One of the attractive features of Windows 11 is its ability to run Android apps natively. Microsoft implemented this feature using WSA (Windows Subsystem for Android), a separate virtualization layer running Android apps, and Amazon's App Store. However, WSA was based on Android 11, and the company later updated it to Android 12L. Now, the company is bringing more features to it with the Android 13 update.
Windows 11's Android subsystem is being updated to Android 13 with a future update
According to a new report, Microsoft has revealed the roadmap to update Windows 11's WSA to Android 13. And with the update, the company plans to add some useful features that will improve the experience of using Android apps on Windows computers. According to the future roadmap, Microsoft will update the WSA to Android 13, which means that most of the basic improvements that Google introduced with Android 13 will come to Windows 11 as well.
Moreover, the company plans to add easier file transfers between Android apps and Windows 11's native file system. So, if you're planning to copy an image from your computer and paste it into an Android app, the process will be much faster and easier. The company is also planning to bring app shortcuts, which means you can long-press an app icon and access its shortcuts, similar to what you can do on an Android phone or tablet.
Microsoft is also bringing Picture-in-picture to Windows 11's WSA. You can use video streaming or video player apps and continue watching videos in a small hovering container/window while working on other things. The company is also enabling LAN access for Android apps by default. Currently, you need to activate LAN access. You could soon use these features on your Samsung laptop running Windows 11.
The company is yet to bring other Android features like app widgets, quick setting toggles, USB access, Bluetooth LE, and a file backup/restore solution. Since the company has listed these features but hasn't brought them yet, it is expected that they could come with future updates. Although sideloading Android apps isn't advertised, it's easy to do that, so you can also install apps that aren't available on the Amazon AppStore.
