Codeweavers have released version 3.1 of their CrossOver Office application – and this new version features support of Apple’s iTunes jukebox.
Codeweavers CEO Jeremy White said in a statement: “iTunes has been our number-one most requested application. We remain confident that by the end of 2005, the majority of Windows applications will be supported by CrossOver Office. Until then, we’re pleased to be bringing the appeal of iTunes to Linux users through the development of Version 3.1.” Indeed, Codeweavers intend to have 95% of Windows applications running by the end of next year.
CrossOver Office relies on Wine to make Windows programs work under Linux. Wine is an open source re-implementation of the Windows API, and does not use Microsoft code. It’s not an emulator either – think of it as a wrapper that allows Windows programs to run under Linux.
Unlike RealNetworks’ Harmony product, released last week, CrossOver office makes no changes to iPod and does not reverse-engineer any code. Apple has yet to make a comment, but it is unlikely that they will be as vehemently opposed to CrossOver Office as they were to Harmony.