15/05/1999
Anyone thinking that Amiga aren`t serious about the computer and ethos that they are now the guardians of, should think again, as we had the pleasure on Friday the 30th April of meeting (amongst others) Jim Collas, the new `el Presidente` of Amiga.
Other attending Guinness and Ale drinkers included (amongst others) Ben Vost and Richard Drummond (Amiga Format); Andrew Korn, Simon Archer and Dave Stroud (Amigactive); Neil Bothwick (Wirenet and Amiga Active); Simon Goodwin; Andrew Moffat (Technology Trading in Ireland); Ben Preece (Vapor Software); Chris (Kickstart); and Andrew Elia (AmigaSoc).
Gathering together in the bar of the Radisson hotel in Heathrow for a very informal meeting, Jim talked with us about the mistakes that had been made, and the future direction and plans of Amiga.
Jim has a quiet voice, but what he said was louder than thunder. In a nutshell, the Amiga is going to be back - Big Time. By the end of the year there will be new hardware and software, from many companies, running AmigaSoft 1.0 in all types of `information appliances`, with a new Amiga multimedia computer capable of running all of the other `powered by Amiga` applications (set-top-boxes, games consoles, pda`s etc) via `wireless` radio-signal technology. Looking on the net, Wireless networking and information appliances seems to be a big area of interest in America, with a number of other companies following a similar tack.
Jim admitted that there wouldn`t be much in the way of native Amiga NG software available at launch, but that he wanted to get the technology out as soon as it was ready (probably November, we assume). Dev kits will be out a few months earlier.
On the subject of cross-platform file compatibility, Jim said that the Corel `news` (that Corel would be supporting the new Amiga), that came out a while ago wasn`t true. He knows it isn`t true as he is friends with The Corel chief, and had dinner at his house a while ago. Jim is aware that file-compatibility is a major issue though, and I`m sure that Amiga are looking into all the possible avenues to bring the option of using pc file-formats to the new Amiga. At least, I sincerely hope so, as without at least some compatibility with current leading pc apps, there won`t be much incentive for pc owners to switch to anything Amiga, especially if there aren`t also some great native games at launch to show off the hardware.
There were things discussed which we can`t say much about. Suffice to say that Amiga are looking into some things regarding the future of the `Classic` Amiga and will only tell us if it is technically possible.
There`s been alot of Sony Playststion 2 with AmigaSoft rumours, and we have it from the horse`s mouth that nothing
is on the cards. He did admit (and this is no big secret) that Amiga are (of course) interested in having AmigaSoft
1.0 in the PSX-2, and have had a trip to Japan. Sony have alot of choices though as the os for their system, and current
favourite seems to be a Linux variation, which would be alot closer to completion than AmigaSoft. But you never
know.... maybe Sony will see more future in AmigaSoft. We can only hope.
Just to clarify to anyone who takes it as
`Gospel from the Heavens` that Sony PSX-2 WILL be using AmigaSoft 1.0......they aren`t (yet), so don`t go being
stupid and spreading stupid rumours that they will be, right? Let`s hope that Sony and Amiga decide to get into bed
together, and we can break the news for real. Sorry (well, not relly) for not being subtle and overly diplomatic, but
I`m Australian, and the Amiga has got too many dickweed rumours going around already, to add another steamer to the
shit-heap.
Jim wasn`t arrogant, or big headed, and he took the time to listen to what our concerns and idea`s were. Some he`s taken on board, and some he said won`t happen. He was honest and straight-forward, and believes totally in Amiga (he wouldn`t risk a glowing career by becoming Pres. of Amiga if he didn`t know there was something special going on).
Jim believes in Amiga, and we believe in him.