The concept describes efforts to run Google’s Android operating system on devices originally designed for Microsoft’s Windows Mobile or Windows Phone platforms. This typically involves custom ROMs, emulators, or virtual machines that enable Android applications and functionalities to operate within the Windows Mobile environment. Examples include projects aiming to dual-boot Android on older Windows Mobile smartphones or utilizing compatibility layers to execute Android apps.
The motivation behind such endeavors often stems from the desire to access the wider application ecosystem available on Android, particularly as support for the Windows Mobile platform waned. Benefits could include extending the lifespan of existing hardware, leveraging the user-friendly interface of Android, and gaining access to a broader range of software. Historically, this arose from user frustration with the limited app selection and eventual discontinuation of support for the Windows Mobile OS, creating a demand for alternative operating systems.