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Apple wants you
FRUITY TOY MAKER Apple is trying to bring its feature challenged Iphone OS to other platforms, according to a recent job listing.
The description lists the need for a "talented and inspired" engineering manager who will bring forth Iphone OS unto those who decide to part with large wads of cash on Apple's "new hardware platforms". The Iphone OS currently powers the Iphone, Ipod Touch and the soon to be released Ipad. So where else could this pint-sized OS be put?
The limiting factor at the moment is the Iphone OS runs only on ARM architecture. That rules it out of desktop and notebook offerings for the moment. At present the most likely candidate is the AppleTV, the abandoned child in the Apple lineup.
Slapping Apple's own A4 chip inside and running Iphone OS might just save what has been a wart on Apple's sales figures. The big question is whether the A4 chip is capable of decoding 1080p video and multi-channel audio but that point might be moot if Steve Jobs deems it a useless feature.
There is the possibility that Apple might want to license out Iphone OS to other handset makers in order to stem the rising tide of Android handsets available. It would give Itunes and the App Store far greater exposure, however history tells us Apple doesn't like its software running on any machines that don't bear fruit.
Back to the job, unsurprisingly Jobs' Mob wants to make sure you have experienced their ecosystem before applying, so you need to have an Apple ID just to provide them with your CV. They say you don't have to be a fanboi to join but that they will "help you make the switch" once you arrive. Our advice is to let them know we sent you.
It would seem that the cappuccino firm is working towards putting out more single-tasking, Flash-less devices and is looking for someone with engineering talent to help it do that. µ
Tags: Apple
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Apple doesn't like its software running on any machines that don't bear fruit
Does that mean they wouldn't mind IphoneOS on Blackberries or Orange-branded phones ?
well with considering that OSX is based on BSD it shouldn't be too difficult. But how dare they take something that is completely free and lock out people.
Nothing happening here, move on... They are looking for somebody to manage the bring-up of the OS on new platforms, which will probably be their own.
"* Working closely with the hardware and custom silicon teams to bring-up new platforms and prototype systems
* Defining the software roadmap to support a range of hardware platforms, including iPhone & iPod
* Lead the team’s assistance in requirements for future hardware and custom silicon."
Licensing to third parties is not mentioned at all, and sounds unlikely given the tight interaction with hardware and silicon teams. Even prior Apple experience is not a must (just an additional success factor).
that anyone who writes about Apple products has to (a) hate Apple and/or (b) be completely clueless about their technology?
Both the iPhone and Apple TV are based on OS X. There's been some shoehorning/customisation of the runtime libraries and custom UIs have been created for them, but under the skin it's still OS X. OS X is fairly CPU neutral (it runs on Power, Intel and ARM cores at the moment, there's no reason why this couldn't be extended to more). There's no reason at all why iPhone OS couldn't run on, for example, and Intel Atom CPU.
A re-engineered Apple TV based on the A4 isn't a bad idea, PROVIDING that the PowerVR graphics chip (it is assumed) onboard is up to handling 1080P video. This is somewhat of an unknown. As for other destinations for iPhone OS based embedded systems, how about the automotive industry as a starter? Having your in car navigation, entertainment and communications built in to a single unit in the dash would be an attractive proposition.
Because he acknowledges what Pankaj Kedia said, and he believe Intel is the best partner to create a custom SOC for processor inside Iphone. ARM finally has met its coffin in Apple environment.