Myriad announces a virtual machine to run Android apps on multiple platforms

Myriad Group AG has just announced Myriad Alien Dalvik, a virtual machine that enables Android apps to run on multiple non-Android platforms.

We’ve previously told you about Myriad’s Dalvik Turbo, software aimed to replace the standard Dalvik engine that powers apps on Android, an engine that Myraid said increased app execution speed by up to three times.

Myriad Alien Dalvik, is a version of Myriad’s previous Dalvik VM that supports Android apps that use Java, and its newest virtual machine can be installed on a device like a Nokia phone showcased in Myriad’s video, enabling the user to run Android applications like Twitter and Google Maps.

Alien Dalvik enables the majority of Android applications to run unmodified, allowing application store owners to quickly kick start Android application store services by simply repackaging Android Package (APK) files. –Myriad Group

Late last month it was reported by BGR that RIM, the BlackBerry manufacturer was possibly considering using the Android Dalvik virtual machines to run the newest edition of Java on upcoming devices including the Playbook.

Depicted in the video below, Myriad is using its Alien Dalvik engine on MeeGo/Maemo, the result of a partnership with Nokia and Intel where the companies merged into one Linux based operating system. The company also stated that it can do more than just MeeGo, and its prepared to develop support for multiple platforms. Some folks suggest it may even be used to “reinvigorate the Symbian OS app portfolio”.

Myriad Group is a combination of Esmertec and Purple Labs, two industry leading companies that together have been able to ship over 3.7 billion software apps on more than 2.2 billion mobile handsets. The company’s portfolio highlights its focus on mobile technology including browsers, social networking, user-interfaces and messaging on a variety of mobile phones.

Have a look at the video below and let us hear your thoughts in the comments.

The proliferation of Android has been staggering, but there is still room for growth. By extending Android to other platforms, we are opening up the market even further, creating new audiences and revenue opportunities, — Simon Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, Myriad Group.