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Tool converts Java to Windows Mobile native code

Sep. 09, 2008

Innaworks announced a tool it claims can "instantly" convert a Java Micro Edition (Java ME) application to Windows Mobile native code. Targeting mobile game publishers, content providers, and enterprise developers with existing Java skills, "AlcheMo for Windows Mobile" supports Windows Mobile 6.x and 5.0 Professional and Standard editions, says Innaworks.

Innaworks says AlcheMo for Windows Mobile includes a "patent-pending optimizing translator" that accepts standard, unmodified Java ME code, and turns it into C++ source code within seconds. The resulting code is ready to be compiled using a supplied run-time library along with Microsoft's Visual Studio, and requires no post-translation changes whatsoever, the company adds.

AlcheMo is said to convert Java ME applications that utilize an "extensive subset" of Java ME CLDC (connected limited device configuration) 1.1 and MIDP (mobile device information profile) 2.0, including touchscreen support. The "blazingly fast" translator has the following touted features, according to Innaworks:

An "optimized graphics implementation" delivers frame rates suitable for games and UI-intensive programs

"State-of-the-art whole program optimizations" provide compact and fast applications

Both Windows Mobile Professional and Windows Mobile Standard are supported with a single SKU

Generated C++ source code has the exact semantics of the original Java program, faithfully supporting J2ME language features such as try-catch-finally, interfaces, inner classes, and class initializers

An "advanced garbage collector" eliminates the need for manual memory management

Innaworks says games converted to native Windows Mobile code by AlcheMo run more smoothly than those running in a Java or .NET Compact Framework (.NET CF) virtual machine. In addition, the company claims, native-code applications are protected from reverse engineering, unlike their .NET CF counterparts, which "can readily be decompiled with off-the-shelf tools."

Innaworks also states that "due to the nature of Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation technology, .NET CF applications typically have a long start up time and display a pattern of JIT compilation pauses when running new code paths." In contrast, AlcheMo-generated Windows Mobile native applications start up more quickly and run more smoothly, according to the vendor.

Multiple platforms

Far from discouraging the continued use of Java ME, Innaworks touts the language's existing game engines, libraries, frameworks and "powerful open-source components." Java eliminates errors common in C/C++ and Objective-C, and allows developing applications for multiple devices from a single code base, the company says.

The newly announced version of AlcheMo for Windows Mobile joins existing versions that support Qualcomm's BREW (binary runtime environment for wireless) and Apple's iPhone, according to Innaworks. "The single code base advantage enables AlcheMo customers to outmaneuver their competitors through rapid and simultaneous product feature rollouts across J2ME, BREW, iPhone and Windows Mobile," the company says.

John O'Rourke, a Microsoft general manager responsible for Windows Mobile marketing, said, "AlcheMo for Windows Mobile helps developers leverage existing investments and produce quality native Windows Mobile applications in a highly compressed timeframe. Java developers can take advantage of the huge market opportunity created by Microsoft's smartphone innovation and leadership."

Further information

Innaworks did not release pricing for AlcheMo for Windows Mobile, but said the product is "immediately available for licensing." It will be demonstrated during this week's CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment show, starting tomorrow in San Francisco. Innaworks says it will be located at Booth 324 in the West Hall of Moscone Center.