Windows 10 users can now run Android apps alongside Windows applications on a PC. Microsoft explains that it is only available to Windows 10 testers for now, and is part of a new feature in Your Phone.
The new feature is simply developed on the premise of existing services that Microsoft’s Your Phone app already provides. A lot of Android apps can now be accessed and launched, consequently.
The new Android app affords Windows 10 users access to multitask with the Windows apps using alt+tab support. The apps can even be pinned to the Windows 10 taskbar or Start menu.
Direct launching of apps from Your Phone means that you no longer need to look around on a mirrored experience of your phone. All you have to do is simply pin your preferred Android apps to the taskbar then run those apps.
An exciting aspect of the new Your Phone feature is that you can run multiple Android apps alongside one another. Microsoft announced this around the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 20.
It is until late this year that Windows 10 users will be able to access this feature on the Galaxy Note 20. However, Microsoft stated that work is being done to bring this to other Samsung devices.
Microsoft warns that not all Android apps will work without glitches with the Your Phone feature. A black screen may occur as a result of some apps preventing the ability to cast to other filters. Some games and apps will also not be responsive to a keyboard or mouse, and others may play audio from your phone.
A Samsung device is needed if you want to try out the new Your Phone apps feature. Although Microsoft has a list of Android devices that support the feature, it’s only Samsung smartphones at the moment.
You will need to participate in Windows Insider testing. You can also join the Release Preview ring to steer clear of testing full Windows 10 builds, which will ultimately give you access to the Your Phone preview before its public release.