The practice of implementing Google’s mobile operating system on Raspberry Pi single-board computers allows users to leverage the familiar Android environment on versatile, low-cost hardware. This convergence creates opportunities for diverse applications, ranging from custom media centers to dedicated control systems. For instance, LineageOS, a popular Android distribution, can be installed on a Raspberry Pi to create a tablet-like experience or a portable gaming console.
Utilizing a mobile operating system on the Raspberry Pi offers benefits such as access to a vast ecosystem of applications through the Google Play Store (or alternative app stores), a readily understandable user interface, and compatibility with numerous peripherals. The intersection of these two technologies provides a flexible platform for education, prototyping, and hobbyist projects. Historically, this cross-platform capability has broadened the accessibility of embedded systems development, lowering the barrier to entry for those familiar with mobile software.