jtara
Apr 14, 11:14 AM
Interesting possibility. It would be extremely difficult to emulate a complete iOS device (custom ASICs and all). But Apple could emulate just enough ARM instructions to emulate an app that was compiled by Xcode & LLVM (which would limit the way ARM instructions were generated), and used only legal public iOS APIs (instead of emulating hardware and all the registers), which could be translated in Cocoa APIs to display on a Mac OS X machine.
There's no need to emulate ARM instructions, though. And they already do emulate all of the complete iOS devices, at least sufficiently to run iOS apps on OSX.
Apple provides developers with a complete emulation package for testing their iOS apps on OSX. Apps are cross-compiled to x86 code. They also provide the complete set of iOS SDKs, cross-compiled to X86 code.
An emulator handles the device hardware - touchscreen, display, sound system, GPS (REALLY simple emulation - it's always sunny in Mountain View...), etc. If an iPhone or iPad are attached via USB cable, the emulator can even use the accelerometer and gyroscope in the device. Obviously, this could be easily changed to use some new peripheral device.
Other than device emulation, the apps suffer no loss of speed, since they are running native x86 code. In fact, they run considerably faster (ignoring, for this discussion, device emulation) than then do on an actual iOS device.
All Apple would need to give consumers the ability to run iOS apps on their Macs would be to provide them with the emulator (or, more likely, integrate it into the OSX desktop. I think end-users would find the picture of an iPhone or iPad that the emulator draws around the "screen" cute for a couple of days, but then quickly tire of it...), and add an additional target for developers.
What we've seen certainly seems to suggest that's what this is. HOWEVER:
1. For a single app to be compatible with both ARM and x86, they would need to introduce a "fat binary" similar to what they did with the transition from PowerPC to x86. This would bloat apps that are compatible with both to double their current download size. Current Universal (iPhone/iPad) apps are NOT fat binaries. They have multiple sets of resources (images, screen layouts, etc.) and the code needs to have multiple behaviors depending on the device. i.e. the code has to check "is this an iPad? If so do this...
Currently, developers have to create separate binaries for use on the emulator or the actual device.
2. Several developers have checked-in here to say that their apps are listed this way. None have offered that they had any advance knowledge of this, or did anything to make it happen. If this is about ARM/x86 fat binaries, the developer would have had to build their app that way. And even if it didn't require a re-build, I think it's highly unlikely that Apple would start selling apps on a new platform without letting the developers know!
3. Apple is *reasonably* fair about giving all developers access to new technology at the same time. They also generally make a public announcement at the same time as making beta SDKs available to developers. (Though the public announcement may be limited in scope and vague.) There are so many developers, that despite confidentiality agreements, most of the details get out to the public pretty quickly, though perhaps in muddled form. While Apple DOES hand-pick developers for early-early access, it's typically not THAT early. A few weeks, max.
I do think that an x86 target for iOS apps is inevitable. Just not imminent.
My best guess is that this was a screw-up by the web-site developers. Perhaps they did a mockup of the app store for the marketing people, selected some apps or app categories that seemed likely candidates, and slipped-up and it went live on the real app store.
There's no need to emulate ARM instructions, though. And they already do emulate all of the complete iOS devices, at least sufficiently to run iOS apps on OSX.
Apple provides developers with a complete emulation package for testing their iOS apps on OSX. Apps are cross-compiled to x86 code. They also provide the complete set of iOS SDKs, cross-compiled to X86 code.
An emulator handles the device hardware - touchscreen, display, sound system, GPS (REALLY simple emulation - it's always sunny in Mountain View...), etc. If an iPhone or iPad are attached via USB cable, the emulator can even use the accelerometer and gyroscope in the device. Obviously, this could be easily changed to use some new peripheral device.
Other than device emulation, the apps suffer no loss of speed, since they are running native x86 code. In fact, they run considerably faster (ignoring, for this discussion, device emulation) than then do on an actual iOS device.
All Apple would need to give consumers the ability to run iOS apps on their Macs would be to provide them with the emulator (or, more likely, integrate it into the OSX desktop. I think end-users would find the picture of an iPhone or iPad that the emulator draws around the "screen" cute for a couple of days, but then quickly tire of it...), and add an additional target for developers.
What we've seen certainly seems to suggest that's what this is. HOWEVER:
1. For a single app to be compatible with both ARM and x86, they would need to introduce a "fat binary" similar to what they did with the transition from PowerPC to x86. This would bloat apps that are compatible with both to double their current download size. Current Universal (iPhone/iPad) apps are NOT fat binaries. They have multiple sets of resources (images, screen layouts, etc.) and the code needs to have multiple behaviors depending on the device. i.e. the code has to check "is this an iPad? If so do this...
Currently, developers have to create separate binaries for use on the emulator or the actual device.
2. Several developers have checked-in here to say that their apps are listed this way. None have offered that they had any advance knowledge of this, or did anything to make it happen. If this is about ARM/x86 fat binaries, the developer would have had to build their app that way. And even if it didn't require a re-build, I think it's highly unlikely that Apple would start selling apps on a new platform without letting the developers know!
3. Apple is *reasonably* fair about giving all developers access to new technology at the same time. They also generally make a public announcement at the same time as making beta SDKs available to developers. (Though the public announcement may be limited in scope and vague.) There are so many developers, that despite confidentiality agreements, most of the details get out to the public pretty quickly, though perhaps in muddled form. While Apple DOES hand-pick developers for early-early access, it's typically not THAT early. A few weeks, max.
I do think that an x86 target for iOS apps is inevitable. Just not imminent.
My best guess is that this was a screw-up by the web-site developers. Perhaps they did a mockup of the app store for the marketing people, selected some apps or app categories that seemed likely candidates, and slipped-up and it went live on the real app store.
dXTC
Dec 30, 08:33 AM
A wild Snorlax appears....
Yeah, I've heard that before. Apparently, she's become somewhat of a cliche' in Photoshop contests on Fark.com.
Yeah, I've heard that before. Apparently, she's become somewhat of a cliche' in Photoshop contests on Fark.com.
tristangage
Apr 12, 02:51 PM
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5613717273_8577b78ae4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tristangage/5613717273/)
IMG_0802.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tristangage/5613717273/) by tristangage (http://www.flickr.com/people/tristangage/), on Flickr
Camera Canon EOS 500D
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/7.1
Focal Length 300 mm
ISO Speed 100
IMG_0802.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tristangage/5613717273/) by tristangage (http://www.flickr.com/people/tristangage/), on Flickr
Camera Canon EOS 500D
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/7.1
Focal Length 300 mm
ISO Speed 100
frito1224
May 4, 12:52 AM
Verizon in store rep told me that their version will be out in September
more...
Seasought
Dec 1, 02:52 PM
OS X is great, but it isn't perfect. :cool:
Despite how depressing news or rumors related to security issues with OS X are I'm in agreement that attention to this issue is always a good thing. A little humility can go a long way.
Despite how depressing news or rumors related to security issues with OS X are I'm in agreement that attention to this issue is always a good thing. A little humility can go a long way.
MatLu
Jun 7, 12:14 AM
This is one of the reasons why I don't have any of my credit card associated with my iTunes account. I always just buy myself some iTunes credit and use that instead. So far I've never bought anything by accident on iTunes (but I did once buy a Kindle book on Amazon by accident (since Kindle books are automatically and always 1-Click purchases even if you disable that feature for everything else on Amazon). Lesson learned for this kid and mother. Luckily they were able to get a refund from Apple.
more...
SciFrog
Oct 30, 07:20 PM
-16 is better for Intel processors.
jon1987
Apr 28, 04:58 PM
Surely by now there is someone out there with a White iPhone, a messuring tape or calipers that can just tell us these photos are nonsense? Please? Pretty please? Xxx
more...
Kissaragi
Apr 28, 04:02 PM
Id be interested to know how much thicker it is. Its not issue for 99% of people, but can see how it might mess up some cases
nies
Apr 28, 12:09 PM
This just got real crazy
more...
xUKHCx
Aug 20, 06:22 AM
do you need to have a zillion gigabites free to use time machine in a decent way?
for example, if you have a 1 gigabite film, and u delete it 'putting it in the trash, and empty trash', it's still going to be on your hard drive, taking up space, right? and will it also save your cookies, bookmarks, deleted programs,
i rarely delete stuff by accident...so i hope this can be turned off, and won't interrupt much of my normal workflow, the way things are deleted now.
You can turn Time-Machine off
for example, if you have a 1 gigabite film, and u delete it 'putting it in the trash, and empty trash', it's still going to be on your hard drive, taking up space, right? and will it also save your cookies, bookmarks, deleted programs,
i rarely delete stuff by accident...so i hope this can be turned off, and won't interrupt much of my normal workflow, the way things are deleted now.
You can turn Time-Machine off
entatlrg
Apr 22, 02:46 AM
Even more entertaining is the fact that Apple is so arrogant they fail to realize how stupid they look.
Suing their biggest vendor.
It doesn't get any more stupid than that.
And you're the know it all because?
Suing their biggest vendor.
It doesn't get any more stupid than that.
And you're the know it all because?
more...
Stella
Jul 24, 03:59 PM
come on, Apple! what we're all really waiting for is a mouse with force-feedback. for all these games.
Logitech did that years ago with two range of mice.
Now, they are no where to be seen. They were a gimmic.
Logitech did that years ago with two range of mice.
Now, they are no where to be seen. They were a gimmic.
MattG
Jul 24, 10:10 PM
I want an iPod that can read my mind...I'll bet Apple could do it
more...
yac_moda
Jul 11, 07:21 PM
Today magnesium Nanos means tomorrow ...
... transparent aluminum iPods !!!
And I predict wireless disposable earphones :eek:
So no one will EVER find anything interesting in MS products :p :D ;)
... transparent aluminum iPods !!!
And I predict wireless disposable earphones :eek:
So no one will EVER find anything interesting in MS products :p :D ;)
MacRumors
Oct 23, 07:43 AM
http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)
As first noted in a HardMac forum post (http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=159&st=0&p=917&#entry917), it appears Microsoft is specifying in its license agreements that the ability to operate in a virtualized environment is prohibited in Home Basic and Home Premium editions, leaving users to have to purchase either the Business or the Ultimate versions of the software to legally run in a virtualized environment.
Mac users have found virtualization solutions such as Parallels Desktop a good way to switch between Mac OS X and Windows. This latest news from Microsoft may inhibit some use of the software as Business and Ultimate editions range from $300-400 verses Home Basic's $200 price point (prices (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/08/20060829093154.shtml)).
Microsoft's EULA agreements can be found here (http://www.microsoft.com/about/legal/useterms/default.aspx).
As first noted in a HardMac forum post (http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=159&st=0&p=917&#entry917), it appears Microsoft is specifying in its license agreements that the ability to operate in a virtualized environment is prohibited in Home Basic and Home Premium editions, leaving users to have to purchase either the Business or the Ultimate versions of the software to legally run in a virtualized environment.
Mac users have found virtualization solutions such as Parallels Desktop a good way to switch between Mac OS X and Windows. This latest news from Microsoft may inhibit some use of the software as Business and Ultimate editions range from $300-400 verses Home Basic's $200 price point (prices (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/08/20060829093154.shtml)).
Microsoft's EULA agreements can be found here (http://www.microsoft.com/about/legal/useterms/default.aspx).
more...
vincenz
Apr 12, 09:12 AM
Breaking news, iPhone 5 to come out within the next 10 years :rolleyes:
leekohler
Feb 28, 01:39 PM
I honestly think that he's just ****ing with everyone.
I disagree. He's seriously ill. Just look at the guy. He's one year older than I am and he looks ten years older.
I disagree. He's seriously ill. Just look at the guy. He's one year older than I am and he looks ten years older.
LittleCanonKid
Apr 9, 02:02 PM
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv334/lock222/IMG11238_cropped_resized.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/modestconfidence/)
creator2456
Feb 1, 08:23 PM
XIII game and movie
http://101videogames.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/xiii_ps2_box_art.jpg
oh man i remember playing this back on my Ps2!!! comic visual style game
Loved that game. Had its issues, but still a good overall package.
http://101videogames.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/xiii_ps2_box_art.jpg
oh man i remember playing this back on my Ps2!!! comic visual style game
Loved that game. Had its issues, but still a good overall package.
Bubba Satori
Apr 13, 04:37 PM
Top Ten Apple Branded TV features.
10. Requires iTunes $500 remote.
9. Costs twice as much and has half as many channels as other TVs.
8. Can't watch BD movies on it.
7. No pRon.
6. Requires 7 Apple adapters to access all features.
5. TV bezel constantly runs iAds.
4. Not able to display politically incorrect programming.
3. Al Gore circuit turns off TV after 200 watts are consumed.
2. Comes in only one size.
1. WOOOOO!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUh6LDz177k
10. Requires iTunes $500 remote.
9. Costs twice as much and has half as many channels as other TVs.
8. Can't watch BD movies on it.
7. No pRon.
6. Requires 7 Apple adapters to access all features.
5. TV bezel constantly runs iAds.
4. Not able to display politically incorrect programming.
3. Al Gore circuit turns off TV after 200 watts are consumed.
2. Comes in only one size.
1. WOOOOO!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUh6LDz177k
Chupa Chupa
May 2, 10:19 AM
Will an apple store employee tell me if I harass them all day or bribe them with monies? Or don't they know either? :confused:
They really do not know so you can give 'me a break and start bugging them about stock tomorrow instead (assuming it's released as rumored)
They really do not know so you can give 'me a break and start bugging them about stock tomorrow instead (assuming it's released as rumored)
Moyank24
Apr 28, 12:48 PM
this is hard to dispute... :)
although in fairness, a sandwich maker was/will be an important character of this adventure
edit: at this point you should consider a temporary change of avatar
The best I can do on short notice...
although in fairness, a sandwich maker was/will be an important character of this adventure
edit: at this point you should consider a temporary change of avatar
The best I can do on short notice...
bankshot
Dec 1, 05:22 PM
It has been brought to attention that Apple is encrypting certain parts of the OS kernel. Does this have any bearing in this discussion or it is only to make piracy of the OS more difficult?
I believe it's primarily to thwart piracy. Here's a really good in-depth technical article on the subject:
http://osxbook.com/book/bonus/chapter7/binaryprotection/index.html
I believe it's primarily to thwart piracy. Here's a really good in-depth technical article on the subject:
http://osxbook.com/book/bonus/chapter7/binaryprotection/index.html
