With the Android platform gaining popularity over the years, the thought of having an authentic Android OS system running on one's PC may have crossed the minds of many.

You're in luck! The developers at the Android-x86 project have been mulling on the matter and have unveiled the first-ever Android 5.1 Lollipop Release Candidate (RC) build for PC.

The Android-x86 team is now making available the RC build for the impending Android-x86 5.1 release. Per the release notes, the Android-x86 5.1 RC1 (i.e. Release Candidate 1) is based on the Android 5.1.1 r24 Lollipop OS. The build has several bug fixes and, therefore, is more stable. This makes it more efficient for seamless use on tablets and laptops.

"The Android-x86 project is glad to announce 5.1-rc1 release to public. This is the first release candidate for Android-x86 5.1 (lollipop-x86) stable release," reveal the developers. "The 5.1-rc1 release is based on the Android 5.1.1_r24. We added many x86 specified code and fixed issues to let the system runs smoothly on x86 platforms, especially for netbooks or tablets."

Since the Linux 4.0.9 kernel powers the first RC of Android-x86 5, it offers support for multi-touch, 64-bit kernels, installation on UEFI disk, botting from UEFI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet (only DHCP), camera, sensors, audio and other features.

There is also support for OpenGL ES hardware acceleration, as well as auto mounting of external SD cards and USB drives which are formatted using NTFS, EXT4, VFAT and ExFAT systems.

The Android-x86 team used the Dell Inspiron Mini Duo, the Lenovo ThinkPad x61 tablet and ASUS Eee PCs and netbooks to install the RC. 

How to Install?

Use a Windows netbook which is not of any use or an old laptop to install Android-x86 - just to be on the safe side.

Download the ISO file from this link and then burn the file to a DVD so that you can use it as an installer. Alternately, transfer the file to a USB drive. The detailed installation instructions are available at this link.

Photo: JD Hancock | Flickr