 with PPC card now. Will I be able to make use of it still when the new OS5Prod comes out? 18.52.06 # Sure, it will still run all the apps that are there now, and which are coming out over the next 12 months, without tying up your new machine, and as with the C64 and Amiga 1000, it will be 6 months to a year before there is a decent amount of SW out. I know I am going to get a Boxer when it comes out. 18.52.33 # fleecy: Erm... ok, How far is the OS^5^dev s/w and when is it estimated to go to beta ? 18.52.54 # We are also planning something for the classic Amiga that should make all those accelerators, cards and whatnot worth their money - how about that, Harv? 18.53.16 # I am still reeling from your plan to give a dead magazine an exclusive. 18.54.14 # OS5Dev is in progress - that's all I can say. 18.54.48 # What does Gateway expect with amiga, will they see her as an important portion of their business and advertise on CNN media report etc. or do business on a smaller scale, much less ambitious. 18.55.25 # GW2k has a tightrope to walk. It NEEDS a very close relationship with MS or it is screwed so it will keep us at arms 18.56.01 # length (hence the "under the radar" bit) - but we can leverage off of it in private in ways that Commodore could only dream of 18.55.52 # Maybe a silly question, but: I have read that you hope to have Amigas out for $500. How would you be able to manage to sell a product like this at such a low low price? (and do you mean just the motherboard for $500 or HD, CD, Monitor etc..). How can GW be willing to fund such a high risk project at such low profit margins, are they planning on dumping the PC for the SuperAmiga? 18.57.12 # Have you looked at the Dreamcast specs and price, the Project X? HW technology is coming together, and the MMC adds several new twists to it. Will GW2k abandon PCs - not until we have proved we make them redundant ;-) 18.57.28 # 2 more and then I must go - sorry 8-( 18.57.46 # The iMac has sold (I believe) 150,000+ since it's launch. How confident are you of similar early sales figures for OS5Dev/OS5Prod? 18.59.18 # OS5Dev is a developer machine - we will be delighted if users buy it but we see it as a seed. OS5Prod is a different matter. It will be sold hidden in products and out in the open. The launch and marketing strategy is still being worked out with the partners, but is should make the iMac one look like a christmas party at an old ppl's home 18.59.35 # any plans for a laptop Amiga? and will ARexx still be part of future AmigaOS's? (updated maybe?) 19.00.52 # As I said before, the MMC can work perfectly well in a laptop if Pios or P5 or someone wants to make one then it will be fine with us. Arexx? Allan likes it, I like it. -- Moderated Q&A ends -- 19.01.04 # * Dave_C thanks all who submitted questions and thanks fleecy for giving us his time. 19.01.37 # Ok, got to go - thanks everyone - if your questions went unanswered, please email me. Thanks to Dave, Gary and TA for all this....and kisses to Asha, the first lady of the Amiga 19.01.43 # ....and Joanne of course ;-)
Gary Peake
Press Officer
Industry Council Open Amiga
Amiga Web Directory