Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Run Android apps on Windows 8 PCs and Surface Pro tablets with BlueStacks

By Gloria Sin Published March 28, 2014

BlueStacks emulator — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Worry no more that making the switch to Windows 8 will keep you from playing Angry Birds Star Wars on your computer or tablet – as long as you have the BlueStacks App Player installed.

BlueStacks is an emulator that runs Android apps on PCs and Macs within a window instead of requiring that you to install and boot the mobile operating system on your computer, making it an elegant way to bring your favorite mobile apps to your desktop. In fact, the company also offers a way to sync the mobile apps on your Android smartphone to your computer, so you don’t have to pay twice to install the same app on multiple platforms.

Recommended Videos

Today, BlueStacks is releasing the App Player for Surface Pro (beta). Optimized for the device’s 10.6-inch 1920 x 1080 resolution display, BlueStacks will also work on any Windows 8 tablet or computer – just not Windows RT.

According to TechCrunch, this latest version of the emulator now launches from a tile on the Windows 8 Home screen, and runs apps in full screen mode so they at least look like they were natively developed for the OS. While in full screen mode, the App Player makes the Android apps easy to navigate by running a “Charms Menu” that brings familiar Android controls like the “Back” and “Settings” buttons to the right side of the screen.

Considering that BlueStacks makes it possible to run over 750,000 Android apps on Windows 8 machines, this emulator is a significant boost to Microsoft’s meager app offerings, which, according to MetroStore Scanner, has just over 42,000 apps worldwide as of today. And the crop of apps developed specifically for the U.S. market is an even smaller number. The best part: since the App Player for Surface Pro/Windows 8 is still in beta, you can download it for free by going to GetYourAppsBack.com.

Former Contributor

Gloria’s tech journey really began when she was studying user centered design in university, and developed a love for…

Topics

Computing

Brave’s new Container feature is a lifesaver for anyone juggling multiple accounts

With this feature, you won't need to open three different browsers

Brave has added Containers to its desktop browser, giving users a built-in way to keep different accounts, sessions, and browsing activity separate. The feature is available in Brave 1.92 for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is rolling out in phases over the next few days.

Containers have been a highly requested feature, especially for users who regularly switch between work, personal, developer, or creator accounts. Once enabled, they let users open tabs in separate spaces where cookies and site storage are not shared outside that container.

Computing

Intel may bring back older desktop CPUs because DDR5 is getting too expensive

Older Intel Core CPUs from 10th to 14th Gen may get a second life

Intel Core i5-12400F box sitting in front of a gaming PC.

Intel may be preparing an unusual response to the ongoing memory crunch. According to Chinese outlet ITHome, citing ChannelGate, the company’s latest production plan includes restarting production of 13th-gen and 14th-gen Core processors.

The move is expected to increase supply across Intel’s 10th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen CPU families, especially in mainland China. For DIY PC builders, the timing is important. DDR5 memory prices have climbed sharply, making newer platforms harder to justify for anyone trying to build an affordable gaming PC.

Computing

Amazon wants to design in-house chips for Kindles, Fire TV, and Echo speakers

Apple did it first. Amazon is doing it now, starting with 40 million chips a year and a partner most people have never heard of.

Amazon Kindle Scribe dark mode featured image.

Apple's decision to design its own chips reshaped the consumer electronics industry. Amazon may be about to make the same call, just about two decades later.

Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Amazon is preparing to shift away from externally sourced processors for its consumer electronics lineup, marking what he describes as the company's first major processor procurement change in 20 years. The transition is expected to begin in 2027.