Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

I don't blame them for licensing the names either. Or for trying to make a profit. I very much don't like the "illusions" they try to make about the company size, the multitude of false promises, their sham of a forum, and the arrogance. This interview was the most "down to earth" Barry has ever been.

It remains to be seen how many people are willing to pay "double" (as Barry claims) for his Amiga branded PCs.

Make no mistake, CUSA and their surrogates (whatever their motivation) post here because former Amiga owners are their target market. Unlike the C64x, the only nostalgic factor is the name.

When we question their tatics and the products they offer, we are the crazy trollers.

The fact is the Amiga Mini only exists as a poorly photoshoped image. They are the ones that have the audacity to try to sell something that doesn't exist and won't for at least another month for double (or more) what it costs them, and come pitch it here for free even though it has no tangible connection to Amiga other than the name.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

No intent on contributing to linux, no intent in aros = no intent to buy your ****e.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

read the answers, didn't see pie vs. cake.

reagequit.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

I am converting it to rtf format and I came across this.

On UAE
Do you plan some sort of a help for UAE project in order to add
support for PowerPC to this application?
I am told very little would be gained from that as there is very little
PPC software that is not already available to us non-emulated.

Not sure if this is my question cut to shreds but my point was a PPC core emulation + WIN UAE = OS4 running on x86 PCs like the worthless crap they sell ;)

edit:
my question is here....
Why are you not doing the only sensible option of funding
PowerPC 604 CPU emulation core for WinUAE option so Amiga
OS4 could be run on your generic cobbled together medium
power PC compatible?
I see you are under certain delusions and will leave it at that.

Leave it at what? You pathetic overpriced chinese bargain bucket PC with underwhelming 3d/audio performance with Amiga logo stuck on them?

The delusional one is you Mr BS extreme. As your tiny budget only allows fooling people into buying your overpriced badly built Windows PCs + Amiga sticker and AROS want nothing to do with you YOUR LAST HOPE OF EVER GAINING A TINY BIT OF RESPECT IS GONE WITH. WinUAE+PPC CORE + OS4 is the only way to add any legitimacy to your $1 website.

"While we have no immediate plans for an A500 replica, we will surely produce it one day."

And added to that gem of a reply all he wants to sell badly built ugly chinese wintel machines usingthe C=/Amiga name :roflmao:

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

And his opinions conveniently steer his products to PC Windows x86 motherboards with f**k all to do with even watered down "Amiga" machines running OS4. Apart from C64x case you could badge their products as ANY retro make. And to be honest Amiga Mini is more like an Atari Mega ST shrunk in the wash design-wise :roflmao:

(Mos and AROS are just Amiga like unofficial projects)

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

It sounds like Barry does not know that Minimig has been available and selling for years.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

Just for opposite example Natami finalization, Minimig AGA development with standard ARM add on and large memory with legal and preinstalled OS 3.9 + bunch of games could be cheap and nice Amiga comeback. Or FPGA 030 softcore for some FPGA expanded x86 board.

There are plenty ways to explore, but very little if you don`t wish to invest or develop. And that is the end of "Amiga comeback". Linux with Amiga Forever. As much Amiga as any device running UAE nicely and with a bit experienced user or Amiga Forever for it.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

For those people who are not excited by a linux pc, will you
genuinely have something of interest for them?
Yes, it’s called Windows, you may have heard of it. We are considering
providing that as an option beside Commodore OS. Ultimately, we are
OS agnostic, and don’t care if you go and install AROS or MacOSX on
our machines (at your own peril).

Says it all really, like a smelly old politician he purposefully misinterprets the question which clearly is asking for non x86 generic b0ll0x + Amiga sticker. More BS from Mr BS Altman. :laugh1:

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

so true so true.....

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

Is Amiga x86 going to have fully licensed Amiga ROM in order
to legally emulate previous systems?
Amiga ROMs for game emulation are part of our license.

So will we get some Roms burnt on a DVD-R with hand written label by marker pen? Do deluxe models get Workbench adfs too? :lol:

btw Amiga Inc own Kickstart? Thought Gateway gave them permission not sale of ownership?

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

Why are you putting Amiga logo on HTPC cases, where are the
Amiga look-a-like cases?
We want to go beyond pure retro for a look that can also appeal to
more to a mainstream audience. We don’t want to put all our eggs in
the replica basket. Think of the new Mustangs, Mini’s and Beetles, for
an idea of what is in our mind regarding re-styling or re-imagining of
classic models. Our new models will pay similar homage, and to do so
they need to be pizza shaped like the classics or today’s HTPC units.
We will also likely sell towers by years end, but leveraging the classic
Amiga form factors seems the most appealing and distinctive option at
the moment.

Commodore NEVER made a slim pizza box case dumbass, and a handful of towers. Amiga = 1000,500,3000,1200 and nothing else design-wise is Amiga. This rubbish is like an Atari Mega ST shrunk in the wash :flame:

Like I said this a$$wipe wants to sell off the shelf crap from china with some Amiga stickers, nobs rejoice your overpriced "Amiga" is hear. :banana:

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

Having read the reply I have to admit I'm now feeling a little sad. I understand that Cusa is a company and needs a profit to survive but, I can't honestly see where the expect to get that from. The 64 case was a nice niche thing but is no good for anything but the basics and all of there other stuff smacks of the earlier attempt at C= branded mp3 players. There's better out there for less.
The thing that really got to me though was the answer to my question, asking if any of them still use/own the classic machines. Basically his reply was that one member of the team has a couple kicking round the office as ornaments. I find it so sad that the current owners of the best brand of all time (in my opinion) doesn't actually understand what it's all about. Nobody who loves C= is going to buy their x86 stuff and the way they are going about things I'm sure that they will not attract anybody new.
I don't have a magic answer to what Cusa should be doing but, I'm very sure that this is not it.

Jack Tramiel must be turning over in his grave (too soon?)

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

I first want to give Barry credit for answering all (or most) of the questions. He did seem to put some thought into his answers.

The problem is, none of those answers really solve the problem of what his vision of what an Amiga is, vs what everyone here, and a large percentage of former users, think.

It can be summed up in this line he gave: 'I think of the Amiga as more a concept, rather than it must be this hardware or this software'.

I don't think that is the same, or similar, mindset to anyone who owned an Amiga in the past. I could use that same logic to say almost anything is an Amiga. My mac mini has a lot of nice features, it could be considered high performance and has a lot of entertainment value... is it an Amiga? I think my HP Touchpad is cool... should I just all of a sudden say it's an Amiga? You get the point.

Unless CUSA somehow gets around that licensing agreement, so they can either port AOS, or provide an OS with Amiga-like elements, I think they'll never get the support of former Amiga users. In my opinion they really should have never used the Amiga license without such an agreement in place first. They might as well just called their lineup Commodore PCs (which admittedly failed when Commodore Gaming tried it).

I wish I followed this earlier, as I would have added my own questions. But one key one which wasn't touched upon so much, but brought up briefly with FPGAs... why assume it has to be an expensive FPGA device? Why does CUSA think there is no market for such retro devices? They must be aware of Jeri Ellsworth's 'C-64 on a chip'. That is the way they should have went for their Amiga products (again, in my opinion).

As for Roms, I have heard various things. On the CUSA site they seem to indicate they will use the AROS rom. But I guess they could get around some legalities if they got a license from Cloanto instead. End users may still need to use WB 3.1 though to run certain programs, so not sure how they plan to get around that. Unless they just say to download AROS, download AROS roms, and... well, hope whatever they want to run, works.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

:roflmao:

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

So he has no idea what a standalone FPGA Minimig does except that he'd like to shut it down and fully control it under his umbrella.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

"It must be also realised that the majority of Amiga owners were solely
games players, using their Amigas in a similar fashion to consoles, and
while they may have used the machines for some other purposes now
and then, do not have any particular allegiance to the operating
system or chips in the machine, but loved the brand just the same. "

WRONG!

1. As many home users bought Dpaint as people with PCs at home bought spreadsheet programs.

2. Even only games playing Amigans KNEW Shadow o.t. Beast was better than ST/SNES versions because of them custom chips.

:)

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

If the majority of Amiga owners were game players, I sure wasn't one of them.
I used my systems 99% for productivity and creative purposes.

Not trying to beat a dead horse here, but need to say what I forgot to say earlier.

Kudos to Barry for going through with it.

Cheers to Transition for getting the Q&A done and posted while jerk offs like me say nasty things about the whole deal being a farce. At the end of the day Transition, people only chide you if they feel your site is being milked for PR purposes, or in some instances your integrity and the integrity of A.org is being tread on. Nothing personal, buddy - in time I'm sure you might even see it as a backhanded form of respect, lol.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

I assume that THIS in the question was a link to something interesting. What was THIS?

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

@Nameless

OS4 and MOS are both the equivalent of MacOS 9. They are as far as you can go with the original operating system. The point where there is no patching able to make the operating system modern, the cost of rewriting AmigaOS to run on top of a Linux kernel, like Apple did with a BSD kernel, is too high and the payback is too small. A decade or two in stagnation is too much to recover from.

C=USA is not in the retro business, except as it sells machines. Yes the handful of us who still love and appreciate AmigaOS or the original C64 may not buy their products, but somebody who had a C64 as a child and hasn't seen or used one in many years might. I've been thinking about getting the C64x, loading Windows 8 on it and using it as a conversation piece. A bit of kitsch... A souvenir of the early computer days that has some use.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

But they are not re-releasing computers. They are re-using names. The computers have nothing else whatsoever to do with their name predecessors, so I just can't see this as re-releasing anything.

They did one replica, the C64. There's not ANY "Amiga" eggs in this basket at all. Mustangs, Minis and Beetles are at least inspired by their classic designs. Other than for the C64 casework, I don't see any related inspiration at all. I agree that they need to go with the times, and today things are different than back in Amiga Classic days. Giant towers are out, tiny Mini-ITX is in. But saying that their designs are inspired by the classics is a bit of a stretch. It's like when I was trying to figure out how the first new Dodge Chargers related to the classic Charger. It just didn't. The last year or two they've at least made it better, but I still don't see the lineage. The Challenger I'd call a success in being inspired by the classic lineage, but they kindof lost it with the Charger.

He said a number of times that there are no discussions with Hyperion or etc. I'd like to know if CommodoreUSA has made legitimate attempts to contact Hyperion or other named companies in the questions to initiate such discussions, or if they are so disinterested in such things that no contact has been attempted and CUSA do not intend to try.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

What percentage of markup do you apply to your off the shelf
components, it seems dreadfully high?
Really? Same as Apple. They take their raw cost of materials and
DOUBLE it. That becomes their approx. selling price. OK, I know we
are not Apple, but the principle remains the same.

No. Apple spend billions on themed consistent case design and a writing a bespoke OS, you bought some fugly cases.AIOs from China and slop a DVD-R of Linux with 1$ of inkjet printed case/leaflet :roflmao:

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

It is interesting reading but I am afraid Amiga brand is finished. MorphOS and AROS are way to go.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

Then they should stop selling substandard Wintel machine with C=/Amiga stickers for Apple RRPs and f**k off if they don't like the responses.

We only asked for bespoke replica cases suitable for Micro ATX or larger motherboards AT THE VERY LEAST. :)

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

at CommodoreUSA office....
http://i.zdnet.com/blogs/dilbert_dis...overy_plan.jpg

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

@Persia

Yeah, I had that same issue brought up when I posted in CUSA's site too. When I say porting AOS, I mean updating it, as well.

It can be argued that it's not worth it. That it's too far behind to even bother with. Okay, but then why does CUSA say in the same breath that they'd like to offer AROS as a complimentary OS with their systems?

A port of AOS or Morphos does not have to remain stagnant. And neither would have to be the sole OS on the system either.

But even if we go with the idea that both are too far behind to be salvaged...

Then create a new OS, but add Amiga-like elements, graphics, certain levels of compatibility, etc. COS isn't it. By law, they can't make their OS anything like an Amiga OS.

Which is the key problem for them and why calling their systems an Amiga seems somewhat silly to me. If it's nothing like an Amiga besides an engraving, what's the point?

As for a C-64, the selling point is the retro design. I can understand (although disagree with the pricing), someone wanting one of those. Their Amigas look nothing like the original Amiga, has no similarity regarding software or OS, there is nothing unique about the hardware... so... again, there is nothing remotely Amiga-like about it.

Another thing I was not aware of was the reason for the advertising budget claim of 30 million dollars, or however much they stated. I am curious if Barry will answer a question that immediately comes to mind...

Why did CUSA not correct this mistake immediately? It's one thing to apologize and blame their advertising company, but they knowingly allowed the lie to persist. One could call it creative marketing... or as that Dibert comic amusingly illustrates, it could also be called fraud as marketing.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

You dont have to buy Amiga products if you dont like it. Simple as that.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

Why don't you cooperate with Yoz Montana in the matter of
Amiga cases which are modern, original and have some retro
feeling?
Frankly, because we have much better and more realistic ideas. His
design looks great, but when he designed it he seemed to forget you
need room for actual hardware inside. Of course we provided him with
feedback, and he came back with another larger design, but we
weren’t so enamoured with it. It really is a balancing act between
looks and functionality.

Erm

1, you STOLE his Amiga 500 inspired design and removed his name from image.

2, Amiga Mini $30 case is smaller than all his designs.

More evasive BS from Mr BS :)

Rich Text Format version of answers here

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

What a bunch of crap! Why does this idiot get all this free exposure on the site anyway? It makes me sick.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

I really wanted to read that, honest, I did. But after the "No contest - I win!" comment in the first paragraph, I gave up. :( It's nice to be enthusiastic and all, but geeze. :-/

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

They are NOT "Amiga products".

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

True! MorphOS 4.x is the way to go (after 3.x of course)! :D

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

Of course they are not more Amiga than MorphOS, AROS, Pegasos, Hyperion's OS4, Natami, Minimig, AmigaOne... you name it... but even the original Commdore sold cheap PC clones under Commodore brand. I dont understand why some people go apecrap when someone is selling PC clones under Amiga brand. It is just a name for god sake.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

The problem here is that, legally, they are. As far as visible or experiencable content, in our opinions, they are not. While we don't have to accept these "things" as what we believe "Amigas" to be, if we went to court and asked the judge to prevent CUSA from using the Amiga name in the way that they do, we would lose and CUSA would keep the right to do that, so long as they are not breaking some terms of all the contracts involved. (including those contracts not signed directly but CUSA but which Amiga Inc. is bound to restrict their sublicensors to)

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

Yes, and don`t forget the AmigaOS 5 (by Amiga Inc?) or maybe without them, right after 4.2 and 4.3 :-) Assume it will also have all those modern features and will not be PPC (only)

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

They are no more Amiga then Android / iPhone running UAE or similar. Nothing is Amiga Classic but the Classic, but somehow doubt CUSA will make it to Amiga History pages, at last not by good

Before no one sold PC clones under Amiga Brand, but the iCoin shop was far more creative: why not offering them all
and even without Amiga Forever (not a bad product for itself, great emu box)?

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

I wonder how that happened... (imagining things get all wavey as we transition to my imagination...)

Ad agency: Yes, this all looks great. Our standard fee for this service is 30 million $.

CUSA: Uh, OK.

time passes

Ad agency: We'd like to be paid now. Where's our 30 million $??

CUSA: What?! You think we have 30 mil to spend on advertizing? You're freakin nuts!

(wavey transition back to reality)

CUSA: Yea, those crazy ad agency people completely made up this figure.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

True, they legally are, but judging by a lot comments on Amiga Mini announcements, people have many different reasons not to buy it, not only emotional and attached to Amiga brand like here. Like its way overpriced x86 system.So its likely that market and internet show that reason can prevail over legal logic :-)

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

Nothing the Baron does really affects us. Don't sweat it, enjoy your Amigas, MOS, AROS, OS4, UAE. As long as you are having fun what does it matter if he makes a few bucks off the name?

And understand he has to hype his products. Nobody in advertising is allowed to tell anything like the truth. He's selling desktop PCs. Desktop PCs are the only part of the IT market where sales are stagnant. If you don't toot your own horn no one else will. He has a gimmick, a name out of the past. A name with some goodwill associated with it. He uses it to generate sales. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but to get into a stagnant market without a gimmick would be financial suicide.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

Thanks Barry for the time and Q&A. You stated

The funny thing is he is an Amiga and Commodore fan with a realist approach to which hardware will be useful. The annoying thing for most Amiga fans is that it really offers very little difference from running UAE on your own home Windows PC. The reason this is annoying is that we so dearly want the Amiga brand name to stop being reinvented by companies who buy it and have no interest in existing Amiga operating systems that most Amiga fans still want to interact with.

This is a really strange state of things. We'd like someone with money to burn to fund further development of what we like to use on original Amiga hardware or derivatives that emulate or work with original Amiga software. Part of the dream and memories of the original Amiga for many of us, was the software more than the hardware. Jens of Individual Computers for example, and the Natami and Minimig teams all want new hardware to accurately and quickly run the old software. For most Amiga users, the desire to run modern OSes on their classic or neo-classic hardware is not a concern. We have modern PCs for that.

With CUSAs reinvention of the Amiga and Commodore, Barry is recreating the hardware and not the software. Therein lies the conundrum. Therein lies the source of anger, angst and misunderstanding. As far as business goes, he is taking care of himself while trying to be polite. Most of us are angry because, once again, someone is taking the Amiga name and promoting it without keeping the essence of most of us consider to be the spirit of the Amiga (i.e. the software).

As frustrating as it is, it's hard to fault Barry for his efforts and ideas. If I had the money I'd have gone a completely different route, but I don't and therefore can't.

Re: CommodoreUSA CEO Interview Answers
 

If Barry chose to get into a market he can't possibly compete in, design and price in such a way that he's not even trying to be competitive, botch every aspect of marketing his products, and shell out to Bill McEwen for a brand he has no idea how to use, that's his problem. I'm not obligated to approve of it, or even to nod and shrug and go "well, that's business for you."