Microsoft debuted Windows 11 at the “What’s Next for Windows” event, and outlined several new features coming with the upgrade. One of these features is Android apps, which you’ll soon be able to access through your Windows computer.
Android Apps to Arrive on Windows 11
With Windows 11, you’ll be able to download and run Android apps natively from your Windows PC. Microsoft is using the Amazon Appstore to make them available—you’ll be able to download them via the new Windows store and the Amazon Appstore.
During the presentation, Microsoft demonstrated what the integration might look like. It showed a TikTok video running seamlessly in Windows 11, but in a smaller screen that mimics the layout of a mobile device. Panos Panay, the Chief Product Officer at Microsoft, noted that the integration is powered by “Intel bridge technology.”
Since Android apps will run natively on Windows, you can expect them to function like any other Windows app. This means that you’ll be able to “snap” the window into place while you use another Windows app alongside it.
You’ll also be able to give your favorite Android apps a spot on your taskbar and Start menu, as well as create desktop shortcuts for them. This means having the TikTok, Twitter, Ring, or Kindle app just a few clicks away.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Windows?
Back in 2020, Microsoft announced a new feature that lets you run Android apps on your Windows PC. However, it comes with some limitations—it requires that you link your Android device to your PC, and that device has to be a part of the Samsung Galaxy family.
With Windows 11, you won’t even need to go through the trouble of linking your device or owning a specific type of Android.
Giving users access to millions of Android apps will undoubtedly change the way we use Windows. After all, we’ll no longer be forced to use the watered-down web app versions of certain mobile apps, and we won’t have to use Android emulators to play mobile games.
Windows 11 Offers a More Mobile Experience
Microsoft has put a lot of work into improving the overall touchscreen experience in Windows 11, and throwing Android apps into the mix gives Windows 11 a much more mobile feel. This is especially true on tablets and convertible laptops.
The next-gen OS introduces new gestures and a more user-friendly layout for touchscreens, so you can almost get the same experience as you would on your mobile device. Windows 11 is set to release sometime in late 2021, and will be available as a free upgrade.