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No longer are you restricted playing apps on your phone, use this emulator for them

No longer are you restricted playing apps on your phone, use this emulator for them

Vote: (5,914 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: BlueStacks

Version: 5.21.0.1043

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac

Vote:

Program license

(5,914 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

BlueStacks

5.21.0.1043

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac

Pros

  • Excellent graphics
  • Easily installs & runs games
  • Simple key mappings
  • May run some titles faster than phones or tablets

Cons

  • Walled garden
  • Uses many system resources
  • Some in-app operations may be slow

BlueStacks App Player is a virtualization client that allows users to run Android apps on their PC. It emulates the ARM microchip that powers so many mobile devices while also given users the ability to run a complete Android environment inside of a window or a full screen environment. That means you won't have to hook up a phone or tablet just to play some great games and enjoy all the benefits of running a mobile operating system.

Unfortunately, all this flexibility does come at a price. BlueStacks uses a much greater level of system resources than what you'd expect from an emulator designed to mimic a classic game console. Depending on your processor, programs might run somewhat slower than they would on native hardware. That being said, they might end up running a good deal faster depending on what kind of mobile devices you're used to working with.

Even lower-end PCs should be able to run many popular board games and other titles that don't require a substantial amount of animation to work properly. That being said, those with higher-end PCs should be able to really enjoy high resolution graphics that they'd never get from a simple mobile device.

You'll need to give the initial installation some time to complete. Essentially, you're installing a whole different operating system into what constitutes a disk image so you're going to want to give Android a chance to get going. Once you finally get the opportunity to start the program, you'll find that it presents the same interface that you'd expect from actually using a mobile phone.

Most users will want to take a few moments to configure the Android desktop to at least some degree. You'll notice that your keyboard and mouse work as expected. While you might not be used to pointing and clicking on objects in Android's normally touchscreen inspired environment, the operating system really does accept input this way. That should be great news for hardcore gamers who are looking to play RTS and FPS titles that would benefit from having a full keyboard.

Best of all, its easy to add new games and apps. While the emulator is clearly aimed at those who want to play Android games on a workstation, there's no reason that you can't install other apps as well. Granted, you probably have all the productivity software you could ever want right on your PC, but this is always a feature that's available for developers and those who want to test new software out.

If you write code for Android apps, then you'll be able to test it in the emulator before you actually deploy it on a physical device. That can reduce the lead times you're dealing with, especially if you're trying to author any type of sophisticated game software.

Hardcore gamers who prefer to just stick to titles they download will find a lot to appreciate here as well. In fact, BlueStacks was largely developed with them in mind. Any game that's distributed in the APK format should work with the emulator as long as its compatible with the types of devices that its emulating. That means the overwhelming majority of games should work without having to adjust many of the app's numerous configuration options.

Unfortunately, you're not going to be able to sideload apps very easily. Most people will want to log into their own Google account and download apps via the Play Store. Unlike an emulator that's running a desktop operating system, BlueStacks essentially lives in a walled garden in much the same way as an actual mobile phone does.

Some of the advanced configuration options should prove extremely useful. As mobile games aren't normally designed for keyboard operation, you can set different macros that will emulate the use of a touchscreen. BlueStacks often runs software slower than it would run on a standard device, so you'll also find many performance-related options here that can help to alleviate these problems somewhat.

Depending on the type of software you're working with, it can even exceed performance on older tablets. To be fair, you're probably not going to get enough speed to run MMORPG titles or anything that you need to be competitive with against other players. However, those who play serious shooter games against AI opponents and have to maximize their screen real estate to squash them will certainly appreciate BlueStacks App Player. It's also a great way for gamers to test out all the new levels they're making before they load them on their mobile devices.

Pros

  • Excellent graphics
  • Easily installs & runs games
  • Simple key mappings
  • May run some titles faster than phones or tablets

Cons

  • Walled garden
  • Uses many system resources
  • Some in-app operations may be slow

BlueStacks App Player delivers the functionality, customization and entertainment of Android environments directly to your PC. If you can’t get enough of your favorite game or program, then isn’t it time to upgrade your experience? Through the latest emulator technologies, this dynamic app elevates how you engage with your Android apps.

Familiar Environment, Upgraded Experience

Have you ever wished you could play your favorite game on a bigger screen? Do you want to change the way you interact with your digital life? If so, then BlueStacks App Player delivers exactly what you’re searching for.

In essence, this app serves as an emulator. When installed, an emulator allows one machine to behave like another. Without the use of this technology, it’s impossible for certain machines, like your PC, to run programs designed for another system. So what does BlueStacks App Player actually offer? More importantly, is it a reliable option?

Redefining Your Android Experience - Features and Capabilities

As a dedicated emulator for the Android digital landscape, BlueStacks App Player seamlessly transforms your desktop or laptop into a powerful Android environment. Developers paid extra attention designing its capabilities to support all types of Android users.

Do you love to play games? How about watch movies? Or maybe, you take advantage of the many non-gaming apps? Regardless of why you use the Android environment, BlueStacks App Player supports you. Designed with all users in mind, its flow and functionality effortlessly supports even the most graphic-intense game or data-heavy app.

Glitch-Free Architecture for Greater Gameplay - Technologies

BlueStacks App Player first launched in 2011. Since then, over 200 million downloads have made it among the most successful Android emulators on the market. This success isn’t due to flashy advertising campaigns or hyped social media outreach. Its popularity stems from the advanced architecture and stable environment. Backed by AMD and Samsung Qualcomm, this Android emulator is designed to handle requirements of current and future apps.

Environment stability is paramount for smooth functionality, but its operational flexibility ensures it continues to support the latest app developments. Much like any other digital element, Android apps continue to advance at astonishingly fast rates. Keeping up with the community developments is a challenge, but BlueStacks App Player maintains pace with the ever-changing app technologies.

Perhaps the most noteworthy feature is the community responsible for its development. As the digital app landscape evolves, so does BlueStacks App Player. Support and documentation is readily available by the app developers. Should you run across any problems, the dedicated app blog is an excellent resource for solutions.

The Pros

  • Compatible with Android, Flash, HTML, PC and MAC platforms
  • Works with non-game apps in a natural-looking Android environment
  • Supports a variety of Android messenger apps for greater communication options

The Cons

  • Only supports Android-developed apps
  • Can slow down outdated or low-performance computers