Smartcase allows iPhone users to run Android - video
New York developer creates 'magic' chunky cover that switches Apple's device to Google's software
The developer responsible for rigging an Apple Watch to run Windows 95 is back and this time he's smashed two of the smartphone world's giants together.
In a detailed blog post, Nick Lee, of New York-based product design and development studio Tendigi, unveils a new phone case that will allow an iOS-fitted Apple iPhones to run Google's rival Android system.
As Alphr explains, to make the "magic" cover, Lee made use of the open source nature of Android OS to modify its most recent software, Marshmallow, and allow it to run through a USB-C/Lightning Port connection.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The whole thing is wrapped up in a chunky looking 3D-printed case. It's not sleek by any stretch of the imagination, but it features HDMI and USB ports, plus expandable Micro SD card storage.
Strictly speaking, the setup isn't an iPhone running Android as its operating system, says Mashable. "The iPhone is effectively being used as a surrogate display for the Android board," it argues, and the Android OS actually runs through an app, which is why there are one or two teething problems: the system is a little jittery and doesn't fill the entire screen, although overall everything seems to be in place and works.
Because this is effectively Android running inside the bounds of the Apple system, a tap on the iPhone's home button will bring users straight back to the iOS homepage they are familiar with.
"Here at Tendigi, we’re no strangers to putting strange operating systems on Apple hardware," says Lee. Who knows what we'll see next?
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
'This needs to be a bigger deal'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
DOJ seeks breakup of Google, Chrome
Speed Read The Justice Department aims to force Google to sell off Chrome and make other changes to rectify its illegal search monopoly
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Google Maps gets an AI upgrade to compete with Apple
Under the Radar The Google-owned Waze, a navigation app, will be getting similar upgrades
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Is ChatGPT's new search engine OpenAI's Google 'killer'?
Talking Point There's a new AI-backed search engine in town. But can it stand up to Google's decades-long hold on internet searches?
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
The Internet Archive is under attack
Under the Radar The non-profit behind open access digital library was hit with both a data breach and a stream of DDoS attacks in one week
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
'Stunningly lifelike' AI podcasts are here
Under the Radar Users are amazed – and creators unnerved – by Google tool that generates human conversation from text in moments
By Abby Wilson Published
-
How will the introduction of AI change Apple's iPhone?
Today's Big Question 'Apple Intelligence' is set to be introduced on the iPhone 16 as part of iOS 18
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
FDA OKs Apple AirPods as OTC hearing aids
Speed read The approved software will turn Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones into over-the-counter hearing aids
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Will the Google antitrust ruling shake up the internet?
Today's Big Question And what does that mean for users?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published