Android Originally, Android was created as an operating system for mobile phones, but its evolution has gone beyond smartphones to conquer tablets, smart watches, televisions, cars, and other smart devices. However, for a long time, there was a barrier: the integration of Android into the world of desktop computers and laptops. This frontier was crossed thanks to Remix OS, an innovative project that brought the Android experience to the Desktops and which found its first commercial exponent in the first all-in-one computer with Remix OS, developed by the brand AOC In collaboration with Jide TechnologiesThis technical advancement not only represented the materialization of the convergence between mobile and desktop environments, but also opened up new possibilities for users interested in taking advantage of the Android ecosystem on larger screens and with classic PC peripherals such as keyboard and mouse.
Android revolution on the desktop: the birth of PCs with Remix OS
The history of Remix OS is closely linked to the innovative desire of Jide Technologies, a company founded by former Google employees with the explicit goal of taking Android to the next level: turning it into a functional, versatile, and productive desktop operating system. Using the project Android x86, Remix OS was designed to reproduce an experience similar to that of classic PC operating systems (such as Windows or macOS), providing Android with a Multitasking environment with resizable windows, taskbar, start menu, keyboard and mouse support and, ultimately, all the tools necessary for productive and professional use.
Remix OS wasn't just a simple Android port: it implemented structural and interface changes that allowed users to open applications in windows, perform true multitasking, access common PC keyboard shortcuts, enjoy a file explorer with advanced capabilities and take advantage of the full power of a larger screen without losing access to Google Play's immense application catalog, which totals millions of titles and tools.
In this context was born the first all-in-one (AIO) computer with Remix OS, the result of collaboration between AOC, known for its expertise in manufacturing monitors and displays, and Jide Technology. This device was a break up with the traditional PC concept, by offering an affordable, highly functional computer for Productivity, leisure, web browsing, office automation and entertainment and with the versatility to turn any desktop into a full-scale Android workstation.
Remix OS: Key Features That Redefine Android on PC
Remix OS was designed to offer much more than a simple Android experience. We take a detailed look at the key features which enabled this transformation and formed the basis for the development of devices such as the AOC all-in-one computer:
- Real multitasking: Ability to open multiple applications in windows, resize them, minimize, maximize, or close them, just like in traditional operating systems.
- Taskbar and start menu: Quick access to apps, search, notifications, and system settings with a familiar layout for PC users.
- Advanced file manager: Intuitive local file management, access to shared network folders, easy transfer of documents and items between USB drives.
- Keyboard and mouse support: Designed for desktop environments, Remix OS provides full support for external input devices, including popular keyboard shortcuts (CTRL+N, CTRL+S, ALT+TAB, among others).
- Notifications adapted to large screens: Notification sidebar redesigned specifically for use on large monitors.
- Full access to Google Play: Millions of apps available for productivity, communication, multimedia, gaming, and more.
- OTA updates: The system received improvements and patches through automatic updates, allowing security and functionality to remain up to date.
- Efficient hardware management: Supports ARM and x86 architectures, optimized to run on basic PCs.
Thanks to these capabilities, Remix OS has positioned itself as one of the most mature alternatives for integrating Android into the desktop and offering true convergence between the mobile and personal computer worlds, allowing users to enjoy mobile applications in a productivity-focused environment.
The first all-in-one computer with Android Remix OS: AOC and Jide, pioneers of convergence
El first PC with Remix OS developed by AOC is a team that bets on the format all-in-one (AIO), which means all the computer's components are integrated within the display itself, eliminating the need for a tower and facilitating installation and saving space. This design is inspired by other brands' all-in-one products, such as the iMac, but adds the unique advantage of running an Android-based operating system optimized for desktop use.
Detailed technical specifications
Hardware:
- Screen: 23,8-inch IPS panel with resolution Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), ensuring great image quality and ample workspace.
- Processor: Amlogic S905, quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 architecture, efficient and sufficient for smooth running of Android apps and basic multitasking.
- RAM: 2 GB, comparable to what was standard on mid-range and high-end smartphones at the launch stage of Remix OS for PC.
- Internal storage: 16GB and 64GB eMMC flash memory versions available, expandable via external USB devices.
- Connectivity:
- 2 HDMI ports (input/output, making it easy to use the device as a standalone monitor for other systems, such as Windows or consoles)
- 4 USB ports for connecting peripherals and additional storage
- Ethernet port for stable wired Internet connection
- Built-in WiFi for wireless connectivity
- Audio: Built-in speakers for multimedia consumption and video calls.
- Design: Slim body, all components integrated into the display, minimizing wiring and space requirements.
These specifications position it as a team of modest benefits, primarily aimed at users looking for a system for Office automation, web browsing, multimedia playback, and full use of the Android application catalog in PC format.
Advantages of the All-In-One format with Android
- Easy installation: no cables or towers, just plug in the power and enjoy a working computer in just minutes.
- Versatility: It can be used as a main device, as a multimedia center, as a support monitor for other computers (thanks to its HDMI inputs), or as a workstation in shared spaces.
- Space-saving: Ideal for small desks or environments where organization and a minimalist appearance are valued.
- Access Google Play: Take advantage of all mobile apps, from office tools (Google Docs, Office, Evernote) to video calling platforms (Zoom, Skype, Teams), communicators, social networks, games, educational apps, and more.
Peripheral compatibility and user experience
Unlike most classic Android devices, the AOC PC with Remix OS does not have a touch screen. It is prepared to be operated with external mouse and keyboard, allowing for an experience close to that of a traditional desktop computer. This has the advantage of making writing, spreadsheet editing, and navigation easier, although it may be less comfortable for games designed exclusively for touchscreens. However, support for keyboard shortcuts and mouse precision make up for this limitation in productivity and general-use environments.
Remix OS: Innovation and differences from classic Android and other desktop systems
The arrival of Remix OS It marked a turning point in the history of Android and its integration into desktop environments, overcoming limitations that had previously hindered the adoption of Android as a PC operating system. The most notable differences compared to classic Android and other PC systems are:
- Windows and enhanced multitasking: Instead of limiting itself to full-screen viewing, Remix OS allowed applications to be managed in separate windows, maximizing productivity and allowing you to work with multiple apps at the same time.
- Interface optimized for keyboard and mouse: The system detected peripherals and tailored the interaction to emulate the Windows or macOS experience, introducing context menus, multiple file selection, and improved shortcut support.
- Robust file explorer: It allowed advanced management of files, folders, external drives and network storage, matching or exceeding functionality found in conventional desktop systems.
- Custom taskbar and notification area: Visual design reminiscent of Windows work environments, with direct access to important functions and grouped notifications.
- Native support for x86 and ARM architectures: It opened the door to installing Android on a wide variety of PCs, laptops, and all-in-one devices.
- Automatic Updates OTA, ensuring the validity and security of the system.
Among the main new features introduced by Remix OS, the following stand out:
- Snap windows: Ability to easily snap windows to the edges of the screen, just like in Windows.
- Widget support: Although it was in development in early versions, this feature allowed adding widgets to the desktop, like on Android phones and tablets.
- Smart resource management: Ideal for teams with limited resources, ensuring fluid navigation and use of basic applications.
- Installation from USB: Ability to run Remix OS as a guest (without saving changes) or resident (saving settings and data) system, making it easy to test the system without the need for a permanent installation.
- Development in collaboration with Android-x86: benefited from the open source community and the experience gained from porting Android to PCs.
Integration, Installation, and Availability: How to Access and Test Remix OS
The release of Remix OS wasn't limited to AOC-specific hardware. In fact, thanks to the work of the community and Jide Technology, Remix OS was released in , making it easy to create bootable USB drives and test it for free on any compatible computer (PC or Mac), either as a resident system or in live mode, without disturbing the computer's current operating system.
- Guest mode: Run Remix OS from a USB drive without saving changes after each session. Ideal for testing the system risk-free.
- Resident mode: allows you to save configurations, installers and documents, simulating a permanent installation.
Upon launch, Remix OS guided the user through a simple initial setup process (language, Wi-Fi, keyboard). Although it didn't always include Google Play Services by default, installation was simple via desktop access, ensuring immediate access to the app store and other Google ecosystem utilities.
One of the great competitive advantages of Remix OS was the possibility of running it on old computers or with limited resources, reviving equipment that was no longer able to support modern versions of Windows or macOS, and providing an economical, secure and efficient alternative for browsing, working and enjoying multimedia content.
The context: mobile-desktop convergence and Jide Technology's commitment
Jide Technologies, the company behind Remix OS, identified the technological trend in time convergence between mobile and desktop devices, something that other companies (such as Microsoft and Canonical) were also trying to achieve with their own multi-platform systems and strategies. The key difference between Remix OS was building on the overwhelming success of Android, already established as the world's most widely used operating system on mobile phones and tablets, and adapting it to the dynamics and expectations of the desktop.
The project was nourished by the open source community, integrating feedback and improvements from Android x86Jide's vision was that the future of software lay in portability, versatility, and leveraging the vast catalog of mobile applications for traditional PC uses and new work and entertainment scenarios.
Initiatives such as the Remix Mini (a mini PC running Remix OS successfully funded on Kickstarter) and the free release of the system for conventional PCs accelerated the adoption and interest in this model of technological convergence, although subsequent market development and changes in business priorities led to the discontinuation of official development of Remix OS in mass-market versions. However, its legacy inspired other similar projects and laid the groundwork for future integrations between the mobile and desktop worlds.
Applications, practical uses, and ideal scenarios for your first PC running Android Remix OS
El all-in-one computer with Remix OS and, by extension, any computer capable of running this operating system, presents a series of applications and practical advantages that make it ideal for specific user profiles and everyday uses:
- Education: Perfect for schools, classrooms, and libraries, given its low cost, ease of use, security, and access to the catalog of educational and management apps.
- Office automation and teleworking: Allows you to work with office suites, email, messaging, video calls, and cloud storage, taking advantage of native integration with apps like Google Drive or Microsoft Office for Android.
- Multimedia and entertainment: ideal as a center for video and music consumption (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify), podcasts, streaming and digital reading.
- Web terminal: Efficient and secure browsing with Chrome, Firefox, or other optimized browsers, perfect for home internet access, Internet cafes, libraries, and public spaces.
Advantages, challenges, and the future of Android adoption on computers
The launch of the first PC running Remix OS was a milestone, but it also faced challenges inherent to the Android ecosystem and the nature of desktop PCs:
- Advantages:
- Access to millions of applications.
- Familiar and adaptable interface.
- Low hardware and maintenance costs.
- Ease of use and configuration.
- Flexibility to function as a monitor for other systems.
- Lightweight and efficient system for older or low-performance equipment.
- Challenges:
- Some Android apps were not 100% optimized for large screens or keyboard and mouse.
- Limited hardware restricted the use of highly demanding applications and advanced games.
- Dependence on external peripherals (mouse and keyboard), since the screen was not touch-sensitive.
- The development of Remix OS for consumer use was ultimately discontinued, although there are alternatives inspired by its concept.
Over time, other initiatives have taken up the goal of offering Android on PCs, such as Phoenix OS, PrimeOS, or Android-x86 itself, allowing the vision of transforming any computer into a powerful Android desktop device to remain alive. The arrival of the first PC running Android Remix OS was an important step in the evolution of the market and remains a milestone in the history of mobile-PC convergence.
