ConsoleOS now available (Android for PC)

[Kaido]

Free:

http://consoleos.com/

Compared to other solutions: (Bluestacks, Andy, IA, Android x86)

http://consoleos.com/#compare

Full OpenGL 4 for gaming planned for mid-2015. Registration is free; Pro version in the works (annual subscription). Android 5 is under development. Note the current limitations in the first release:

http://androidcommunity.com/console-os-ready-to-boot-android-into-pcs-sort-of-20150225/

Console OS DR 1 fulfills the most basic requirements of that goal: getting Android to install on PCs. To be exact, it installs on Intel-based computers. Those on AMD or with AMD or NVIDIA graphics chips can proceed at their own risk. But even with Intel chips its support only goes as far back as the more recent models, like Sandy Bridge for desktops and Bay Trail for Atom's. Even WiFi works only for a limited number of network chips. It's a very small step, but a necessary one.

Some more info on installation here:

http://liliputing.com/2015/02/console-os-brings-android-to-some-pcs.html

 

[poofyhairguy]

Awesome. I wouldn't use it, but I am glad it exists. Honestly when I look forward to the next 5-10 years I see a period where Android goes into spaces and places Windows has been entrenched and gives them the first real competition in decades.

 

[sm625]

I'm going to try this. Bluestacks is a big steaming heaping pile of crap. I hope this is better. It has to be.

 

[Kaido]

I'm going to try this. Bluestacks is a big steaming heaping pile of crap. I hope this is better. It has to be.

I'm curious to see how well 3D-enabled virtualization would work with it...having a desktop Android VM would be really handy sometimes! (one that runs well, that is...I've had my share of problems with Andy)

I'm curious about what would be offered in their Pro version. I don't mind investing if it's a good product...stuff like Plex Pass has been really amazing for the cost of an Xbox game.

 

[mmntech]

I only have two UEFI systems to test it on. Installation hangs on my AMD Brazos HTPC when it tries to write the boot table. I used the Atom build. I know it doesn't officially support AMD, but it should still work in theory. So maybe something went squirely when I copied the IMG file to the USB key.

I'm not even attempting it on my MacBook until there's a Live USB version.

If this thing can bring 100% compatibility as if it were running on an Atom based smartphone, that would be great. I'm not happy about lack of BIOS or AMD support. Hopefully that comes later. Android is great for revitalizing older systems.

Android-x86 works pretty well aside from a few snags. Some of my streaming apps don't work, which I suspect may be a DRM issue due to it being rooted. It also won't output audio over HDMI. Aside from that, it's stable and runs smoothly. Unlike Bluestacks, it's native x86. I have it set up on my workshop PC so I have a quick interface to stream music and watch how-to videos on YouTube.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Call me obtuse, but what's the point of having Android on a PC?

Is it the amount of existing applications - despite the mandatory full-screen/no multitasking limitations?

Is it the longstanding tradition of hating Microsoft? I don't like them too much, either, but falling into Google's embrace seems to be a poor alternative...

Is it just the feeling of having an alternative OS - something which all the existing Linux forks haven't been able to provide?

Or is it more of a developer's need (case in which I understand the attraction for running the OS in a desktop environment)?

 

[poofyhairguy]

Call me obtuse, but what's the point of having Android on a PC?

Why not? It has mouse and keyboard support, and is about to be the dominant platform as far as computer sales on the planet. If I was a web developer I would be all over this.

I mean Chrome OS has been successful and its just a web browser. With Android you get that and more, on a platform that is very safe compared to x86 Windows.

 

[ChronoReverse]

I think it's more useful for the tablets that are actually full windows machines than anything. My Vivotab Note 8 is a great machine but I often want Android on it since Android has more and better tablet apps. If I can switch between the two via dualboot like promised then that's ideal.

Too bad 32bit UEFI ConsoleOS still isn't ready.

 

[Red Storm]

Why not? It has mouse and keyboard support, and is about to be the dominant platform as far as computer sales on the planet. If I was a web developer I would be all over this.

I mean Chrome OS has been successful and its just a web browser. With Android you get that and more, on a platform that is very safe compared to x86 Windows.

This. When the desktop Android platform becomes more mature I will definitely have one in our house. The only thing Windows does more for me is gaming, otherwise Android serves my needs just fine.

 

[Kaido]

Call me obtuse, but what's the point of having Android on a PC?

Is it the amount of existing applications - despite the mandatory full-screen/no multitasking limitations?

Is it the longstanding tradition of hating Microsoft? I don't like them too much, either, but falling into Google's embrace seems to be a poor alternative...

Is it just the feeling of having an alternative OS - something which all the existing Linux forks haven't been able to provide?

Or is it more of a developer's need (case in which I understand the attraction for running the OS in a desktop environment)?

I don't really think that hating Microsoft is a big thing anymore. Windows 8 was kind of a dud, but whatever - Windows XP & 7 were excellent products, and Windows 10 looks promising as a more polished version of 8.1. Reasons to run Android on a PC just off the top of my head:

1. For fun
2. Easy thin client (I use SureLock Kiosk & MS RDP for Android-based thin clients at work)
3. More powerful gaming
4. Easy HTPC
5. Nice way to recycle a slightly older computer
6. Fairly kid-proof computer

 

[sweenish]

More powerful gaming?

What?

Aside from that, I just want to be able to mess around with Android in a virtual machine. One that doesn't run like butt.

 

[Kaido]

More powerful gaming?

What?

Aside from that, I just want to be able to mess around with Android in a virtual machine. One that doesn't run like butt.

From a CPU POV - imagine running high-end Android games on an i7 instead of a cell phone chip (graphics support improvements still in the works for the GPU portion). Crysis, Doom, and a bunch of other games just got ported to Android:

http://www.engadget.com/2015/03/03/crysis-3-android/

That would make an awesome Steambox alternative...lots of fun games, streaming apps, pretty much zero maintenance since it's running Android. Something to tinker with, at least :thumbsup:

 

[sweenish]

How is it more powerful?

It got Crysis isn't a reason. PCs have Crysis. Crysis looks and plays better on PCs as is.

 

[Red Storm]

How is it more powerful?

It got Crysis isn't a reason. PCs have Crysis. Crysis looks and plays better on PCs as is.

Desktop-powered Android would be more powerful than mobile-powered Android. I believe that is his point.

 

[mmntech]

I mean Chrome OS has been successful and its just a web browser. With Android you get that and more, on a platform that is very safe compared to x86 Windows.

Android is the natural evolution of Chrome OS. Now that Intel is pushing Atom for smartphones and tablets, native app support for x86 is getting better.

The future of operating systems is convergence across all devices. Microsoft is really pushing that with Windows 10 and its universal apps. Some folks want a simplified user experience but through a more traditional form factor. Which is why ChromeBook has done so well. Android has the advantage of an established ecosystem.

When you think about what most people do with their home PC, really Windows, Linux, and OS X are overkill.

 

[Kaido]

How is it more powerful?

It got Crysis isn't a reason. PCs have Crysis. Crysis looks and plays better on PCs as is.

Desktop-powered Android would be more powerful than mobile-powered Android. I believe that is his point.

Yes, the point is for Android stuff to run faster, on a more powerful desktop machine. It's obviously a niche thing, more for tinkerers than anything, but fun if you're into it & want a more powerful Android experience. If you have to argue about it, then it's probably not for you :biggrin:

 

[Kaido]

Android is the natural evolution of Chrome OS. Now that Intel is pushing Atom for smartphones and tablets, native app support for x86 is getting better.

The future of operating systems is convergence across all devices. Microsoft is really pushing that with Windows 10 and its universal apps. Some folks want a simplified user experience but through a more traditional form factor. Which is why ChromeBook has done so well. Android has the advantage of an established ecosystem.

When you think about what most people do with their home PC, really Windows, Linux, and OS X are overkill.

I'm actually really glad they've separated ChromeOS from Android. My Chromebook is my main computer. It's instant & only does Internet. It's very, very good at being a uni-tasker, which I really appreciate. I have Android stuff (21" HP Slate in my kitchen) & it's great for what I use it for there, but I've used an Android laptop (14" HP Slatebook) and it was a so-so experience.

 

[Kaido]

They announced the iConsole as well:

https://liliputing.com/2015/03/icon...an-intel-cpu-console-os-android-software.html

* 64-bit Atom-based HDMI stick
* Android 5.0 (unlocked 32-bit UEFI bootloader, if you want to install Windows or Ubuntu)
* 32gb storage, 802.11n Wifi, Bluetooth 4.0
* MicroSD card slot
* Available this summer for $129
* Supports the Amazon app store

This is based off the Intel HDMI stick reference design. You can actually buy one right now (from Lemel, also just a rebranded Intel version), if you don't mind getting the Chinese version of Windows 8.1 (you have to change the language as soon as you boot up). Available on Newegg for $229:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9SIA2NR2GP6238

Although it's cheaper on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lemel-Intel...r-Stick-Mini-PC-Wi-Fi-Bluetooth-/141504578080

It may be possible to reinstall using an English version of Windows 8.1:

https://www.technibble.com/forums/threads/clean-install-8-1-with-bing.61974/

And it looks like the native English version of the OS is available on torrents: (note to mods: not linking for pirating purposes, it only activates off BIOS keys)

http://superuser.com/questions/857065/how-to-create-windows-8-1-with-bing-installation-media

Although the official Microsoft media creator MAY work:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

Very interesting! I wonder if you could do the reverse & install Android on the Windows version. I'm also trying to decide if something like this would be worth it. I setup a lot of industrial computers for shop floors & that type of stuff; in theory, I could get one of these, lock it down for RDP, setup a wireless keyboard & mouse (that share a single USB port), throw on a Bluetooth barcode scanner, and be good to go. SureLock has a Windows version of their lockdown software:

http://www.42gears.com/surelock/surelockwindows8.html

Although Windows 8 has what is essentially a built-in kiosk mode that would probably work equally well, and for free:

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/wi...as-a-kiosk-using-windows-81s-assigned-access/

I have a MINIX box coming in, which has the same guts as these Intel HDMI sticks, so I'll see how that fares:

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-instal...dp/B00TD8MTFY/

Would definitely be interesting in seeing the performance with emulators...a $199 low-powered, locked-down Hyperspin box on my TV sounds too good to be true

 

[finbarqs]

it's only in Developer Release stages anyways... Decrypting my Surface Pro 3 is taking forever plus now I have a red boot screen.

 

[finbarqs]

bummer DR1 doesn't even support the SP3 anyways... so can't try it

 

[Kaido]

bummer DR1 doesn't even support the SP3 anyways... so can't try it

On the flip side, the existing dual-boot Android & Win8 tablets are getting pretty cheap. Here's a nice 10" for $225:

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Onda...M-32GB-ROM-3G-Phone-Call---Silver-341122.html

As much as I love my Apple stuff, it's hard to say no to a dual-OS tablet for less than half the cost of a base 10" iPad...

 

[sweenish]

Desktop-powered Android would be more powerful than mobile-powered Android. I believe that is his point.

That actually makes sense.