How Bad Do You Want VST On BeOS?

I read this over at LeBuzz. BeOS user Jimmy Packes has contacted several VST/VSTi developers trying to find out how willing they are to get their software ported to BeOS, and the good news is, some are. Now he's trying to find out if BeOS users are willing to pay for them. In his own words:

I've been talking with a few vst/vsti developers and have some good news. Certain developers are willing to allow their software to be ported and sold commercially to the BeOS. The question is, does anyone, besides you and myself care and would they purchase the software. If there is a community based want/need for new commercial audio apps, I will continue negotiations and try to string together the necessary team.

If the BeOS community wants to show that this is a valid audio platform, it's time to put their money where there mouth is. If this works out there is the possibility of getting bigger and better apps ported.

So what do you think? I'm sure the audiophiles among us are rubbing their hands in happiness. So, to show willingness and support for his effort, go to LeBuzz.com and make yourself heard. Best of luck Jimmy.

Leonardo Renamed to X-OS.

Leonardo, the ever misterious project lead by Massimiliano Origgi has become even more misterious by changing it's name to X-BeOS. And sorry to disappoint all those big fans, but i'm pretty sure we won't see Mulder nor Scully joining the (small but efficient) team. beunited.org announced it (after i browsed their site most of the afternoon), so let me mirror the announcement here:

The Leonardo project, run by Massimiliano Origgi has been moved to Xentronix Software and renamed to X-OS.

The project has a new approach to BeOS with new interface and OS ideas. They will be using code from other projects but plan to implement their own kernel at some future date.

beunited.org would like to extend a warm welcome to the latest addition to the OSBOS family of projects.

So now you know why Xentronix couldn't continue their work on (the excellent) SampleStudio. When I find more (publishable) information on X-OS, i will let you know, count on it.

Important Update: I was contacted by the project's team which have asked me to issue a correction to the article. So in their own words:

The project alluded to by beunited does exist and there should be more information available soon. Before then we've been asked to correct some incorrect facts:

- The project is headed up by Frans vans Nispen.

- It is NOT Leonardo moved to Xentronix.

- The project is not in competition with OpenBeOS.

- X-OS was an early working name, not the final name.

- The intention is not to have an open source project as the kernel and much of the code will remain closed source.

I would like to thank the them for correcting the misconceptions. A bridge has been established and when we have more information, we'll let everyone know. Thank you and stay tuned.

Zeta Increases Security.

With an umprecedented two updates in less than one week, YellowTab brings us some more news about Zeta. This time, it's security.

YellowTab has reached a partnership with the company Stegemann & Stegemann, with the goal of bringing increased security into Zeta, by including a cryptography library into the OS itself. Allow me to allow you to read the news right here:

YellowTab has recently developed a partnership with the company Stegemann & Stegemann, well known for their high quality and stable network server products.

Missing security features have been a problem for BeOS users since BeOS was first conceived, and now that is being addressed in this new partnership with Stegemann & Stegemann. The joint effort is set to improve the current security focus of Zeta by including a cryptography library into the OS itself. This would enable use of public key cryptography and symmetric algorithms, among other special uses.

The cryptograhpic algorithms can easily be integrated into any application that need security, such as the bundled BeMail client, Tracker, third party products like Beam, and more.

The end goal of the project will allow for more common security tools and eventually the development of a complete multi-user system as seen in other operating systems like Linux or BSD. Environments that will benefit from this development include corporate offices, education institutes, and individuals who are keen on being secure.

Very good news. Security is a _very_ important aspect of any modern OS (insert Windows related joke here) and can't be dismissed by any OS company. About Stegemann & Stegemann... i searched the web and the only server software company i came up with, is the BeOS software maker Stegemann & Co, Inc, who's website you can reach here (they have a very... interesting welcome message), makers of campus and diner for example. Interesting.. like i said, this are good and welcomed news for Zeta. If i find out more details (and if i'm allowed to reveal them), you can be sure i will let you know.

Darkwyrm Updates Once Again.

Darkwyrm was very nice this time, he didn't update his site while i was sleeping... No, he waited till the .org domain was down... But i won't let those demoralizing tactics get me down! So what has he been up to since the last update? Other than his job, the usual coding. But who better to talk about it than the man himself? Here it goes:

The last couple weeks have slipped between my fingers without having all that much to show for it, so it seems. It is possible to run the app_server now, not that it'll do much. It receives messages and can theoretically make a BApplication counterpart. That's about it. ;) I have ported the OpenBeOS and Windows-like decorators from prototype 7's API. The Appearance preferences application has also received some heavy tweaking and when I finish it, those people who have mysteriously managed to get hold of Dano will probably find it more useful for tweaking the GUI's colors than the Colors preferences app. It still needs a lot of work, but it's getting there.

Nice. One thing about Darkwyrm, other than being a very good coder. He's reliable. You know he's going to give us an update at least once a week, very nice indeed. Of course... it could be the threats i mailed him that are helping him stay motivated... but i digress... As usual, we'll keep bringing you the news updates.

Xentronix Donations Go All The Way.

The response has been very good, and in just a couple of days, the $250 limit (which, for the app we're talking about, isn't that much) that Xentronix set, was reached. Therefore, the Sample Studio sourcecode is being released. Of course that doesn't mean you can't donate some more if you want. Here's what Xentronix has to say:

UPDATE: The amount of $250 USD has been reached last night. We would like to thank everybody who contributed to us and all who spended their time to help use betatest and create language files for you.
The source for SampleStudio will be online for download later today.

As you would all agree, $250 USD is just a little amount of money for this application, and was a gesture from us to the community.
So if you feel that this application is worth more, all donations are still very welcome!

On Refraction this time, Xentronix has a new poll on it's site. They're asking you how much are you willing to pay for the final version of Refraction. Now... try to be fair in your vote, don't vote the lowest just because you're a Scrooge... if you think it's worth it, vote it.

Update: The source code is now available for download. Head over to their download page and get it.

YellowTab Speaks.

After a long hiatus (which i remind again doesn't mean they're not working), YellowTab has updated it's site with some news, regarding investments and new deals. As it stands, an US company has bought 75% of YellowTab, to cover expenses and fund the ongoing development. Here's the full monty:

yellowTAB enters the next phase

yellowTAB was established two years ago when Bernd Korz secured a private investment of Euro 130,000. By December 2002 this investment had been exhausted by development and promotional activities.

As a result the search for a new investor was started in April 2002 and was successful in November 2002: an American company with a Germany office agreed to buy 75% of yellowTAB and cover the expenses for presentations, travels, licences, etc. In addition freelance developers could be employed to continue the development of Zeta.

yellowTAB was subsequently registered with the Chamber of Commerce in Mannheim where the head office is now based. Negotiations with the investor are continuing with a view to turning yellowTAB into a limited company.

Due to the sensitive nature of these events, yellowTAB was obliged to treat all information and material which might affect negotiations as strictly confidential and maintain strict public silence regarding them.

Big news for YellowTab's future as you can see. It's good to see they've secured an investor which allows them to continue their work. Will bring you more news as they happen (and as fast as we can).

Free Drivers Petition.

Heads up!

There is a new petition online to help free some of the proprietary information of various hardware drivers. It's in everyone's best interest to sign this petition, and help open up this vital information.

Don't forget to tell your friends, your neighbours, co-workers, and anyone else you think would be willing to sign, by heading to the "Tell a friend" page, and emailing with your comments to pass this on. It's so important!

Thank you!

SampleStudio Source To Become Available.

Xentronix has decided to stop the development of SampleStudio. This application has so much potential, if it could only be developed further, that it's a shame to see it go away.
They just want to receive $250 USD before giving the source to all.

If you want to help out with this worthy cause, donate at their website.

Thanks to everyone in the BeOS Community, in advance.

Xentronix News Update.

After a couple of months of no news (which of course doesn't mean no work), Xentronix brings us an update. Not about Refraction or Sample Studio's status (they're still in beta), but to let us know that the Refraction documentation is back online. Here's the scoop:

After adding all filter samples to the Refraction documentation, we have made the online documentation available again.

Users can also make comments on the serveral pages and make sugguestions.

Not all samples are provided with a text explanation jet, but it can sure serve as reference to what an effect does or what Refraction is capable of.

Good to see news from you guys (Frans and the ever eluding YNOP), i know you're working hard on improving the BeOS experience. To go directly to the documentation, click here.

OpenBeOS Newsletter and News Article.

Busy couple of days for OpenBeOS these have been. Always on the headlines... not that it's a bad thing, quite the opposite.

First our headlines, with their latest newsletter, issue #35, just out of the presses. This one is quite editorial like, without any technical articles and it might be seen, as Michael Phipps himself says "(...) preachy or perhaps whining a little.". Go make your own opinion right here.

Next and last but definitely not least, the Wall Street Journal published an article on OpenBeOS, where they talk not only to Michael Phipps but also with Timothy Lord (from Slashdot) and Eric Raymond. They discuss the pros and cons and merits of OpenBeOS and (as expected) have some different views on it. Note: To read the article, you must register at the WSJ site. Those who subscribe the OpenBeOS mailing list, already have it

That's good news. WSJ is big and any article on it is great publicity.

Marco Nelissen Sues Sandwich Boy.

Shocking news just in from the Reuters Agency!! Well.. ok... from BeDoper. Marco Nelissen, yes, THAT Marco Nelissen, of Soundplay fame, has sued Sandwich Boy. I'm still in shock... i'll just paste part of the story...

Marco Nelissen filed suit against net jester Sandwich Boy earlier this week. The grounds are apparently breach of contract, malfeasance, and harassment. The suit comes as a crushing blow to Sandwich Boy, now more than a year out of work as the Unofficial Be, Inc. Sandwich Boy. Quoth Mr. Nelissen: "Sandwich Boy is in arrears over payment regarding 1 (one) Soundplay registration. I received more than one email to the effect of 'Oh, I just love Soundplay, Marco. It's the best mp3 player of all time, Marco. I'm definitely going to register it soon, Marco'". "Now here it is, 2 years later, and what have I received? Bupkas, that's what.", Nelissen continued.

But that's not all! No you ask? No i say... it seems a mp3 was made using Soundplay... but how can Marco Nelissen know that they used his application to fabricate such tune? Quite ingenious...

Nelissen opined. "Hear the 'register me' bit? Granted, it's the worst track ever made by anyone, anywhere. But it's *so* bad it will likely end up on a Rhino Records compilation at some future date."

Ingenious indeed... There's one more strong reason why Marco is suing... possibly the strongest...

"Plus," added Nelissen, "He left me out of last week's story, and that just cheesed me right off."

Indeed... A reply has already been issued by Sandwich Boy, in which he states he will not be held down by "the tyranny of the talented".

Incredible news, so incredible some less... enlightened might assume them to be false... as soon as more unfolds, we will bring you the updates. In the meantime, you can read more about it over at BeDoper.

Planned Forum Upgrade.

Just wanted to give people a heads up for what we're planning on doing this Friday, Feb 7th, 2003, at or around 1900 GMT. We plan to upgrade the phpBB forum we're using (2.0.1 currently) to version 2.0.4 as this includes numerous bugfixes, small feature additions and more. Read the changelog for more info.

If things go as planned, there should be virtually little to no interruption of service, but reality is often different than expectations.. ;)

We already have a complete backup of the site, the forum, and the mysql database, so don't fear folks! If you have questions or concerns about this, please let us know right away!

Internet Wanderings.

I stumbled upon a rather informative, if perhaps out of date webpage today, and thought I'd share the url with you all. This page contains still juicy nuggets of info for curious BeOS developers, and for people interested in setting up network cards, and other drivers. What struck me as particularly insightful was that perhaps there are a multitude of other websites out there, just waiting to be discovered.

So, I propose that we have a small URL Drive, where we all try to find as many previously-unknown website url's and collect them for the rest of the Community. And to make it even more interesting, the person who comes up with the most URL's (BeOS related, of course) shall be named as "BeOS Net Ferret", the most outstanding net searching person we know... Truly an honor... ;)

TVOut For Matrox Cards.

Rudolf Cornelissen (whom we interviewed here recently) has updated his Matrox Driver page with some good news. Basic TV Out support has been added to the G450 and the G550. Let me post his update for your voyeuristic pleasure:

Yes! We have basic G450/G550 TVout support! It actually works over here... The code is a bit of a mess because of all the testing I had to do, but it's getting there. Here are some details on the preliminary results:
The TV output on G450/G550 works with CRTC2 setup in interlaced mode, while the TVout chip is working in slave mode. This means you will love it for video playback use! The vertically non-scaled output is looking very sharp. I can actually read the tiny words in a terminal window while 1024x480 output is enabled.
The bad news however is that for desktop use this setup is not perfect. An extra buffer needs to be used, and the 2D engine needs to be instructed to downscale the desktop picture onto TV. This is not implemented yet BTW. Of course we will loose some of the sharpness because of this scaling: but that can never be helped, no matter what downscaling setup you have. This does not apply for the videomodes however because they are unscaled and output 1:1... Anyway; Stay tuned!

Nice, very nice. I'm sure those of you out there who own these cards are drooling right now, asking when he'll post the updated driver. Well.. those who wait.. despair... But stay tuned as we bring you it's status update. Thanks to Rene for the heads up on this one.

On a side note, sorry for the downtime today, i saw a few tears on some folks' faces.. no fear, DaaT is here.

Webcam Reminder.

It's been a few weeks since we last reported on the 'Be Well Campaign', and just wanted to pass onto those that decided to purchse a webcam to please send Adam 'Kancept' McNutt their payment. Full details on how to do so can be read on his webcam page

Minor Problems.

Just wanted to give people a heads up regarding The BeOSJournal and it's .org domain. It appears that Complexero is having some problems, which I suspect will be resolved shortly. Until then, We'll be posting any new news here, as expected. Please let people know that the .net domain is up and working as always. Thanks!

Update (05-feb-2003): Complexero has fixed their problems, and we're now back online at the .org domain. Remember, you can always read the news at our mirror location if ever something happens.

No More Names For PostMagic.

The PostMagic (soon to change) site has been updated once again, with more fresh news for all of us. The name suggestion period is over and there's also a nice status update. Read on:

The name suggestions phase is now closed for Post Magic. We received quite a few name suggestions, and some of them came with a great sense of humor like meep meep Studio and Rogers Boat. Thank you all for submitting your suggestions.

On another note, PostMagic now cuts videos well and has full user control (play/stop, step forward/backward, etc) which is quite releaving to see at last. Thus, we have reached the end of version 0.3 of PostMagic and we are moving onto version 0.4. This version will feature modifications to the render engine and its interface, as well as a new audio playback engine. It also means more in depth study and analysis of the application architecture. Remember, one of the goals for this project is stability. So, stay tuned for future developments.

Very good progress indeed. PostMagic is one app i'm looking forward to try out, as soon as it's available.

No News From Darkwyrm.

Darkwyrm has updated his site with another progress status. And has entitled the update with something i say many times as well: No News is Good News. Here's the (non) scoop:

This week sure went fast. Not much to report this week, though. I've been working a bit on Seeker and fixing bugs so that beta 6 can be released some time soon. The server is making progress, too, but nothing particularly flashy or anything. I'm still here, healthy and not particularly stressed, and wondering where the time goes. Oh well, maybe next week I'll have something bigger or better to say.

As you see, not a large update. But work's continuing to be done, which is what matters. Now.. if only he didn't wait till i was asleep to update his site.. i waited till 1:30 in the morning... shame on him...