It's old news when we talk about Microsoft's problem with getting developers on-board with both Windows and Windows Phone. The company has had trouble having new content developed and released on its own operating systems alongside iOS and Android. It's no secret that Microsoft platforms are generally left in the dark — just take a look at Flappy Bird.
Now, according to The Verge, Redmond could be considering Android apps to solve its problems. We've previously looked at what Microsoft is actively doing to help alleviate their market growth issues, but there could always be more done to bring across more platform support.
Sources familiar with Microsoft plans have shared details with The Verge, noting how the company is seriously considering the addition of Android apps on not only Windows Phone, but Windows too. There are — of course — mixed feelings on the potential plan, should it ever be put into action. Some believe it could help bolster the content available for consumers, while others see it as the end of the Windows platform.
There's also no denying the fact that Android is the mobile equivalent of Windows on personal computers, you only have to look at market share reports to see just how dominant Google is in the competitive industry. Things have improved for Windows Phone, which now has over 100,000 apps available for download and more being published on a daily basis, but could the addition of Android software act as a temporary solution?
BlackBerry went down a similar path with Android
Should Microsoft enable Android apps on its platforms, this wouldn't be the first time we've seen such a move in the mobile space. BlackBerry allows consumers to enjoy Android content on its own hardware. Then we have Nokia rumoured to be building and looking to push low-end hardware running forked Android. The Verge has also learnt that Intel has been pushing Microsoft to allow both Android and Windows to run on PCs.
Which option Microsoft chooses to go with will need to be planned with extra care. Could you see a Windows ecosystem with Android apps thrown into the mix or is it better to avoid altogether?
Source: The Verge
