Unlike a usual emulator for Windows, the Andy app doesn’t force you to run the programs in either a fixed-size window or a full-screen mode.
On the first launch, you’ll have to go through the basic Android on PC setup, which will require you to connect the Google account to the Andy app. You just simply swipe the padlock or use the mouse for a click-and-drag mechanism. Once you launch the app on your PC, you’ll notice the standard Android home screen. It lets you run mobile games and apps in a sandboxed, customized build of Android. Compared to BlueStacks, GameLoop, MEmu, and other similar tools, many users consider Andy as a more hassle-free emulator for Windows. It shows up in a resizable window right next to your native Windows apps. The software has been developed to give users an immersive experience. If you need painless, free, full-featured Android emulation for the Microsoft Windows platform - I highly recommend Andy.Offers an immersive Android experience on PCĪndy download gives access to a wide range of Android apps in full-screen mode. Last, but not least, HandyAndy contains a Term Shell utility: Summing it all up Other features include Local and Android IP information, and the Settings menu permits the user to change screen dimensions and mouse scroll settings of the VM. …and browse to the sdcard/Shared path, the Andy folder points to the same Andy folder created in the Windows file system.įor technical users, the HandyAndy toolbar contains many useful features - such as the VM Launcher - which enables management of multiple Andy virtual machines. So, to access this folder, use the ES File Explorer app in Android… On my system, this folder was created inside my C:\Users\glasskeys folder: This toolbar becomes visible when the mouse pointer is moved to the bottom of Andy's desktop window - that is, as long as it has been toggled ON before starting Andy.Īndy also makes sharing files locally a snap, during installation Andy created a C:\users\USERNAME\Andy folder. For situations like these, the Andy's System Bar is invaluable - allowing a user to change the screen orientation at the click of a button.
After closing apps such as these, Andy is still in the same screen mode.
Nifty featuresĬertain Android apps "flip" Andy into portrait mode - this is necessary because certain apps only work in portrait mode. The notification dropdown also worked as it should, displaying the same messages I normally receive on my real Android tablet.
Integration with other PC hardware like wireless networking hardware - including laptop's battery power level - was seamless and trouble-free. There was little lag and the emulator - Andy implements VirtualBox behind the scenes- was fairly responsive.
And, as far as the apps were concerned, they were running on a normal Android tablet.Īlthough Andy does not require a touchscreen, using the touchscreen of my laptop almost made me believe I was using an Android tablet - especially when running Andy in full screen mode. I encountered no problems installing or running any of the apps I tested.
Next, I opened Google Play to install a handful of apps. As this screenshot illustrates, Andy runs Android version 4.2.2, aka Kit-Kat: I first ran the Settings app, checking technical details.