Tuesday, February 25th 2014
AMD and BlueStacks to Bring New Dual-OS Android Solution to Retail
AMD today at Mobile World Congress announced the retail availability of a new BlueStacks dual-OS Android solution, optimized for AMD APUs, with expected consumer availability in the second half of 2014. The AMD and BlueStacks joint solution brings the complete Google Android OS experience to select Microsoft Windows-based AMD-based tablets, 2-in-1s, notebooks and desktops in select retail stores. The availability in retail stores of the virtualized Android solution, unveiled at CES earlier this year, will allow consumers to easily access both Windows and Android environments, side-by-side, on select AMD-based PCs. The BlueStacks solution will first be made available with several key retail partners across EMEA later this year, including Elkjop Group.
"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," said Steve Belt, corporate vice president, Product Management, at AMD. "Introducing our 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."
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.
The retail version of BlueStacks running on a Windows PC powered by select AMD APUs offers:
As with the AMD-BlueStacks solution announced at CES 2014, the retail solution won't require the user to disengage from one OS before using another; the AMD and BlueStacks solution runs Android virtually within Windows. The customization, settings and personalization capabilities expected from an Android device are made available in a Windows environment. The retail solution also supports easy synchronization of the two environments through BlueStack's FoneLink service that enables AMD Windows-based PCs to become an extension of Android mobile devices and vice versa.
"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," said Steve Belt, corporate vice president, Product Management, at AMD. "Introducing our 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."
The retail version of BlueStacks running on a Windows PC powered by select AMD APUs offers:
- A familiar Android user interface, including settings, configuration and customization controls;
- The ability to run Android apps within a window or at full-screen resolution leveraging direct access to AMD graphics processing power;
- Support for hundreds of thousands of Android apps direct from various Android app stores, as well as synchronization between the same apps being run on the user's stand-alone Android devices;
- Seamless interoperability through direct file sharing that enables Android apps to access files stored within the Windows file system; and
- Support for sensors like built-in cameras, accelerometer, gyroscope and others.
As with the AMD-BlueStacks solution announced at CES 2014, the retail solution won't require the user to disengage from one OS before using another; the AMD and BlueStacks solution runs Android virtually within Windows. The customization, settings and personalization capabilities expected from an Android device are made available in a Windows environment. The retail solution also supports easy synchronization of the two environments through BlueStack's FoneLink service that enables AMD Windows-based PCs to become an extension of Android mobile devices and vice versa.
5 Comments on AMD and BlueStacks to Bring New Dual-OS Android Solution to Retail
But it's biggest problem is that it doesn't hibernate/suspend or something. So after closing it I haven't found a way to go back to where I was. You just reload the app. And this takes time even when using a Samsung EVO SSD. Not to mention that some times doesn't load and you have to restart it. Like now for example. I hit it to open and it still loading. Tried restarting it and it is still loading. It is one of those boring problems. 3rd try, opened in less than 15 seconds. Finally.
Not to mention that Nvidia doesn't like them for going with AMD. I guess they doesn't like them anyway because Nvidia makes Tegra, so Bluestacks is a competitor in a way. The latest 334 drivers from Nvidia brake 3D in Bluestacks, at least in my system. I get NO 3D. Even the desktop in ADW doesn't have a picture. I get a black background. Typical Nvidia behavior. 331 where running with problems in 3D(occasional white flashes), but at least they where running and you could play a game for example. Bluestacks is the only reason I am still with 331 in my X4 system and a good reason to replace GT620 in this system with an AMD card in the future, or just one more excuse to replace this old AM3 setup with a Kaveri.
It does run just fine on HD6850. 3D on AMD cards looks perfect.