There's now half a million more reasons to look forward to Windows 8 -- because that's how many Android apps will run on Microsoft's new operating system when it launches, the BBC reports.
A deal between AMD and software company Bluestacks will bring the 500,000 Android apps to Windows 8 via AMD's AppZone player. Bluestacks' code helps optimise them for Windows 8 desktop PCs, laptops and tablets.
The sheer number of apps should boost interest in Windows 8. Reportedly it'll launch with only a few thousand created specifically for it, so this should be a real boon.
"But hang on," you might be saying, "how's a mobile app going to look on my desktop? I'll need a magnifying glass to see what's going on." Well AMD has tweaked the core code in its processors and graphics cards to make sure apps built for mobile phones look decent on the big screen.
"This helps AMD leapfrog Intel by making Windows 8 more attractive on their tablets and PCs," Bluestacks CEO Rosen Sharma told Wired. "We've worked closely together to optimise the performance of the apps for AMD's unique 'graphics and computing on one chip' setup. The result is awesome -- mobile apps run beautifully on their machines."
And good news if you've got an AMD-powered Windows 7 machine -- you can start downloading Android apps right now, provided you can get the AppZone player. It'll come preinstalled on future AMD Windows 8 computers.
AppZone will also let you sync apps between your desktop and mobile. So if you're playing Fruit Ninja on your PC when you're supposed to be working, and have to nip out, you can carry on where you left off on the bus using your phone. Vital.
Are you looking forward to Windows 8? What's exciting you about it? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 12
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BIGPADDY 30 September, 2012 15:21
My next CPU going to be an AMD A8-3870K :3
anonymous 30 September, 2012 18:33
Now that is a genius move.
anonymous 30 September, 2012 23:05
That's going to silence all those reviewers who use a lack of apps in their "Con" columns, won't it Cnet?
anonymous 30 September, 2012 23:05
Do you we'll be able to make these apps run on windows 8 phones ?
AkumaJack 30 September, 2012 23:37
Great idea, this means the best windows 8 tablet to get is one with a AMD CPU . Well done AMD for thinking outside the box......sync apps across two platforms.
anonymous 1 October, 2012 07:25
I use Chrome and most of these apps already run in that
anonymous 1 October, 2012 08:26
thats a genious
anonymous 1 October, 2012 11:03
that's unbelievable. I'm an intel person but now i start thinking of AMD. Amazing move - waiting to see how it's going to be.
atgb20 1 October, 2012 12:51
let's hope they work on the new microsoft surface.
anonymous 4 October, 2012 06:58
OMG..500,000 Android apps i just can't believe it. I am waiting for the time when i buy my window 8 tablet and using that apps.
anonymous 5 October, 2012 02:47
I think that could make win8 acceptable.
anonymous 8 October, 2012 02:06
AMD is clever, nice touch.