Running a mobile operating system, initially designed for smartphones and tablets, within a virtual machine environment is increasingly common. This involves using virtualization software to emulate the hardware required by the operating system, allowing it to function on a standard desktop or server platform. A practical example includes setting up a virtual environment on a computer to test applications or develop software for mobile devices without needing a physical device.
This approach provides numerous advantages, including cost savings related to hardware investment, enhanced security through isolation, and the ability to run multiple instances of the operating system simultaneously. Historically, developers have utilized emulators; however, true virtualization offers improved performance and a closer representation of the target device. The practice significantly streamlines the application development and testing workflows and extends the lifespan of existing hardware by enabling it to support newer operating systems through virtualization.