Windows 10 can run Android apps directly, but it requires a Samsung phone

Apple has a complete ecosystem covering desktops, mobile phones, tablets, wearables, home devices, etc. In the desktop field, Microsoft Windows still occupies the majority of the market share. In the mobile field, Microsoft is gradually embracing Android, but compared with Google, Microsoft and Samsung seem to be closer.

When Samsung released the Galaxy Note 20, Microsoft also announced that the update to Windows 10 Your Phone will add the ability to open Android apps directly on the desktop system.

Microsoft's Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 20197 description file states that if you want to experience this feature, you need to install the latest version of the Your Phone app. In addition, you also need a Samsung phone running Android 9 Pie or a newer version of the system, and connecting the two devices to the same Wi-Fi hotspot can achieve this.

After the connection is successful, users can open the Android application in the mobile phone as an independent window on the computer, or operate it with a mouse, keyboard, or touch, and can add commonly used applications to the start menu.

At least from the description, this experience is almost seamless, but currently only Samsung users can enjoy it. Microsoft also lists which Samsung phones can be supported, such as Galaxy Note 9, Note 10, S9, S10, S20, Fold, Z Flip, and some A series phones.