Quick thanks to Mikhail Sudakov for pointing out that in fact ZX32 actually supports auto-running of .TAP and .TZX files. Y'see, this is the problem with emulators... there are lots out there, and each has it's pro's and cons. It's tricky to find an emulator that does everything you want it to.
As I mentioned, I'm still waiting for an emulator that gives the option of loading/resetting straight into USR 0 mode.

A couple days ago Peters Plus posted a new download of the Sprinter BIOS on their page. The download is for v2.12.251, and there's also a bunch of ZX ROMs for when you put the machine into Spectrum mode.
There's also the release of the first update for SP2000 (SP2000-Light) boards. In this pack you can get an even newer BIOS, v3.00.253, alond with a new version of the system firmware. There's also a bunch of new software features. Full details can be found in the press release.
Finally, I'll mention that a new version of Sprint has been released, featuring increased compatibility. There's also now a mailing list for this emulator, hosted by YahooGroups.

A very little note, coz I'm really quite tired. Just to point out that you should be watching se.raww.org/se.raww.net. I know what's coming... but I'll leave you to check the site(s) and work it out for yourselves.
Oh, and the two sites... they're the same. Pick the one you find it most fun to type.

Yes, a mention before I get some much-needed sleep that Spectaculator, a 48k ZX Emulator running under Windows, has been updated. It's now at version 2.0, and here's a list of the few of the changes:

• Improved sound emulation.
• .TAP/.TZX support, including auto-load.
• Virtual Tape-deck - rather nice, I think.
• Contended memory emulation.
• Multicolour (scanline) emulation.
• Doesn't crash if you don't have a soundcard.

I have to say, I like the auto-loading tapes idea. Just double-click a .TAP-file in Windows and the emulator will start it loading. I've often lamented the lack of something like this on other emulators... or more accurately, I think it'd be neat to go straight into 128k USR 0 mode. Very handy for loading demos.

Hehe. Another fix has been released for UnrealSpeccy - this one handily called "fix 2.5".
Actually to be precise, it's more of a DIY patch. There are two ways to do it, either by patching the source-code and recompiling (meaning you'll need to buy/steal Visual C++), or by manually patching the .EXE. Seems like a bit of hassle, especially as the instructions for both are only in Russian, natch!
Anyway, the "fix" just alters a couple audio envelopes (#0a and #0e, in case you wondered). They played wrong apparently, not that I would have noticed. A rough translation of the page can be grabbed through Babelfish. Anyone care to provide a good translation?

Well today in the post came the second issue of Retro Review, the new retro 'puter 'zine. And yes before you ask, I did get the first issue too.
I've only had a chance to have a quick flick through this latest copy, but on the face of it it's looking rather nice. So what's in it for the ardent Spectrum enthusiast?

• Sprinter review : Yes, this is the first proper review we've seen of the Sprinter, spanning 6 pages. A good write-up it seems. As I say, I've scanned through it, and I'm even more keen to get one of these machines now.
• Drive Interface reviews : A comparison of the main drive solutions for the ZX. Of coz the MB02 comes out on top, even tho' the reviewers didn't try it for themselves. But ask any user, and you'll get the same answer.

Well, that doesn't seem like so much, but team it up with articles on C64 emulation, 3D0 consoles, and Amiga upgrades, and it's a worthwhile purchase.

Another little note about an upcoming demoparty. You should all know that ASC-II'02 is happening at the end of this month. Well there's now a place for you to register for the party. Just get yourself along to POS and select the appropriate menu item on the right. A few people and groups have already confirmed they'll be there, so if you're in the area (Ishevsk), why not pop along.

Thanks go to Ed at my workplace for this bit of news, which I'm going to honestly steal:

" A 32-year-old father from Kinnesswood has had enough of speeding drivers who, he says, are endangering his and his neighbours' children. Matthew Henson has taken the unusual step of building his own speed gun and lying in wait to record the offenders' speeds. The vigilante speed warden is compiling the information for a local campaign to get the council to notice the problem since, he says, the drivers always slow down when they see police with speed guns. Mr. Henson built his gun from a ZX Spectrum and the infrared technology from a TV remote control. "

See, it took a while to get to the good bit, but it was worth it. Yeah, a Speedcam made from a ZX Spectrum.
The news was from some car insurance mailing list he managed to get himself onto. Not seen it elsewhere. Wonder if we can get the specs for it?

A very short note to mention that all Forever3 releases are now available for download from the official party-page. How nice.

A little mention quickly to the final release from Forever3. It's the missing ZeroTeam entry, titled "Codephobia". I'm just about to run it through, tho' I've already heard it's a top demo <g>.