Maxxuss Releases SS3 Emulator and AMD Enabler for OS X 10.4.4 (Intel)

Note: Some of this information may be out of date. Although I try to provide updates to posts as postscript, many times an entirely new post may be necessary. Click one of the tags above to find the latest entries by the subject matter you are interested in.

There is a great deal of activity in the Apple OS X for white-box Intel PC world right now. In a follow-up to my previous posting regarding Maxxuss cracking Apple OSX 10.4.4, SSE2 and AMD machines are now supported. Also, Base-Patches have been updated to version 0.3 (See 2.19.2006 Update below).

Here is a snippet from Maxxuss’ site:

The v0.3 patches require an Intel CPU and SSE3. NX/XD support is not required, and Mac OS X works native and under VMWare.

However, AMD CPUs are supported by the AMD Enabler, and SSE2 CPUs are supported by the SSE3 Emulator…

In other developments, the OSx86 Project Forums were taken down after they were served with a DMCA violation notice. As of February 17, 2006 @ 21:05 ET, the site reads:

We’re sorry to report that despite our best efforts, the OSx86 Project has been served with a DMCA violation notice. The forum will be unavailable while we evaluate its contents to remove any violations present. We thank you for your patience in this matter.

There is no word yet if they’ll be brought back at all. Unfortunately, Apple does not realize that these sorts of tactics don’t work in the x86 world. If Apple pushes harder, then this community will go underground as so many have before. Quite frankly, Apple is wasting its time and should focus on releasing more Intel-equipped hardware than chasing a tiny community concerned with breaking through the TPM puzzle. However, the effect of the OSx86 Project Forum shut down did not go unnoticed and led to speculation of an Apple crackdown when Win2OSX was taken offline. At this time, the IRC channel topic reads:

Site is/was down because it took excessive traffic – IT IS NOT DMCA-RELATED.’ Set by Kal on Fri Feb 17 13:00:08

So it is probably safe to say that there is a chance that Win2OSX may be back whenever they get to paying their hosting bills.

UPDATE (2.18.2006): The OSx86 Project posted an announcement about the forums being brought back online. Apparently they’ve removed the offending posts/links but that doesn’t mean they won’t be hit again. I’m going to suggest people head over to the 360 Insider Forums for searching through old issues. Any new posts should be posted to the Non-Chinese Discussion forum at OSX86China Forum for, ironically, uncensored discussion.

UPDATE (2.19.2006): Maxxuss has released his latest patch set: Patch Solution v1.0 (Search terms on Google Germany: maxxuss patch solution 09.55). This integrates and supercedes all earlier patches. Native or VMWare guest install instructions are on his site. The easiest install instructions are at Radiotux.

UPDATE (2.20.2006): Although it is against my ideology of Free Speech, I have voluntarily removed some links to The Pirate Bay Bittorrent site. I think Google should remove this informtion as well because it tells users where to get OS X 10.4.4 Restore Disc necessary for the install.

UPDATE (2.21.2006): I’ve posted a full entry on Maxxuss’ site being unavailable. All updates on this topic from today will be in that post. Thanks to Zeth for the heads up. Also a review of someone installing a hacked copy of OS X 10.4.4 is posted at Cavemonkey50.

UPDATE (2.23.2006): Apparently Win2osx was sent a DMCA notice at the same time as OSx86 Project. Their provider took down the site while Win2osx removed links to Maxxuss’ site and other infringing material. Although the Apple lawyer later said they were in compliance, the hosting site still hasn’t restored Win2osx. The story is up on Digg (#win2osx ops have asked that people digg the story) and exchange of emails between Win2osx and the Apple lawyer have been made public.

If there are any other new developments, don’t hesitate to shoot me an e-mail or dropping a comment below.

As always, I don’t condone piracy so please don’t do anything illegal.

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February 17, 2006 | Filed Under Tech/Gadgets | 8 Comments

Dell Axim users say: Enough is enough. Fix WM5!

Last month I was extremely frustrated with the problems that exist in my Dell Axim’s (x51v/x51) Bluetooth implementation. The problem centered around Dell opting not to use a third-party Bluetooth stack (i.e. Widcomm) in its Windows Mobile 5 products like it’s competitors but instead sticking with the meager Microsoft stack that lacks the most basic profiles users have come to expect. This made using a Bluetooth headset impossible, for example. The worst part is that Dell’s older x50v and x50 actually had a third-party Bluetooth stack in WM2003SE leaving Dell’s current flagship models with less functionality than the ones they replace. Although Dell did release ROM version A06 as an update in January 2006, it fixed none of the problems I have been hampering usability.

A quick search through my web server logs and general postings on Dell’s Forums and Aximsite’s Forums show that this problem is a widespread issue. After Dell has repeatedly ignored requests from the Axim community for answers, Chris (of Aximsite fame) decided to create an online petition that he posted in a forum message. It is our hope to not only get some answers from Dell but also a fix. If you have a Dell x50/x50v that is upgraded to WM5 or a x51/x51v (native WM5) user that has had any problems (partial list below), then please consider signing this petition.

Just for reference I have taken a few of problems listed by users at Aximsite that are occurring in WM5.

Originally Posted by enquerir

1. The unit gets hot even when power-off (before the “Fake Server Trick”).
2. Cannot choose manual sync (without “Fake Server Trick”).
3. PIE cannot browse javascript/jscript enabled server (Win CE 3.0 can).

Originally Posted by Lofty

4. Lack of Bluetooth Profiles
5. Bluetooth connection manger
6. Very sluggish performance
7. Disappearing memory cards
8. Battery drain issues
9. VGA Out doesn’t work
10. Backup Utility
11. Software Compatibility
12. Available Memory
13. GAPI performance
14. Can’t Use As Mass Storage Device

Originally Posted by jdepew

15. Frequent Memory Errors on power-on requiring Contact Button push
16. Many apps crash before start up – See Opera Browser which actually uses the VGA rez
17. White screen on dock if you don’t turn it on first requiring a hard reset
18. Ridiculously slow performance.
19. Poor implementation of WPA Wireless Security – no AES support, also will not connect using TKIP to APs that implement WPA TKIP+AES. No WPA2 support. At least include the most recent copy of Funk if you’re not going to give us a complete wireless solution.

If you are having any of these problems, members of the Aximsite community forums have temporarily fixed some through of these through clever patches/band-aids. However, the underlying problem is with Dell and these items need to be fixed. I’m hoping Dell listens to it’s customers by fixing the problems we are complaining about instead of giving us the usual “an update will be out in a week or two” line and not following through. I’m also expecting Dell to release AKU 2.0 which should fix our Bluetooth profile problems (already provided to OEMs) and including the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Push Email. Until this is all fixed, I do not recommend anyone to buy any of Dell’s Axims equipped with Windows Mobile 5 (WM5). Asus, HP and others are far better choices for anyone in the market for a WM5 equipped PDA.

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