Let’s Hear It: Do You Want Windows To Run Android Apps Natively?

February 12, 2014
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reporting that a number of high ranking Redmond executives are currently pondering whether to allow Windows powered desktops, tablets and phones the ability to run Android apps right out of the box. Totally out of the blue? You bet! Interestingly, a number of Microsoft executives have expressed their support for this idea. At the same time, there are some that believe that a strategy like this would result in major drawbacks for the Windows platform that could harm it completely. Internal discussions are still ongoing on this matter as of this writing. The idea of Android apps running on Windows, however, is not new, and there are a couple of ways that you can do this on your Windows machine already. Secondly, Microsoft is not the first company that would integrate Android support in its platforms. BlackBerry did the same with BlackBerry 10 — to less than stellar results, it must be said. A move like this has two obvious drawbacks. First off, it would serious (and I mean seriously) lower interest in Metro apps. Considering just how much Microsoft has invested in making Windows apps a reality, and enticing developers to port their solutions, it would be a massive waste. And for developers it would be the case of even more confusion. The Verge writes that even if this plan goes through, it will only happen in 2015, by the time Windows 9 comes around. While Redmond will be in a better position to compete against Android devices with a move like this, the question here is at what cost? Drastic measures for drastic times? Or the next logical step up? Let’s hear it!]]>

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Microsoft

Mike Johnson is a writer for The Redmond Cloud - the most comprehensive source of news and information about Microsoft Azure and the Microsoft Cloud. He enjoys writing about Azure Security, IOT and the Blockchain.

All Comments

  • No. I think its a bad idea. One it wont run as smoothly. And two developers wont see as high a need to code specifically for windows phone apps. I think with windows phone 8.1 with all the new and much needed features, there will be a jump in apps over the next two quarters.

    Dominico-James Black Eagle Hod February 12, 2014 10:14 am Reply
    • With native support, I think Microsoft can find a way to really optimized them. But yeah, seems a bit pointless playing into the hands of your biggest competitor.

      Fahad Ali February 14, 2014 2:50 pm Reply
  • To consumers, that may be good to know that we have a huge selection of apps. But to Windows App Store, that could mean completely obsolete. If developers could build Android apps and run on both Android and windows system, then there is no incentive to develop metro apps that only run on windows.

    WillyThePooh February 12, 2014 10:27 am Reply
    • Exactly. It would just send a wrong message to developers that have invested time and effort in learning Windows (and Windows RT) development.

      Fahad Ali February 14, 2014 2:48 pm Reply
  • It’s a bad idea. Let’s just imagine that both iOs and Windows could run Android apps. Why would developers make apps for 2 or 3 different platforms when they can all run the apps from 1. Plus, what is the point when Windows and Windows Phone apps continue to be made and when RT and Phone are soon to be merged. In Addition, it really won’t matter if you can run Android apps. Even though Microsoft has a superior platform, and a lot of people think “if it only had the apps of iOS or Android,” the people not willing to give Microsoft products a fair shake are not going to give them one because they run Android apps. I’m not saying they wouldn’t see a big uptick in Microsoft products, but it wouldn’t be enough to move monumental numbers. Just continue to improve Windows and continue to add apps.

    Ray C February 12, 2014 2:15 pm Reply
    • Yeah, I think now that the news is out, Microsoft executives would be keeping a close eye on user comments to get an appraisal of the situation.
      Besides, there are already ways to run Android apps on Windows.

      Fahad Ali February 14, 2014 2:48 pm Reply
  • I’m with everyone on this, don’t do it MS, it’s a bad ( for lack of a better adjective) idea. That would mean the triumph of android and demise of windows modern app store. It’s bad enough these crazy OEMs are making desktops with android on it. As in the movie, ‘THE GODFATHER’my advise to MS, “anyone who comes to you with this [android] thing is a traitor”.

    Macpaul Emeka Ekwueme February 12, 2014 3:37 pm Reply
    • Haha, nice one. Love The Godfather reference.
      Thanks for commenting!

      Fahad Ali February 14, 2014 2:46 pm Reply
  • very bad idea!

    Charles Vance Gurley February 12, 2014 8:22 pm Reply
    • Point taken!
      Thanks for the comment, Charles. Appreciate it.

      Fahad Ali February 14, 2014 2:59 pm Reply
  • If they want a comeback, they should.

    Ehab Atme February 12, 2014 10:37 pm Reply
    • Ah positive vote, huh!
      Appreciate the comment, keep them coming.

      Fahad Ali February 14, 2014 2:51 pm Reply
  • Well, look at all the other Android phone makers outside of Samsung and let’s see how they are doing in sales? Yeah, not so good, huh! If they can’t make it then why would a Nokia-branded phone? Android apps make me nervous (hacking, etc.) as it is. No thanks!

    Rodney Longoria February 13, 2014 9:18 am Reply
    • Yeah, Android apps are the absolute worst when it comes to user and device security.
      Thanks for the comment!

      Fahad Ali February 14, 2014 2:51 pm Reply
  • Absolutely NOT! Enough said….

    Seath February 13, 2014 5:30 pm Reply
    • Indeed. Thanks for the comment, Seath.
      Cool avatar, by the way!

      Fahad Ali February 14, 2014 2:49 pm Reply
  • I’d love to see this…

    Aaditya Menon February 26, 2014 4:52 am Reply

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