If the rumors about Microsoft bringing Android to its mobile phones are true, the company can expect a sharply divided developer community.
Though Microsoft has been getting some traction for its own Windows Phone 8 mobile OS, recent reports suggested its executives are mulling a move to open up Windows devices to apps based on Google's rival platform, Android.
Reaction from developers on Twitter ranged from the excited . . .
Windroid is coming! http://t.co/tqXFzd6rXj
— Nick Floyd (@nickfloyd) February 13, 2014
... to the firmly negative ...
IMHO, simply NO. "@maryjofoley: Would and should Microsoft enable Android apps on Windows? http://t.co/DHy2q3XaSK"
— stupidité pue (@dummheitstinkt) February 12, 2014
...to the outright horrified.
NOOOOOOOO!! RT @tomwarren: Microsoft is considering bringing Android apps to Windows http://t.co/LPuG45FCrh pic.twitter.com/F3ujf0jrSM"
— Siraj (@SirajSoft) February 12, 2014
Some suggested a Microsoft-Android combination would bring a new dimension to the app industry's competitive landscape, particularly vis-a-vis Apple:
HOLY MOLY - This will kick iOS in it's pants! "@WinRumors: Microsoft is considering bringing Android apps to Windows http://t.co/2PD4vc5qKd"
— Sahil Malik (@sahilmalik) February 12, 2014
Others suggested the move would be a sign of desperation from a company that shouldn't need to make desperate moves.
I can think if better ways for ms to increase the number of win phone apps than this. http://t.co/wliXWQmakJ
— johnmarshall4 (@johnwmarshall4) February 13, 2014
The one thing everyone seemed to agree on: The whole ecosystem is getting really, really confusing.
Chrome OS can now run Windows. Microsoft considering letting Windows run Android apps. If you do both at once, you enter the matrix.
— Aaron Levie (@levie) February 12, 2014