Bleak Future For Microsoft’s Project Astoria?

Microsoft’s Windows Bridge for Android, previously known as ‘Project Astoria’, is likely put on hold and may be even completely shelved, according to a latest report from Windows Central.

The project, however, was controversial from the beginning itself. As Microsoft explains, the Windows Bridge for Android enables to bring Android apps to Windows 10 using existing code and skills. In essence, as WMPowerUser puts it, the tool required the installation of an Android subsystem into the Windows 10 OS and would enable users to sideload Android apps from anywhere.

Android subsystem requirement particularly wasn’t well received by developers as it allowed all users to pirate any app they wanted and undercut Windows developers who would have little incentive to work on Windows apps.

Windows Central said that multiple reports have suggested that Project Astoria is not happening anytime soon. Providing further evidence on the matter, the news source said that not only Project Astoria forums have gone silent since September, the company is also no longer talking about it either openly or to those under NDA. Moreover, latest Windows 10 Mobile Insider builds have had the Android subsystem removed including build 10586 (commercial shipping release).

Speaking on the subject, a Microsoft spokesperson told Windows Central, "We're committed to offering developers many options to bring their apps to the Windows Platform, including bridges available now for Web and iOS, and soon Win32. The Astoria bridge is not ready yet, but other tools offer great options for developers."

It seems that while the tech giant is going ahead with Project Islandwood (Windows Bridge for iOS), Project Astoria has been indeed put on hold.