RISC OS Direct

This month ROUGOL hosted RISC OS Developments Ltd’s Richard Brown (see Announcement). Although I could not be present I have received an informal (and unchecked) summary of the meeting which included, among others, the folowing topics:

The ports of browsers IRIS and ORIGYN (OWB) are progressing well, with beta versions distributed occasionally to those who have contributed. First public releases are planned for October 2020.

ROD now has a third director. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like Paul Reuvers. (Such news has yet to appear on their website).

The name RISC OS Direct has been chosen to badge both ROD’s distro of RISC OS 5 for Raspberry Pi, and the instructional videos that they plan to post to Tom Williamson’s Wi-Fi Sheep YouTube channel. Tom’s latest video there includes a preview of the RISC OS Direct pinboard backdrop and logo.

As I understand it, a port of Python 3, a new network stack, and other general enhancements are all being done under the aegis of ROD. I remain unclear how their network stack project fits in with ROOL’s bounty projects on the same theme. They sound to be different and possibly competing: could ROD’s version risk lessening the open source status of the OS? Perhaps someone more knowledgeable can clarify this and dispel any such fears.

I hope I’ve not written anything misleading, but if anyone involved finds errors in the above, I apologise and would ask for corrections to be posted.

ROD now has a third director. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like Paul Reuvers.

Not according to the Companies House page.

I was at the meeting and wrote it up for IconBar at https://www.iconbar.com/articles/Rougol_kicks_off_the_new_decade_with_a_new_venue_and_a_talk_by_Richard_Brown/index1528.html

My understanding is that Richard is project managing the development of some network features for a commercial user of RISC OS. So it does not exactly fit the bounty (and Richard regarded it as inappropriate to claim when they are being paid). But they are liasing with ROOL to reduce any duplication and the developments may cover some of the features to upgrade RISC OS.

Richard was one of the key players in getting RISC OS Open Source under the apache license. I have always found him very open and approachable if you have any questions.

My understanding is that ROD have a commercial customer that is paying for the network stack to be updated, particularly because they need IPv6, and that this work needs to be completed by the end of the year. ROD are in discussions with ROOL to minimise duplication of work, but they couldn’t afford to wait for the ROOL bounty to work its way through.

The good news for us RO users is that it means we are likely to get an updated network stack sooner, and as WiFi is dependent on having a new stack, it will hopefully bring that forward too :-) (optimism mode on!)

Thanks to all for clarifications.

Richard is the best person to ask!

Just to let everyone know the first episode of RISC OS Direct – The Video Series will be available late Saturday morning (GMT) (Feb 22nd 2020) on the Wi-Fi Sheep Youtube channel to co-inside with the South West Show.

RISC OS Direct EP1

And subject to availability, and in a first for a RISC OS event, We hope to bring you live coverage throughout the day of the Southwest Computer Show.
Broadcasts should start around 10:30 AM GMT (Feb 22nd 2020)

Live Feed

Please Note: Im not aware how well for if at all RISC OS systems will be able to handle the video. I would advise using an alternative or smartphone device.

On finally on a personal note: I would just like to say a huge thanks to Bernard Boase who’s ideas have been a useful contribution to this project and we have looked to implement a number of his suggestions. So thank you Sir!