Flojomojo Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 If this gets your imagination fired up ... The cooperation will bring together Atari’s brand and creative power with SIGFOX’s unique value proposition: connecting the physical world to the Internet through a simple, reliable, low-cost, energy-efficient solution. Currently operating in 18 countries and registering over 7 million devices in its network, SIGFOX is on its way to establishing one global, seamless network that provides ubiquitous connectivity for billions of objects. The collaboration will cover a wide range of new Atari products, from the very simple to the highly sophisticated, providing customers with an easy way to know at any time where the devices are and what their status is. The initial product line will include categories such as home, pets, lifestyle and safety. By connecting to SIGFOX’s global network, the products will benefit from its competitive advantages: a very long battery life and a simple solution that does not require local Internet connectivity and pairing. As soon as the battery is inserted in the object, it is immediately connected to the network. You'll love this. https://www.geocaching.com/play Like Pokemon Go but without the battery suckage 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atarifan88 Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 If this gets your imagination fired up ... You'll love this. https://www.geocaching.com/play Like Pokemon Go but without the battery suckage Geocaching is a great thing to do as it gets you outside, takes you to some interesting places, and gets you on a fun hike! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leech Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 Geocaching is a great thing to do as it gets you outside, takes you to some interesting places, and gets you on a fun hike! I think Geocaching needs to be patched to work in Google Earth VR, so we can go outside without danger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flojomojo Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 I think Geocaching needs to be patched to work in Google Earth VR, so we can go outside without danger. If you guys had done your nerd duty and bought a Wii U like you were supposed to, we would have been playing it since 2013. https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/29/10872550/nintendo-shutting-down-wii-street-u-in-march Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atarifan88 Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 If you guys had done your nerd duty and bought a Wii U like you were supposed to, we would have been playing it since 2013. https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/29/10872550/nintendo-shutting-down-wii-street-u-in-march Sorry after the SNES, I am done with buying games from "that" company. Sticking with the big three (Atari, Intellivision, and Colecovision). That's enough to keep me occupied... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 Just the support of the higher end TVs. Once you get used to something better (HD vs regular grainy TV) you won't want to go back! 720p is plenty and allows integer scaling of 240p consoles, something that 1080p doesn't. however most VCS games use less than 240 lines, so 5x vertical, 6x horizontal 1080p scaling on the Retron77 would be perfect for HDTVs. However I seriously doubt the 77 uses perfect integer scaling (like various FPGA consoles) since Stella probably just renders it at some resolution, then bilinear scales it to whatever resolution the HDTV supports. This actually creates artifacting at a subpixel level. If the scalar uses inferior algorithm such as nearest neighbor, then this will create severe artifact issues with uneven pixel widths/heights. This is especially noticeable with scanline effects enabled. Scanlines were beautiful and crisp on my 720 AVS (HDMI NES clone by RetroUSB) but horrible on the RetroFreak, which despite being 720p did not use integer scaling for the vertical pixel height. The scanlines were just a fake overlay and didn't even line up with the pixels because the Retron5/Rfreak used 224 pixel height and stretched it to 720p. So I am one f the 720p purists and there are others, but it has to be done correctly, and perfect integer scaled pixels are beautiful. Most "emulator boxes" fail with this regard... EDIT: crap, this is he Ataribox thread (one of them) not the Retron77... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheVgaTv Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 Atari has officially made it back to the mainstream http://www.theonion.com/americanvoices/atari-announces-mysterious-new-console-56315 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Ok thoughts on this? https://atari-com.scdn1.secure.raxcdn.com/cdn/farfuture/dGhOSDC8MbRNyRCIjUdc0I9fSHZJOOJACLq2IemJdxI/mtime:1464646838/sites/default/files/SIGFOX%20Atari%20Press%20Release%205.28.16_VEnglish_English.pdf Someone here linked that same press release as posted on Sigfox's website earlier, either in this thread or another. I gotta admit, I don't remember it being so detailed though. The parts about using IoT to expand the interactive environment and bring a new dimension to gaming really get my imagination going. Is that a leak? What kind of "battery" connects to some unknown preexisting network without internet access? This document, leaked or not, opens more questions than it answers. At least I know one thing's for sure: "Ataribox" is probably not the kind of device that will interest modern gamers, much less retro ones... As an aside, it's getting hard following 4 simultaneous threads on the subject at once. They should all have been merged some time ago IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsearch Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 This is interesting news from Europe: French headquartered Atari S.A. has confirmed in an official press release that the Ataribox will be launched thru a Crowdfunding campaign to minimize the financial risk. See (sorry, Fench only): https://www.zonebourse.com/ATARI-2168735/actualite/Atari-Le-Groupe-Atari-reaffirme-sa-strategie-de-croissance-rentable-a-l-issue-du-salon-des-jeux-vi-24638926/ 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keatah Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 So they're gonna make you, the customer, bear the financial risk while they sit fat and pretty. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vcoleiro1 Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 So a crowdfunding campaign coming for the Ataribox. This will be interesting 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDTAY Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Crowdfunding... So, at best, Ouya 2.0, and at worst, Atari Chameleon? I mean, I want to be hyped, but damn Atari, you're making it hard to be hyped. Still curious about that value add Bill mentioned, at least. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmadgames Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 I'm not really surprised by the crowd funding element as Atari probably isn't sitting on a pile of cash and they probably need a way to gage interest. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Nathan Strum Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 So they're gonna make you, the customer, bear the financial risk while they sit fat and pretty. Pretty sure Atari is neither fat nor pretty at this point. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bugcatcher88 Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Has anyone pulled a recent list of Atari's software ownership? They have been producing games have they not? I would tend to think their plans would be on a cheap platform with their game IP's which then might not be also produced for Sony,Nintendo,Microsoft,etc. Thoughts? Atari publishes a list of all the IP they currently own on their investors website every year. It was last updated Summer of last year and probably will be again within a few months or so. http://www.atari-investisseurs.fr/videos/?lang=en Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flojomojo Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 This is interesting news from Europe: French headquartered Atari S.A. has confirmed in an official press release that the Ataribox will be launched thru a Crowdfunding campaign to minimize the financial risk. See (sorry, Fench only): https://www.zonebourse.com/ATARI-2168735/actualite/Atari-Le-Groupe-Atari-reaffirme-sa-strategie-de-croissance-rentable-a-l-issue-du-salon-des-jeux-vi-24638926/ Oh jeez. That's no way to bring back anything. Booo. Machine translation: 22/06/2017 | 7:50 p.m. Atari Group reaffirms its strategy of profitable growth at the end of the June 2013 video game show E3 5 business lines: video games, licenses, online casino, multimedia production and connected objects, allowing optimization of complementarities between different sectors Flexible organization, favoring partnerships Paris, June 22, 2017 - Atari SA, a global interactive entertainment group, reaffirms its growth strategy at the end of the Los Angeles video game show E3. "Our growth strategy is based on a priority development of 5 activities: video games, online casino, multimedia, connected objects and licensing activities," said Frédéric Chesnais, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and first shareholder of Atari . "We are making progress in each of these areas, which are complementary. Each of them gives us the necessary visibility and creates a craze for the other product lines ". STRATEGIC AXES Each activity targets a specific audience, using dedicated support, through appropriate distribution and promotional networks, and contributes globally to the growth of the Atari brand's audience and the development of other activities. In addition, by limiting the number of activities and optimizing complementarities and partnerships, the Group favors profitability. Video games: capitalizing on existing franchises to develop new content and simulation games This historical activity of Atari revolves around the exploitation of the portfolio of more than 200 Atari games and simulation games: Operation of Atari Vault on PCs and consoles; Continued development of additional content for successful franchises, including RollerCoaster Tycoon Touch (mobile); In this regard, the Group will soon announce an agreement with a major toy group to create new content within RollerCoaster Tycoon Touch; Development of original simulation games using the RollerCoaster Tycoon Touch game engine , thus capitalizing on the investments already made. Casino: Continuing partnerships The Group is pursuing its strategy of selective partnerships, the ultimate goal being to create a portfolio of players in this field of games. The Atari Group favors brand licensing agreements, with partners contributing their technical platforms or marketing expertise. Connected Objects: Development of a new hardware product On May 30, 2017, at the publication of its annual turnover, the Atari group announced the "... Preparation of a public relations campaign and crowdfunding to test the viability of a new product Hardware for video games ". The Group has since broadcast a video unveiling a first design of this new product, whose functionalities and technical characteristics will be announced according to the progress of the works. https://www.ataribox.com The Group believes that it is able to develop an attractive product, using the brand awareness of the Atari brand in hardware . To limit risk taking, this product will initially be launched as part of a crowdfunding campaign . The Group also works on other connected objects, integrating innovative audio functions, or the Internet of objects (Sigfox). Multimedia production: Conclusion of an agreement with the Discovery Communications Group and continued operation Transmedia of the catalog The Atari Group has just concluded a broadcast agreement with Discovery Communications Group for a new television game "Atari: Codebreaker". A separate press release is attached. This agreement in the field of television complements the first developments, in the form of a license, in the field of cinema. The Atari Group thus represents a first step in this field, whose long-term objective is to exploit the portfolio of more than 200 Atari games on a transmedia axis . Licensing Activities Other products and services (comic books, books, board games, general merchandising ) are developed in the form of licenses, it being understood that the Group can always directly integrate one of these activities, Company of the Atari Group. These activities are only generating royalties. OUTLOOK On June 28, 2017, the Atari Group will announce its 2017-2018 outlook when presenting the 2016-2017 financial statements. At this stage, the Group confirms that it expects a significant increase in profits for the financial year 2016-2017. The Group's strategic objectives remain focused on relaunching the Atari brand in the field of games and multimedia, with the priorities of maintaining a high level of product quality and taking advantage of the Atari brand and the portfolio of intellectual property through Licensing activities and strategic partnerships for new activities. At the financial level, the Group's profitable growth is the permanent objective. About Atari Atari, made up of Atari SA and its subsidiaries, is a global group of interactive entertainment and multiplatform licenses. A true innovator of video games founded in 1972, Atari owns and / or manages a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including world-renowned brands such as Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®. From this important intellectual property portfolio Atari draws attractive online games (via a web browser, on Facebook and for download) for smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices. Atari also develops and distributes interactive entertainment for gaming consoles from Microsoft and Sony. Atari also leverages its brand and franchises with licensing agreements via other media, derivatives and publishing. More' contacts Atari - Philippe Mularski, Chief Financial Officer Tel +33 1 83 64 61 57 - pm@atari-sa.com Calyptus - Marie Calleux Tel + 33 1 53 65 68 68 - atari@calyptus.net This makes it sound like the Sigfox partnership for Internet of Things is a separate endeavor. Yet another clue that Atari belongs in the 1970s, as if we needed any more proof. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leech Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Maybe we can convince them to finally release that analog Joystick that the STE / Falcon DB15 ports support? Everyone should give the updated OIDS a shot, absolutely wonderful with the JagPad; http://atari-forum.com/viewtopic.php?p=320676#p320676 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toiletunes Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 (edited) This is interesting news from Europe: French headquartered Atari S.A. has confirmed in an official press release that the Ataribox will be launched thru a Crowdfunding campaign to minimize the financial risk. See (sorry, Fench only): https://www.zonebourse.com/ATARI-2168735/actualite/Atari-Le-Groupe-Atari-reaffirme-sa-strategie-de-croissance-rentable-a-l-issue-du-salon-des-jeux-vi-24638926/ Edited June 24, 2017 by toiletunes 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+GoldLeader Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Crowdfunding?? Maybe video games are no longer their strong point. Might I recommend they just sell stickers and T-Shirts? It's a more popular idea. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorsten Günther Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 i just can't imagine it as anything but an arm box running some kind of linux with a custom ui and digital storefront. I can imagine it as a Windows 10 box also, with the exact same features (custom - gamepad controllable - UI and digital store front(s) to e.g. GOG, Humble Bundle, Steam, etc.). Perhaps with some pre-installed Atari emulators, too. Might IMHO work if it is far below the price range of the Big Three, e.g. in the 150$ range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 This is interesting news from Europe: French headquartered Atari S.A. has confirmed in an official press release that the Ataribox will be launched thru a Crowdfunding campaign to minimize the financial risk. See (sorry, Fench only): https://www.zonebourse.com/ATARI-2168735/actualite/Atari-Le-Groupe-Atari-reaffirme-sa-strategie-de-croissance-rentable-a-l-issue-du-salon-des-jeux-vi-24638926/ - deleted for redundancy - Source: Google Chrome Translate. IMO, the online translator has really improved since it's inception. No "Engrish" or gross grammatical errors. Oh jeez. That's no way to bring back anything. Booo. Machine translation: This makes it sound like the Sigfox partnership for Internet of Things is a separate endeavor. Yet another clue that Atari belongs in the 1970s, as if we needed any more proof. Dangit... Honestly this "Internet of things" box, I, and possibly most other retro Atari fans, have zero interest in. I honestly hope this Kickstarter fails to secure funding, otherwise I have the feeling backers will be sorely disappointed in the final product / outcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RainbowCemetery Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 i only figured arm/linux cause this thing could live or die on its price point. i ain't no marketeer or nothin, but trying to leverage the power of an established corporate name and running a crowdfunding campaign seem to be two things that would conflict with eachother. i guess it minimizes risk but it does have a cost of confidence in the brand 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 I can imagine it as a Windows 10 box also, with the exact same features (custom - gamepad controllable - UI and digital store front(s) to e.g. GOG, Humble Bundle, Steam, etc.). Perhaps with some pre-installed Atari emulators, too. Might IMHO work if it is far below the price range of the Big Three, e.g. in the 150$ range. i only figured arm/linux cause this thing could live or die on its price point. i ain't no marketeer or nothin, but trying to leverage the power of an established corporate name and running a crowdfunding campaign seem to be two things that would conflict with eachother. i guess it minimizes risk but it does have a cost of confidence in the brand No way this sells for over $100, especially if it's Kickstarter backed. It can't use Windows 10 because the license would be expensive, but Linux and Android are virtually free, and there are some great affordable low-power SOAC x86 implementations now, but they probably will be comparable to ARM in terms of price/performance, and ARM will still beat it on performance/watt. ARM or x86, if all this thing does is connect to the internet and serve customized content (including ads) to the user based on "anonymous" usage statistics (how can it be anonymous if they are sending me customized advertisements?), then I really do not need it much less want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrMaddog Posted June 25, 2017 Share Posted June 25, 2017 (edited) Oh jeez. That's no way to bring back anything. Booo. Machine translation: This makes it sound like the Sigfox partnership for Internet of Things is a separate endeavor. Yet another clue that Atari belongs in the 1970s, as if we needed any more proof. That's it...a smart home hub with faux woodgrain that exploits the nostalgia of 40-somethings?? Edited June 25, 2017 by MrMaddog 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flojomojo Posted June 25, 2017 Share Posted June 25, 2017 I think the IoT thing is SEPARATE AND DISTINCT from AtariBox, per the above translation from the French original. The fact that it's being crowdfunded to avoid risk increases the likelihood it won't even happen at all. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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