We recently heard Intel’s idea of “Dual OS” PCs, which basically are Windows devices also capable of running Android using virtualization technology that allows users to switch between operating systems by the touch of a button. Now it appears that AMD is also planning to jump in the Windows and Android running the same PC idea, as the chipmaker in announcing a new partnership with BlueStacks to do something very similar.
The idea is pretty much the same as Intel’s, but on Windows PCs featuring AMD processors will run BlueStacks, instead of using a virtual machine, that allow users to launch Android apps from the Windows 8 Start screen in the same way Windows apps work and users will even be able to search Android apps using the Windows 8 Search feature.
Although both chipmakers are planning to bring Android to Windows in 2014, AMD (in my opinion) seems to be the one that has a better approach, as the company’s latest x86 processors will also integrate an ARM CPU. This way Advanced Micro Devices PCs will run Android apps without having to virtualize Google’s operating system or the ARM processor, which is what BlueStacks does.
The major advantage using this new hybrid x86 + ARM processors could be battery life as virtualization technology currently requires more power and performance. I could be OK for regular PCs, but it’s not acceptable on Ultrabooks, laptops, or tablets.
As I mentioned previously Microsoft and Google are not on board with this plan, but it seems that Dual OS PCs are more than ever is a reality, at least for 2014. Now the real question is: Will the idea of Windows + Android ever going to take off? What do you think?
Source The Verge