3 min Applications

Microsoft to add support for Android Apps in Windows 11

Microsoft to add support for Android Apps in Windows 11

The Apps are already available in a “public preview”

In 2021, Microsoft announced Windows 11 users would be able to natively access Android apps through a PC-based version of the Amazon Appstore.

In October last year Windows 11 arrived, but access to Android apps on the platform was limited to beta testers. That will change in February, according to Microsoft. This week the company announced the launch of a “public preview” for the feature.

Panos Panay, chief product officer for Windows + Devices, explained in a blog post. “Today we are adding over 1,000 more apps and games in partnership with the Amazon Appstore. Windows 11 users in the U.S. can access the Amazon Appstore Preview in the Microsoft Store, and popular apps like Audible, Kindle, Subway Surfers, Lords Mobile, Khan Academy Kids and many more. This experience, built on the Android platform and supported by Intel Bridge Technology, introduces a new category of mobile apps and games available for Windows.”

Preview shows Microsoft’s commitment to being the “most open platform”

Panay went on to describe the meaning of this move. “Today’s preview reinforces our commitment to be the most open platform for creators,” he said. “And we look forward to sharing more details later this year on how we’ll broaden availability with the Amazon Appstore. We can’t wait to hear your feedback on the experience.”

Pnay doesn’t explain why there is initial support for only 1,000 apps. But it probably is due to the fact that Microsoft is not providing access to the Amazon App Store. Instead, the apps from Amazon are offered via the Microsoft Store. They are doing this despite dealing directly with Amazon.

Panay also said in the same blog post that there were a number of new features also coming to Windows 11. These include a weather icon and the ability to mute and unmute any window . There is also the ability to see the clock and date on the taskbar on a secondary monitor.

Microsoft’s calling this release a “public preview” probably means it is still a beta product. This means wqe can expect bugs, limited features, and plenty of apps to be missing from the store.

Still, this will be the first time that anyone can test out Android apps on Windows 11. Theoretically, Microsoft could end the preview later this year, which would make the service available to anyone in a stable form.