One of the big feature announcements for Windows 11 was the ability to run Android apps and games through the Windows Subsystem for Android. Apps are provided by the Amazon AppStore, but Google also sees the potential in the PC market. As promised, the company is now launching its own Google Play Games app for Windows, which is now available in beta.
Well, available in three countries at least. The app is launching in a limited preview in South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. This is a standalone app for the Windows 11 and Window 10 platforms… Microsoft's Android link-up is exclusive to Windows 11.
Google says the app brings “seamless gameplay sessions between a phone, tablet, Chromebook, and Windows PC.”
Details
There will be no game streaming capabilities because the app is running as a native Windows app. Google is allowing a developer site to allow people to build Windows-focused games. The company does not disclose which software it is using to allow Google Play to run on Windows.
It is unclear how involved Microsoft is, but the company must have some influence. However, it was believed the deal with Amazon was exclusive. Either way, Amazon's AppStore has a fraction the number of games available on the Play Store. Could Google's app become more popular than Microsoft's own Android app/game solution?
Maybe, and maybe Microsoft will not really care. The company has been trying to solve the app gap on Windows for years. It now seems that problem is coming to an end. It is worth noting Windows Subsystem for Android remains in preview with a limited number of apps available.
Tip of the day: Did you know that as a Windows 10 admin you can restrict user accounts by disabling settings or the control panel? Our tutorial shows how to disable and enable them via Group Policy and the registry.
Last Updated on February 14, 2022 8:16 pm CET
