Jide Technology is focused on making Android more desktop-like. The company first kickstarted a Microsoft Surface-like tablet, then followed it with a small puck to turn any display into an Android desktop, the Remix Mini. When Michael reviewed the latter, he found the software interesting, but the hardware lacking. The third aspect of Jide's strategy was to release its Remix OS for free for anyone to install and use. Michael also reviewed it and called it promising while still pointing out its current limitations.

Some of these limitations are being squashed away now as Remix OS is ready to shed its alpha monicker and move into the beta stage. Announced at MWC 2016, Remix OS beta will be available on March 1st and bring a couple of important changes to the downloadable OS, aside from the very important bug fixes.

Users with older computers will be able to install this new beta because it adds 32-bit system support. The hard drive installer has also been updated to allow for dual-booting of Remix OS with your other main operating system, making it easier to switch back and forth between the two. And finally, Remix OS now supports OTA updates so you should be able to update everything without losing your data.

However, Jide still hasn't obtained Google's stamp of approval so Remix OS beta ships without any Google services in tow. As the team explains, you'll have to resort to sideloading:

As Jide has championed a brand new way of experiencing Android, Google Play Services and the Play Store will not currently be pre-installed on Remix OS. This is while Google takes the time they need to test the new operating environment. Users of the Beta version will be able to sideload Google Play Services by following instructions found on the Jide website.

And finally, we've known for a while that Remix OS is based on the Android-x86 project, but the team has now officially announced the partnership on its site.

UPDATE: 2016/03/01 11:51am PST BY

Right on schedule, the beta version of Remix OS is available for download and flashing. Go get it.

PRESS RELEASE