By BlueStacks weren’t lying when they said you’d be able to run a fully virtual implementation of Android on your Windows machine in order to use Android apps on them. They’ve released their client for Windows PCs as a user-friendly way to use your apps without having to use your phone.
It comes preinstalled with several apps and gives you the ability to add up to 26 more. Lance Whitney from CNET said the client and apps ran very smoothly on his PC, though using apps designed for smartphones and tablets on a traditional PC was a bit odd. I am unable to try it for myself as I am a Mac user.
A premium version of this is said to be on its way that will let you install unlimited apps as well as giving you the ability to play games. While this doesn’t seem like much more than an emulator at first glance, reports of its polish and speed make it so much more. Grab the Alpha build here and let us know what you think about it!
I have not thought of a use for this yet>
Besides application testing, I’m with you.
Get a Windows then.
I think about the only reason to do this is “because you can”. Other than that, I’ll just wake up my android device and start using the apps there.
Exactly. Now if it was the other way around, pc apps on android….
You are kidding me, a phandroid writter is a Mac user?
It’s on now *takes off earrings* O_O
Chris, you just had to let those drunk Apple fans convince you. xD
Wow, this is extremely exciting. I love the todo list application on my phone, but I don’t want to have to find a desktop todo list app that will sync with my service, etc. I hope they add the option to run the apps in window mode (right now it’s fullscreen only). I can’t wait to see where this goes!
For everyone saying “I’d rather pick up my phone” the point is that you don’t HAVE to pick up your phone to check a certain app. I realize it might not be useful for everyone, but for me specifically, this is great. This is especially useful in a work environment.
I think the implication is running android apps on windows slates and tablets….makes getting one seem almost….*nevermind*
I have the beta but it fails to install for me. Will be trying on another Windows computer when I get a chance.
Tried installing it under Wine/Linux too but was a no go.
Downloaded this, and honestly, its a letdown. after bringing a few apps over from my phone, it became clear that this is really only good for a few games – i might as well just pull out my phone at that point.
What is very interesting to see is when i brought over ADW Launcher EX. i was actually able to visualize the full gingerbread OS. However, performance was sluggish, stuff looked bad on the large screen size, and there’s really no way to launch it by default, so usability is diffucult – overall a massive disappointment. While i can sideload apps (via my phone) really, why bother?
Now, if i could run the apps in _windows_, give them icons on my desktop and start menu, that’d instantly be much more appealing. Some things, like pandora, i would like to be able to open the android app as a ‘mini player’ popup window, instead of a full webpage. but, i can’t.
It also can’t interface with my files at all, and it doesn’t recognize my webcam. I also don’t have an acceleromoter in my laptop, so i can’t use any app that depends on that.
TL;DR – I’ll wait till you mature bluestackks. maybe you’ll have something that i want then.
You know that Pandora has had a windows mini-player for several years now, right?