The ability to run a different operating system’s environment on a device designed for another offers a unique form of cross-platform functionality. For example, achieving this allows a user of one type of smartphone to experience applications and features typically exclusive to a competitor’s ecosystem. This involves software that interprets the instructions of one system for execution on another.
This capability unlocks various advantages, from testing applications across platforms without requiring multiple devices to accessing software unavailable on the primary operating system. Historically, achieving this was complex, requiring significant technical expertise and often resulting in performance limitations. However, advancements in virtualization and software development have steadily improved the feasibility and user experience.