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Test Drive Android on your PC (Windows, Mac, or Linux) - the clean version - Printable Version

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Test Drive Android on your PC (Windows, Mac, or Linux) - the clean version - ralgith - 02-01-2011

If you want to test drive the Android OS before buying a Smartphone that uses it such as the Droid 2 or the HTC Incredible, you can test it on your PC!

To do so, simply follow these instructions:
  1. Download and install Prerequisites Listed Below
  2. Download and install the Android SDK (Software Development Kit), which comes with an Android Emulator.
  3. If appropriate with your OS run the Android Updater and choose to download everything, so that you can emulate all versions of the Android OS.
    1. I had to do it in Linux by running "tools/android update sdk"
    2. On Windows I just left the box ticked at the end of installation to run the Manager, and it popped right up with the "Choose Packages to Install" window, and I ticked Accept All and installed them.
  4. From the Android Manager choose Virtual Devices
  5. Click the "New" button, and create the Android you want (Choosing OS version and other options)
  6. Enjoy Playing With Android

Once installed you'll be able to run an android phone simulation right there on your computer's desktop.

Prerequisites:
Java JDK
Eclipse IDE

Windows users can get a "patched" version (by a hacker) that will run without the prerequisites and SDK:
http://www.redmondpie.com/android-emulator-for-windows/

IMPORTANT NOTES:
While this provides an emulated Android OS, please be aware that since Android OS is a Linux OS and is easily customizable, most phone manufacturers make modifications to it for their phones, and then the phone companies (Verizon, AT&T, etc...) make more modifications to it as well. This is only to give you a feel for the basic Android OS interface.