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Windows RT has been hacked to allow desktop apps to run on Microsoft’s ARM-based OS. The trick circumvents a setting which usually restricts ARM-based apps to Microsoft’s built-in ones, so that unsigned desktop apps can also be installed. The Verge explains:
Using a method to exploit the setting in memory, the vulnerability could allow Windows RT to run ARM compiled desktop apps. The revelation is a jailbreak, but no x86 desktop apps will run as they need to be compiled to ARM to work on Windows RT – making this exploit rather limited right now. The trick will need to be executed each time the operating system is booted up and will persist until it’s reset.
So, not particularly useful right now, but expect to see third-party desktop apps from hackers and devs for Windows RT in the future. As Verge points out, though, it might not be such a great idea to take this route: the app restriction was put in place by Microsoft to extend battery life in RT tablets. Without the restriction in place, expect to see a slump in how long your power lasts. [On the Surface of Security via Verge]
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“Windows RT Jailbroken to Run Desktop Apps”
“but no x86 desktop apps will run as they need to be compiled to ARM to work on Windows RT”
Shame Jamie didn’t read half way down his article before writing the title, it looks a bit silly now ! Almost no X86 apps will run on ARM, anyone with a brain should understand that.
Well the article wouldn’t get clicks if the title told the truth…
Seems to be the gizmodo moto nowadays.
“the app restriction was put in place by Microsoft to extend battery life in RT tablets”
Well wasn’t that nice and altruistic of them? I’m sure all the money they make from developer licensing fees and Windows Store purchases is just an unfortunate side-effect.