Surface 'Centaurus' could run Android apps — but would that really help 'Windows Lite' succeed?

It is rumored that Microsoft is working on Android app support for Surface "Centaurus", Microsoft's upcoming dual-screen tablet two-in-1 that runs a new flavor of Windows Core Os known as "Windows Low-cal." This new version of Windows is designed to kickstart Windows into a new era, featuring a brand-new lightweight user experience, fast and fluid animations, and with some legacy components removed.

Will Android apps even make a difference?

Can Android apps brand a difference when it comes to app support on a device like Centaurus? The ability to run Android apps on Windows is not a new idea and is something yous can practice today on Windows x via tools like Bluestacks, but it's a niche thing that people do on Windows. I've never seen your average user say they depend on Android app support on their PC, even so. Most people using a Windows PC are but using a web browser to get all their activities washed.

And if they're not using a web browser, they're likely using a program that's already in the Microsoft Store, like Spotify or Function. The introduction of Android app back up could fill the gaps where necessary, but on a device like Centaurus, I'm not sure if supporting Android apps is going to brand a huge difference. Android tablets haven't exactly taken off, and most Android apps scale poorly on screen sizes larger than your average smartphone. Centaurus is rumored to take 9-inch displays.

Perhaps Microsoft is leaning into the upcoming Android Q desktop feature, which essentially turns any Android smartphone into a Continuum-compatible device. If developers begin taking that seriously, more apps will be built-out with desktop utilize in listen. That could very much change things for Centaurus, then in that context, adding the ability to run Android apps on Windows Core Os makes perfect sense.

How will the emulation piece of work?

You too take to wonder how exactly Microsoft is planning to enable Android app support on Windows Cadre OS. I don't think information technology'll be "natively" via the Microsoft Store. I think it's possible that Microsoft would go the route of simply enabling 3rd-party emulators (such as Bluestacks) to operate on Windows Cadre OS instead of building out its own "native" Android app ecosystem on Windows like it was planning with "Astoria."

The reason for this, I retrieve, surrounds the legality of information technology all. Google would have to hold to something similar Astoria, and Microsoft would have to pay for the Google Play Services license, considering Google Play is required for many popular Android apps to be useful. Leaving it up to tertiary-party emulators like Bluestacks means it isn't Microsoft that has to handle all the licensing and agreements with Google.

It also means Microsoft could necktie information technology in with the whole open up shop idea that it announced with HoloLens 2. Bluestacks could exist a storefront for Android apps on Windows Cadre Os that can seamlessly integrates with the Windows Beat experience, kind of like how Steam games download via the Steam shop simply are listed in your Start menu and placed on your desktop. An API layer would be required to enable this for emulators, but it isn't incommunicable.

What are your thoughts on the possibility of Android app support on Centaurus? Let us know in the comments.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Primal Approved and guaranteed to delight.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only i of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable and then y'all never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. Information technology supports four,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And information technology comes in a bunch of absurd colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A iii.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop ability hub. We highly recommend it.

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