MasterGear-Android 2.7.1 Published

Hello, All!

The next MasterGear-Android release is out:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

The new MasterGear 2.9.11 fixes ZIP file support on Kitkat and enables hardware media buttons (record, play, rewind), to save, restore, or replay the gameplay. If you have extra buttons on your gamepad, you can also assign these functions to the extra buttons, via "Input | Assign Keys" setting.

ALL CHANGES:
* LuckyPatcher use now accepted, by public demand, but you will see a warning.
* Fixed support for .ZIP files stored on Kitkat SD cards.
* Added custom key assignments for freezing, restoring, and replaying gameplay.
* Added "General | Confirm Freezing State" option for people who tend hitting "Freeze" by mistake.
* The "REWIND" hardware key now replays recent gameplay.
* The "RECORD" hardware key now freezes gameplay state.
* The "PLAY" hardware key now restores gameplay state.
* No longer showing box art for .ZIP files, as we cannot identify them.
* Moved "Screen Orientation" option to the "Video" tab.
* Reordered items in the "Video" tab.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

I have just updated MasterGear-Android, my Sega MasterSystem and GameGear emulator, to version 2.9.12:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This update adds easy Wiimote support, makes gamepad BACK button fully usable, fixes a few bugs, and extends Cheatopedia with entries for 18 new games. See below for the full release notes.

ALL CHANGES:
* Painless Wiimote support with "Input | Wiimote Support" option.
* Gamepad BACK button fully usable and assignable.
* Tested MasterGear on real a x86-based Android device (Dell Venue 8).
* Fixed scanline effects on x86-based Android devices.
* Added 18 new games to the Cheatopedia.
* Moved "Keep Screen On" to the "Video" tab.
* Fixed crashes when downloading DropBox files.
* Fixed crash when setting backdrop location.
* Fixed some Russian translations.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

I have just released MasterGear-Android 2.9.13, a new version of my Sega MasterSystem, GameGear, and SG-1000 emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This version replaces the old Layout Editor with the new Virtual Joystick Editor, merging all joystick settings into single UI and letting users independently resize virtual buttons. The new UI finally shows button labels and gravity, i.e. which screen edges buttons "stick" to. The Assign Keys screen is now showing current key assignments. Finally, I have added cheats for another 17 games to the Cheatopedia. See the complete change list below.

ALL CHANGES:
* Now showing current key assignments in "Assign Keys".
* Replaced "Edit Layout" option with "Edit Virtual Joystick".
* Buttons can be individually resized in Joystick Editor.
* Added scale, shape, and transparency options to Joystick Editor.
* Added gravity indication with dotted lines to Joystick Editor.
* Added button labels to Joystick Editor.
* Added 17 new games to the Cheatopedia.
* Removed separate joystick size, shape, and opacity settings.
* Reordered items in the "Input" tab.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

I have released MasterGear 2.9.14 for Android today:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This release makes emulated console screen movable and resizable, via "Input | Virtual Joystick Editor" setting. I have also included a quick hack option to make misbehaving hardware keyboards work and added cheats for 18 new games to the Cheatopedia.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added screen resizing/positioning to the Joystick Editor.
* Added "Input | Ignore Fake KeyUp Events" option to make misbehaving keyboards work.
* Added 18 new games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added backdrop image to the Joystick Editor.
* Fixed joystick resizing/positioning in the Joystick Editor.
* Fixed backdrop image shifting down after rotation.
* Fixed accidental crash when drawing overlay.
* Removed some outdated code that is no longer relevant.

Hello, All!

I am rolling out MasterGear 2.9.15 today, a new version of my Sega MasterSystem and GameGear emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This release adds cheats for 29 more games to the Cheatopedia and fixes several pending Cheatopedia bugs. I have also improved the overall app stability by removing several "stale" threads that may have remained after quitting MasterGear.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added cheats for 29 new games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added a few missing game IDs to detect Cheatopedia games.
* Now properly killing DropBox and BoxArt threads at exit.
* Fixed stale timer thread remaining after exiting a game.
* Fixed screenshots when using custom-positioned screen.
* Fixed crash when drawing custom-positioned screen.
* Fixed several faulty Cheatopedia entries.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

I have published the new MasterGear-Android 3.0, adding full support for GameGenie codes in "DDA-AAA-RRR" and "DDA-AAA" formats:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

Also added Cheatopedia entries for 28 more games, including Kenseiden, Lemmings, King's Quest, and Indiana Jones. See full change list below:

ALL CHANGES:
* Added support for GameGenie cheat codes in "DDA-AAA-RRR" and "DDA-AAA" formats.
* Cheat Editor now accepts both GameGenie and Pro Action Replay cheats.
* Added cheats for another 28 games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added King's Quest: Quest for the Crown to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Heroes of the Lance to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park to the Cheatopedia.
* Added James Bond and James Pond 2 to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Kenseiden to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Lemmings to the Cheatopedia.
* Removed AdMob library, as the app is not running any ads.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

I have released MasterGear-Android 3.0.1 today:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

The new release makes sure MasterGear does not leave defunct processes after it finishes. I have also reduced time needed to start a game and optimized switching between activities (Settings, Netplay, etc). The Cheatopedia got expanded with 25 more games, including Shinobi, Street Fighter 2, Smash TV, and Shadow Of The Beast.

ALL CHANGES:
* Now killing zombie processes left by some activities.
* Games start faster, after optimizng the utility library.
* Reduced switch times between Settings, Exchange, etc.
* Only starting Google Analytics tracker when needed.
* Keeping just one instance of Google Analytics tracker.
* Added cheats for 25 more games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Shinobi and Shadow Dancer to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Street Fighter 2 and Streets of Rage to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Sagaia and Scramble Spirits to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Shadow of the Beast to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Smash TV to the Cheatopedia.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

In this week's MasterGear-Android 3.0.2 release, I have started adding cheats for GameGear games:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

A total of 50 GameGear games have been added to a separate Cheatopedia section, including five Sonic The Hedgehog games, Shinobi, Lemmings, Desert Strike, Alien Syndrome, Megaman, and Ninja Gaiden. I have also fixed a bug with default settings initialization and removed large chunks of unused code and resources.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added cheats for 50 GameGear games.
* Fixed default settings initialization.
* Removed unused and outdated code, resources and bitmaps.
* Added Dragon Crystal and two Phatntasy Star games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Ninja Gaiden and two Shinobi games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Megaman and two Wonder Boy games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Alien Syndrome and Chakan to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Desert Strike and Lemmings to the Cheatopedia.
* Added five Sonic The Hedgehog games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Ecco The Dolphin to the Cheatopedia.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

You can pick up the latest MasterGear-Android 3.1 from the Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This release adds the Cheat Hunter tool, letting you find your very own cheats (such as infinite lives, time, or credits) in any game, almost automatically. While adding this feature, I have also found and fixed a few cheat-related bugs.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added Cheat Hunter tool for searching Action Replay cheats.
* Added cheats for 13 more GameGear games.
* Fixed cheats parsing, adding wrong cheats no longer possible.
* Fixed saving .CHT files from the emulator (was saving them GZIPped).
* Added three Bart Simpson games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Battleship and Buster Fight to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Baseball'91 and Batter Up to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Beavis And Butthead and Berlin Wall to the Cheatopedia.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

MasterGear-Android 3.1.1 is now ready for download:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

The new release makes the Hardware Model setting persistent, so that you do not need to set it every time. If you mess it up, simply set it back to "Automatic". I have also satisfied several requests about backdrop images: you can now have a different backdrop for each game, and if you have got a narrow screen, the backdrop will be aligned to the bottom screen border. Finally, added cheats for 24 more GameGear games, including Double Dragon and Defenders Of Oasis. Enjoy!

ALL CHANGES:
* Now saving Hardware Model, no need to set it every time.
* Each game can have own backdrop. For Game.sms, place it into Game.sms.back.png.
* Now aligning backdrop to the screen bottom, if it is too small.
* Added cheats for 24 more GameGear games.
* Added two Chuck Rock games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Cool Spot and Cutthroat Island to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Double Dragon and Eternal Legend to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Defenders of Oasis game to the Cheatopedia.
* Added explanation messages to the Cheat Hunter.
* Added missing string translations.

Hello, All!

The next MasterGear 3.1.3 for Android is now available from Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

The new release comes with the accurate PSG noise channel emulation, with the random noise generator implemented exactly the way documentation describes it. Android KitKat+ users will also find they can use the "immersive mode" to reveal/hide the user interface. I have also added cheats for 12 more GameGear games.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added accurate SN76489 noise channel emulation.
* Added configurable noise generator API to EMULib.
* Added Android immersive mode support.
* You must start or finish your fling at the top to toggle title bar.
* Added 12 new GameGear games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Faceball 2000 and Frogger to the Cheatopedia.
* Added F15 Strike Eagle and Formula 1 to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Fatal Fury and Fantasy Zone to the Cheatopedia.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

The next MasterGear-Android 3.1.5 is now online:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

It emulates the 8bit Sega MasterSystem, Sega GameGear, and SG-1000 gaming consoles from Sega. MasterGear will also emulate SC-3000 home computer. This week's changes include translucent immersive UI on Kitkat+ Androids and separate settings for the media buttons, found on many Bluetooth devices. See below for the complete list.

ALL CHANGES:
* Made system UI translucent when immersive mode is on.
* Fixed the File Selector Search to properly find storage.
* Added "Use PLAY/RECORD Media Keys" option.
* When enabled, RECORD saves, PLAY restores gameplay.
* Added "Use FFWD/REWIND Media Keys" option.
* When enabled, FFWD fast-forwards, REWIND replays.
* Built package with the latest Android SDK.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

I have released MasterGear-Android 3.1.6 this morning, a new version of my Sega MasterSystem and GameGear emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This is the last MasterGear release this year. It fixes a bunch of OpenGLES-related bugs, adds scaling for bigger screens, support for split windows and popups on Samsung Galaxy devices. You can now search for a game by its name from the File Selector. Finally, in response to many requests, I removed unused virtual buttons from the top of the screen.

ALL CHANGES:
* Removed FIREL/FIRER buttons off the screen.
* Added split-screen and popup window modes on Samsung devices.
* Added searching by name to the File Selector Search.
* Added assembler scaling routines for 1280x1120+ screens.
* Fixed auto frame skip when OpenGLES video enabled.
* Fixed reenabling UI with a fling on Kitkat+ phones.
* Reenabled automatic frame skip by default.
* Reenabled accelerated video and audio by default.
* You can now fling from the top or the bottom to toggle UI.
* Removed deprecated code, settings, and resources.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

A new MasterGear release is out:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

MasterGear 3.1.7 will run in split-screen and pop-up window modes on Samsung devices, adds an option to always show box art rather than screenshots, makes File Selector images bigger, and fixes a bunch of bugs. See below for the complete change list.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added "Show Box Art First" option to the File Selector.
* Fixed OpenGLES lockups on Mali GPUs (Samsung, RK, etc).
* Fixed running MasterGear in the lower half of split-screen.
* Fixed flickering border when simulating scanlines on x86 devices.
* Made screenshots and box art display bigger on large screens.
* Hiding the title bar is now the default behavior.
* Fixed premature hiding of the title bar.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

I have updated my Sega MasterSystem and GameGear emulator, MasterGear-Android, to version 3.1.8:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This update introduces Material theme on Lollipop+ devices, replaces all UI icons with newer versions, and makes a few more preparations for switching to a new UI paradigm.

ALL CHANGES:
* Now targeting Lollipop, Froyo+ still works though.
* Now using Material theme on Lollipop.
* Updated all icons to the newest Lollipop versions.
* Retired some icons, replacing them with better fitting ones.
* Removed app name from all title bars, to save space.
* GBA link now redirects to VGBAnext.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

I have published MasterGear-Android 3.2 tonight:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

In this version, I have added initial AndroidTV support, fixed a bunch of UI bugs, and patched Moga and License Verification libraries to work on Android Lollipop. As result, the new MasterGear now uses android-21 APIs (i.e. Lollipop). If you have a real AndroidTV device, please, test the app and let me know how well it works. I do not have an AndroidTV to fully test it myself.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added experimental AndroidTV support. Please, test!
* Added tiles to the File Selector grid view.
* Fixed screenshots and highlight in the State Selector.
* Fixed Moga library to work on Android Lollipop.
* Fixed LVL library to work on Android Lollipop.
* Fixed screenshot sizes int the State Exchange.
* Fixed black banding in the Palette Editor.
* Fixed text color in the Gallery.
* Switched to android-21 API, as required by AndroidTV.

Enjoy!

I have published MasterGear-Android 3.2.1, as well as free MasterGear 3.2 for Windows and Linux:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg (Android)
http://fms.komkon.org/MG/ (Windows and Linux)

Starting with this release, MasterGear should show up in the Google Play Store for AndroidTV. I have also enabled the button assignment dialog on devices without touch screens (e.g. AndroidTV), fixed the emulation settings and further improved the user interface. People, who asked if they can supply their own ROM database, will find their wish granted in this release.

Since this is the first Windows and Linux release since MasterGear 2.6, there is quite a lot of changes in the desktop version. Just like its Android sibling, the desktop version now supports ActionReplay cheat codes (press [F5]), translation patches, instant replay (press [F8]), and the semi-automated cheat search (press [F5]). There are also major updates to Z80 CPU and SN76489 PSG emulation. See below for the complete list of changes.

ANDROID CHANGES:
* Released free MasterGear 3.2 for Windows and Linux.
* When assigning keys, DPAD_CENTER button confirms assignments.
* You can add your own game names database in "/sdcard/MasterGear/names.dat".
* Fixed Emulation Settings not showing up from File Selector.
* Removed unnecessary group inside Emulation Settings.
* Added the "up" button to the main emulator title bar.
* Cleaned up and beautified the File Selector grid view.
* MasterGear now shows up in the Google Play for AndroidTV.
* Fixed multiple build warnings.

WINDOWS/LINUX CHANGES:
* MG-Windows is now free for everyone to use and share.
* Added .IPS patch support. For "mygame.sms", name your patch file "mygame.ips".
* Added support for ActionReplay cheats.
* Added automatic gameplay recording (press [F8] to replay).
* Added cheat hunter tool for finding new cheats.
* Added accurate Z80 R register emulation.
* Added accurate Z80 LDIR/LDDR opcode emulation.
* Fixed a bug in the Z80 CPDR opcode.
* Added undocumented opcode 71h to the Z80 emulation.
* Added accurate SN76489 noise channel emulation.
* Switched SN76489 PSG to logarithmic volumes.
* Corrected SN76489 PSG base frequency.
* Improved audio quality, removing harmonics.
* Made sure audio updates after restoring state.
* Added configurable noise generator API to EMULib.
* Added automatic hardware selection for some games.
* Micro Machines works out of the box now.
* MLB Majors Pro Baseball works out of the box now.
* Added "vertical scanlines" and "raster" visual effects.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

I have just updated MasterGear for Android to version 3.2.4:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

In this release, I have slightly changed the way VDP behaves when someone tries writing into VRAM while in read mode. While it is generally a bug, but some programmers still did it for unknown reasons. This VDP change fixed graphical glitches in Klax (both MasterSystem and GameGear versions), Astrowarrior, and Wolf Child.

I have also improved the user interface, adding the navigation menu and a separate "tile view" option to the File Selector. Please note that all File Selector view toggles have moved to the top-left corner navigation menu.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed VRAM writes when VDP is in read mode.
* Fixed graphical glitches in Klax (both SMS and GG).
* Fixed title screen garbage in Wolf Child.
* Fixed corrupted explosion craters in AstroWarrior.
* Added 15 new GameGear games to the Cheatopedia.
* Added navigation menu to the File Selector.
* Added tile view to the File Selector.
* Added "up" button to the main emulator title bar.
* Made "grid view" and "tile view" options separate.
* Moved File Selector view toggles to the navigation menu.
* Enabled application-wide hardware acceleration.
* Improved "What's New" page formatting.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

I have just uploaded MasterGear 3.2.5 for Android devices to Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

The latest version adds the floating action button to run the last played game and optimizes controls for gamepad-based Android devices, such as Nvidia Shield Portable.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added floating action button that starts the last played game.
* Added "Show Action Button" option to the Settings.
* Optimized controls for Nvidia SHIELD Portable and similar devices.
* FIRE-R, FIRE-Y, and SELECT buttons open File Selector main menu.
* FIRE-X button opens File Selector navigation menu.
* FIRE-L button opens Gallery from the File Selector.
* FIRE-B button now exits File Selector.
* Fixed crash when detecting an outdated version.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

I have updated MasterGear-Android to version 3.3 today:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

Since I have got an ADT-1 AndroidTV box to test on, this version contains many optimizations for AndroidTV and other devices without touchscreens. The gamepad BACK key now exits the emulator, while pressing A+BACK will open the menu. The "Assign Keys" dialog has been redesigned to completely avoid the touchscreen use. I have also updated the banner image and added overscan border on AndroidTV devices

ALL CHANGES:
* Removed waveform interpolation for more realistic sound.
* Optimized app for AndroidTV, tested on the ADT-1 box.
* Added overscan border on AndroidTV devices.
* Added hints to the emulator and key mapping dialog.
* Fixed crashes on devices with no web browser (e.g. ADT-1).
* Replaced AndroidTV banner image.
* Enabled gamepad-only emulation interface.
* Press BACK on gamepad to exit emulation.
* Press MODE or BUTTON_A+BACK to open menu.
* Press BUTTON_X if you have no SELECT button.
* Press BUTTON_Y if you have no START button.
* Xperia CIRCLE button now acts as BUTTON_B.
* Redesigned key mapping dialog.
* Press same key twice to remove it from assignments.
* Press same key three times to confirm key mappings.
* DPAD_CENTER key no longer confirms key mappings.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

A minor MasterGear-Android 3.3.1 update today:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

The new version fixes SRAM clearing on reset, so Lunar Legend and other games will no longer lose saved games when you reset them. I have also added an option to reset all settings to defaults and made the right shoulder button open the context menu in the File Selector.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed clearing SRAM on reset (Lunar Legend, etc).
* Added "General | Reset All Settings" option.
* Pressing BUTTON_R1 now invokes File Selector context menu.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

I have published MasterGear-Android 3.3.2 this morning:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

Starting with this version, you can play MasterSystem games together, using two gamepads (wired or wireless). Please, make sure you connect both gamepads to your Android device before starting MasterGear. I have also replaced all icons throughout the app with Material Design icons and cleaned some virtual joystick skins.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added second player, if you have two gamepads connected.
* To play together, connect both gamepads before starting MasterGear.
* Added Material Design icons everywhere.
* Retouched virtual gamepad images.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

I have released MasterGear 3.3 for Windows and Linux today, as well as MasterGear 3.3.3 for Android:

http://fms.komkon.org/MG (free Windows and Linux versions)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg (Android version)

The Android version fixes Joystick Layout Editor and adds two more button combinations to open a menu during the game (useful on AndroidTV). The Windows version switches to the texture-based Direct3D rendering. See the full list of changes below.

ALL CHANGES:
* Removed waveform interpolation for more realistic sound.
* Fixed Joystick Layout Editor in MG-Android.
* R1+BACK or L1+BACK opens a menu in MG-Android.
* Switched MG-Windows to Direct3D textures-based rendering.
* Added "Simulate LCD Scanlines" option to MG-Windows.
* Added "Stretch Full Screen" option to MG-Windows.
* Added new icon to MG-Windows.
* Added -lcd and -nolcd command line options.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

I have added Sega MasterSystem light gun emulation to my MasterGear emulator for Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

The light gun works in such games as Operation Wolf, Safari Hunt, Trap Shooting, and Marksman Shooting. To enable light gun, check the "Settings | Emulation | Light Gun" option. I have also fixed a possible crash in the State Exchange browser, optimized the app for the latest Nvidia Shield AndroidTV device, and made the menu appear when you press both thumbsticks on an AndroidTV gamepad.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added light gun emulation (Operation Wolf, Safari Hunt, etc).
* Added beam position register (port 7Fh).
* Added "Emulation | Light Gun" option to the Settings.
* Fixed a crash in the State Exchange browser.
* Tested and optimized for Nvidia Shield AndroidTV box.
* On AndroidTV, press both thumbsticks down to invoke the menu.
* Reenabled action bar on devices with physical MENU key.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

I have published MasterGear-Android 3.4.1 this morning:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

The new release adds support for custom virtual joystick skins. To create your own joystick skin, download the template from the web site, edit it, and place it into /sdcard/MasterGear/Controls.png. After that, select "Custom Skin" option in the Layout Editor to see your skin.

I have also made the action bar optional on devices that have a MENU button (and thus do not need the action bar icons). Since many people complained that they cannot find the Cheatopedia or Freeze/Restore options, these options are back in the menu. You can move them to the action bar by checking the "General | Enable Action Bar" option.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added joystick skins, place your own skin into /sdcard/MasterGear/Controls.png.
* Added "Input | Layout Editor | Shape | Custom Skin" option for choosing your skin.
* Sample joystick skin image available at http://fms.komkon.org/EmuAndroid/#Skin.
* Made action bar optional on devices with MENU button (off by default).
* Added "General | Enable Action Bar" option for devices with MENU button.
* Added exception for LG Optimus Zone 2 (does not show submenus).

Hello, All!

I have pushed MasterGear-Android 3.4.2 to the Google Play this morning:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This release beautifies the background image, making sure it attaches to the MasterSystem display with no gaps. If you are storing games on an external SD card, and Android prevents apps from writing to it, MasterGear will save your game states to /sdcard/MasterGear.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added new background image, removing the gap.
* Now automatically creating /sdcard/MasterGear if missing.
* When MasterGear cannot write SD card, it will save to /sdcard/MasterGear.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

I have updated MasterGear-Android to version 3.4.3, adding support for per-game custom backgrounds:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

You may use a .PNG image of any size for the background, although I usually use 640x800. The bottom part of the background will go off screen, as needed.

ALL CHANGES:
* You can have custom backdrop for Game.sms in Game.sms.back.png.
* Typical backdrop size is 640x800, bottom part may go off-screen.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

MasterGear-Android 3.4.4, a new version of my Sega MasterSystem and GameGear emulator, is now available online:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

It includes two new raster effects, simulating TV or LCD pixel components, and fixes several rather nasty bugs in the Instant Replay feature.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added "Video | Color Mask Effect" selector.
* Added "CMY pixels" and "RGB pixels" special effects.
* Merged "Scale Video" and "Stretch Video" into one selector.
* Fixed memory corruption bug in the instant replay recorder.
* Fixed instant replay not recording the initial state.
* Fixed instant replay not restoring successive states.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

I have released MasterGear 3.4 for Windows and Linux today, as well as MasterGear 3.4.5 for Android:

http://fms.komkon.org/MG/ -- free Windows and Linux versions
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg -- Android version

The new release adds EPX and EAGLE image scalers, as well as pixel raster simulation (CMY and RGB modes). I have also fixed several crucial bugs in the instant replay feature and added an MG-Windows option to clear file associations. See below for all changes.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added special effects simulating individual pixel components.
* Added EPX and EAGLE scaling algorithms.
* Fixed memory corruption bug in the instant replay recorder.
* Fixed instant replay not restoring successive states.
* Fixed instant replay not recording the first state.
* Added "Video | Interpolation Effect" selector in MG-Android.
* Renamed "Soften Video" to "2xSal interpolation".
* Switched to android-22 platform and tools (Android Lollipop 5.1.1).
* Merged scanline options into "Simulate Scanlines" in MG-Windows.
* Merged scaling options into "Interpolate Video" in MG-Windows.
* Added "Apply Color Raster" submenu to MG-Windows.
* Added "RGB Raster" and "CMY Raster" options to MG-Windows.
* Added "Clear File Associations" option to MG-Windows.
* Added -rgb and -cmy command line options.
* Added -epx and -eagle command line options.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

The new MasterGear-Android 3.4.6 release comes with a bunch of user-requested fixes and upgraded DropBox algorithms. I have also returned gradient to the action bar, since the single-color Material Design version looked too ugly:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed Cheat Editor not finding .cht files in private SD card folders.
* Fixed BACK key on devices where it did not exit emulation.
* Fixed the first/second gamepad detection.
* Fixed a crash in the File Selector when showing grid.
* Returned gradient to the action bar (sorry, Material Design).
* Amplified pixel color raster effects.
* Switched to v2 authentication in DropBox.
* Upgraded to DropBox SDK 1.6.3.
* Improved the What's New dialog.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

I have just published MasterGear 3.5 for Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This release completely changes VRAM access mechanism to comply with the documentation. Among other effects, this change fixes title screen garbage in Wolf Child.

I have also added recognition for five more CodeMasters games and a way to automatically detect other CodeMaster cartridges. More support for custom hardware coming later.

ALL CHANGES:
* Switched to the new VRAM/CRAM/VDP access mechanism.
* Added new CodeMasters mapper detection scheme.
* Fixed serial port status (CJ Elephant Fugitive GG).
* Fixed artefacts in Wolf Child.
* Added CodeMasters game CJ Elephant Fugitive GG.
* Added CodeMasters game Cosmic Spacehead GG.
* Added CodeMasters game Micro Machines GG.
* Added CodeMasters game Micro Machines 2 GG.
* Added CodeMasters game Pete Sampras Tennis GG.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

I updated MasterGear for Windows and Linux to version 3.5:

http://fms.komkon.org/MG/ -- distribution page
http://fms.komkon.org/MG/MG35-Windows-bin.zip -- Windows binary
http://fms.komkon.org/MG/MG35-Ubuntu-x86-bin.zip -- Linux binary

The new version changes accesses to VRAM, CRAM and VDP registers to comply with the documentation, implements 224/240-pixel GameGear video modes, and adds an automated way to detect CodeMasters cartridges. As result, many game glitches, big and small, have been fixed. The Windows version now lets you play audio while the emulator is running in the background.

ALL CHANGES:
* Switched to the new VRAM/CRAM/VDP access mechanism.
* Added 224/240-pixel screen modes for GameGear.
* Added new CodeMasters mapper detection scheme.
* Fixed serial port status (CJ Elephant Fugitive GG).
* Fixed artefacts in Wolf Child.
* Fixed Star Trek GG screen shift.
* Fixed Micro Machines 1/2 GG screen artefacts.
* Fixed most Cosmic Spacehead issues.
* Added CodeMasters game CJ Elephant Fugitive GG.
* Added CodeMasters game Cosmic Spacehead GG.
* Added CodeMasters game Micro Machines GG.
* Added CodeMasters game Micro Machines 2 GG.
* Added CodeMasters game Pete Sampras Tennis GG.
* Amplified pixel color raster effects.
* Added "Play Sound When Inactive" option to MG-Windows.
* Updated MG-Windows "About" box.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

MasterGear 3.5.1 for Android is available from Google Play this morning:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This update adds more accurate line interrupt generation and 224/240-line screen modes to GameGear emulation (of which GameGear only shows 144 lines, of course). I have also disabled the fixed top rows feature in GameGear mode, since it only makes sense for MasterSystem. These changes fixed screen artifacts in a bunch of games, such as Dynamite Headdy, The Smurfs, and Star Trek.

ALL CHANGES:
* Disabled fixed top rows mode for GameGear.
* Fixed Dynamite Headdy screen flicker.
* Made line interrupt occur later inside a scanline.
* Fixed The Smurfs hangup problem.
* Added 224/240-pixel screen modes for GameGear.
* Fixed Micro Machines 1/2 GG screen artefacts.
* Fixed most Cosmic Spacehead issues.
* Fixed Star Trek GG screen shift.
* Added ability to periodically save gameplay.
* Added "General | Save Emulation State" selector.
* Removed "General | Save State on Exit" option.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

Just published MasterGear 3.5.2 for Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

In this version, you can place shortcuts to your favorite games to the Android home screen. Simply hold your finger on a game entry in the File Selector and then choose "Add to Home Screen" from the popup menu. Similarly, hold an entry in the State Selector to delete it. The on-screen FFWD button is now optional and can be disabled via "General | Show FFWD Button". See below for other changes.

ALL CHANGES:
* Add home screen shortcuts via File Selector context menu.
* Long press to delete state in the State Selector.
* State Selector now starts with autosaved slot selected.
* Fixed error messages when screenshots not found in State Selector.
* Fixed individual slot heights in State Selector.
* Fixed State Selector crashes (reported on IUNI devices).
* Added option to hide FFWD button ("General | Show FFWD Button").
* Now disabling FAB button by default on AndroidTV devices.
* Fixed disappearing FAB button.
* Refactored and simplified all EMULib activities.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

The MasterGear 3.5.3 for Android is now online:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

There has been a lot of under the hood changes in this version. The unused Java code is gone, while the pre-android-9 and post-android-8 native libraries have been merged into a single implementation. Pressing the one-time FAB button in the Settings will let you rate the app.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed volume for high-frequency white noise.
* Added a "Rate Me" FAB button to the Settings (disappears when pressed).
* Cleaned up the Java side, removing deprecated code.
* Merged pre-Gingerbread and post-Gingerbread native code.
* Removed some debug messages from the native side.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

I have published MasterGear 3.5.4 for Android this morning:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This release fixes a few bugs in the Joystick Layout Editor and adds ability to assign special functions (menu, replay, etc) to the hardware keys found on your device. Also eliminated the dependence on Apache HTTP APIs that were removed from Android Marshmallow.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed Layout Editor to always save changes before emulation resumes.
* Made Layout Editor always rotate when device rotated.
* Added "Input | Assign Special Keys" setting.
* Use new setting to assign functions (menu, ffwd, etc) to hardware keys.
* Removed "General | Use PLAY/RECORD Media Keys" option.
* Removed "General | Use FFWD/REWIND Media Keys" option.
* Removed outdated org.apache.http.* API from the State Exchange.

Have fun!

Hello, All!

Today's MasterGear 3.5.5 release for Android fixes several issues in the Joystick Layout Editor and lets you have separate joystick layouts for portrait and landscape modes:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

ALL CHANGES:
* Layout Editor has separate layouts for landscape and portrait modes.
* Adjusted portrait background image in the Layout Editor.
* Fixed dashed lines display in the Layout Editor.
* Removed dormant ChartBoost SDK library.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

MasterGear 3.5.6 for Android, a new version of my MasterSystem, GameGear, and SG-1000 emulator, is now available from Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

The new version fixes fast-scroll index and the file search function in the File Selector. AndroidTV users, whose devices have a system-wide overscan setting, can now disable app-specific overscan by unchecking "General | Add Overscan Margins" option. Finally, I updated the manifest so that third-party apps (like file managers) can invoke MasterGear to play Sega games.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added "General | Add Overscan Margins" option for AndroidTV.
* Fixed fast-scroll index in the File Selector.
* Fixed file search feature on newer Androids.
* Fixed missed item clicks in the File Selector.
* Declared emulation activities enabled for external use.
* Optimized default preferences update on startup.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

MasterGear 3.5.7 for Android fixes button layouts in the Joystick Layout Editor and finally enables the menus on Android TV:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

Starting with this version, the buttons will no longer shift from where you placed them on the screen. Also, since Google for some reason disabled the normal options menu on AndroidTV, I had to simulate it with the context menu. Press both thumbsticks inside the emulator in order to open it.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed button placement in Joystick Layout Editor.
* Buttons no longer shift from where you set them.
* Custom screen rectangle goes where it should go now.
* Button labels will not distort when custom screen selected.
* Fixed the menu on AndroidTV.
* Added a menu workaround for Google's political idiocy.
* Replaced options menu with context menu for AndroidTV.
* Added "Toggle cheats" special key function.

Enjoy!

Hello, All!

MasterGear 3.5.8, a new version of my Sega MasterSystem, GameGear, and SG-1000 emulator, is now available from the Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=com.fms.mg

This release switches accelerated video rendering from GLES1 to the newer GLES2 APIs. I have also made Cheatopedia, Cheat Editor, and Palette Editor more friendly for the AndroidTV users (and anyone with no touchscreen). From now on, pressing the X button on the gamepad will apply changes made in these dialogs, pressing Y will discard changes. See below for all the changes.

ALL CHANGES:
* Switched to OpenGLES2 rendering for accelerated video.
* OpenGLES2 is faster and allows for future special effects.
* Press X to apply cheats, Y to discard them in Cheatopedia.
* Press X to apply changes, Y to reset them in Cheat Editor.
* Press X to apply changes, Y to reset them in Palette Editor.
* Now disabling Joystick Layout Editor on devices with no touchscreen.

Enjoy!