How can I run an iOS or Android app on my PC?

Question

I've got a SWTOR account, and I'm interested in adding a security key to my account. Not because I'm particularly worried about my account being compromised, but because it allows access to a particular vendor in game as an incentive to increase your security.

Since the app is free, I saw no downside. I grabbed my iPod, booted up iTunes, and downloaded the app. This is when I realized 3 things.

1. I have a first generation iTouch. It's running iOS 1.1.5;
2. If I want to run apps, I need to pay 5$ to upgrade to iOS 3.0.0 or later (since 2.0 isn't available).
3. Even if I upgrade my iTouch's OS, I don't have a wireless network, which means I can't use the authenticator app even if I could get it onto my iTouch.

So now I have the authenticator app in iTunes and no way to use it with my ancient brick of an iTouch.

---

Is there any way I can emulate an iPhone on my PC so that I can run this app?

Alternatively: is there any way I can emulate an Android device on my PC so I can run the android versoin of the app?

Solution 1

Yes, you can legally run an Android App.

You have to install the Android SDK, which can be downloaded here. Having installed it, you can create a virtual android phone on which you can install anything you want.

Solution 2

No. Not legally, nor technically.

1. The iOS simulator only runs in OS X, and thus on Mac hardware and
2. Even if you did have a mac and the simulator, the iOS simulator can only install apps if you have the package and install it through Xcode.

A comparable alternative solution would be to install a version of Android in Virtual box, which can be run on a PC and find a comparable Android application to install in the virtual android device.

Comments

[Admin]

Unfortunately you cant. There is no iOS emulator for PC. At least not a legal one.

[IUnknown]

Doesn't the question specifically mention a "PC"? Also, are you sure you can purchase/transfer app store apps to the iOS simulator?

[Raven Dreamer]

Any further suggestions on emulating Android?

[inf]

@RavenDreamer The android docs are acutally very good and very detailed, you should find your way by following the installation steps. In the following link is described how to manage your VMs, but like I said, install it and click around, it's very easy. developer.android.com/guide/developing/devices/index.html

[auliaekadharma]

Mac hardware? Haha. Ever since Mac switched to Intel, Mac hardware is PC hardware - hence bootcamp and the ability to run Windows natively on a Mac.

[xdumaine]

@The Dag Grow up. It means "Apple Branded Hardware" which is what's in the license for OS X. This is not a flame war. And this is 2.5 years old.

[auliaekadharma]

@xdumaine You said "not legally, nor technically" and gave the impression that OS X can't technically run on anything but "Mac hardware". I merely pointed out the fact that "Mac hardware" is the same as PC hardware, technically. I haven't commented on the legal side of it at all. If you tell people to "grow up" because they point out a matter of fact, perhaps you need to grow up a bit yourself. Just sayin'.