Hello there!
Today I'm bringing you a new Update All release that introduces a long-awaited feature: The Update Timeline. Additionally, there has been a major speed improvement, and there is a new Patreon Key required to use the premium features.
As always, Update All self-updates, so just run it once, and the second time you run it, you'll see the new features.
The Update Timeline
A few months ago we had a poll where some users requested a way to clearly see what's been updated and the Update Timeline feature directly addresses that. It lets you see what's hot new, and also further back, in case you haven't been using MiSTer for the past few months.
Capture of the top part of the Extended Timeline.
This Timeline appears in the Log Viewer at the bottom section. Just navigate further down to see it all. Alternatively, it can also be accessed through the new "update_all_timeline" script.
It has two modes:
The BASIC lets you see what's been updated in the last 7 days. This is available for all users.
The EXTENDED allows you to check all the updates from the past 12 months. For this one, you need to place the new Patreon Key at "Scripts/update_all.patreonkey". Once the key is there, it will be unlocked automatically.
Right now, the Update Timeline only covers the updates from the MiSTer Distribution, but I'd like to add data from other databases in the future.
I'm also considering improving it in other ways, like adding additional info such as the release notes, or a way to launch the cores/games right from there. Please, let me know how you would like to see it improved in the comments so that I can prioritize what to work on next!
Speed improvements
Update All used to have some read waits in its execution but since the launch of Log Viewer they are no longer necessary, so they've been removed. It's such a simple change that can bring a 2X speed boost when there are no updates to fetch.
I know I'm getting into meme territory with all these speed improvements lately, but I really think they are important, so we're not done yet :)
New Patreon Key
It's been a while since I published the old Patreon Key... 2021—phew! So it was about time to publish a new one. Since today, this new Patreon Key will be the one used to unlock the Patrons menu (with the color themes...) and the extended Update Timeline feature.
Here is a link to download the new Patreon Key: REMOVED, CHECK THE NOTE BELOW!
Please don't share it among non-patrons. This perk is my way to reward the loyalty of the users who have supported me during all these years. Thank you so much!
NOTE from the Future (2026): We no longer manually install Patreon Keys for access. Please use the login flow to enjoy your perks!
Closing up
That sums up all the important things that I've released today. Check the CHANGELOG for more details, as I couldn't cover the minor changes here.
As always, it's been a pleasure to bring you these updates. I'll bring you more quite soon, so stay tuned!