ZX81 emulator for iOS
ZX81 emulator for iOS
Hi all,
Apple approved my ZX81 emulator for iOS today: http://zx81-ios.weebly.com
Consider it just the first step of an app that I hope to extend with more functionality, software titles and eventually an interview section. Currently I'm working on a more game friendly version of the virtual keyboard in the form of a game pad. Currently game play is frustrated on smaller iOS devices due to the simulated key size.
There are only a few programs bundled with the first version of this app. Apple is quite strict regarding running software through its apps. Hence, I shall never be allowed to add functionality to load your favourite external P files or via recordings through the microphone etc. All the ZX81 software needs to be embedded in the app package submitted to Apple. If you have rights to ZX81 software and would like to see it included in future versions of the app then let me know.
Enjoy,
Kevin
Apple approved my ZX81 emulator for iOS today: http://zx81-ios.weebly.com
Consider it just the first step of an app that I hope to extend with more functionality, software titles and eventually an interview section. Currently I'm working on a more game friendly version of the virtual keyboard in the form of a game pad. Currently game play is frustrated on smaller iOS devices due to the simulated key size.
There are only a few programs bundled with the first version of this app. Apple is quite strict regarding running software through its apps. Hence, I shall never be allowed to add functionality to load your favourite external P files or via recordings through the microphone etc. All the ZX81 software needs to be embedded in the app package submitted to Apple. If you have rights to ZX81 software and would like to see it included in future versions of the app then let me know.
Enjoy,
Kevin
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- Posts: 2191
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 2:42 am
Re: ZX81 emulator for iOS
I downloaded that before I finished reading past the first sentence! Awesome stuff!kpalser wrote:Hi all,
Apple approved my ZX81 emulator for iOS today: http://zx81-ios.weebly.com
Consider it just the first step of an app that I hope to extend with more functionality, software titles and eventually an interview section. Currently I'm working on a more game friendly version of the virtual keyboard in the form of a game pad. Currently game play is frustrated on smaller iOS devices due to the simulated key size.
There are only a few programs bundled with the first version of this app. Apple is quite strict regarding running software through its apps. Hence, I shall never be allowed to add functionality to load your favourite external P files or via recordings through the microphone etc. All the ZX81 software needs to be embedded in the app package submitted to Apple. If you have rights to ZX81 software and would like to see it included in future versions of the app then let me know.
Enjoy,
Kevin
I was about to ask about loading external files but you beat me to it. Knowing Apple as I do I'm not surprised they block additional files.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
ZX80
ZX81 iss 1 (bugged ROM, kludge fix, normal, rebuilt)
TS 1000 iss 3, ZXPand AY and +, ZX8-CCB, ZX-KDLX & ChromaSCART
Tatung 81 + Wespi
TS 1500 & 2000
Spectrum 16k (iss 1 s/n 862)
Spectrum 48ks plus a DIVMMC future and SPECTRA
ZX81 iss 1 (bugged ROM, kludge fix, normal, rebuilt)
TS 1000 iss 3, ZXPand AY and +, ZX8-CCB, ZX-KDLX & ChromaSCART
Tatung 81 + Wespi
TS 1500 & 2000
Spectrum 16k (iss 1 s/n 862)
Spectrum 48ks plus a DIVMMC future and SPECTRA
-
- Posts: 2191
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 2:42 am
Re: ZX81 emulator for iOS
Actually how about the ability to save programs you type in?
I'm not sure if there is a limit on the size of local storage data but ZX81 progs are not that large.
Also you could save data in SQLite, one file per record in a fairly simple table. We use SQLite extensively at work in our iOS app. It's pretty good.
Lardo
I'm not sure if there is a limit on the size of local storage data but ZX81 progs are not that large.
Also you could save data in SQLite, one file per record in a fairly simple table. We use SQLite extensively at work in our iOS app. It's pretty good.
Lardo
ZX80
ZX81 iss 1 (bugged ROM, kludge fix, normal, rebuilt)
TS 1000 iss 3, ZXPand AY and +, ZX8-CCB, ZX-KDLX & ChromaSCART
Tatung 81 + Wespi
TS 1500 & 2000
Spectrum 16k (iss 1 s/n 862)
Spectrum 48ks plus a DIVMMC future and SPECTRA
ZX81 iss 1 (bugged ROM, kludge fix, normal, rebuilt)
TS 1000 iss 3, ZXPand AY and +, ZX8-CCB, ZX-KDLX & ChromaSCART
Tatung 81 + Wespi
TS 1500 & 2000
Spectrum 16k (iss 1 s/n 862)
Spectrum 48ks plus a DIVMMC future and SPECTRA
Re: ZX81 emulator for iOS
I'll give it some thought. There's certainly nothing in the Apple developer guide prohibiting saving your own programs. Probably more along the lines of a complete memory capture of the 16k of address space plus the registers rather than adding conditional traps to detect the ROM save routine. I spent so long trying to optimise the code that I'm loathed to add anything that might slow down even slightly the Z80 execution loop. Hence the raw memory dump route... Could also work on the save functionality to create audio output to be saved for loading on a real ZX81.Actually how about the ability to save programs you type in?
Re: ZX81 emulator for iOS
![Embarrassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
- chernandezba
- Posts: 206
- Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 4:30 pm
Re: ZX81 emulator for iOS
Great job!
Tried on iPad and works perfect
Tried on iPad and works perfect
Re: ZX81 emulator for iOS
Tried on iPhone 5 and couldn't install.
It's not compatible.![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif)
It's not compatible.
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif)
In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is.
Re: ZX81 emulator for iOS
Consider this the stock answer ( also see the FAQ in http://zx81-ios.weebly.com ):Tried on iPhone 5 and couldn't install. It's not compatible
The irony of not supporting older devices for an emulator of an old computer is not lost on the developer.
The short answer: No plans to support anything below the 64bit processor of an iPhone 5S on the app store.
The longer answer: Apple does not provide many developer options to specify which devices are not supported. So before iOS 10 the only way to stop iPhone 4S and below users downloading the app was to add the minimum requirement of a 64bit processor. When iOS 10 came out this was less of a problem, i.e. iPhone 5/5c and above. However, emulators tend to be heavy on the processor and drain the battery very quickly on slower devices. It would be technically possible to compile a version for the iPhone 5 but it saves a lot of headaches to just look to the future.
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@Paul, if you're really keen to see it on your iPhone 5 send me your UDID and I'll build you an adhoc version to test and send feed back.
- 1024MAK
- Posts: 5165
- Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:56 am
- Location: Looking forward to summer in Somerset, UK...
Re: ZX81 emulator for iOS
Have just downloaded it to an iPad mini. Great work
Where's the like button when you need it...
Mark
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif)
![Cool 8-)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
Where's the like button when you need it...
Mark
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Amp
Standby alert ![Exclamation :!:](./images/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif)
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer being good this year.
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Amp
![Exclamation :!:](./images/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif)
![Exclamation :!:](./images/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif)
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
![Exclamation :!:](./images/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif)
Looking forward to summer being good this year.
- 1024MAK
- Posts: 5165
- Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:56 am
- Location: Looking forward to summer in Somerset, UK...
Re: ZX81 emulator for iOS
One small question, I know a real ZX81 does not have a reset button, but is there a reset available in your emulator?
Mark
Mark
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Amp
Standby alert ![Exclamation :!:](./images/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif)
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer being good this year.
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Amp
![Exclamation :!:](./images/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif)
![Exclamation :!:](./images/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif)
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
![Exclamation :!:](./images/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif)
Looking forward to summer being good this year.