TL; DR
- Microsoft has announced that the Android app for Windows 11 will be supported in the next version of its PC operating system.
- The apps will be available through the Amazon Appstore.
- Android apps work with the new layout features of Windows 11.
PC users no longer need to use a third party solution to run Android apps on Windows. During today’s Windows 11 live stream, the company announced that the operating system would run Android apps natively.
According to Microsoft’s Windows guide Panos Panay, Android apps will be available for download in the Microsoft Store via an integrated version of the Amazon Appstore. Once installed, not only will they run on top of the operating system, but users can also take advantage of Windows 11’s new snap layouts. This allows the applications to run in a separate section of the screen while other Windows apps – like Word or the Edge browser – run in different sections of the layout. The new feature is partially supported by a partnership with Intel. Windows 11 uses Intel Bridge Technology to allow these apps to run on x86-based processors.
Microsoft has not announced whether it will receive any money from paid Android apps from its Windows 11 version of the Amazon Appstore. However, the fact that the operating system can run Android apps without additional help could be game changer for app developers. Previously, emulators like BlueStacks were required to run these apps on Windows PCs. With Windows 11 native support, these applications could more easily extend their reach to tens of millions of PC owners.
Hopefully we’ll get more information on this new feature as Microsoft reveals more about the next version of Windows. Windows 11 is a free upgrade for current Windows 10 users if their PC meets the system requirements.