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Filed under: Web services

Java based x86 emulator works in web browsers

JPC A group of Oxford University researchers have developed a Java-based x86 emulator. That means it can run on a computer, in a web browser, or pretty much anything that runs Java, including mobile phones.

The JPC emulator creates a virtual machine which can run a variety of different operating systems. The team has set up an online demo running FreeDOS with a couple of games mounted on the C drive to show off JPC's capabilities. For now, that means JPC is one of the most convoluted systems around for playing old games like Space Invaders or Lemmings on the web.

Right now, JPC needs 64MB of RAM to run, so it's not that practical for most mobile phones. But as memory on mobile phones continues to grow and as the team continues to refine JPC, it's not impossible to imagine a future where you could run the OS of your choice on a Java-enabled cellphone. Sure, it would probably run super slow, but still, how cool would that be?

In the meantime, this provides a nice alternative to virtual machines like VMWare and Microsoft VirtualPC.

[via Slashdot]

Filed under: Hardware

Nvidia to build x86 processors, take on Intel, AMD?

NvidiaThe Inquirer says it has "confirmed" that 3D graphics giant Nvidia is hard at work building its own x86 processor with integrated graphics to compete with the offerings of Intel and AMD. Both Intel and AMD--which acquried ATI back in July--have been busy strapping integrated graphics on their own chips, it seems logical that Nvidia would want to play, too. Their efforts would be bolstered by its recent hiring of a bunch of engineers from Stexar, a now-defunct company that was founded by ex-Intel brains. The Inq says development is already underway, and we'll be seeing a new CPU from Nvidia sometime in 2006 2008.

[Via Engadget]

Filed under: Business, Internet, Hardware, News, IBM, Microsoft, Novell

AMD's virtual tradeshow experience

AMD tradeshow
AMD has put together one of the most rich and engaging Internet presentations I have ever seen. Built in Flash, this "virtual experience" as they call it is quite impressive. AMD's virtual trade show is a great idea and makes you want to explore. Microsoft, Oracle, Novell, IBM, and others are among the booths at this "event" where you can watch keynotes, presentations, and even a virtual parody of sports center called "datacenter" at the AMD booth. AMD even showcases their processors in a boxing match with Intel's chips, using benchmarked specs. While this whole online experience is obviously a marketing move, AMD does a great job talking about their chips in a way that makes sense and is visually and aesthetically appealing. If you have a few minutes check it out. I learned more about AMD and their chips in a few minutes than I would have browsing their website, and all that without even trying. You can even get a virtual badge for yourself while you're there.

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With Halloween fast approaching, it's a great time to get in some practice defending your territory against zombies. In Graveyard Shift, you take aim at zombies and other creepy-crawlies, blasting them into splatters of cartoony green guts. It's a casual first-person shooter, and it's very easy to get the hang of - use the mouse to aim, click to fire. Graveyard Shift has at least 15 levels, and it might even have some secret stages I haven't unlocked yet. They key to getting good at Graveyard Shift is learning to use ...

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