Th Android-x86 project is an open source initiative to adapt Google’s Android operating system so it can be run on desktop and notebook computers. The team is getting ready to launch the first version of Android-x86 based on Android Oreo, and a release candidate is now available for download.

Android-x86 8.1_rc1 is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

As the first version of the operating system based on Oreo, the latest release includes support for Google’s updated notification features, background process limits, smart text selection, and other new features and improvemnts.

But it also includes OpenGL ES 3.x hardware acceleration for devices with Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA graphics, support for UEFI secure boot, a text-based GUI installer, and GRUB-EFI support.

There’s support for multitouch input, WiFi, Bluetooth, audio, and other hardware. And since Android-x86 is designed to run on desktop and notebook computers, there’s an optional Taskbar launcher that gives th mobile operating system more of a desktop-style user interface. There’s also support for freeform window mode, allowing you to view multiple applications at once rather than running every app in a full-screen view.

The developers acknowledge there are some issues with the release candidate: suspend and resume don’t work on some devices, and Google Play Services has a habit of crashing if you’re using the 32-bit image. Hopefully those problems will be fixed by the time Android-x86 8.1 is available as a “stable” release.

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8 replies on “Android-x86 8.1_rc1 lets you run Android Oreo on a PC”

  1. I tested this system out on my old-ass 2008 computer, and man, it worked far better than Nougat/Marshmellow. Sadly, the Play Store always crashes whenever I go to any page besides the first page. Kinda defeating it’s purpose, but I have so much hope for the release to be as great as Android on mobiles….

  2. Some nice laptop-friendly features in this version of Android (from the link Oreo features page).

    > Taskbar launcher, smart text selection, Improved keyboard navigation (including consistent arrow and tab behavior)

    The taskbar launcher, it seems, (like many I’ve come across in the Play Store) still lacks the ability to group by categories. Would be nice to have. Curious as to whether mouse input has improved as well as better support for external storage – I’ve been disappointed with (much) earlier versions I’ve tested. Looking forward to the final stable release.

  3. This actually looks great. Ive used past versions of Android x86, and they’re always good. But it seems like android is at that stage where this makes more sense now.

    Although, I wonder how Chromium OS is these days. If it has android app support, I’d go for that instead

    1. While your argument is sound, in my experience it just doesn’t hold true. Android still runs much better on low-end/old hardware than Chrome OS, and app Android app stort was really hit or miss the last time I tested it out (probably half a year/9 months ago). Though if your hardware is more capable than a 1st Gen Atom processor you might have more luck, especially if the compatibility layer on Chrome OS Has matured.

    2. Last time I checked, Chromium OS didn’t have Android support. Kind of a bummer.

  4. Might be nice as a virtual machine that can be loaded on top of linux/windows. Could be good for examining suspicious apps.

    1. I thought so too. I downloaded the 64 bit image. I installed it within VM Player without issue. But the play store crashes anytime you search for an app which is a real bummer. I’m sure I could side-load apps but stopped messing with it at that point.

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