Intel plans to run Windows and Android in the same computer

Dual OS Windows and Android PCs

We’ve already seen some PC manufacturers trying to be creative to boost computer sales by including devices running both, Windows and Android. Well, that was just the beginning, according to a new report from The Verge claims that during CES 2014, the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, which will happen from January 7-10, many PC makers are planning to unveil a new wave of “Dual OS” devices running Windows and Android operating systems.

The concept of “Dual OS” PCs comes from Intel and the idea is to have a Windows PC that also runs Android using virtualization technology, that way you can run both operating systems on demand without having to reboot and start in a new OS, like when using a dual-boot system.

If you think you heard this before, you are correct, because several months ago Samsung unveiled the ATIV Q, a full Windows 8 PC that switches to Android with the touch of a button. And we already have software like BlueStacks to run Android apps in Windows and WindowsAndroid that allows you to run the Android OS in Windows.

Despite the benefit of using two operating systems in one device, The Verge reports that Microsoft and Google aren’t happy with the “Dual OS” plan. Furthermore, Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy says that “Microsoft does not want this to happen.” he also says “This sends the wrong message to [Windows] developers.”. In other words the only winner would be Intel as this is the company that will provide the chipset to run both pieces of software.

Among various PC makers to be expected to present a new Windows-Android devices is ASUS, which already appeared as a company filing paperwork with the FCC for a new tablet and released a YouTube teaser video.

Just like with any rumor remember to take this with a grain of salt as we won’t officially know anything until CES 2014. So we may or may not see these kind of Windows and Android hybrid devices and if we do, they may or may not be called them “Dual OS”.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.