Students create software allowing native iOS apps to run on Android devices

Six University students developed the Cider software to bridge the gap between two platforms

It has been a while since the iOS users have been talking about the quality and quantity of third-party software available for the platform as an important factor in their choice of mobile devices. Android has done a pretty decent job over the years by having a vast collection of its apps and users have continued butting heads over which system had the better selection. The gap has finally been bridged thanks to the brilliant ideas put together by six Columbia University students. In order to fill in this gap, these students have developed what is called the Cider.

This is the Android version of Cider which works by fooling iOS applications into thinking that they are running on an actual iPhone or iPad. There is also a demo video which shows how exactly the software will run and in this case it has been shown working on a Nexus 7. The software is at its initial stages and this is why the performance is not super duper at this point in time primarily because of the iOS apps which have trouble accessing most hardware, such as the GPS and cellular connection.

Cider is merely a prototype at this stage and it will take a while before it develops into a complete product and as the software will continue to mature, it will also become more firm and will most likely overcome the limitations shown in the video.

source: 9to5mac