For most of us, spending money on a high-end smartphone and a computer is not within reach. If you consider the price of a high-end smartphone costing around $900 or more, spending money on a computer at the same time isn’t affordable. A new project called Andromium aims to help solve this problem. Using compatible software, an external HD display, and a dock that allows external TV or monitor attachments, you can use your Android phone as an external computer. It’s as portable as your HD display lets you be (or you can find one you can use wherever you go).
What Will I Need?
Along with the dock and the monitor, you will need to make sure your smartphone has Snapdragon 800 or better processor, at least 2 GB RAM, and kitkat 4.4.2 and above. Also, your monitor needs to be at least 1080p, and you’ll need to get a mouse and keyboard (USB or bluetooth is fine). As for software, you need to download and install the Andromium OS app at the Google Play Store. You might experience some bugs as this version is still in beta.
What Can Andromium OS Do?
Andromium OS is created to mimic a regular computer OS, drawing inspiration from Windows 7 and OS X. Don’t expect anything fancy, but it does things like overlapping windows, multitasking, and mouse and keyboard navigation. Andromium OS features a menu bar, start menu and a taskbar which looks similar to Windows 7. There are basic functions such as word processing, web browsing and file management, as well as the ability to play light games such as Super Smash Brothers. You can access word processing software such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word Online. If you really love streaming videos, you can now watch movies effortlessly using this app. Just because you’re running this app doesn’t mean you still can’t use your device as a smartphone. You can still receive calls (and you can answer them without physically picking it up), notifications and messages. Andromium also has a few apps, such as media players, a browser, and an office suite.
What Devices Are Supported?
Currently Andromium officially supports Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S5, Note 2/3/4 and Edge. They have done testing on HTC One M7/8/One E8, LG G2/3, Nexus 4/5 , Oppo One Plus One, Motorola Droid Turbo, and Sony z2/z3. However, they do not have detailed user testings, so use them with caution.
Is It Worth Using?
If you’re only going to want to use a desktop for simple programs such as word processing, viewing videos and storing files, then using Andromium is a great solution for you. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a desktop computer, simply have your smartphone double as one. For now, we will have to wait and see what becomes more of Andromium, since it’s still in beta form. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying out since there are so many positive reviews out there. Let’s hope that their next Kickstarter campaign is more successful so they can get enough funding to continue their work.
