BlueStacks
Overview
BlueStacks is an Android Emulator for Windows and Mac released in 2009. The app recreates the Android environment allowing access to mobile only applications and services with ease. BlueStacks includes a standalone app store mainly targeted at gaming but also can access the Google Play Store. Most apps don't experience compatibility issues but as with different phones and Android releases compatibility can be an issue if not fully updated. However, some apps may experience visual degradation due to upscaling resolutions and textures on a larger screen. BlueStacks allows us as educators to use and demonstrate mobile apps more efficiently in class. The software also allows the use of mobile management and organizational services more seamlessly with traditional PC or Mac applications. Most modern PCs will run the application easily but older models or those lacking RAM my struggle to properly emulate the engine needed for BlueStacks.
