14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Phone 10 is not here yet, so it's easy to start all kinds of rumors regarding the next version of the mobile operating system and convince people that such a thing could really happen.
One of the unconfirmed reports that reached the web earlier this year revealed that Microsoft was at least thinking of bringing Android apps on Windows Phone, in a way to address the app gap of its mobile platform and thus keep up with rival operating systems such as Android and iOS.
There were even some details claiming that Microsoft was looking into ways to make Android apps available through a fully controlled store in Windows and Windows Phone, but again, nothing was ever confirmed in this regard.
So, what do users think about the possibility of getting Android apps on Windows Phone?
Pros: This would really help us get more apps
Those who want to see Android apps on Windows Phone claim that, this way, Microsoft would tackle one of the biggest issues of its mobile operating system and finally make more apps available to users.
Here's one comment posted by a supporter of this idea on the UserVoice feedback thread:
“If there is one thing I don't like about the Windows Phone appstore, it is the long period of time it takes to get Android apps that my friends and family have had for a long time already. I encourage having Android apps on the Windows Phone appstore!”
At this point, there are indeed a number of apps that are missing from the Windows Phone Store, and the most recent and probably the best example is Snapchat.
Right now, there's no official Snapchat client for Windows Phone and users aren't allowed to install third-party clients either, so they have absolutely no option if they want to access this service with a Lumia phone.
Cons: Android apps could kill Windows Phone
On the other hand, some users believe that, by bringing Android apps on Windows Phone, nobody would ever want to create apps specifically aimed at Microsoft's mobile platform.
After all, why should anyone build an app for Windows Phone when they can build one for Android that runs on both platforms?
And here's the comment of a user who's against Android apps on Windows Phone:
“It's a bad idea not for users but for Windows Phone and Windows developers who support the OS. If you want more apps just make the Xamarin to support windows phone/windows apps source code full support without change anything not even a line.”
In the end, there's no doubt that this is a really tough call and Microsoft must play its cards right if it really want to make it possible. More details on Microsoft's Windows Phone 10 plans could be provided next month, at the Windows 10 consumer event, so until then, take this rumor with a pinch of salt.