Microsoft Corp. today rolled out limited support for Android apps in the latest beta testing preview of Windows 11.

Microsoft announced support for Android apps in Windows 11 in June, the same time it surprised just about everyone that there would be a new version of Windows. Although Microsoft has denied ever saying that Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows, despite a direct quote to that effect from a Microsoft employee, Windows 11 was a surprise.

For those who have been around for a while, the lack of uptake in Win 11 is also a surprise. When Windows 95 launched there were lines to get it, not unlike early releases of Apple Inc.’s iPhone. Fast forward to 2022, two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, Windows 10 works perfectly fine and next to no one cares for Windows 11.

Mostly the only people using Windows 11 are buyers of new personal computers. Win 11’s market share is apparently 14.1% as of January. Android app support is arguably attractive, but despite some earlier reports that Microsoft would place nice with Google LLC and feature the Google Play Store, it went with Amazon.com Inc. instead.

According to Microsoft, the Win 11 beta release of Android app support includes more than 1,000 apps and games from the Amazon App Store. Featured apps include Audible, Kindle, Subway Surfers, Lords Mobile, Khan Academy Kids and others.

Why there is support for only an initial 1,000 apps isn’t explained. However, Microsoft, despite dealing directly with Amazon, is not providing access to the Amazon App Store. Instead, the apps from Amazon are offered via the Microsoft Store.

“Today’s preview reinforces our commitment to be the most open platform for creators and we look forward to sharing more details later this year on how we’ll broaden availability with the Amazon Appstore,” Panos Panay, chief product officer for Windows + Devices, said in a blog post. “These apps feel like a part of Windows, integrating naturally with Windows input and windowing experiences, like Snap layouts.”

Panay also said in the same blog post that there were a number of new features also coming to Windows 11. Those include a weather icon, the ability to mute and unmute any window and the ability to see the clock and date on the taskbar on a secondary monitor.

For all that, Microsoft has yet to show one compelling reason Windows 10 users should upgrade. Being able to use Android apps, when it’s fully rolled out, is appealing, but it’s nothing that can’t already be done using third-party software in Windows 10.

Image: Baidu