Reported through
Microsoft's GitHub WSA, the upcoming update will include the Android 13 operating system on Windows Subsystem for Android (the platform enabling Windows to run Android apps), along with features like remote file transfer, accessing the local network, promising to enhance the diversity of Android 13's features for smooth and natural operation of Android apps on Windows.

Despite such enhancements, the underlying issue persists: why optimize Android apps on Windows to replicate the identical experience? What purpose do native Android devices serve in this scenario? And is the increasing influx of Android apps to Windows a prudent move, or does it risk diluting the diversity of the Microsoft Store with potentially inferior Android additions?
The 'Nightmare' on Microsoft Store
Let's be honest, when using Windows, we mainly install software via .exe files rather than frequenting the Microsoft Store. Mostly because finding apps online is faster, more abundant, and has a less cluttered interface than on the Microsoft Store.
However, there are times when we need to install apps from there, especially for lightweight ones, the Store still serves as a decent option. However, it can be a nightmare for users when Android and Windows apps are combined in the same 'marketplace,' creating confusion and anxiety, especially for the average users who are the primary target of the Microsoft Store.

The 'tragedy' on the Microsoft Store is mainly due to the company sourcing Android apps from Amazon's repository rather than directly from the Google Play Store, and the indiscriminate inclusion of apps without proper curation has turned the Microsoft Store into a chaotic mess.
Do we truly desire Android on Windows to such an extent?
The prospect of bringing Android apps to Windows sounds appealing, but for what purpose? It's similar to how many people used Android emulators on Windows back then; ultimately, only those with specific needs used it, while regular mobile gamers or users opted for smartphones for convenience, sparing themselves from such hassle.
Experiencing a touch-oriented app on a computer isn't straightforward. From interactions to interface and responsiveness, the experience isn't smooth and optimized. Even running Android directly on Windows lacks support for easy remapping, making it challenging to use effectively. In essence, Android emulators provide a better Android-on-Windows experience.

Furthermore, Windows offers a plethora of software and applications catering to diverse user needs, from work to entertainment. These apps often surpass their mobile counterparts in functionality and interface. Apart from gaming, perhaps we don't really need to install Android apps on Windows 11 much, and even for gaming, the control experience isn't great, resulting in a half-hearted attempt.
Apple has been there too, but they controlled it in time
Upon introducing the M1 chip lineup, Apple allowed users to freely install apps from iPhones (with .IPA extensions) onto Macs running Apple's ARM-based chips to showcase the compatibility and versatility of the M1 chip, enhancing its communication effectiveness.
However, shortly after, the company silently restricted the installation of iOS and iPadOS apps on Macs with M-series chips, filtering out only those apps deemed to perform well and leaving them on the App Store. They cleverly separated apps from the two platforms to help users distinguish easily and avoid accidental downloads.

It's evident that Apple also flirted with a similar issue as Microsoft faces now, but they swiftly addressed it. Allowing 100% compatibility of iOS apps on macOS would diminish the diversity of macOS apps, as developers would simply create iOS apps that would run perfectly on macOS. This would eventually turn macOS into a platform accommodating numerous apps not optimized for it, harming user experience and the overall smoothness and optimization of macOS.
Interim Conclusion
Perhaps Microsoft needs to focus more on filtering and optimizing Android apps rather than continuously adding features and diversifying the app pool on Windows 11, as they confuse users and drive them further away from the Microsoft Store. Quality over quantity may be the issue that Windows 11 developers need to address.
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