Thursday, May 21, 2015

Make Your Android Phone a Full-Fledged Desktop with Andromium OS



For the average people, spending thousands of dollars on a high-end smartphone and computer is not an option. You could probably consider a smartphone that costs around $900 or more, but spending more than that amount just so you can also get a top-of-the-line computer is too much.

Enter Andromium OS -- a new project that aims to solve that exact problem for the average tech users. With the proper and compatible software, an external HD display, and a dock that allows external TV or monitor attachments, you can use your Android phone to serve as an external computer. Its portability and ease of use enables you to use it wherever you go. Want to know more about it? Read on and find out how.

Requirements

Together with the dock and monitor, make sure that your smartphone has Snapdragon 800 or better processor, at least 2 GB RAM, and runs on KitKat 4.4.2 and above. For the monitor, it needs to be at least 1080p, and you need to have a mouse and keyboard (USB or Bluetooth is fine). As for software, you need to download and install the Andromium OS app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Be reminded that you may experience some bugs since it is still in beta version.

Andromium OS Features


Andromium OS is designed to mimic a regular computer OS, inspired from Windows 7 and OS X. There's nothing fancy about about this OS, but it performs functions like overlapping windows, multitasking, and mouse and keyboard navigation.

The Andromium OS features a menu bar, start menu, and a taskbar that looks similar to Windows 7. Aside from those mentioned, other basic functions include word processing, web browsing, and file management. You can also play light games such as Super Smash Brothers. The OS also allows you to access word processing software such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word online. The app also lets you stream videos and watch movies effortlessly.

You can still use your smartphone -- receive calls without physically picking it up, notifications, and messages even if you're running the app. Andromium OS also offers a few apps such as media players, a browser, and an office suite.

Supported Devices

At the moment, Andromium OS officially supports the following devices:

·         Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S5
·         Samsung Galaxy Note 2/3/4
·         Samsung Galaxy Edge

As for the following units, testings have been done although there have been no detailed testing so you may use it with caution:

·         HTC One M7/8/One E8
·         LG G2/G3
·         Oppo One Plus One
·         Motorola Droid Turbo
·         Sony Z2/Z3

Why Use Andromium OS?

Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a desktop computer, you can solve your dilemma by using your smartphone to double as one. If your purpose of getting a desktop computer is for using simple programs such as word processing, viewing movies or videos, and storing files only, then the Andromium OS is the perfect solution for you.

And since it's still in its beta stage, we may have to wait and see what will become of Andromium and how it will fare to the consumers. But there's no harm in trying it out for yourself and find out how it will benefit you.