Android with Intel 64-bit kernel in questions and answers

Rumors that Intel is preparing a 64-bit version of Android, optimized for its processors, have been around for quite some time, and the corporation itself did not make any secret of this at the final stages: well, a direct confirmation of this was sounded at the recent IDF forum in Chinese Shenzhen. However, there was too little information to bring it to Habr discussion - in other words, there was nothing to discuss. Now it is not so: we have information about the work done, and, most importantly, direct links for downloading a new product. We decided to issue the available information in the form of questions and answers.

What is the product presented by Intel?
Intel has developed a version of the Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating system optimized for Intel 64-bit processors. In fact, separate Android builds for specific Intel-based mobile devices (such as the Samsung ATIV transformer, for example) have been done before, starting with Ivy Bridge. However, the fundamental difference from them is the product we are talking about now - it is suitable for any processor within the same generation. In other words, instead of custom builds, generic distributions are presented.

What part of the presented product is 64-bit?
64-bit is the kernel used by the Android operating system. Until Google releases a fully 64-bit OS, 32-bit Android will run on a 64-bit kernel.
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For which generations of processors are Android distributions built?
UEFI Android distributions are currently available for the following processors:

• Bay trail
• Haswell
• Ivy bridge

In addition, a separate distribution was awarded to the computer MinnowBoard MAX (recall, the Bay Trail processor is also installed there). All distributions are available for download from the site 01.org . From there you can download the already mentioned custom builds.

What optimizations are included in Intel distributions?
Technologies such as HTML5, Javascript, and Java (Dalvik virtual machine) have been optimized. As for the native libraries, Webkit browser, V8 engine, Bionic C, graphics libraries and much more have been optimized. In addition, a lot of work was spent on optimizing the kernel and drivers to improve their performance and efficiency. Now create native Android applications will be even easier and more interesting.

Does Intel distribution include the GMS license?
Intel has positioned its 64-bit distributions as the basic reference platform, so the GMS license (and, accordingly, Google Play, etc.) is absent in them. However, nothing prevents to get it to those who will use them.

Is it planned to release a 32-bit version of distributions?
No, only 64-bit optimizations will be released. At one time, a version of Jelly Bean was released under x86, you can try to find it on the Internet.

Will optimized Intel code snippets be published?
Intel's optimization of the code is so closely related to the peculiarities of the architecture of its processors, that unfortunately, free access to the source code without the design of the NDA is impossible.

Once again we draw your attention that in order to support the development of the Android OS under the Intel x86 platform, a special section has been created on the site 01.org . There you will find all sorts of valuable tips, advice, examples and distributions.