Summary: Hosted by Eric McClintock, Mark, and Cam. Listen Here: Subscribe to automatically get the latest podcast: iTunes, Zune, RSS XML, E-Mail, All Other. X-Plane 9.30 Beta-2 for PC/Mac New engine model to handle the proper air density at critical altitudes. Auto-throttle PRESERVES the differences between various throttles in multi-engine airplanes. Example: If you MANUALLY drag the throttles in a multi-engine plane to somewhat different settings, such as, for example, 10% more throttle on engine #1, and then engage the auto-throttle, engine #1 will continues to run at 10% higher throttle than the others. Rudder-pedal joystick-button/key-commands are back. New option in Plane-Maker: Auto-slats below a certain SPEED. Many other features, for more information and to download see X-Plane's website. [Link] The reduced price of $39.99 for X-Plane has also been extended due to the recent news from Microsoft. A summary of new features can also be found at this website. [Link] X-Plane Extreme for iPhone/iPod Touch X-Plane Extreme Edition has been released for the iPhone and iPod touch. This features a full simulation platform on your portable device, you can adjust your throttle, flaps, speed brake, etc. You also have the option to pick between 6 different regions, each with around 4 airports per region. You can also adjust the weather, time of day, and many other features. On the iTunes music store, Austin Meyer mentions that there may be a free update to allow for multiplayer flight. Included Aircraft: F-22 Raptor B-1 Lancer B-2 Spirit SR-71 Blackbird Price: $9.99 iTunes Store Link. [Link] What's next for Microsoft's Flight Sim partners? The register interviewed Scott Phillips of Just Flight [Link], and Steve Halpern of Flight One Software [Link]. Both third party company's agree that for the time being, FSX is enough to develop for in the short term. However, Halpern calls for Microsoft to announce any news about the series final future in the coming months, so his company can make long term decisions.[POLL HERE] Online Surveys#160;#38;#160;Market Research The article goes on to mention other simulators such as X-Plane [Link], and the open source FlightGear [Link]. To read the entire article from The Register, visit the page. [Link] [caption id="attachment_216" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="FlightGear - The Open Source FS"][/caption] New Microsoft Job postings New job posting from Microsoft [Link] : Join the team responsible for building the most fun and rewarding flying experiences available on Games for Windows Live. Microsoft Game Studios is looking for a veteran Lead Program Manager/Producer to help lead the development of a new broad-attraction flight-oriented game on the PC. And another [Link] : Join the team responsible for building the most fun and rewarding flying experiences available on Games for Windows Live. Does working on a small, innovative team that delivers the most immersive flight experiences available today on the PC intrigue you? Our technology makes available entire continents - potentially the entire planet - for a detailed and dynamic 3D experience. We are looking for a Project Art Lead who can define, refine, and extend the visual elements while balancing the need for fun and approachability for a broad set of users. Read the article from SimFlight here. [Link] Last Week's Poll: Do you think we will see MSFS11 released as a game on the xBox 360? The results were more than 5 to 1 NO: Manhattan X for FSX Released Covers the entire Manhattan Island (East Side, West Side, Uptown and Downtown) plus Ellis Island, Governors Island, Roosevelt Island, Statue Island. Four heliports. Very high density scenery with hundreds of detailed buildings. Full FSX features using bump maps, advanced shading and reflections. Scheduled ship traffic (Staten Island Ferries). Many special effects included (like sounds,
