Andy OS for Windows review
Andy OS, an Android emulator, enables you to run mobile apps and games in a sandboxed custom build of Android on your Windows desktop.
Pros
Full Android experience: While other Android emulators only let you emulate individual apps over a custom user interface, Andy OS lets you in on the full Android experience.
Wide range of app compatibility: Full emulation means Andy can run any apps in the Google Play store. Notifications, app side-loading (installing apps outside Google Play), and even rooting are doable if you have the know-how.
Advanced options: Built on top of open-source Oracle VM VirtualBox, Andy is fully customizable, provided you have the technical knowledge. Modern PCs are powerful enough that you can tweak the virtual machine to run at much higher hardware settings than the standard preset for a smoother Android experience.
Remote control: With the Andy Remote Control app, you can use your Android phone or tablet as a controller to play games wirelessly.
Cons
Clunky setup: Downloading and installing Andy requires patience. On some machines we were able to download, install, and run in one go, while other PCs required tweaking. Setting up Andy Remote Control is also a test of will -- the app sometimes did not recognize our PC. However, Andy's Facebook support page is packed with troubleshooting tips.
Hardware-intensive: Andy is not a light app: it requires a minimum of 3GB of RAM and 20GB of hard disk space. Launching multiple apps in Andy will result in some sluggishness. You don't need a powerhouse to run Andy, but a decent rig is recommended, especially if you plan to give the VM an extra boost in advanced settings.
Runs Jelly Bean: Andy OS is currently running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, one of the more popular Android versions that is now a bit outdated. If you've been working on KitKat or Lollipop, you'll have to wait a bit longer until they come to Andy.
Bottom Line
Andy OS is a capable Android emulator. The app has hefty requirements and a tricky installation but offers much more customization than most virtualization software. Full Android emulation allows you to run pretty much everything inside and outside Google Play, and the remote-control function makes Andy ideal for gaming. The level of compatibility makes the application a great way for you to delve into Android's ecosystem without buying extra hardware.
