Anyone who has used Mac knows that although many software have Mac versions, and the functions of some software are supplemented by other software on Mac, there are always times when Windows software is needed. At this time, most people will first think of virtual solutions such as Bootcamp (or “switching assistant program”) or Parallels Dsektop. However, there is actually another trick, which is to translate directly from the software level and simulate it into Mac software for operation, and this is what the CrossOver software mainly does. The recent Apple Silicon can be said to be the subject of discussion among many Mac users. Although the new processor is more powerful and has better battery life, most virtual machine software is not yet supported, which makes cross-system users somewhat dissatisfied. Today, CrossOver leads the competition in announcing that it officially supports Apple M1 computers, which can be said to have solved a major problem for users buying new computers:
▲CrossOver now supports the M1 processor, and it also claims to be able to run “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” (Image source）
After years of evolution of the Windows system, coupled with its own high market share, the number of third-party systems accumulated is also considerable. This situation has directly led some developers to simply make Windows software without considering porting other systems whose relative market share may not be comparable to Windows. For users who are using non-Windows systems, if they encounter a situation where a certain function can only be performed by Windows software and they cannot directly carve a transplanted version, using a virtual machine or virtual software is a must-do.
CrossOver was born out of WINE, allowing Mac and Linux to run Windows software
Speaking of virtual software, many players will immediately think of many well-known brands in this field. Like VMware and Oracle, which bought Virtualbox. For Mac, there is also Parallels Desktop. These softwares all have a common feature, which is to allow users to install various operating systems in virtual machines, thereby using different system environments and software. Although the disadvantage is that it takes up a lot of space to install the operating system for the virtual machine, you can probably get a good software execution environment. Therefore, the virtual machine occupies an important position in the hearts of users who need to work across systems:
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CrossOver is a virtual software different from the above-mentioned virtual machine software. It is a commercial program based on the open source simulation software WINE. Through the Windows API and other components, users do not need to waste a lot of space and installation time to install a system. It allows non-Windows systems to execute some Windows programs directly through software conversion:
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Officially announced to support Apple Silicon, CrossOver explains it all with game screens
CodeWeavers, the parent company behind CrossOver, recently announced that this virtualization software, which allows macOS users to run Windows programs without installing an additional set of Windows, officially supports the Apple M1 processor. What’s interesting is that they didn’t talk too much about technical issues, but directly showed a Macbook Air computer running the Windows game “Team Fortress 2” through the video. According to officially released photos, CrossOver that supports Apple M1 can now also run The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on Mac:
▲Among Us seems to be able to run, but whether it is smooth or not is still a mystery (Image source）
In terms of efficiency, CrossOver is not as good as the performance of a virtual machine with Windows installed, and its compatibility also needs to be improved. If there is any benefit, it is probably that there is no need to install an extra set of Windows on a hard drive with limited space. Especially the SSD space usually equipped with old Macbook computers is relatively limited. Both Bootcamp and virtual machine solutions require a lot of hard drive space, which naturally affects the convenience of use:
▲The financial management software Quicken can also be executed (Image source）
According to official information, they purchased an entry-level M1 version of Macbook Air and successfully made CrossOver 20.0.2 work. And it can already run several games. In addition, a video was shot to show the performance of the game. Perhaps there are still problems with conversion efficiency and software. Although “Fortress 2” can be executed in the film, there is a clear sense of delay in the picture. There may be other crash scenes that cannot be captured in the video. At least being able to run and being able to play are two different concepts. But at least being able to run is a good start:
▲The official game execution video is here
Source: KOCPC Chinese