Advanced Micro Devices has developed a version of Android that can be used on certain Microsoft Windows-based tablets, notebooks and desktops.
AMD’s aim is not to replace Windows operating systems with Android, but instead it has partnered with BlueStacks, a Silicon Valley firm that specialises in bringing mobile apps to Windows, to sell the version of Android as a Windows executable file
The version of Android will also run on all new PCs with an AMD chip, offering the well-known Android user interface, as well as running Android apps within a window or at full-screen resolution.
It would also support almost all of Android apps direct from multiple Android app stores, in addition to synchronising the same apps even running on the stand-alone Android devices.
AMD Product Management corporate vice president Steve Belt said that the ability to span two OS ecosystems gives end-users access to both Windows and Android apps, but the key is providing for the seamless integration of entertainment and productivity across those ecosystems.
"Introducing our solution in retail puts AMD and BlueStacks in a unique position to offer in-store customers the option to include access to this great experience at the time of purchase of their new systems," Belt said.
He claimed that users will also experience seamless interoperability via direct file-sharing that allows Android apps to access files stored within the Windows file system, while supports sensors including built-in cameras, accelerometer, gyroscope and others.
Mainly optimised for AMD APUs, the new offering is scheduled to hit European market in the second half of 2014.
BlueStacks CEO Rosen Sharma said that Android-ready PCs are the future.
"With BlueStacks technology, consumers can turn their AMD Windows -based PC into an Android-ready device and enjoy mobile content, games and apps on their PC and sync with their mobile phone," Sharma said.
"Retail availability brings our solution to the masses, and AMD shares our enthusiasm in giving consumers the ability to enjoy Android entertainment and useful apps together with Windows productivity and gaming, on a single PC."
