Introducing RecordBox

Some time ago I wanted to make an AmiDock subdock that would act as a playlist launcher. Intially I just added all my playlists to AmiDock and used DefIcons to setup a default icon for M3U files that pointed to AmigaAMP. The end result was a very text heavy subdock which I was not too keen on. I decided to try making some album cover icons to improve the subdock. To do this I used images downloaded from the net which I then converted to icons with Image2Icon. Initially I planned to upload these to OS4Depot as an icon pack, but wondered if there was a better approach.

I wanted a tool that could simplify the task of making these icons and adding them to AmiDock, ideally one that searched online for appropriate art work, downloaded it and created the icon in as few clicks as possible. I found various scripts and tools for this on other platforms, although some were broken and others I couldn't work out how to adapt to AmigaOS. After some experimenting RecordBox is the end result.

RecordBox's subdock showing some albums

Assist 2.1

Assist 2.1 is now available to download from OS4Depot. Apart from bug fixes, some new articles and updated ones, Assist now makes use of FastView to show preview images if installed.

New users can download the latest version from OS4Depot, while existing users can update to this latest release via AmiUpdate.

AmigaOS 4.1 Final Edition Review

I recently updated my AmigaONE 500 to AmigaOS 4.1 Final Edition (FE) and have decided to write this review giving my first impressions of this 'final' update of AmigaOS 4.1.

Installing AmigaOS 4.1 FE must be done as a fresh install, from scratch, there is no update option. With this in mind I backed up my existing system to a CD-ROM and made a start. Knowing that writing to JXFS formatted drives is no longer possible under FE I also backed up the rest of my SSD.

Having backed everything up I inserted the FE disc expecting it to boot automatically, no luck. I tried changing the boot priorities in U-Boot, but to no avail. Next I swapped around the optical and SSD drive's SATA cables and the problem was solved. It seems the optical drive must be plugged into the SATA port nearest the motherboard to work as a boot device. Before updating AmigaOS I also added an additional SSD to my AmigaONE 500 and while doing this I must have replugged the SATA cables in a different order.

The optical drive's SATA cable connected to the correct port

Assist CD-ROM Now Shipping!

The Assist CD-ROM is now shipping to premium edition users. The CD-ROM comes boxed in a DVD case with printed insert, please see photo below. As well as Assist itself the CD-ROM includes printable PDF copies of the step-by-step tutorials and full size preview images. If you would like a copy of the CD-ROM simply register for the premium edition of Assist.

Assist CD-ROMs

Finally...

After what seems like a long wait since pre-ordering back in December my copy of OS 4.1 Final Edition arrived today, as did the mouse mat and calendar I ordered at the same time. Looking forward to getting the A1-500 updated sometime over the next week!

Assist 2.0 Released

Assist 2.0 is now available to download from OS4Depot. This update sees significant changes to make browsing the A-Z faster, a fresh new look and much more.

Assist 2.0

Assist is now shareware with registration required to enjoy all the knowledge base's features, please see the 'Register' link in Assist for further details. To celebrate the release of Assist 2.0 the 30th user to register will receive a free 2015 Amiga 30th Anniversary Calendar.

New users can grab the latest version from OS4Depot, while existing users can update to this latest release via AmiUpdate.