Microsoft plans to add features from Android 13 to Windows 11 as part of its future roadmap — part of a move to add more elements of Android in general to the operating system.
The features were listed as part of an update intended for Windows 11 developers, in which Microsoft also promised out-of-the-box improvements to file transfers, shortcuts, picture-in-picture and local network access. It follows a recent update that includes improvements to File Explore.
Android 13 is the latest operating system that is publicly available for Pixel phone users. According to PC Magazine, it’s an iterative update that builds on the foundation of Android 12, including “much more extensive content you design, useful multitasking tools, and Chromebook and Google tablet compatibility.”
The Windows 11 roadmap includes support for features from Android 13.
Released earlier this month, Android 13 compatibility is currently limited to Google’s Pixel series phone. The operating system should be available through other handsets later this year.
Android app compatibility was one of the features touted for Windows 11 when it was first unveiled last year, though they weren’t available at launch. They can run thanks to an “Intel Bridge” compiler that helps them run on x86 systems. The addition of Android 13 features should deepen this integration even further.
Windows 11 is the latest in Microsoft’s line of operating systems, with features such as Auto HDR, a new design, snap layouts, a tablet mode, and more.
In the end, we were cool on Windows 11, writing in our review: “Windows 11 looks great, but that’s where the excitement ends. There are no immediate game improvements and it’s not exactly clear when we’ll see them. Combine the nearly identical performance and the fact that some features, such as the revamped Microsoft Store, will soon be making their way to Windows 10, and there’s little reason to rush out and upgrade right now.”
Windows 11 is now available.
Kat Bailey is Senior News Editor at IGN and co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Do you have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.