Changelog:

 

* Ability to run the separate thread for core emulation procedures. This should reduce the crippling of sound. Since the whole Atari800 core and Atari800Win PLus graphical framework are not designed to work in multithreading environment this option is highly experimental. In case any problems turning this option off is recommended. Due to numerous problems threaded emulation is turned off in full screen modes.

* Bugs in colours palette configuration introduced in previous version are now removed.

* Options LABELS from debugger is now able to read label file generated by new X-Assembler and Mad-Assembler.

* Support for 2 new cart images in AtariMax format.

»» Official Site

»» Download it Now! [1Emulation Server]

Credits: Official Site

B-EM emulates the BBC micro. It supports the Model A, Model B, Model B+, and the Master.

July 26th 2005

B-em v0.81 released.

 

Changes from v0.8:

 

* Fixed bugs in 8271 and 1770 FDCs, all write operations should now work, along with formatting. The Hobbit also now works correctly

* Fixed some crash bugs

* Added command line options, mainly for use by frontends.

You can download a windows version, a dos version, and the source code at the official site.

Credits: Official Site

Gamespot and Joystiq gots the lo down on whats shipping with the 360 System.

    * Wireless controller

    * Hard drive (??GB)

    * Xbox Live headset

    * Ethernet cable

 

Mysteriously absent from this list is an A/V hookup (VGA HD, Component AV, or S-Video) which, we are assuming, will be sold separately along with:

 

    * The play & charge unit (for controller)

    * Remote control

    * Wireless network adapter

    * Faceplates

    * Memory unit

    * Web cam

    * Quick charge unit

    * And additional controllers, headsets & hard drives

GS has got full details on each item.

Industry Sues to Kill Violent Game Law

The ESA leads a fight against an Illinois bill limiting sale of mature-themed games.

 

July 25, 2005 - Several forces in the videogame industry have filed suit to stop an Illinois bill which imposes strong fines on retailers who sell violent or sexually explicit games to minors. The bill was signed into law today by Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich.

 

 

 

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is joined by the Video Software Dealers Association and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association in fighting Illinois HB 4023, which provides a $1,000 fine to individuals or retailers who sell mature-themed games to minors. The bill provides definitions of "violent" and "sexually explicit" separate from the ESRB ratings standards already adopted by the industry.

 

In a statement today, the ESA describes the Illinois law as a threat to First Amendment rights, and points out that similar laws were shot down in St. Louis, Indianapolis,

and Washington State.

 

"This law will have a chilling effect on free speech. It will limit First Amendment rights not only for Illinois residents, but for game developers and publishers, and for retailers who won't know what games can and cannot be sold or rented under this vague new statute," said ESA president Douglas Lowenstein.

 

The statement goes on to emphasize that the games industry, via groups such as the ESA and the ESRB rating system, is effectively identifying mature-themed games and preventing their sale to minors.

 

Of course, the issue of violence and sexuality in videogames is steaming hot right now in the wake of the Grand Theft Auto "hot coffee" scandal and its ensuing controversy. After investigating sexual content meant to be locked in the retail version of the game, the ESRB changed the rating of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas from Mature to Adults Only. The move had many industry critics questioning the effectiveness of the ESRB system.

 

The ESA points out that both the average game buyer and the average game player are adults, and that only 16% of games sold in 2004 were rated Mature. Given gaming's diverse audience, the ESA feels games should not be treated more harshly than other media, such as movies or music.

Pandora at S-C.com pointed this out. The Source is possibly a gaming site!