Android is not just for Android devices any more. Thanks to the
BlueStacks App Player, you can run your favorite Android apps on PCs
running Windows XP, Vista or 7. You can run them on a PC or even a
tablet running Windows 8. If you've got a Mac, BlueStacks will let you
run Android apps on it as well. This nifty player won Best of CES last
year -- and it's free.
Have you got some favorite smartphone apps? Not convinced by Microsoft's new Windows app selection? Itching to see some Android action on your MacBook Pro? Don't worry, just install an Android emulator on your Windows or Mac machine and run all of the Android apps that you've grown to love.
A version is even available for Windows 8 Surface tablets. Load up to 750,000 Android apps, including games, SMS text messaging, and media apps.
The free product that lets you do this is BlueStacks App Player, and it claims more than 5 million downloads.
Installation and Use
Step 1: Browse to the
BlueStacks
Web page on a desktop computer or laptop and click on the download
button for your operating system. Choose between XP, Vista and Windows
7; Windows 8; or Mac.
Follow the usual steps for installing software, opening the .exe file. Follow the prompts to
allow installation and then accept the terms of the license agreement by clicking on the
Welcome to BlueStacks' Continue button.
Step 2: Verify that App Store Access and App Notification check boxes are enabled on
the following screen and then click Install. Allow the BlueStacks application to load.
Step 3: Click on the My Apps tile and then on the App Search button.
Search for an app that you use regularly on your smartphone or tablet. For example, I
searched for Falcon Pro, a robust, paid-for Twitter client I like. Allow the in-Bluestacks
search to complete and then click on the Install button adjacent to the search result.
Tip: The app doesn't install from this search. This search just tells you which store has the app you want.
Step 4: Choose an app store from the selection. I chose the Google native Play store, but
there will be others listed, including Amazon.
Tip: Choose the store that you normally use on your device. It will be cheaper to migrate an app that you've already paid for.
Step 5: Add your account details if prompted. If you already have a Google account, add
it here. Allow any sync to take place and then select Finish Setup. Click on any terms and
conditions check boxes and then press Continue.
Step 6: Perform a second search for the app that you want to install. Allow the search to
take place and then choose Accept and Download. Allow the app to install and then open
the app. This search is from within the store that you may be familiar with, like Play.
Tip: Use the on-screen keyboard that pops up rather
than the PC's physical keyboard if you run into keyboard mapping issues
when communicating with the app.
Syncing With Your Phone or Tablet
BlueStacks includes a sync function called "1-Click Sync." This function lets you sync one
way between the emulator and device.
Step 1: Click or touch the 1-Click Sync tile and then enter your Google account details in
the text boxes.
Step 2: Sign in and choose the device or devices you'd like to sync with. Then from
within BlueStacks, choose the app you'd like to install on your device, and click or touch
the sync button on the app tile. The button looks like a smartphone screen with an arrow
icon.
Step 3: Take a look at the device, and you'll see the app loading.
Tip: Ensure the device is connected to the Internet and logged into the same Google
account you used in Step 1.
Pushing Apps to BlueStacks
BlueStacks also includes push functionality for getting apps from device to PC.
Step 1: Perform a search for BlueStacks Cloud Connect from within the Play store and
install it to your device.
Tip: Do this independently of the BlueStacks emulator.
Step 2: Click on the Settings button within BlueStacks and choose Cloud Connect.
Follow the prompts and enter the requested email and phone information. Make a note
of the PIN and press Close
Step 3: Enter the PIN in BlueStacks Cloud Connect on the device and log in.
Choose the apps you'd like to push to the emulator and press Sync.
Tip: Follow the texted-to prompts on your phone if you'd like to set up SMS
connectivity.
System Requirements
Windows XP SP3 or windows 7
2gb of ram
Dowload Link
