A specific single-board computer, the Raspberry Pi 2, can be configured to operate using the Android operating system. This setup allows the compact, low-power device to function with applications primarily designed for mobile platforms. For example, the Raspberry Pi 2 can be loaded with a custom Android image, enabling users to run Android applications on a non-traditional computing device.
The utility of such a configuration lies in leveraging the broad application ecosystem of Android on a versatile hardware platform. It offers potential benefits for projects requiring a small footprint, low energy consumption, and access to a wide range of software. Early adopters experimented with this setup to create custom media centers, thin clients, and embedded systems, exploring the possibilities of repurposing mobile applications in novel environments.