Columbia Cycada

Cycada (formerly known as Cider) is a compatibility layer that aims to allow applications designed for iOS to run unmodified on the Android operating system.^[1] The method uses compile-time adaptation to run unmodified code with minimal implementation effort.^[2]

The project was revealed in a conference paper by computer science researchers at Columbia University. The project enables iOS applications to adapt to Android's kernel and programming libraries.^[3][4]

A video released shows that many applications work, including the iOS version of Yelp, Apple's iBooks software and 3D benchmarks using OpenGL. Consequent to the release of the white paper, hardware GPS support was added to the software.^[5]

Unlike many other compatibility layers (such as WINE or Darling), Cycada works at the kernel level, as opposed to at user space.^[3]

It is unknown whether the project will be released.

The original name “Cider” was most likely a play on WINE, another emulation layer named after a different alcoholic drink, and cider, an alcoholic drink made from apples.

Since lead developer Jeremy Andrus left for a job on the Darwin kernel at Apple, the project has been headed by Jason Nieh.^[6]

References