GeekNews: Mac OS X to run Windows apps natively

In the near future, probably before the end of 2006 or latest early 2007, Mac users may be able to natively run Windows-only programs directly within Mac OS X without having to literally run Windows at all. Now this is cool news! Read on...


OS X to run Windows XP apps natively?

Apple may be planning to implement the Windows API (Application Programming Interfaces) directly in Mac OS X 10.5, which would allow Mac users to run Windows XP applications natively in Mac OS X without rebooting and without the need for virtualization software. Robert Cringely, in his latest column, also reiterated that Apple may migrate Mac OS X to a faster kernel, abandoning the older Mach microkernel presently in use. Apple and Microsoft in 1997 agreed to a five-year patent cross-licensing agreement, which ended in August of 2002 -- 10 months after Windows XP began shipping. The columnist believes Apple may be planning to utilize Microsoft's own Windows API, coupled with a faster kernel under the hood to offer users the ability to run Windows XP applications natively from their Mac OS X desktop, with the optional ability to dual-boot into Windows Vista once it ships in 2007.

Read even more detailed info about this here and here.