Discussion Android apps on WIn 11

[Colif]

I don't understand what the draw is to be able to run Android apps on Windows 11.
It doesn't make sense unless its mainly for laptops.
Hard to play games designed for touch screen on a desktop PC otherwise, unless the Environment for Android can map the controls onto keys.

what am I missing here?

 

[hotaru.hino]

Microsoft's likely thrown in the towel at this point with their app ecosystem. I'm sure they'll keep it around and force developers onto it in some form or fashion, such as DCH now being the norm and you can't have a classic (i.e. Win32/Win64 based) utility application anymore; the application must come from the app store.

But in any case, here's the appeal I see for Android apps on Windows

• Standalone apps for web services. People still like them. I still like them... when they're not basically battery draining spyware (hello Facebook app)
• Interoperability. Even if the same apps are available in Microsoft's app store, some account-specific data may not easily transfer over or something. Either way, one less account data management thing to worry about.
• More things in one place, more or less. I play some Android games via an emulator because I can't be half-assed to use my phone for them when I'm already at my computer.
• Better app management. The app likely is a standalone package that doesn't mess with the system. I'd rather take this over a traditional Windows app where it mucks with the registry, litters my drives with folders, adds yet another Visual Studio C++ library, and apparently the only way to "properly" remove it is use something like Revo Uninstaller.

Regarding games, I would say a vast majority of games people play:

• Are literally just point and click. A mouse is sufficient (said Android game I play on an emulator is this)
• Have controller support, which can likely map to keyboard and mouse just fine

Even then though, there's lots of laptops with touchscreens and convertibles out. Sure this doesn't help the desktop market, but the majority of PCs that people use are laptops anyway.

 

[dwd999]

There are also specialized apps like the Carrier HVAC thermostat control app. Right now I have to have my phone with me to change or monitor my home thermostat temperature and fan, etc. They used to offer a version for computers using Adobe Air but they dropped that since Air is no longer supported. There a also other home control apps which would be easier to set up and use with a larger computer screen, mouse and keyboard that are somewhat tedious to setup and use with a tiny phone screen and touch controls.

 

[hotaru.hino]

There are also specialized apps like the Carrier HVAC thermostat control app. Right now I have to have my phone with me to change or monitor my home thermostat temperature and fan, etc. They used to offer a version for computers using Adobe Air but they dropped that since Air is no longer supported. There a also other home control apps which would be easier to set up and use with a larger computer screen, mouse and keyboard that are somewhat tedious to setup and use with a tiny phone screen and touch controls.

Oh yeah, that's a good point. A lot of control apps are for iOS or Android only.

Maybe I can finally control my Nest from my computer.