Android applications can be run on computers, not just smartphones and tablets. Four methods to run Android apps on a computer include:
1. Phone Link: Connects a phone to a Windows PC, allowing interaction with mobile apps, viewing images, checking notifications, and sending messages directly from the computer. It is pre-installed on Windows but may have latency issues for gaming.
2. BlueStacks: An Android emulator designed for gaming, offering a user-friendly interface and key mapping for keyboard and mouse control. It requires a powerful computer for optimal performance.
3. Genymotion: A sophisticated emulator aimed at developers, allowing testing across various Android devices and integration with Android Studio. It may be complex for casual users and some features require a subscription.
4. Android-x86: An open-source project that installs the Android operating system directly on a computer, providing a complete Android experience. The installation process is technical and may present compatibility issues.