As usual, most of my comments should be tasted with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, but...
@redrumloa
You'd suppose that OS4 was going to be the money-spinner? :roll:
@Kronos
The damage has been done, but I would like to hope that their continued efforts come to something, rather than naught (like most of AIncs other cross-licensing schemes).
@pierre
Though, people are still eeking out part of their living by helping us ensure that our machines stay functioning, whether it be providing services, repairs, or parts. The couple of cents here and there are still a money flow. There are still commercial entities who rely upon these small-time folk, who probably make most of their money on other products outside the scope of 'Amiga', to keep some of their services running.
It is unfortunate, however, that by-and-large, these few remaining customers are converting to PCs, as the AOne fell through, they're sick of waiting, and Pegasos and the like are considered a 'why would we bother, we only kept the other machines 'cause they do their jobs and hardly ever fail?'. (Supposedly, the FDD's are the most failure-prone part of the system).
Using + upkeeping + developing = living (though life-support is becoming expensive).
@T Bone
Suppose the size of the pond between Deutschland and America is wide and tretcherous. I don't think it was merely balls that got them screwed to the wall where they are now, but it's definitely more than just balls that help them work there, sweating and aching and striving for release.
The question was not AOS4, it was any OS (proprietary or otherwise). And I'm not talking about Palms or such, I'm considering the most prolific electronic devices on the planet. Maybe AROS won't do much different than Simbian on a Nokia, but I'd sure-as-hell like to give it a whirl!
To those people who made efforts and have seen them stifled by the way of the contracts, I feel very concerned for the situation. I long for the day I can enjoy the fruits of such labour on every device I own, with or without emulation, including the toaster and fridge.
I try not to come across as naive, but sometimes the best way to get a message through is to coat it in cotton buds and bubble wrap so that it doesn't hurt so much when it's bounced back at you.
benJamin
"I apologise for helping thoroughly hijack this thread."
