Genymotion vs Andy
When comparing Genymotion vs Andy, the Slant community recommends Genymotion for most people. In the question“What are the best ways to run/emulate Android on a PC?” Genymotion is ranked 1st while Andy is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose Genymotion is:
Genymotion takes advantage of OpenGL capable graphics cards allowing it to be one of the fastest Android emulators. The only comparable option is HAXM enabled Android SDK emulator.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Faster than most Android devices
Genymotion takes advantage of OpenGL capable graphics cards allowing it to be one of the fastest Android emulators. The only comparable option is HAXM enabled Android SDK emulator.
Pro Can be integrated with Eclipse and Android Studio
Genymotion has plugins for Eclipse and Android Studio allowing you to launch Genymotion right from within those IDEs.
Pro Cross-platform
Genymotion is available on Windows, OS X and Linux
Pro A webcam and a dummy webcam can be used with the emulated device
Genymotion allows using a webcam connected to a computer as a camera for the emulated device. It can also enable a dummy webcam that will display a genymotion logo in motion.
To use a webcam or set up a dummy, access camera settings panel by pressing ctrl+3 (or ⌘+3), enable the functionality and choose a front-facing and a back-facing camera.
Pro Large library of emulated devices as well as custom devices
Genymotion has a selection of over 20 virtual devices, including various Google, HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung and Sony phones and tablets. If a device that's needed is not found in the library, a custom phone or tablet device can be created with RAM, screen size and density adjusted from the wrench menu.
Pro Multiple ways of installing an application including drag & drop
Genymotion offers three ways of deploying an app:
- By dragging and dropping an .apk file on a device (ADB must be installed)
- By running adb install <appname>.apk
- By using a web link from within the emulated device
Pro GPS Widget
GPS information, including position, accuracy and bearing, can be used and modified in real time. Ctrl+2 (or ⌘+2) to access GPS settings panel.
Pro Simple setup
Installation is standard and after installing and launching Genymotion you'll have to log in. Once signed in, you can create your virtualized Android device.
Pro Comes bundled with Virtual Box
Genymotion runs on Oracle Virtual Box, that is bundled with the installation.
Pro Allows creating shared folders between host and VM
In order to enable the functionality:
- Go to your VirtualBox VM setting / Shared folder tab
- Add a shared folder with the folder you want to shared, and check the "auto mount" option
- Start your VM as usual from the Genymotion software
- Your shared folder is available in the /mnt/shared directory (multiple shared folders are supported)
Pro Emulates every Android version starting with Jelly Bean and later
Genymotion supports Android 2.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 emulation.
Pro Free version available
A free version is offered to use it with general functionality non-commercially.
Pro Enterprise Grade Android Emulator
Genymotion is a true enterprise grade Android Emulator and a very close competitor to Bluestacks in terms of features and apps compatibility. One of the key differences between Bluestacks and Genymotion is the target users. Genymotion majorly targets app developers while Bluestacks primarily targets app users and gamers.
Pro Allows setting a custom Android or device ID (paid)
A custom or random Android ID & Device ID / IMEI / MEID can be set up from the Identifiers pane that can be accessed by clicking ctrl+6 (or ⌘+6). Since IMEI and MEID are often used as device IDs, Genymotion generates number compliant with the GSM 02.16 standard.
Pro Easy device duplication and reset (paid)
A virtual device can be cloned and reset to factory settings quickly.
Pro Can simulate multitouch interactions
Multitouch commands can be issued via mouse and keyboard.
Pro Allows controlling an emulated device with a physical device (paid)
Remote control widget allows taking control of an emulated device via a physical one. It forwards multitouch gesture and accelerometer information to the virtual device.
Pro Allows capturing screenshots and videos (paid)
To capture a video or a screenshot, access capture widget by clicking ctrl+4 (or ⌘+4) and clicking either screenshot or screencast. This is especially useful for older device images (before 4.4) where there's no native way of recording.
Pro A pixel emulated takes exactly one pixel on monitor (paid)
Each pixel can be set to display using exactly one pixel of your monitor. To enable this functionality click ctrl+r (or ⌘+r).
Pro Network quality emulation (paid)
Genymotion offers multiple network profiles - Wifi, edge, 3G, 4G. Network quality (various delays and packet loss) can be controlled via UI (accessed by clicking ctrl+7 or ⌘+7), Java API or command line.
Pro Can be rooted
To root Andy download this rootkit, extract the archive and run AndyRootkit30.exe. It comes with frequently installed root applications that can be installed in the process and also allows unrooting Andy.
Pro Easy to get started
As long as virtualization is enabled in BIOS, the setup is straightforward. Simply download, install, run. First time the software runs it will ask to either log in with a Google account or create one allowing it to download software directly from the Play Store.
Pro The virtual machine Andy runs in is highly customizable
With some tinkering, Andy can be set up to run with up to 3GB of RAM, the current Android 32bit RAM limit. It allows for a smooth experience and offers enough power to have multiple apps running simultaneously. The VM can even add more virtual CPU cores to Andy, doubling it's processing power or more.
Pro Use of Genymotion VHD allows Andy to be very fast
Andy is built on top of the powerful Genymotion VHD. It takes advantage of OpenGL capable graphics cards allowing it to be one of the fastest Android emulators.
Pro Allows installing third-party launchers
Andy comes with a custom clever implementation of ADW. It is theme-able, while functions very well without any modifications. The app sorting is a nice touch. Andy is compatible with most Android launchers.
Pro Great application compatibility and stability
Andy is constantly optimizing for applications to perform better on their system. Their support staff has a reporting setup to get the right information to the developers as fast as possible.
Pro Allows using a smartphone as a controller
It can't stream media to a phone, but it can work as a game controller. It allows for accelerometer- and touch-based interactions.
Pro Good customer support
Andy manages support mostly through a Facebook group where both knowledgeable admins and smart community members help answer questions.
Pro Fully functioning notifications and widgets
Andy supports all traditional Android widgets and notifications. It can even use apps like Push Bullet to send those notifications to their other devices.
Pro Great Clash of Clans gameplay experience
The new launcher provided for, it seems, limitless number of Andy tablets. Have a Andy just for CoC with 3GB and 4CPUs to maximize your CoC play to the next level. Then make a full copy of that machine for a full backup. Have an Andy for the children, be able to lock each Andy with a password lock-screen. And manage all this with less only 7 buttons ;) Again, Simple and powerful.
Pro Simple OS upgrade process
As of this latest version, users can be notified of new versions and incremental changes. It's possible to update only certain pieces or parts, rather than downloading an entirely new build. Andy is also exploring OTA update possibilities.
Pro Andy is available in over 40 languages.
For a full list of supported languages, see here.
Pro All apps and settings can be synced between Andy and an Android device on the same network with 1ClickSync
While setting up Andy, 1ClickSync will ask for Google Account credentials that allow keeping apps and their settings in sync between Andy and an Android device.
Pro Available on Windows 7 & 8
Andy is available on Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs with OS X support in development.
Pro No signup required
Downloading Andy requires only one click with no email address or account needed.
Cons
Con Expensive
Con Signup required for download
Before downloading Genymotion, users must create an account. And even if you download from an alternative mirror, bypassing signup, you need to register and login in the application itself before using it.
Con Can't set a custom display resolution
For example: it's impossible to run it in full screen on a full HD monitor.
Con Can't run inside a virtual machine
Genymotion can't run inside a virtual machine, because virtualbox can't pass on OpenGL support.
Con Doesn't come with gapps installed
Con No OpenGL support; needed to edit BIOS
Con Audio is badly distorted with any settings
Using a simple HDMI output to AVR (NVIDIA card HDMI, base setup) the audio is stuttering and badly distorted. I've played with every combination of the settings, the only change was nosound at all with other than the AC97 audio controller (Intel HD, Soundblaster).
Genymotion launcher does not have ANY settings for audio, you have to configure it in Oracle Virtualbox settings.
Con Uses Virtualbox separately, configuration is annoying
It is bundled with Virtualbox is the meaning of it's also downloaded. During the install, you have to separately install Virtualbox and manage it after, meaning uninstalling manually when Genymotion is already uninstalled. The separate install causes ridiculous setup process, where yoiu have to set properties in the Genymotion launcher AND the Oracle Virtualbox launcher, too. Very awkward.
Con Free version is for non-commercial work only
Con No way to install your applications directly from Titanium Studio before version 3.2
With an app's apk it's possible to simply drag & drop it on a running device to install and launch the app.
Con Accelerometer and gyroscope is not yet emulated
Although accelerometer and gyroscope is not yet emulated, accelerometer data from a physical device can be used with the remote control widget.
Con Proprietary
Con Andy's Installer is known to drop/install a bitcoin miner
Andy's Installer has been reported to drop a bitcoin miner on users computer which causes significant drop in PC performance.
Con Still on Jelly Bean
KitKat version is planned.
Con No Linux Version
Con Can crash your mac
Con Only installs in Windows Drive C:/
Which is where windows is installed. What's more, it does not let you change the installation path.