Would you like to try out apps from the Android Market on your PC? We recently showed you how to run Android in an emulator on your PC. This is how you can install apps from the Android Market in the emulator.
How to Activate the Android Market in the Google Android Emulator
First you need to set up the Android emulator on your computer. If you haven’t installed it yet, check out our article on installing and running Android on your PC with the Android emulator.
Now download the new Android Virtual Machine with Android Market installed. Choose the Android 1.5 link as this is the easiest to set up.
Once the download is complete, you can open the file in your preferred archiving program. If you do not have a program for reading RAR files installed, download the free 7zip. Extract the files and then open the folder where you extracted them.
Open your Android folder for virtual machines. You can easily do this by typing the following in the address bar of the Explorer:
% userprofile% /. android / avd
Copy the files and folders you just extracted into the .android / avd folder.
Open the new AndEmu.ini file in Notepad in your .android / avd folder. We need to change the path to our Android folder. If you are using Windows XP, replace the user with your user name. If you are using Windows 7 or Vista, replace Documents and Settings \ user with Users \ your_username. Replace your_username with your actual username.
Here is our edited file AndEmu.ini. However, keep in mind that you need to provide the correct username for your computer. Remember to save the file when you are done.
You can now start the new virtual Android. Open the Android SDK Manager and you should see your new AndEmu along with your other Android virtual machines. Click Start to run it.
Alternatively, you can start it from the command prompt or create a shortcut to your desktop. For more information, see our article on running the Android emulator.
If you previously entered the folder path incorrectly, an error may appear. Go back, correct your INI file and try again.
Set up your new virtual Android
If everything has been entered correctly, the new Android emulator will start shortly. This may take a few minutes before you start it, especially the first time you start it.
After launching, click the Android logo to set up your virtual device.
You can go through a tutorial to get used to Android, or click Skip to go straight to the home screen.
This may be fun, but it is primarily intended to help you get used to using Android on a touchscreen, which is not too useful on a PC.
You will now be asked to set up your Google account. Click Sign in and enter your default Gmail account information or create a new one. You can skip this at any time and set it up later.
Once you’re done, your Android home screen will appear on your PC with a market link.
Use the Android Market
To download and use apps on your Android virtual machine, click the Market icon on the home screen or in the Apps menu.
If you haven’t already entered your Google Account into virtual Android, you’ll need to set it up as before.
Android is then synchronized with Google’s servers, which can take a few moments.
Accept the Market Terms of Use as soon as they appear.
Now you can search, download and buy apps in the Android Market directly in the emulator of your PC
Search apps by category to find something you want to download.
Or Press the menu key on the emulated phone to search for apps and select display options.
When you find an app you want to try, click the Install button on the description page.
Click OK to continue installing the application.
Your new app will now download and you can check the progress in the notification bar at the top.
Now go back to your home screen by pressing the home button on the virtual phone. Your new apps are in the Apps menu. Pick one to try it out.
Here is the popular Opera Mini browser in our virtual Android.
Evernote’s Android app also works in virtual Android.
You can even try some Android games right from your PC.
Conclusion
Whether you want to try Android apps without buying a new mobile device, or simply test apps safely before installing them on your Android phone. This is a great way to use the entire Android Market on your PC. Some apps may not work properly on a PC, e.g. B. for camera and microphone apps for which certain hardware is required.
In this way, however, we were able to try out a variety of apps. If you are using a Mac or Linux computer, you can use it. Also with the Android emulator for your OS.