Commodore 64 Ultimate
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Commodore 64 Ultimate.
Commodore is on an unnecessary charm offensive when it comes to its new Callback flip phone after criticism from fansCommodore is facing criticism for its new Callback flip phone, with fans claiming the company merely slapped the Commodore logo on a generic device. The company is defending the product, citing custom PCBs and tooling, and has lowered the price from $500 to $400. Despite the backlash, nearly 10,000 units have been pre-ordered, though the author suggests Commodore should be bolder and less defensive in its marketing.
Commodore calls its dumbphone the "biggest moment in Commodore's modern history," and the C64 Ultimate…Commodore has declared the sales of its "dumbphone," the Callback 8020, to be the "biggest moment in Commodore's modern history," matching the first-month sales of the C64 Ultimate in just three days. The company is also facing criticism for its use of AI in promotional videos and the marketing of a $24 crossbody holster for the phone.
The launch of Commodore's social media-free privacy-first 'dumbphone' was apparently responsible for…Commodore has launched the Callback, a privacy-focused flip phone that blocks social media and web browsing, but includes WhatsApp and retro games. Despite an initial $500 price tag, which was later reduced to $400, the device saw strong sales, matching the first month's sales of the Commodore 64 Ultimate in just three days.
Commodore is now blocking custom C64 Ultimate firmware, but it's exploring ways to balance "user freedom with…Commodore has begun blocking custom firmware installations for its Commodore 64 Ultimate microcomputer remake, citing concerns about hardware damage and financial implications. While the company plans future updates and features, the decision has upset FPGA enthusiasts who prefer custom software builds. Commodore is reportedly exploring ways to balance user freedom with protection for the hardware and brand.
Former Xbox Front Man Major Nelson Just Joined the Company Behind the Commodore 64 Retro Revival - IGNFormer Xbox community chief Larry Hryb, also known as Major Nelson, has joined Commodore as a Community Development Advisor. Hryb was previously laid off from Unity, where he worked as Director of Community and Advocacy. He will focus on strengthening relationships with the existing Commodore fan base and introducing the brand to a new generation.- Larry 'Major Nelson' Hryb joins Commodore to help build its communityFormer Xbox executive Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has joined the revived Commodore brand as a Community Development Advisor. In his new role, Hryb will focus on expanding Commodore's global community and connecting with new generations of creators and enthusiasts. This move follows his recent departure from Unity.
"Creativity is the key": how PC hardware's smaller manufacturers are navigating the RAM shortage disasterSmaller PC hardware manufacturers are navigating the current RAM shortage by using less memory in their products or leveraging their unique market position. Companies like Commodore International with the C64 Ultimate and Panic with the Playdate are less affected due to lower RAM requirements, while Framework utilizes a modular approach and direct supplier contact to manage component sourcing. Despite these strategies, some firms like the Pi Foundation have had to increase prices, and the overall outlook suggests the shortage, driven by AI demand, could persist for several more years.