Dual-OS Android solutions for AMD APUs to hit retail stores this year

BARCELONA: Leading chip maker AMD today said that BlueStacks' dual-OS Android solution, which enables users to run Android OS on AMD-powered Windows tablets, notebooks, 2-in-1s, will hit retail stores in the second half of 2014.

"AMD and BlueStacks joint solution brings the complete Google Android operating system (OS) experience to select Microsoft Windows-based AMD-based tablets, 2-in-1s, notebooks and desktops in select retail stores," AMD said in a release.

The availability in retail stores of the virtualised Android solution, unveiled at CES 2014 earlier this year, will allow consumers to easily access both Windows and Android environments, side-by-side, on select AMD-based PCs, it added.

The BlueStacks solution will first be made available with several key retail partners across Europe, the Middle East and Africa ( EMEA) later this year, including Elkjop Group, the US-based firm said.

PC buyers will have the choice of an AMD-BlueStacks upgrade when buying an AMD-based PC at select retailers.

Easy integration of BlueStacks for retail customers effectively bridges the divide between mobile and PC and the retail solution requires no additional driver or extension support, AMD said.

"The ability to span two OS ecosystems gives end-users access to both Windows and Android apps, but the key is providing for the seamless integration of entertainment and productivity across those ecosystems," AMD corporate VP Product Management Steve Belt said.

Introducing the solution in retail puts AMD and BlueStacks in a unique position to offer in-store customers the option to include access to this great experience at the time of purchase of their new systems, he added.