BlueStacks Brings Apps for Android to Your Windows PC
Our vision is for an entirely new type of experience that supports the consumer interest in Android and also allows them to access some of the most valuable enterprise applications, enabling them to use their device of choice for work and play
Arriving as soon as Q3 of this year, BlueStacks will work with any x86 desktop, notebook, or tablet running Microsoft Windows. The last bit there is interesting, as on their website BlueStacks claims the ViewSonic ViewPad 10 pro (a Windows 7/Android device coming soon) will be powered by their technology. BlueStacks business model is much like Swype's -- they aim to be bundled by OEM into new products rather than sell their software stand-alone.
Android emulation on Windows is nothing new. We're even seeing it from RIM on the Playbook. If BlueStacks can pull it off as seamless and lag-free as they claim, that will be the real trick. We've signed up to get on their initial list of testers, and until then the jury is still out. In the meantime, their full press release is after the break.
BlueStacks to Enable Android Applications to Run on Any x86-Based Windows Device
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BlueStacks emerged from stealth mode today to announce it has secured $7.6M in Series A financing from Ignition Ventures, Radar Partners, Helion Ventures, Redpoint Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz to further the development of its groundbreaking technology that will allow users to seamlessly run Android and Windows applications on their x86-based devices. The simultaneous use of Android applications on Windows combined with multi-touch enablement provides users with the opportunity to quickly access personal and work applications, while giving PC manufacturers the chance to take advantage of the growing consumer demand for Android-based mobile enterprise applications.
“Ignition sees a clear demand for what BlueStacks can deliver: a way to help businesses of all sizes and consumers leverage their device of choice for work and play”
Founded in March 2008 with the goal of taking advantage of the fast-growing Android OS market and eliminating the need for users to carry two devices, BlueStacks will allow consumers to receive the benefits of both Android and Windows for the cost of a single PC. BlueStacks is led by CEO Rosen Sharma, a serial entrepreneur and most recently SVP and CTO of Innovation at McAfee. In addition to Sharma, Frank Artale of Ignition and Kevin Compton from Radar join the company's board of directors.
"Ignition sees a clear demand for what BlueStacks can deliver: a way to help businesses of all sizes and consumers leverage their device of choice for work and play," said Artale, managing director, Ignition Ventures. "The team has targeted a fundamental problem in a rapidly expanding market, and they have the business acumen and technological expertise to build a market-leading solution. I look forward to working with the team during what is sure to be an exciting time in the company."
BlueStacks will enable PC manufacturers to ride the momentum behind the Android ecosystem by enabling Android applications to be run on x86-based tablets, netbooks, notebooks or all-in-one (AIO) computers. With the new convertible form factors, BlueStacks completely eliminates the need to carry two devices. This in turn enables PC manufacturers to increase their margin on the devices and also benefit from the increase in the lifetime value of the customer because of all the application purchases and stickiness that comes from the user data and preferences.
"It’s a compelling strategy for BlueStacks to enable all the popular Android apps on Windows devices. For consumers and businesses alike, this means getting the best of both worlds with the ability to run Android apps on a Windows device that offers all the advantages of familiarity, device interoperability and security," said Chris Cloran, corporate vice president and general manager of Client Computing Solutions, AMD (NYSE: AMD). "AMD is committed to collaborating with software innovators like BlueStacks who take advantage of our unique Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) technology to deliver seamless computing experiences across common industry platforms and based on industry standards."
Added Sharma, “Our vision is for an entirely new type of experience that supports the consumer interest in Android and also allows them to access some of the most valuable enterprise applications, enabling them to use their device of choice for work and play. We are currently working with a number of OEM and strategic partners and look forward to bringing our product to market in Q3 of this year.”
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About BlueStacks
BlueStacks enables Android applications to run on Windows machines. The application can appear either as an icon on the Windows desktop, or within a full Android environment. BlueStacks technology can be integrated into offerings for both the consumer and commercial (enterprise) market segments. Incorporated in March 2008 by leaders in Microsoft Windows, mobility and Android development, BlueStacks is privately held and headquartered in Silicon Valley with global offices in India and Japan. For more information, visit www.bluestacks.com.
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