(Click here for larger image of StyleTap screenshot)StyleTap says that applications running under the Platform "appear and operate just like native Windows Mobile-based programs." Users can even cut and paste between Palm OS and native Windows Mobile applications. The package takes full advantage of the larger VGA screens available on the latest Windows Mobile devices, but also runs just as well on older models.
According to the company, StyleTap Platform consists of three parts:
- Platform -- a combination 68000 CPU instruction set and Palm OS services emulator. Said to be "fast and compact", the emulator executable requires less than 1.5 MB and reportedly runs applications at speeds comparable to a native Palm OS environment.
- Installer -- a desktop application that transfers Palm OS application (.prc) and database (.pbd) files to a Windows Mobile device running the Platform. The Installer can also be used to transfer arbitrary files such as MS Word documents to the mobile device.
- Launcher -- runs on the mobile device and provides tools for adding and deleting applications sent by the Installer along with miscellaneous functions for setting display density and depth, registration etc. Once installed under StyleTap, Palm OS applications show up as icons in the native Windows Mobile Programs folder and can be launched by tapping just like native Windows apps.
Some Palm OS features are not currently supported by StyleTap, including Bluetooth, conduits, and "hacks" using the HackMaster API, according to the company. Additionally, direct screen writes are supported, but direct access to 68000 hardware registers is not supported.
A full-function preview of the StyleTap Platform (Version 0.9.050) is available for a free 14-day trial,
here. The preview version can be purchased for $29.95, which includes a free upgrade to version 1.0 when it becomes available, according to the company.
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