The 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show, a world renowned technology and electronics exposition, brought some great news for the tech geeks, and left them jumping with sheer admiration. This time the central theme was on wearable technology and 4K devices, but the thing that caught my attention came from the stands of Intel and AMD.
Intel pulled the lid off its cutting edge next generation chip technology, which will power Dual OS devices soon. The world’s largest and most valuable chip maker has confirmed that its upcoming processors would be powerful and capable enough to switch between Android and Windows operating systems with the press of a button. An android based personal computer (PC) is not an alien concept, and many new Dual OS based devices are being introduced in the market. Intel and AMD are eyeing at this category for market consolidation.
Intel’s credibility and background are unquestionable, and this makes the launch of Dual OS Intel processors all the more exciting. During its CES ’14 press conference on ‘Intel Device Protection Technology’, the company divulged several specifics about the new Dual OS chips. Tech aficionados and industry experts are welcoming the idea with open arms, while what is happening at the Apple thinking floor is uncertain. Evidently, it seems Android is set to enter one of the largest platforms- desktops and laptops for the first time, which would help its market penetration grow by leaps and bounds. The Android platform is widely applauded for its versatility in terms of use on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, and its entry in the PC space would only bolster its market capitalization.
Interestingly, Intel’s global rival AMD also revealed its new project, (guess what?) in collaboration with its subsidiary BlueStacks, to integrate Google’s Android OS with Microsoft Windows-based 2-in-1s, tablets, desktops and notebooks. BlueStacks and AMD have developed a seamless interface that accommodates access to popular Android apps and games, along with important productivity bound task management and high-end performance gaming of a desktop.
Speaking on the same, Rosen Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of BlueStacks, was quoted as saying, “We’re working with AMD to build the next great PC and AMD’s industry-leading hardware allows for a more flexible experience with Android apps on the PC for end-users. AMD shares our vision of Mobile Plus in providing users with easy access to their favorite Android games, mobile apps and productivity tools from all their devices and moving towards a more open/shared ecosystem.”
It is to be noted that Intel played a silent game at CES ’14, unlike what its direct counterparts was doing. Intel has divulged only specifics of its soon-to-be launched power chips, whereas AMD and BlueStacks have been quite vocal about their new technology, and somewhat looked more confident at the Las Vegas, Nevada held exposition.
Many tech experts aren’t much convinced yet and only time will tell what happens of the Dual OS devices. From a user perspective, faithful Android and Windows users should be patient with this technology first. Android/Windows Dual OS compatible devices seem a little heavy on performance, and raise the question about why would one need smartphone/tab functionality on a desktop or notebook. Whether they are going to be a success or a failure or both, it is much too early to say anything right now!