It’s been nearly half a year since Windows 11 launched, and Microsoft is finally ready to launch one of the operating system’s flagship features—Android app support. All Windows 11 users will gain access to the integrated Amazon Android app store in February of 2021, though only as an unfinished “public preview.”
Microsoft famously delayed Android app support when it launched Windows 11 last October. The company later debuted the feature in a Windows 11 Beta build, but it was buggy and difficult to activate. Evidently, Microsoft has smoothed out some of the cracks here, as it’s now confident enough to launch a preview of Android app support for all users.
Installing Android apps on Windows 11 will be quite easy once this public preview rolls out. Users can simply open the Microsoft Store, navigate to the integrated Amazon Appstore, log in using an Amazon account, and download the apps they want.
Next month we’re bringing new experiences to Windows that include a public preview of how you can use AndroidTM apps on Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store and our partnerships with Amazon and Intel, taskbar improvements with call mute and unmute, easier window sharing and bringing weather to the taskbar, plus the introduction of two new redesigned apps, Notepad and Media Player.
Microsoft’s decision to roll out an unfinished “preview” of Android app support may be influenced by the upcoming launch of Google Play Games. Rather than partnering with Microsoft on an integrated app store, Google chose to create a standalone launcher that lets you enjoy Google Play mobile games on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.
Of course, we don’t know much about this “public preview.” It may be missing some features, for example, or it may be a bit buggy.
Along with Android app support, the next Windows 11 update will include some taskbar improvements, like weather integration and a dedicated microphone mute button. Additionally, Microsoft’s redesigned Notepad and Media Player will appear in the upcoming Windows 11 release.
Source: Microsoft
