Andy

Warning: Following reports of Andy installing cryptocurrency mining software silently (without giving users the option to refuse its installation), we have removed the download links for the time being. Until this issue is resolved, we recommend that you try alternative software instead.

Android is a mobile operating system that powers a wide range of devices, including smartphones and tablets.

If you want a chance to discover its functions and experiment with it without purchasing such a handset, you can try an emulator, such as Andy.

Before you get to enjoy Android utilities on your desktop, you need to take some time to install the software on your PC. Considering its complexity, it is only fair to expect its installation process to take more than a few minutes - similarly, its resource consumption is considerable when actually running the emulator.

If you are running a virtual machine when you start installing Andy, it will be automatically shut down, so you might want to save your work first.

Once the setup is complete, the program displays a wizard just like the one typically shown when configuring a tablet or a smartphone. You need to enter your Google username and password, or create a new account if you prefer.

The main window emulates the home screen of any Android handset, while also providing you with some pre-installed apps to get you started.

After you got familiarized with the Android environment, you can start browsing the Google Play store for software that might interest you.

You can also personalize the existing features by setting up shortcuts and widgets on the home screen, so you can access important apps more easily. You get to set up reminders, create appointments and modify contact data just like you would in a regular Android device.

Andy can help you learn the basics of using an Android smartphone or tablet, provided you are running a powerful PC and are willing to invest time in setting the environment up first.