Developers release Android version for the desktop - runs next to Windows

The developers of Console OS today released the first public developer version of their Android fork. The operating system can run on desktop PCs with x86-processors and supports OpenGL ES 3.1 which should make it possible to play games smoothly.ConsoleBot200x257

In a Tweet the developers announced the first release of their fork. The operating system supports dual-boot, is based on Android Kitkat and includes the Google Play Store. The dual-boot feature makes it possible to run Console OS next to e.g Windows or Linux. The operating system is able to run two Android apps at the same and the interface is designed for desktop usage.

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Console OS can also run as standalone operating system but works only on predefined UEFI devices such as several Dell XPS and Sony Vaio devices.  By supporting only a handful of devices the developers want to offer "the optimal Android experience" and promises the device specific version is optimized for that device.

The Android fork can't run on Windows RT devices with an ARM chip because Microsoft imposes restrictions on them. Also virtualisation software like VirtualBox and VMWare are not supported because OpenGL ES 3, e.g. used in many Android games, is not supported on those platforms.

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Console OS was announced last summer as Kickstarter project. Later also Console OS Pro should be released which will add over 20 more features,including InstaSwitch which should allow switching instantaneously between native Windows and native Android.

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