ARC Welder

ARC Welder is an Android emulator application available for Google Chrome on your Windows personal computer. It lets you run Android applications on your computer without needing to use an Android smartphone.

IT professionals and Android app developers can use this emulator to test out applications on larger screens before transferring them to smaller smartphone screens.

⚠️ Note: This product is not developed anymore and might not function properly.

ARC stands for “App Runtime for Chrome.” It gives you a realistic experience of using your Android application as if it were on an Android smartphone, even though it is on your computer.

All the standard smartphone features are included with the emulator, such as the virtual buttons, animations, interface, and menus. Since it is so much easier to navigate and multitask on a personal computer, the emulator can save you a lot of time.

You can only test Android application files in APK format. So make sure you have an APK file of the Android application that you’d like to test on your personal computer. You can generate a debut APK file in Android Studio or any other popular Android app development program. Then you can see your Android app on a bigger computer screen.

It is not possible to download APK files from the Google Play Store. You must be the developer of the program or have direct access to the APK files from the developer. It is the only way you can test the apps in ARC Welder. After the APK file is running, you can choose to view the application in portrait mode or landscape mode. The app can also be configured to run on a smartphone or tablet.

Don’t expect there to be very many updates to the ARC Welder emulator software. For this reason, some of the newer APK files and Android applications might not run correctly on your computer. The Chrome app was designed to emulate a particular Android Studio version, so newer versions will be more challenging to emulate.

Of course, you should continue to check the ARC Welder website for any new updates that might be there. If your APK files cannot run on ARC Welder, you should try some alternative emulators like Vysor Android Control or Genymotion. They both receive updates to them all the time.

ARC Welder allows you to set the keyboard inputs to mimic the touchscreen of an Android smartphone. All the app data and login information can get saved as well. However, there are no security features included with the app. For this reason, make sure you don’t lose your laptop computer or allow it to get into the wrong hands.

Don’t let these minor issues bother you. ARC Welder is still one of the best Android emulators for the Windows operating system. It is perfect for any Android app developer that needs to test out their Android app creations.

How to Use

• Launch the Software – Open ARC Welder and select a directory for storing app data.
• Add APK File – Click "Add your APK" and select the Android app file (.apk) you want to run.
• Configure Settings – Choose orientation, form factor (tablet/phone), and other options.
• Test the App – Click "Launch App" to run the APK inside the Chrome browser.
• Adjust & Debug – Modify settings or re-upload the APK if it doesn’t work properly.
• Run Multiple Apps – Load different APKs but run only one at a time.
• Limitations – Some apps may not work due to missing Google Play services.
• Uninstall ARC Welder – Remove it if no longer needed via Chrome extensions settings.

PROS

Cross-platform Compatibility: It allows users to run Android applications on Chrome OS, Windows, Mac, and Linux systems that support the Chrome browser.

Easy Testing: It provides a convenient way for developers to test their Android apps without needing an Android device. This can save time and resources during the development process.

Access to Google Play Store: Users can access and use apps available on the Google Play Store directly from their desktop or laptop, expanding the range of applications available beyond what's typically available for traditional desktop operating systems.

Integration with Chrome: Since the app runs within the Chrome browser, it integrates well with other Chrome features and extensions, providing a seamless user experience for those already using Chrome as their primary browser.

No Emulators Required: Unlike traditional Android emulators, it doesn't require users to set up a full Android virtual machine, which can be resource-intensive. Instead, it uses a more lightweight approach to run Android apps.

CONS

Limited Compatibility: Not all Android apps are fully compatible with ARC Welder. Some apps may not work properly due to hardware or software dependencies, or due to limitations of the ARC runtime environment.

Performance Issues: Running Android apps through the app may not always offer the same performance as running them natively on an Android device. Users may experience slower performance or occasional glitches, particularly with resource-intensive apps.

Limited Features: The app doesn't support all Android features and APIs. Certain features or functionalities may be limited or unavailable when running apps through teh app, which could impact the user experience for some applications.

Complex Setup for Developers: While the package simplifies the testing process for Android app developers to some extent, setting up the tool and configuring apps for testing can still be somewhat complex, especially for those unfamiliar with the process.

Dependence on Chrome: Since ARC Welder relies on the Chrome browser or Chrome OS, any limitations or issues with Chrome could potentially affect the performance and usability of ARC Welder as well.