Skip to Content

Free TUAW iPhone app -- try it now!
AOL Tech

x86 posts

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.

Read more →

Featured Time Waster

The World's Hardest Game 2.0 - Time Waster

So, just how good at time waster games are you? Think you've got the stuff? Well, The World's Hardest Game 2.0 doesn't think you do. Yes, amazingly, it's possible to have a sequel to a game called "The World's Hardest Game". It doesn't seem logically possible, since if the first one was actually the world's hardest, how could another one come along and share the moniker? It made me doubt the name in the first place. That is, until I tried the game. The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...

View more Time Wasters

Featured Galleries

Defective by Design, London: Protest Pictures
Microsoft Security Essentials
Chromium Pre-Alpha on CrunchBang Linux
Safari 4 Beta
10 Firefox themes that don't suck
IE8 RC1
Download Squad at the Crunchies After-Party
Download Squad at the Crunchies
WordPress 2.7
Cooking Mama: Mama Kills Animals
Windows 7 Hands On
Comodo Internet Security
Android First-look: Amazon.com MP3 Store
Android First-look: Twitroid
Google Reader Android
Android Hands-On
Twine 1.0
Photoshop Express Beta
Mozilla Birthday Cake
Palm stuff
Adobe Lightroom 1.1

 


Follow us on Twitter!

Flickr Pool

www.flickr.com

More Tech Coverage

AOL Radio