BlueStacks: Run Android Apps on AMD Windows PCs

Datamation content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

Android apps on your Windows box? Now you can, say AMD and BlueStacks.

BlueStacks is a software company that specializes in getting Android apps to run on x86 devices, like PCs and notebooks. The companies have partnered to produce the AMD AppZone Player, free software that allows AMD-powered Windows 7 and Windows 8 systems run Android apps, paving the way for seamless tablet-to-PC Android app experiences.

AMD AppZone Player is based on BlueStacks App Player. Currently in beta, the software allows Windows PC users to run thousands of Android apps (a Mac version is also available). The company’s “LayerCake” technology enables full-screen, responsive user interaction with apps originally designed for smartphones and Tablets.

The startup emerged from stealth in May 2011 following the completion of a Series A funding round totaling $7.6 million. The company is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Helion Ventures, Ignition Partners, Radar Partners and Redpoint Ventures.

“Consumers can now enjoy their favorite mobile apps on the larger, more immersive screen of their PC,” states BlueStacks CEO Rosen Sharma. The software also leverages BlueStacks Cloud Connect, a cloud-based service that syncs apps between Android devices and Windows-based PCs.

AMD’s Manju Hegde, corporate vice president of Heterogeneous Applications and Developer Solutions, hints that the AppZone Player is more than a way to play the Android versions of Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja on a Windows desktop. There’s also the potential for Android developers to expand their reach.

“BlueStacks’ cross-platform innovation bridges the Android and x86 application ecosystems, providing new opportunities for developers and better experiences for users,” said Hegde in a statement. Sharma echoes that sentiment, stating, “With BlueStacks technology, app developers can rest assured their Android apps will run directly on Windows without any code change. We’ve made it easy for all.”

AMD is also working with OEMs on bundling the AppZone Player with new Windows systems powered by the company’s chips. AMD AppZone is available now.

Pedro Hernandez is a contributing editor at InternetNews.com, the news service of the IT Business Edge Network, the network for technology professionals. Follow him on Twitter @ecoINSITE.