Rumor has it that Microsoft is considering adding Android apps to the Windows desktop in 2021. Even though Windows PC users can install these apps in their systems through emulator apps such as Bluestacks, Microsoft's move could avail Android apps to download and run, alongside Win32 and UWP apps. Sources from Windows indicate that there are talks going on over whether it can be possible to and a runtime for Android to Windows 10. This move, if it happens, will be in time for a massive upgrade to the Windows 10 OS, which is expected in early 2021.

Windows Your Phone

The first time Microsoft adopted Android as its preferred operating system for mobile devices was in 2017 when they abandoned Windows 10 Mobile. Currently, most apps offered by Microsoft have mobile versions for Android. If you have a compatible smartphone, Microsoft allows you to run multiple apps on the desktop through the Windows Your Phone app. However, as of now, only Samsung smartphone users can enjoy this service.

Currently, the only device that can run multiple apps from different platforms is Google's Chromebook. This device can run ChromeOS, Linux packages, and Android apps simultaneously. Therefore, Windows 10 will have received a major upgrade if its users will be able to access Android apps. Adding Android apps to Windows, therefore allowing its users access to the Chrome browser will effectively make this platform a near-universal operating system.

Windows 10X

In the time being, Microsoft is said to have finally finished developing Windows 10X. This version of Windows 10 will be ready for the market by the end of this year targeting devices with multiple screens. Those who've heard the privilege to see this operating system's capabilities say that it is Microsoft's "Chromebook killer" and if its features included support for Android apps, then Windows 10X will have truly earned this moniker.

Even though Microsoft hasn't released any concrete information on Windows 10X features and capabilities, people are already guessing on how it would work. For instance, will Google Play Services run on this OS, and if it won't, does it mean that Play Store won't either? There are those musing that the Microsoft Store will have an Android section. However, this could result into new problems for those already using Android because they could end up paying for apps at both stores and other issues.

There is still much that we don't know about this move, and let's not forget that things may turn out differently. However, if it all turns out to be true, then Microsoft launching Windows 10X and also adding Android apps to the Windows desktop and laptop could be the biggest shake-up in this market category for a long time to come.

Microsoft Integrates Android Into Windows