If your CPU is fast enough you dont have to buy it because your CPU is too slow. Offloading decoding can be still good idea if you need saved capacity for something but advantage of CPU bound decoding is that you can use existing players.
In AmiNetRadio we never supported MASPlayer (similar to this one but it was just simple MP3 player) because it was not possible control output from application or use visualizers. Neither it is possible wrap this hardware to mpega.library because mpega.library is only for decoding while MAS Player and A-eon music card does both decoding and playing and reading back decoded audio data would be too slow. Both have advantages and disadvantages, Amiga audio output is limited to 8-bit only (or 14-bit, but that is sort of hack), while music cards use modern codecs.
Its one of the reasons why I might find the card enticing even if I get Vampire. Every drop of added performance/offloading from CPU is a good thing.
With regards to not announcing available hardware that is still being worked on software side;
Again, take Vampire. People recive their cards, and programs crash/doesnt work, until a later core update or tweaks done to programs. The difference is that Apollo-Team got a IRC channel where they (and people in general with depth of knowledge) hang out answering questions when they have time.
That way people clearly understand and accept the limitations of the product in its current state.
In addition people keep asking for additional features, which like on forums, sometimes spins off into unrealistic dreams. Other users or developers bring those people back to earth quickly.
Imho this approach defuses the "tension" that comes from waiting for any bit of information about x product.
I realise Apollo-Teams approach to information is kind of unortodox and unsusually open.
But it seems to work
Btw, will the Card work on A600 with 604n that got 2 clockports (and eventually a Vampire)?
