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Could Android be the saviour of Windows Phone?

Rumour has it that Microsoft is actually planning to allow Android apps to be installed on Windows Phone devices, but how likely is it and what are the implications for both parties?

As much as we love Microsoft’s Windows Phone, with its funky, streamlined, colourful interface, we really struggle to use a Lumia handset for more than a few days without ditching it for another device. And the reason is always the same: a serious lack of app support.

Microsoft has ploughed a serious wedge of cash into encouraging development of apps for its beleagured platform, but so far – despite five years in the game – the online store is struggling to catch up to Google Play and Apple’s App Store. And according to Neowin, this may have pushed the American giant into desperate measures territory, as Microsoft could now be experimenting with Android emulation on Windows 10.

If the rumours are true and Windows 10 does allow Android apps to be installed, the implications are enormous. The biggest hole in the Windows mobile experience would be filled overnight, giving users few excuses for not trying a Lumia phone. After all, there’s a Lumia for almost everyone already, from those on a strict budget to those demanding high-performance hardware and ultra-sharp HD screens.

This does of course raise a rather pertinent and obvious question: would Google allow Windows 10 to run its Android apps? After all, it’s essentially giving a leg up to the competition in terms of hardware sales, even if Google would still benefit from increased app purchases.

There’s also technical issues to consider, as we’ve already seen on Blackberry devices when trying to run Android apps. Usually half of the app is off-screen or the whole thing runs about as well as a one-legged blind tortoise, as they’re obviously not optimised for the BB hardware.

Microsoft has already been poking Google with a big stick of late, after news that they’re hoping to sneak Windows 10 onto Android handsets emerged. With Windows 10 set to launch to the public later in 2015, we’re expecting competition between Microsoft, Google and Apple to intensify – which can only be a good thing for consumers.

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