The convergence of single-board computers and mobile operating systems allows for diverse applications. Specifically, an earlier iteration of the popular Raspberry Pi device, the model 3, has been adapted to run a specific version of the Android operating system – version 9. This combination provides a platform for experimenting with embedded systems, custom software development, and media center applications.
This specific configuration, enabling an ARM-based computer board to utilize a mobile operating system, is valuable because it offers a cost-effective means for software developers and hobbyists to test Android applications on non-standard hardware. It also allows for the creation of dedicated devices running a mobile OS without the need for expensive mobile phone hardware. Previously, alternative methods were significantly more complex or expensive, involving emulation or virtual machines.