AMD is arming users with the ability to play Android apps on Windows-based PCs through the launch of its own app store called the AMD AppZone.
The Android apps in AMD's AppZone are compatible with any Windows-based PC that is powered by either AMD Radeon GPUs or AMD accelerated processing units (APUs). The launch of the AppZone was enabled by AMD's partnership with BlueStacks, the software firm that first enabled Android apps to play on x86-based PCs with its BlueStacks App Player for Windows solution.
AMD said its AppZone, which can be accessed starting today through AMD's website, plays host to thousands of Android apps that are ready for download on any AMD-powered tablet, notebook, all-in-one or desktop PC. Users can download featured apps, such as Adobe Photoshop CS6 or CyberLink PowerDirector 11, or perform searches across the broader AppZone store.
[Related: AMD Targets Intel's i5 Processors With New Trinity APUs]
AMD said it is currently working with leading OEMs to pre-load the AppZone Player, which is the solution jointly developed by BlueStacks and AMD to allow Android apps to play on AMD-based Windows PCs, on all future AMD-powered devices.
"BlueStacks’ cross-platform innovation bridges the Android and x86 application ecosystems, providing new opportunities for developers and better experiences for users," said Manju Hegde, corporate vice president of AMD's Heterogeneous Applications and Developer Solutions unit, in a statement. "By collaborating with BlueStacks, we are enabling software developers to more easily tap into the full capabilities of AMD’s products, and providing millions of consumers with great experiences as they can now run Android apps on AMD-powered devices." AMD first announced its alliance and investment in BlueStacks in October of last year, as part of its broader AMD Fusion Fund program.
The new AppZone could give a needed boost to AMD's PC business, reinvigorating traditional notebook and desktop sales with the promise of popular Android apps. AMD reported in July during its second-quarter earnings announcement that revenue for its Computing Solution segment was down 13 percent quarter on quarter.
PUBLISHED SEPT. 27, 2012
