BlueStacks today announced Cloud Connect, a cloud-based service that enables a Windows PC to become an extension of an Android mobile device and vice versa. With Cloud Connect, any application on an Android device can be accessed and enjoyed on a user’s PC with a simple click and sync.
Users can download the free Cloud Connect App from the Android Market and instantly sync their mobile apps to a PC for big-screen enjoyment of their favorite games, news portals and more. With the ability to connect multiple and different types of devices, such as PCs and tablets, Cloud Connect enables users to enjoy up to 35 applications seamlessly across preferred devices.
A custom “Apps Channels” page allows users to manage their apps in the cloud by easily viewing which apps have been downloaded to their phone, PC or tablet. In addition, a “Featured Apps Channel” provides direct access to the latest available apps from developers.
“Our vision is to make smartphones and PCs work together to provide a seamless experience for the user,” said Rosen Sharma, president and CEO of BlueStacks. “There is a generational shift that has taken place. For young consumers, the smartphone is their first computing device, with the PC being secondary. Cloud Connect accelerates the convergence of mobile and PC, allowing users to access all the same apps across devices.”
“Cloud Connect puts a foot on the seesaw for Android in its faceoff with iOS. It integrates the app and gaming experience across the Android and Windows ecosystems, colliding half a million Android apps with the massive Windows ecosystem. It has huge implications,” said Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies.
Developers or device manufacturers don’t need to make any changes to their apps for them to make use of Cloud Connect. BlueStacks is currently working closely with several leading device manufacturers, Telcos and retailers to embed this capability into consumer devices in the near future.
“The innovation in apps has shifted from the PC to the mobile and the rate seems to be accelerating. Cloud Connect will become the conduit for that innovation and will further accelerate its adoption,” says Sharma. “We see a lot of things we can do with Cloud Connect. It will be a source of constant innovation. Stay tuned.”
Pricing and Availability
The Cloud Connect App is now available and can be downloaded for free from the Android Market at https://market.android.com/.