The revolutionary version of Android for desktop is now available. Driven by Jide Technology (developers of Remix Mini, the first Android PC), its design changes our understanding about Google OS.
What is Remix OS?
Remix OS is an operating system based on Android for x86 processors (almost all computers nowadays). It is a PC Android, you can use mouse and keyboard. Applications open in windows, the same way as in traditional operating systems and you can use several applications in the same desk.
The great advantage is you can use a much more powerful processor like Intel Core i7 compared to any ARM processor. Remix OS is executed from a USB memory and can be used in any PC without any further installations.
Installation and Requirements
Jide released the Remix OS alpha version which is free and can be downloaded from their website.
According to its developers there is only a minimum requirement, a USB 3.0 flash drive that supports FAT32 format, with a minimum capacity of 8GB and a recommended writing speed of 20MB/s. Once you have downloaded the file all you have to do is unzip and you are all set to install.
Installation is very easy. It is important to know that this is an alpha version in which you can encounter a bug or two.
Attractive and Clean Desgin
Our first impression with Remix OS could not be better. Its appearance is very attractive and reminds of Windows 10 but with a few of Android 5.1.1 functions. What we see is a highly customized version of Android where applications are represented in windows, we can execute and visualize several applications at the same time. As in other desktop systems we can minimize, maximize and close applications using the buttons located in the upper right corner of the window.
Remix OS Functions
Most of Android functions were adapted to desktop and are available on Remix OS, the graphic interphase is very well adapted. In general, the OS functions are fast and it is very intuitive. Of course the difference between a PC and a mobile device is not only the screen size, there are also peripherals, if you use the mouse you’ll see that the right click button is completely functional and the keyboard experience is also positive although, it can always be improved.
Most of the applications are fast but since it is an alpha version sometimes they close unexpectedly which is why I don’t recommend you to use this OS for work since it’s going to affect your productivity.
Your PC in your pocket, that easy
One of the most interesting things about Remix OS is the fact that it is a portable desktop OS. Remix OS resides within the flash drive in which it was originally installed, we do not need to take our PC with us, a tiny pen drive will do and will carry all our data, accounts and applications. It is true this is a very new technology but I personally love it!
Conclusion
First impressions have been really positive. To be able to launch applications using multi-window support or using photo applications in a big screen rather than in smartphone is a plus. We will now wait for the OS improvements as they reach a final version.
Convergence is the future. To be able to use your applications on any device. This is where Remix becomes key.
