This month's disc includes a small reorganization of the Sample Code folder; sample code is now organized by subject, similar to the Tool Chest folder. Also, you might have noticed that we have been able to squeeze a few more bytes on to recent CDs than we have in the past; this is thanks to our switch to Toast CD-ROM Pro v3.0, which does a much better job of optimization and System 6 desktop-file generation that our old methods. I'm not allowed to recommend a particular software package, but for the Developer CDs (wink, nudge) *we* use Toast Pro.
So, in addition to updates to the Arabic and Hebrew Language Kits, a Kanji version of System 7.5.3 (PCI only), and several localizations of Worldwide QuickDraw GX 1.1.3, here's this month's new and revised stuff.
Apple Game Sprockets 1.0GM: Apple Game Sprockets is a set of libraries that enhance your ability to create games for the Macintosh or any computer running the Mac OS. The four libraries in Apple Game Sprockets are SoundSprocket, DrawSprocket, InputSprocket, and NetSprocket. These libraries offer games developers several advantages over existing approaches to game development.
• SoundSprocket offers new technologies for presenting sounds localized in 3D space.
• DrawSprocket provides safe ways to manage the display and manipulate graphics, replacing the undocumented methods currently in use. It provides a consistent user experience for configuring game play. It also makes page flipping—long a capability of Apple hardware—accessible to games.
• InputSprocket provides a consistent user experience for configuring how input devices work with games.
• NetSprocket offers a common user interface for hosting and joining network games. Messages are sent and received across a variety of protocols with a simple programming interface.
Apple Game Sprockets alleviates the burden of tedious common details and allows you to concentrate on developing the game play. Developers of input devices also benefit from Apple Game Sprockets. Apple Game Sprockets lets you concentrate solely on providing access to the device while leaving plenty of room for differentiation and adding value.
You can use the four libraries independently or together, as your game requires. These libraries are delivered to the end users as system extensions, similar to QuickTime or OpenDoc. For example, if your game requires the SoundSprocket library, you can include it as a system extension with your game. Apple Game Sprockets may be used without a license fee and the SDK and runtime libraries are available on Apple’s Web site.
C.S.M.P. Digests: This digest is a collection of article threads from the internet newsgroups comp.sys.mac.programmer.*. It is designed for people who read c.s.m.p. semi- regularly and want an archive of the discussions. The Comp.Sys.Mac.Programmer Digest is moderated by Francois Pottier (pottier@clipper.ens.fr). Please note that this is NOT AN APPLE PRODUCT; it is provided on an as-is basis, and Apple is not responsible for any problems you may encounter in its use.
Macintosh PAP Client Interface: AppleTalk's Printer Access Protocol (PAP) is a session level protocol that enables communication between workstations and printers or print servers. The Macintosh PAP Client Interface implements the workstation side of PAP for the Macintosh.
Network Stream: NetworkStream is a C++ Stream IO class object for OpenTransport Network I/O. Written in Metrowerks C++, it implements a TNetworkBuf, TNetworkOStream and TNetworkIOStream object. See the document "ReadMe - NetworkStream" for details.
Pippin Technical Notes: Pippin is a new multimedia and Internet playback architecture based on Power Macintosh and licensed by Apple to Bandai Digital Entertainment. Because it is based on Mac, most Pippin development is the same as Mac development. The tech notes in this folder cover all the Pippin-specific aspects of developing on Pippin.
QuickDraw GX Sample Code Update: This folder includes replacements and updates for the sample code folder of the QuickDraw GX SDK.
Snippets Update
• PDlog Expand (Printing): This example shows how to add items to print dialogs (with balloon help and sub-dialogs)as described in Macintosh Tech Note PR09.
• PutAwayVolumes 1.1 (Files): This snippet demonstrates several techniques for unmounting a volume.
Word Services Suite 1.0.7: The Word Services Apple Event Suite allows any application to link to a speller, grammar checker or other text service as if it is a built-in menu item. It is probably the simplest really useful thing you can do with Apple Events.
The Word Services SDK contains the suite specification, tutorial documents, the Spellswell 7 Demo from Working Software, a HyperCard Word Services XCMD and the complete source code to Writeswell Jr., a simple Word Services word processor.
Note: The Word Services SDK, including the specification and sample code, are copyrighted by Working Software, but the copyrights given in the code grant permission to distribute it.
WorldScript Updater: This installer will install files needed by WorldScript™ technology for users running Mac™ OS 7.5 and above. Users of the Japanese and Chinese Language Kits or applications which depend on WorldScript technology should install these pieces as they improve the stability and performance of your system. QuickDraw™ GX and Power Macintosh users should upgrade to these pieces as they provide important improvements over previous versions. See the document "WorldScript™ Installer Read Me" for details.
