Today, with the advancement of technology, we see the implementation of operating systems on top of each other. This can be done by hardware or software called Emulator. For example, if you want to have the Android environment on your operating system, you can implement the Android operating system on your Windows computer with an emulator, which should be an Android emulator here. Now many simulators have been developed and developed and have gained many fans.
Your smart device may be equipped with iOS or use other operating systems in the world such as Windows Phone. In this case, you can benefit from the features of this operating system by installing an Android emulator on your home system at no additional cost (of course, only in some versions).
Meanwhile, some programmers or developers can also test their programs without accessing the Android phone or customize its user interface by installing the emulator. Apart from all this, you can run popular Android games on the emulator and start playing by connecting a gamepad (or the game controller).
In this article, we are going to tell you what an Android emulator is and introduce you to the best examples produced and how to use them. Stay with us.
Table of Contents
What is an Android emulator?
Android Emulator is an Android Virtual Device (AVD). This virtual device can simulate a specific Android device (phone, tablet, Android TV, etc.). We can use the Android emulator as the target device to run and test the Android application on the computer. Android emulator provides almost all the functionality of a real device. With this simulator, we can receive phone calls and various messages. It also provides device location and simulates different network speeds. This device is also able to connect to the Google Play Store.
An Android emulator is an application or software that can use the hardware resources of your system and run the popular and open-source Android operating system. That is, by installing an emulator program on a Windows system or even an Apple laptops, you can implement all Android features on your desktop and even experience Android games and programs on your operating system.
Of course, since these programs change the codes to use hardware resources, they may have a slightly slower performance than your mobile phone. Of course, sometimes the opposite happens. And running Android apps on the emulator is sometimes faster and easier than on the real device. For example, we can transfer data to the emulator faster than a real device connected to the computer via USB.
As the name Emulator suggests, its task is to simulate another environment.
What are the uses of Android emulators?
Android emulators can be used for various tasks. In the following, we introduce some of its uses:
- Testing and troubleshooting applications built by ourselves: One of the uses of the Android emulator is to test built applications. This option is mostly used for Android programmers and developers, by using it, Android programmers can test and troubleshoot their applications and find out about their problems.
- Getting to know and working with the Android operating system: One of the things that can be done using emulators is getting to know the Android operating system and working with it. If you also want to get to know Android and its features, but you don’t have an Android phone, don’t worry. Because you can experience and enjoy working with Android using Android emulators.
- Installing Android applications on the computer: Another use of the Android emulator is to run Android applications on the computer. You can install and use Android applications on your computer using the Android emulator. This application of emulators makes you no longer need an Android phone to use Android applications. You can easily run and use Android applications on your computer.
- Installing Android games on the computer: Another application of the Android emulator that forces people to use Android emulators is to install Android games on the computer. Using Android emulators, you can install games on your computer that can only be installed on mobile phones. With the help of this feature, you can install and use most of the Android games on your computer without the need for an Android mobile and only through the Android emulator.
Introducing the best Android emulators and how to work with them
So far, a large number of Android emulator programs for Windows have been introduced. In the following, we are going to introduce the best of them. The way to work with these simulators is very easy and you only need to install the desired program on the system. And after running, work with it like an Android phone. Most of these apps will automatically run the APK files available on the system and you don’t even need to install the Android apps.
1. NOx App Player
This program has an acceptable speed. And it can solve all your needs from an Android phone to Windows. If your device is a touch screen, you can have the same experience as an Android tablet. This program is very similar to smartphones and you can even take a screenshot like a phone or increase and decrease the volume. It is possible to run several programs at the same time in Nox App Player, which makes it easy for you. Note that you can specify the frequency of the processor and the amount of RAM in this program.
Advantages of NOx emulator
Multiplayer feature
With this feature, you can run and use several different applications at the same time using an emulator.
Optimal use of RAM and CPU
One of the good features of this simulator is the optimal use of RAM and CPU. This makes you not feel any slowdown in working with this emulator. Also, this case makes the hardware resources of your system to be used optimally. And in this case, your system will not be slow to run other software.
The possibility of recording video from the simulator
By using this feature, you will be able to record an educational video from the simulator. With the help of this feature, you can record an educational video from the simulator.
Ability to install on Macintosh operating system
You can download the Mac version of this emulator from the main site and install and run this emulator on your Mac operating system.
Dedicated professional site
Another good feature of this simulator is having a dedicated site. You can download and install the latest version of the emulator from its site and use it.
FAQ
One of the features of this simulator is having a FAQ section. In this section, you can see the questions many users ask and find related answers. And see the answer to your question among the available questions.
Powerful settings panel
Another good feature of this simulator is the powerful settings panel. Using it you can apply more settings on this simulator.
Being fast and smooth
One of the prominent features of this simulator is its speed and smoothness. You can work and use it without slowing down.
App Center
One of the important parts of this simulator is its App Center. In this section, you can always see the latest applications and install and use them.
Support for Android version 5
Another disadvantage of this simulator is the support for Android version 5. Because newer versions of Android have been provided, unfortunately, this emulator still supports Android version 5. This is considered a weak point for this simulator.
2. BlueStacks
This program is one of the best in this field and it can be called the most stable Android emulator. BlueStacks is completely free and will not disturb you while working. Sometimes we see advertisements in its corners, which can be largely eliminated by disconnecting the device from the Internet.
Of course, you can avoid ads altogether by paying a certain amount. This program does not require special hardware to run and can be used in relatively old systems. However, to run programs better, it is better to use a powerful graphics card. The interesting thing about BlueStacks is the possibility of synchronizing apps on Android phones. To download, you can use the official website of this program.
3. Andy OS
This program is somewhat different from the previous two simulators. We are witnessing a combination of different versions of the Android operating system, of course, the user can experience good stability with it. This program supports the mouse and keyboard well. It is free for home use. But if you want to use it for commercial activities, you have to pay a certain fee.
Andy syncs well with your phone and you can use your phone as a remote control for it. Or access the files on the computer through the phone, which is interesting in its way. (Refer to this link to download this emulator.)
4. Remix OS Player
Like the previous programs, Remix is an Android emulator on Windows, with the difference that it is optimized for gamers. This means that this emulator has tried its best to enable the smooth and trouble-free running of Android games on the Windows operating system. You will even experience the possibility of playing multiple games at the same time in Remix. This program is made with the latest Android Studio technology and guarantees that it will start your work at a high speed.
5. Genymotion
Unlike previous emulators, this app is optimized for developers. If you are an Android programmer or developer, you can test your application in this emulator on different versions of Android. Genymotion comes with many default plugins and features, making it an ideal option for developers. Of course, this emulator works with VirtualBox and requires that you have installed this program to run. You can download this emulator from here.
6. Archon ARChon
Continuing the discussion about android emulators, we are going to introduce the Arcan emulator. Arkan is a free simulator that is very different from other simulators. ARChon is an extension for the Chrome browser that allows its users to install Android applications on their Chrome browser.
7. Introducing AMIDuOS Android Emulator
The previous 6 emulators that we introduced were free emulators. AMIDuOS is a non-free emulator, which has two versions. The first version supports Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and the second version supports Android 5.0 Lollipop. But perhaps the weak point of this simulator is that both versions are not free.
This emulator is very powerful and to access the version with Android 4.3 you have to pay $10 and for Android 5.0 you have to pay $15. By paying these amounts, there will be no more ads and in-app purchases, and you will be able to install most Android apps on this product.
To have very fast access and high graphics power, this simulator uses a 3D accelerator. Support for the OpenGL driver in this emulator has made Android games to be displayed with the highest quality. Another feature of this simulator is support for various laptop and computer drivers such as camera, microphone, ambient light sensor, etc. Is. This has made AMIDuOS one of the most popular products on the market.
Getting started with this simulator is a bit difficult. But if you learn it well, you will enjoy using it. One of the unique features of this product is its compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. One of the disadvantages of this emulator is that it does not run heavy applications.
8. Introducing VirtualBox
So far, things that you could implement directly have been mentioned. But VirtualBox is not like that. VirtualBox allows its users to use another operating system in addition to the main operating system. Therefore, in addition to installing VirtualBox, you will also need to have an ISO file of the Android operating system.
Earlier it was mentioned that emulators support Windows or Mac operating systems and even both operating systems. But in addition to supporting Mac and Windows operating systems, VirtualBox also can support various sub-branches of Linux. In this sense, it has relative superiority over other simulators.
9. Introducing the Android emulator Android Studio
This emulator is called Android Studio. Android Studio has very high compatibility with Windows 7, 8, and 10 so that the user can easily run the programs very smoothly. But the noteworthy point is the very difficult installation process, which we do not recommend this emulator to normal users.
Android Studio has many plugins. Essential Android Studio plugins allow designers to build apps. The simulation in this program provides the user with fewer features than Genymotion. If designers of all Android applications want to start introducing Android emulators, they will prioritize Android Studio.