{"id":10046,"date":"2022-01-28T06:59:31","date_gmt":"2022-01-28T06:59:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/TheNextWeb=1379106"},"modified":"2022-01-28T06:59:31","modified_gmt":"2022-01-28T06:59:31","slug":"could-android-apps-finally-make-windows-tablets-a-thing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/?p=10046","title":{"rendered":"Could Android apps finally make Windows tablets a thing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Let me start by clarifying the headline: I know Windows<\/a> tablets exist. I\u2019m one of the rare nerds who\u2019s been using 2-in-1 PCs as my primary device for over a decade. I\u2019ve been on the tablet train before the Microsoft<\/a> Surface even existed, back when 2-in-1\u2019s were just called tablet PCs.<\/p>\n

And yet, after all this time, tablet PCs have been never been great at being, you know, tablets<\/em>. Usually, it\u2019s not been for the lack of decent hardware \u2014 manufacturers have been able to put out devices with good designs and nearly iPad-matching performance.<\/span> Instead, it\u2019s the dearth of software that makes it hard to use a Windows tablet to its fullest potential.<\/p>\n

And then Microsoft announced<\/a> it would be bringing Android apps to Windows, suddenly opening up a myriad of possibilities for touch-friendly Windows devices. Amazon\u2019s  App Store, used for its Fire tablets, would be available within the Microsoft Store, while Intel would be assisting with the backend technology.<\/p>\n

Earlier this week, Microsoft revealed this technology would be rolling out in a public preview<\/a> starting next month, although it\u2019s been under testing via the Windows Insider Program for months now.<\/p>\n

This reveal was further bolstered by Google\u2019s announcement<\/a> that it would bring Android games to Windows (via a \u2018Google Play Games\u2019 app), although it is apparently doing so without Microsoft\u2018s help. And app stores aside, the Windows Subsystem for Android \u2014 the bit of software that runs all these Android apps \u2014 has opened up the door for users to sideload a myriad of apps that might not officially be available on Windows yet.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a long time since I\u2019ve felt like there\u2019s hope for Windows tablets having software that\u2019s properly built for them.<\/p>\n

Windows tablets have too few good apps<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t get me wrong, I\u2019ve been using Windows tablets all this time for a reason. There are certain conveniences afforded by the form factor \u2014 most the ability to handwrite notes and sketch out ideas and diagrams. I have no particular affinity for real pen and paper, but I do like being able to brainstorm and solve problems in the manner best afforded by handwriting. I like being able to grab my device, hold it in my arm and browse the web at a distance that is comfortable for my eyes and back alike.<\/p>\n

But I also like having access to full-fledged, can-do-anything PC apps. That\u2019s why I use Windows convertibles rather than an iPad. For most people, owning an iPad means that you also need another device for your \u2018real\u2019 work. You can get a whole lot done, but there comes a time when you eventually need to run more traditional PC apps.<\/p>\n

\"Surface
<\/i><\/a>Windows 2-in-1\u2019s pack the utility of a laptop with the flexibility of a tablet. Too bad the tablet software usually sucks.<\/figcaption>