14 DAY TRIAL // A while ago, AMD announced its partnership with BlueStacks to produce a dual-OS Android solution, optimized for AMD APUs. And at the Mobile World Congress, the chip maker has unveiled the retail availability of the solution, set to arrive in the second half of 2014.
The AMD/BlueStacks combo will be bringing the Android OS experience to AMD-based tablets, 2-in-1s, notebooks and desktops running the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Corporate VP of Product Management at AMD, Steve Belt said “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.”
So from now when customers decide to buy an AMD-based machine, they will have the option of getting an AMD-BlueStacks upgrade too.
The retail version of BlueStacks running on Windows powered PCs will bring about an Android user interface (complete with settings, configuration and customization controls) and the ability to run Android-centric apps in full screen or in a window by tapping into AMD graphics’ processing power.
On top of that, users will be granted support for Android apps coming from diverse Android app stores and the ability to synchronize the same apps running on stand-alone Android devices one has laying around the house. Also note that while running in Android mode, users will be able to access their Windows files, as well.
Moreover, there’s support for sensors like the ones found in cameras, accelerometers and such.
“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,” seems to think BlueStacks.
“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.”
The press release also notes users won’t have to log out of Windows in order to use Android. Basically, the concept is that the solution allows users to run Android virtually within Windows. Everything users would be needing from customization and setting accessibility will be available in the Windows environment too.
Synchronization between the two environments is available through the BlueStack FoneLink service, which allows the Windows-based PC to act as an extension of an Android device and vice-versa.