Well, if you couldn't make it to the IRC chat with the Friedens from Hyperion you can read the transcript below.

Highlights:
No OS 4.0 release til there is hardware available for sale.
They are aware of projects to provide hardware for OS 4.0, from lowend to highend.
Update #4 coming in early January.
Update #4 will include Petunia and bring users up to about what the beta testers have.
OS 4.0 runs on an existing PDA.

[02:36 PM] Rogue: Okay, hello all
[02:36 PM] EntilZha: Ok, is this thing on ?
[02:36 PM] DaveyD: yes
[02:36 PM] EntilZha: Hello All!
[02:37 PM] Rogue: *clears throat*
[02:37 PM] DaveyD: hi EntilZha and Rogue
[02:37 PM] Rogue: Hello everybody... first of all, I would like to say a few things that would otherwise be asked at least 100 times
[02:37 PM] Rogue: I've got some good news and some not-so-good news... I start with the not-so-good one.
[02:38 PM] Rogue: As you have probably already guessed, there will be no OS 4 release this year. There are reasons for that which I would like to explain
[02:39 PM] Rogue: The main reason is the unavailability of hardware. As you all know, AmigaOne's are not available right now, so we are not in a position to offer an OS 4 with a matching hardware.
[02:39 PM] Rogue: We DO think that once we release AmigaOS4.0, there will be a general interest in the news, in media, etc. We will get a lot of interest from people outside the amiga market, and they will ask where they can buy it.
[02:40 PM] Rogue: If we tell them they cannot buy it right now and need to wait until the hardware is available, then this will take away a lot of momentum that the release will generate.
[02:40 PM] Rogue: Hence we decided to postpone the release until such time as a hardware platform IS available.
[02:40 PM] Rogue: *coughs* so much for the bad news.
[02:40 PM] Rogue: Now the good news. First of all, since we don't have OS 4 out now as planned, there will be...
[02:40 PM] Rogue: Update #4
[02:41 PM] Rogue: Update #4 will come out early january, and will be again a quite comprehensive update. It will include, among other things...
[02:41 PM] Rogue: -> Petunia (the JIT)
[02:41 PM] Rogue: -> Warp3D including the R200 driver
[02:42 PM] Rogue: -> the latest Intuition, which has seen quite some overhaul (especially in ReAction)
[02:42 PM] Rogue: ... and, well, everything else is included too. It's going to be an installable ISO again
[02:42 PM] Rogue: It will be more or less what the beta testers have now
[02:43 PM] Rogue: Secondly, one thing that was recently added to OS 4 is SCSI support.
[02:43 PM] Rogue: Stephane Guillard has written a driver for LSI/Symbios based cards (53c8xx based).
[02:44 PM] Rogue: Finally, you will wonder when new hardware is going to be available.
[02:44 PM] Rogue: I'm afraid I cannot answer that question, BUT we are working with several hardware companies (Troika is one of them but not the only one) that want to provide hardware ofr AmigaOS4.0
[02:45 PM] Rogue: These companies will come forward as soon as they are ready for that. Projects will cover both the low-end and high-end market.
[02:45 PM] Rogue: Alright, that's it from me. I'd say on to the questions.
[02:46 PM] Coder: Ok hold on for the first one.
[02:46 PM] Coder: Will there be any kind of software / drivers updating service (notice or automatic via internet) in the final os4.0..
[02:47 PM] Rogue: As you may have heard, there already is some sort of updater program called AmiUpdate. We don't know yet if this will make it public or not, but it is certainly an option...
[02:48 PM] Rogue: Basically we will consider it but it depends on the infrastructure.
[02:48 PM] Eric_S: Will update #4 include SNAP?
[02:48 PM] Rogue: next please
[02:48 PM] Rogue: No, SNAP will not be included
[02:48 PM] Rogue: next
[02:48 PM] Mikey_C-A1:  What will the final version contain that's missing for update 4
[02:49 PM] EntilZha: Not much. Basically, it's very near to what would have been the final release.
[02:49 PM] EntilZha: There are some bits and pieces that we will only release in the final version...
[02:50 PM] EntilZha: This gives us the opportunity to test them some more internally...
[02:50 PM] _Steve_: [VidarL]: Given the popularity of "safe" languages, do you have any plans to release a virtual machine based programming language like Java or .Net, with official Reaction bindings?
[02:50 PM] EntilZha: There are currently no plans from our side.
[02:51 PM] Rogue: We are planning things like Python
[02:51 PM] Rogue: as a replacement for AREXX. But nothing yet in terms of Java
[02:51 PM] EntilZha: NEXT
[02:51 PM] L8-X: Codesmith:when are we going to see an updated SDK?
[02:51 PM] Rigo: QUESTION: When can we expect an updated SDK?
[02:52 PM] EntilZha: It wil probably l be release shortly after update #4
[02:52 PM] EntilZha: next
[02:52 PM] Alchemy: Invizix: (Link: http://www.perl.com/doc/manual/html/Porting/README.amiga.html)http://www.perl.com/doc/manual/html/Porting/README.amiga.html
[02:53 PM] L8-X: fusion:Will Y have to you it a rom 4.0 to receive AmigaOS4 or will be us obliged of reflasher the CyberstormPPC chart?
[02:53 PM] Rogue: There will be no OS4 ROM and there will be no reflashing for CyberstormPPC cards.
[02:53 PM] Rogue: next
[02:53 PM] _Steve_: [^eliot]: How good does memory protection, virtual memory and resource tracking work in current OS4? Which limitations are there?
[02:54 PM] EntilZha: Memory protection in the sense that programs run completely isolated does not work on current AmigaOS... it's technically not possible since all existing programs rely on shared memory
[02:55 PM] Coder: just wanted to add a question (if possible) "what are current relationships between eyetech an hyperion"
[02:55 PM] EntilZha: The only thing we currently do is protect certain parts from access by user programs...
[02:56 PM] EntilZha: Resource tracking is implemented basically, but it is not yet used by everyone, so basically, it's disabled by default... there are too many problems still (resources being freed by other tasks than the original allocator...)
[02:57 PM] Rogue: The relationship between Hyperion and Eyetech is as always - we're doing the software, Eyetech is doing the hardware.
[02:57 PM] Rogue: I don't think there is more to say on that.
[02:57 PM] Rogue: next
[02:57 PM] Eric_S: QUESTION: Mesa looks really interesting. How much integration into AmigaOS are you expecting to do? Will there be a mesa.library for example?
[02:57 PM] L8-X: : Are Hyperion in regular contact with Amiga.Inc?
[02:57 PM] Rogue: *coughs*
[02:57 PM] Rogue: Alright, about Mesa...
[02:58 PM] Rogue: We are working on a generic OpenGL framework that will basically allow a program to use OpenGL much in the same way as AGL, glX or WGL - you create a context and start using OpenGL commands.
[02:58 PM] Rogue: This will not be tied to Mesa but to a concept of an installable driver that can override all or part of the standard OpenGL pipeline.
[02:59 PM] Rogue: This way a vendor-specific OpenGL can be used as well as Mesa or even MiniGL.
[02:59 PM] Rogue: About our contact with Amiga:
[03:00 PM] Rogue: Yes, we are in contact with Amiga. I don't know specifics, since this is a management job, so I can't say more about it.
[03:00 PM] Rogue: Next
[03:00 PM] Outcast: QUESTION: Will the Grim Reaper be able to catch crashes that occur within graphics/intuition.library caused by incorrect
[03:00 PM] Outcast: pointers, or will it lock upp the system in OS4 final as well? This problem is very annoying during development and testing
[03:01 PM] EntilZha: Illegal access in critical parts of the system will always lead to such "hard" crashes. This is a problem of the AmigaOS design in general, and we basically inherit that.
[03:01 PM] EntilZha: There's no real way for the GrimReaper to catch these... these things will be addressed later
[03:01 PM] EntilZha: next
[03:01 PM] Coder: Some days ago in the forums it was said that the RKM's would be renewed and printed again. Could you share some more info on that?
[03:02 PM] EntilZha: We intent to bring the RKM's up to current specs.
[03:03 PM] EntilZha: There might be a print-on-demand printing (there are companies that offer such a service), although nothing is yet written in stone... it's planned, at any case
[03:03 PM] EntilZha: next
[03:03 PM] Eric_S: QUESTION: will full dvi support for dvi-able graphic cards/monitors make it into update#4 or the final one?
[03:03 PM] L8-X: is amigainput going to be included in update 4?
[03:04 PM] Mikey_C-A1: Before we go any further, please, those of you who have joined and wish to ask a question, join #amigaworld2. To do this do /join #amigaworld2 at your prompt
[03:04 PM] Rogue: Update #4 : no, most likely not. OS4 final: Yes.
[03:04 PM] EntilZha: That's DVi support Rogue's talking about
[03:05 PM] Rogue: AmigaInput: yes that is going to be included in update #4, most likely including the USB HID driver... I have played Descent Freespace wth my Saitek X52 FCS and it rocks
[03:05 PM] Rogue: next
[03:05 PM] Outcast: QUESTION: Can you comment on any possible CPU upgrades that may or may not be available for the A1 ?
[03:05 PM] Outcast: [19:58:10]
[03:05 PM] EntilZha: No
[03:05 PM] Outcast:
[03:05 PM] EntilZha: Sorry, we are no hardware company
[03:05 PM] EntilZha: next
[03:06 PM] _Steve_: [dEF_bASE]: Question: Hardware support (specifically, driver development for anything other than the most popular hardware) is a serious issue for Linux. How do you intend to address driver development and hardware support to avoid (or reduce) the issues that Linux has?
[03:06 PM] Rogue: We're in the same boat. Hardware support WILL be an issue, more so since many hardware companies will not part with their specs.
[03:06 PM] Rogue: We can borrow from Linux or write our own drivers, or support thrid party drivers.
[03:07 PM] Rogue: For OS 4 on embedded devices, things will look different since on embedded hardware the drivers will be custom-written for the system in question.
[03:07 PM] Rogue: But yeah, that is going to be an issue... you will not be able ATM to plug in, say, a Volari graphics card and expect it to work.
[03:07 PM] Rogue:
[03:07 PM] Rogue: next
[03:08 PM] Coder: Will there be socks support in roadshow?
[03:08 PM] EntilZha: Uhm, good question... Frankly, I don't know... if Olaf is here, can somebody voice him :S
[03:09 PM] Mikey_C-A1: If Olaf is here
[03:09 PM] Mikey_C-A1: then please contact an op
[03:09 PM] Mikey_C-A1: you will be voiced
[03:09 PM] Rogue: Something I forgot to mention about Update #4:
[03:10 PM] Rogue: It will have 64 bit DOS support
[03:10 PM] Mikey_C-A1: Rogue can you elaborate on that?
[03:10 PM] Rogue: Sure..
[[03:11 PM] Rogue: There are new functions that accept 64 bit file offsets and sizes. There are also new DOS package types that will allow you to use files that are larger than 2 GB.
[[03:11 PM] Rogue: currently everything is 32 bit, and signed, too.
[03:11 PM] Outcast: YES
[03:11 PM] Rogue: so that means 2GB is mostly the limit.
[03:11 PM] Outcast: you beauty
[03:11 PM] Rogue: *coughs*
[03:12 PM] Mikey_C-A1: lol
[03:12 PM] Rogue: Erm, seems Olaf isn't here... Next I'd say
[03:12 PM] Mikey_C-A1: No he isn't
[03:12 PM] DaveyD:   question: will os4 support tvout?
[03:12 PM] Mikey_C-A1: I have been told
[03:12 PM] Rogue: Update 4 won't.
[03:12 PM] Rogue: For the final version, I think this is planned (for cards that support it like Radeon), so it would be yes.
[03:13 PM] Rogue: next
[03:13 PM] Eric_S: Question: Using AmigaOS4 partitioned harddrives connected via USB is not working well to say the least in pre3, will this work in Update4?
[03:14 PM] EntilZha: There was a bug in CrossDos that was causing trouble. This is fixed, and the fix will make it into update 4
[03:14 PM] EntilZha: Other than that, I can't say, because I don't know what the problem is that you're having...
[03:14 PM] EntilZha: next
[03:14 PM] Outcast: MiMe_OS4> QUESTION: will the radeon drivers be updated for #4 (overlay for example)?
[03:14 PM] L8-X: How advanced have the video drivers become so far and in final OS4 whats the latest Radeon card we can use to attain both 2d and 3d?
[03:15 PM] EntilZha: Overlay is still being worked on, but it's not in update 4, sorry
[03:15 PM] EntilZha: All Radeons from R100 up to R2xx and RV2xx are supported by 3d drivers
[03:15 PM] EntilZha: All others only 2d at the moment.
[03:16 PM] EntilZha: next
[03:16 PM] _Steve_: [ssolie]: QUESTION: Mesa looks really interesting. How much integration into AmigaOS are you expecting to do? Will there be a mesa.library for example?
[03:16 PM] EntilZha: *coughs* See above
[03:17 PM] EntilZha: Already been answered
[03:17 PM] * Rogue points upwards
[03:17 PM] EntilZha: Uhm... next ?
[03:17 PM] Coder: Are you spending more time on the OS4 version for the "classic" Amiga now that you are waiting with the final release for new hardware?
[03:18 PM] EntilZha: Not really. Except for the real low-level stuff, both versions are basically the same...
[03:19 PM] EntilZha: What we currently do is testing and bugfixing... even final releases contain bugs, so here's our chance to reduce the number of bugs that will be in the final version (and replace them by new bugs :S )
[03:19 PM] EntilZha: next
[03:19 PM] Eric_S: QUESTION: will there be public & free SDK with cross-compilers?
[03:20 PM] EntilZha: Yes, there will be. Unfortunately, this has been on backburner for far too long, and we apologize for that.
[03:20 PM] EntilZha: next
[03:20 PM] L8-X: Q:Does #4 need UBOOT update?
[03:20 PM] EntilZha: No
[03:20 PM] EntilZha: next
[03:20 PM] Outcast: mschulz_AROS> question: would you mind allowing AROS to be source-compatible with OS4?
[03:21 PM] Rogue: Well, my personal opinion: No.
[03:21 PM] Rogue: BUT
[03:21 PM] Rogue: Since I am certainly not a lawyer, I cannot and will not comment on legal issues... I don't mind, but the company might
[03:21 PM] Rogue: There are commercial interests to be taken into account.
[03:22 PM] EntilZha: Basically, this is a question for the management, and not for us... we only work here
[03:22 PM] Rogue: Yup
[03:22 PM] EntilZha: Personally, I wouldn't mind either.
[03:22 PM] Rogue: next
[03:22 PM] _Steve_: [%Jurassic_OS4]: QUESTION: Who will be responsible for the OS4 marketing. We all know how poor C= marketing was after the 64 was released with there be a hi profile scheme ?
[03:23 PM] Rogue: Erm, good question.
[03:23 PM] Rogue: I am a developer, it certainly isn't going to be me
[03:23 PM] Rogue: Other than that, well the website is more or less a beginning of our marketing...
[03:23 PM] Rogue: So I cannot really answer that.
[03:23 PM] Rogue: next
[03:24 PM] Coder: question: can finally use joystick/jopad with update 4?
[03:24 PM] Rogue: Yes.
[03:24 PM] Rogue: AmigaInput is going to be included
[03:24 PM] Rogue: There is a driver for USB HID devices which is capable of driving a number of USB joysticks.
[03:25 PM] Rogue: Not all are supported, we are working on a compatibility list.
[03:25 PM] Rogue: But quite a number of devices already work... Like I said above, my Saitek FCS works quite well..
[03:25 PM] Mikey_C-A1: Before we go any further, please, those of you who have joined and wish to ask a question, join #amigaworld2. To do this do /join #amigaworld2 at your prompt
[03:25 PM] EntilZha: We played Freespace with this: (Link: http://www.saitek.de/prod/x52.htm)http://www.saitek.de/prod/x52.htm
[03:26 PM] Rogue: next
[03:26 PM] Eric_S: PA-Semi, xenon, cell, ... everything is multicore, nowadays. Any plans to add support?
[03:26 PM] Rogue: That is a definitive YES!
[03:26 PM] Rogue: We'Re already lookng into this.
[03:26 PM] Rogue: Multicore CPU's are going to be commonplace in a few years time, we cannot afford to miss that.
[03:27 PM] Rogue: Especially with CELL
[03:27 PM] EntilZha: There are currently "legacy issues" with multicore support, so this is going to be post OS4.0 (4.x)
[03:27 PM] Rogue: This is mostly about Forbid lockign which chokes performance if used too often.
[03:28 PM] Rogue: We're working on getting this out of the system, and we're working on solutions for dual/multicore CPU support and special CPU support like CELL
[03:28 PM] Rogue: next
[03:28 PM] Outcast: Question: Is raytracer Real 4D still an issue for AOs4?
[03:28 PM] Rogue: Yes
[03:29 PM] Rogue: Still being worked on, though it is going slowly...
[03:29 PM] Rogue: We've moved it to a third party though.
[03:29 PM] Rogue: next
[03:29 PM] _Steve_: [GuruMeditation]: QUESTION: Commodore was quite excellent when it came to documentation. Will you, or anyone else print any documentation for OS4, or will it be digital only?
[03:29 PM] Rogue: Good question.
[03:29 PM] Rogue: Digital documentation is going to be the major source of information, but we're looking into things like a printed manual.
[03:30 PM] Mikey_C-A1: Before we go any further, please, those of you who have joined and wish to ask a question, join #amigaworld2. To do this do /join #amigaworld2 at your prompt
[03:30 PM] Rogue: There most likely *will* be a printed manual for the final release.
[03:30 PM] EntilZha: And a "big box"
[03:30 PM] Rogue: next
[03:31 PM] Coder: Orgin: Do you plan, at some point, to include a proper GUI based tool for task/process management? Such as listing all running processes, sending signals, changing priorities, killing individual tasks etc.
[03:32 PM] EntilZha: The whole scheduler/task system will be reworked completely in post 4.0. As such, these possibilities are probably going to be addressed late, including such a tool.
[03:33 PM] Rogue: There has been lots of work recently within exec and DOS to make graceful exit of crashed task more viable
[03:33 PM] Rogue: Resource tracking *is* functional, it just needs to be extended to things like graphics and intuition.
[03:33 PM] Rogue: Whether this will work out for 4.0 or be pused back for 4.1 is not yet decided... I'd bet on 4.1
[03:33 PM] Rogue: next
[03:33 PM] Eric_S: Question: Are there any plans for a speech program in OS4 as there was in the original Amiga?
[03:34 PM] EntilZha: Short answer: No
[03:35 PM] EntilZha: Long answer: There's been a candidate for a speech replacement for OS4, but it has not yet been pirsued. It's basically a "minor issue", and there is freely available software that can do the same.
[03:35 PM] EntilZha: next
[03:35 PM] L8-X: Any chance of some new games while we wait for OS4? I have cash to spend...
[03:35 PM] Rogue: We're currently working on some stuff but I cannot disclose what it is, nor can I say when it will be available.
[03:36 PM] EntilZha: Basically, we are working full time on OS4
[03:36 PM] Rogue: things go slow... we've got an OS to finish too
[03:37 PM] Rogue: next
[03:37 PM] Outcast: Chris_Y> QUESTION: What features are planned for post-OS4.0?
[03:37 PM] EntilZha: Some of the features:
[03:37 PM] EntilZha: - Multi-core/Multi-CPU support
[03:38 PM] Rogue: - Device-Independet display system. Basically something like Cairo, OpenGL-accelereated, with all the visual gadgetry like rotatable windows, transparency and the like...
[03:39 PM] Rogue: Basically improve on what we have now.
[03:39 PM] EntilZha: - Everything that's not yet in OS4.0
[03:39 PM] Rogue: Yup
[03:39 PM] Rogue: (good answer)
[03:39 PM] Rogue: *coughs* next
[03:39 PM] _Steve_: [tons]: Will hardware/software that requires proper Zorro and Classic Amiga Video support, such as the Video Toaster and Video Toaster Flyer system, work properly with OS4?
[03:40 PM] EntilZha: Yes, provided the drivers are written correctly.
[03:40 PM] EntilZha: There's nothing that prevents you from accessing the Zorro bus, or the video hardware... however, the drivers must work with the emulation.
[03:40 PM] EntilZha: next
[03:41 PM] Mikey_C-A1: okay
[03:41 PM] Mikey_C-A1: Finally to finish
[03:41 PM] Mikey_C-A1: can you comment on: Pegasos 2 port
[03:41 PM] Mikey_C-A1: and OS4 on PDA?
[03:41 PM] Mikey_C-A1:
[03:41 PM] Rogue: Aye! No comment
[03:41 PM] Rogue: Erm... okay...
[03:41 PM] Rogue: Pegasos 2 is a potential hardware platform for OS 4.
[03:42 PM] Rogue: There is an initial "cost" involved for a port, in fact, for any port of OS 4 to a different hardware platform.
[03:42 PM] Rogue: On some occasions (like the hardware platforms mentioned in our introduction) we'Re working on that with the hardware manufacturer.
[03:42 PM] Rogue: For the Pegasos 2, we would need to do that ourselves. We're currently not ready to do that.
[03:43 PM] Rogue: That is the reason why there is no OS4 on the peg yet.
[03:43 PM] Rogue: PDA:
[03:43 PM] Rogue: Yes AmigaOS4 *does* run on an existing PDA.
[03:43 PM] Mikey_C-A1: what make? and can we have it now?
[03:43 PM] EntilZha: Yeah, Workbench booting on a 240x320 display: A sight to see
[03:43 PM] DaveyD: lol
[03:44 PM] DaveyD: if Windows can do it
[03:44 PM] EntilZha: I can not dsclose that without killing 519 people, sorry
[03:44 PM] Mikey_C-A1: okay
[03:44 PM] Mikey_C-A1: Finally in closing then,
[03:44 PM] DaveyD: everyone stick around for the after-party
[03:45 PM] Mikey_C-A1: I would like to thank you guys on behalf of everyone on Amigaworld for taking the time to answer all the questions
[03:45 PM] Mikey_C-A1: To round of Rogue EntilZha any thoughts on OS4.1 and beyond?
[03:46 PM] EntilZha: Hmm... thoughts...
[03:46 PM] EntilZha: Well, we do have our plans, but it all depends of course on the present, i.e. sales of OS4
[03:47 PM] EntilZha: Some of the plans we already gave a glimpse on, some others are not disclosed yet
[03:47 PM] Mikey_C-A1: okay, well on that note, guys thank you for your time
[03:47 PM] EntilZha: You're welcome. Thanks all for listening

Releasing it for current A1 owners does not bring any money in.

They need to make as big an impact to attract fresh meat as they possibly can.

So...

No dribs and drabs release.

One BIG release with mighty Fanfare WILL attract more new users than an quiet (as far as the general public is concerned) release.

Not the way Hyperion see it, it´s right before the Q_A

[02:39 PM][02:39 PM] Rogue: The main reason is the unavailability of hardware. As you all know, AmigaOne's are not available right now, so we are not in a position to offer an OS 4 with a matching hardware.
[02:39 PM] Rogue: We DO think that once we release AmigaOS4.0, there will be a general interest in the news, in media, etc. We will get a lot of interest from people outside the amiga market, and they will ask where they can buy it.
[02:40 PM] Rogue: If we tell them they cannot buy it right now and need to wait until the hardware is available, then this will take away a lot of momentum that the release will generate.

Looking at it from that point of view they are correct.

Reading the rest of the session, update 4 is just about what the full release would have been.

Only thing we could ask for is some kind of beta for classic users

They yet again dangle another carrot in front of the remaining faithful donkeys. hyperion clearly had no intention of releasing so-called OS4 final before xmas and clearly know how to put on a act to their faithful followers.

hyperion has lost all credit from where i am looking, as far as i am concerned they are just as dead in the water as amiga inc is.

They yet again dangle another carrot in front of the remaining faithful donkeys.

A bit of a trollish remark ? Unneeded.

hyperion clearly had no intention of releasing so-called OS4 final before xmas and clearly know how to put on a act to their faithful followers.

Appart from 1 "statement" on their website (Something like "Release date later this year") nobody said OS4 would be released before Xmas, but more around xmas time. If update 4 is as they said the same as a full release then what's your problem ? The "most needed" thing is "JIT and 3D both included in update 4.

Only the classic users maybe left out (again). Those rwho bought an A1 are not.

Oh, and FYI, no I don't have an A1, nor a working PPC classic anymore. I don't have the intention to buy OS4 or MOS at this time or in the near future.

hyperion has lost all credit from where i am looking, as far as i am concerned they are just as dead in the water as amiga inc is.

A Inc has been quiet for some time and made claims that were never true and did some stuff that only hurt the Amiga. Intentional or not doesn't matter. IMHO Hyperion did no such thing. Like the MOS and Aros guys the did deliver.

@JoannaK


Which is precisely why Hyperion need to make as big an impact on official release as possible.

Very little money will be made on a dribs & drabs release.


A mighty Fanfare needs to sound ... Something that will get noticed in the big PC mags.

THAT ... MIGHT attract enough NEW users to the fold to pay for all the devs

Hyperion are at the mercy of the hardware. With out it they can't sell Amiga OS 4.0. They need someone(s) to produce hardware that will licence Amiga OS 4.0 to run on it and bring it to market. Otherwise, they can't generate sales without software.
Too bad Troika was overly optomistic about stating they our have something out by now. What is up with them?

I don't get it.  

On the one hand they complain about the lack of hardware - and I still don't see where any new hardware is going to come from - a few amateurs working in their bedrooms or Eyetech who have already lost money on the A1 and have been silent for months, along with Mai whose website hasn't been updated for 18 months and is full of missing images and dead links, and haven't shown any signs of life whatsoever for almost as long?  Hardly seems like a mass-market proposition.

If there is the press and media interest that Hyperion hopes for, then they're going to have to do a lot better if they don't want to be laughed at.  The readers of Slashdot and ArsTechnica are somewhat less forgiving than for example aw.net.

And on the other hand they say they're not ready to port OS4 to the Pegasos II - a proven, working, cheap, available platform already in the hands of thousands of current and ex-Amiga users.

Either they want to release OS4 or they don't.