CES: AMD and Intel reveal dual-boot Android and Windows plans

Microsoft forced to share as Android operating system grows in strength

LAS VEGAS: AMD and Intel have both confirmed plans to support single devices running both Android and Windows ecosystems.

AMD announced a partnership with BlueStacks on Monday, which will run Google's Android mobile operating system within Microsoft Windows on two-in-one tablet and laptop PC devices.

AMD claims that it's looking to "eliminate the gap" between Windows and Android, and said it wants to go beyond the traditional dual-boot option that's now offered on a handful of devices.

Thanks to its BlueStacks collaboration, users of Windows 7 or Windows 8 devices with AMD chips will be able to take a new virtualised approach, with the Android user interface appearing in a window on the PC desktop. This has a full-screen option, and gives users access to the configuration toggles and settings that they have on their Android smartphones and tablets.

The firm said: "BlueStacks takes full advantage of AMD APUs [accelerated processing units], beginning with the [fourth] generation AMD APU codenamed 'Kaveri' power-savings options, OpenGL driver, and every other advantage the AMD APU-based system can offer," making it clear that the option will be available only on AMD devices.

Intel also revealed some more details about its plans to integrate Android into Windows at CES on Monday.

While the firm had previously mentioned its plans to do so, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich announced its Dual OS initiative at CES, which will see Intel enabling both Android and Windows in future devices. According to Intel, users will be able to switch seamlessly between the two with the touch of a button.

The decision by the firm will likely be frustrating for Microsoft as it sees its Windows platform increasingly usurped by Android.