BlueStacks Bringing Android Apps to Windows 8

Start-up BlueStacks, whose trick is bringing Android apps to Windows, plans to bring its act to Windows 8.

At the Consumer Electronics Show, the company is showing how each Android app can appear as its own Metro-style app in Windows 8’s new start screen. BlueStacks plans to offer its Android-on-Windows app for Windows 8 as soon as the new operating system ships, and is also working deals to have its App Player software preloaded on some new PCs.

BlueStacks is positioning itself as helping to fill the inevitable gap that will occur as Microsoft tries to move its developers to a whole new style of application.

Opinion within Microsoft is divided on BlueStacks, said CEO Rosen Sharma. Some are happy to see lots of apps that run in Metro, even if they are Android apps. Others, though, would prefer developers write apps directly to Windows.

As for computer makers, Sharma said that many are happy to have an option that allows them to offer up Android and Windows together.

And Mac fans, rest assured, BlueStacks wants to reach you, as well, and hopes to have something ready to show soon. “We are working on the Mac version,” Sharma said.