In that case, you can alternatively use an Android Emulator. In contrast to iOS, there are plenty of emulators for Android devices out there, available as both free and paid software. Not only for Windows, Mac users also have many solid options to choose from as well.
Part 2. Top 3 Android Emulator for Mac
- • BlueStacks
- • Genymotion
- • Andy
1. BlueStacks
BlueStacks App Player is probably the most popular emulator for running Android apps on Mac. It is available for both Mac and Windows. It creates a virtual copy of Android OS apps on the guest OS. It uses the unique 'LayerCake' technology that allows you to run android apps on your PC without any external Virtual Desktop Application. Once install user can enjoy Android games and apps such as News Feeds, Social Network on a large screen.
BlueStacks maintain an internal search manager that allows any apk, the package file format that is used to distribute and install application and middleware on any Android device, to install within it. It can be
Advantage
- • .apk files can be installed into BlueStacks from Mac simply by double clicking.
- • It can also sync between the apps on Mac and the android phone or tablet by installing BlueStacks Cloud Connect app on Android Device.
- • Apps can be launched directly from Mac dashboard.
- • No need to configure additional Internet connection as it automatically gets the Internet connection of host computer.
- • BlueStacks App Player is available for both Windows and Mac.
Disadvantage
- When running complex graphic apps it fails to respond to the input in a timely fashion.
- It does not provide any mechanism to uninstall cleanly from the host computer.
Download
- • It can be downloaded from the official website of BlueStacks. It is absolutely free.
How to use
Download BlueStacks for Mac OS X from the official website of BlueStacks and install it like any other software on your PC. Once installed, it will boot up to its Home Screen. From there you can find the installed apps, find new apps in the 'Top Charts', search apps, play games and change settings. Mouse will be the basic touch controller. To access Google Play you will have to associate a Google Account with BlueStacks.
2. Genymotion
Genymotion is a fast and wonderful third party emulator that can be used to create a virtual environment for Android. It is the fastest Android emulator on the earth. It can be used to develop, test and run Android apps on Mac PC. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux machine. It is easy to install and can create a customized android device. You can start multiple virtual devices at the same time. It has the pixel perfect functionality so you can be precise to your UI development. By using the OpenGL acceleration it can achieve the best 3D performance. It directly commands the virtual devices sensors with Genymotion sensors. It is evolution of the Android open source project and already trusted by about 300,000 developers around the globe.
Advantage
- • Best 3D performance is achieved through OpenGL acceleration.
- • Support full screen option.
- • Can start multiple virtual devices at the same time.
- • Fully compatible with ADB.
- • Available for Mac, Windows and Linux machine.
Disadvantage
- • Require virtual Box to run Genymotion.
- • Cannot deploy Android machine offline.
Download
- Genymotion can be downloaded from the official website of Genymotion. The latest version of Genymotion is 2.2.2. You have to choose a package that meets your requirements.
How to use
- 1. Download Genymotion. You have to create an account to download it.
- 2. Open the .dmg installer. It will also install Oracle VM Virtual Box on your computer.
- 3. Move the Genymotion and Genymotion Shell to application directory.
- 4. Click the icon from Application directory and the following window will appear.
- 5. To add virtual device click on the add button.
- 6. Click on the connect button.
- 7. Enter your user name and password to connect to the Genymotion Cloud and click on the connect button. After connecting with the Genymotion cloud the following screen will appear.
- 8. Select a virtual machine and click on Next.
- 9. Give a name for the Virtual machine like below and click on Next.
- 10. Your virtual device will be now be downloaded and deployed. Click on the Finish button after successful deployment of your virtual machine.
- 11. Click on the Play button to start the new virtual machine and enjoy.
3. Andy
Andy is an open source emulator that allows developers and users to enjoy more robust apps, to experience them in multiple device environments, and to stop being constraint by the limits of device storage, screen size or separate OS. User can update their Android through Andy. It provides seamless sync between desktop and mobile device. User can use their phone as joystick while playing games.
Advantage
- • It provides a seamless sync between desktop and mobile device.
- • Enable Android OS update.
- • Enable app download from any desktop browser to Andy OS.
- • Phones can be used as joystick while playing games.
- • Unlimited storage expansion.
Disadvantage
- • Increase CPU usage.
- • Consumes a lot of physical memory.
Download
- • You can download Andy from www.andyroid.net.
How to Use
- 1. Download and install Andy.
- 2. Launch Andy. It will take about a minute to boot and then it should see a welcome screen.
- 3. Sign into your Google Account and complete the rest of the setup screen. You will be asked to provide your Google Account Information to 1ClickSync, the app that let's you sync between Andy and the mobile device
1.iPhone emulator for PC
There is a growing demand for iPhone emulators for pc so that it creates an environment to run the iOS applications on PC. It is popular because it lets you use all the games and applications originally designed for iPhone to be accessible over PC.
iPadian
This is an iPhone emulator which allows you to use any iOS application or games from it. It is a very useful emulator as it can run on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Link:http://en.softonic.com/s/ipadian-2015
iOS Screen Recorder
iOS Screen Recorder enable you to mirror and record your iPhone screen to the computer. So you can also enjoy ultimate big screen experience with dr.fone. Apart from that, presenters, educators and gamers can easily record the live content on their mobile devices to the computer for replay & sharing.
iOS Screen Recorder
Enjoy ultimate big screen recording and mirroring from your iOS device!
- One click to mirror or record your iPhone or iPad to your computer wirelessly.
- Play the most polular games (like Clash royale, clash of clans, Pokemon ...) on your PC easily and smoothly.
- Support both jailbroken and non-jailbroken device.
- Compatible with iPhone,iPad and iPod touch that runs iOS 7.1 to iOS 13.
- Contains both Windows and iOS versions .
MobiOneStudio
This is one more iOS emulator which can help developers to test their applications on cross-platforms. Lets you play the games also without any hitch. It also helps in building cross-platform applications in minutes.
Downside:
- • It takes time and patience to learn the skill
- • It is not exactly a freeware but, available as a fifteen day free trial
Link:https://ssl-download.cnet.com/MobiOne-Design-Center/3000-2247_4-75910775.html
AiriPhoneEmulator
This is a complete package by using which you will not be able to play games only, but also make and receive calls. This will help you send voice messages, add the details of your favourite contacts. All applications available on apple store will be able to run on this without any difficulties.
Downside:
- • It is not fully functional
- • The web browser, Safari and many other applications which are found on the priginal phone are not found in this replica.
Link:http://merhl.com/apps/DesktopiPhone.air