An emulator is a program that allows a host system to perform the functions of and act like the guest system. This means, even if an Android smartphone or tablet is not connected to a Windows computer system, the user would still be able to run Android on it. Thus, the user is be able to download unlimited applications from Google Play store through a virtual Android device that will be displayed on their computer screen. If a user does not own an Android device, they can still enjoy the Android experience on their Windows or even Mac PC or laptop with Android emulators.

Game developers install android emulators to test apps or games, before they are officially released in the market. Gamers may also like to install Android emulators as they enhance the gaming experience and let the user control the game. Or users may simply install them to manage and organize their smartphone, to backup or transfer phone data or to download a larger number of apps and games than the phone memory allows. The name ‘app player’ is given to emulators for precisely this reason. Emulators also enable the user to sync applications and games on their Android phone with their computer.