Top 7 Reasons to Choose Embedded Android for Your Next Project

Android is no longer just the domain of smartphones. As an open-source operating system built on a modified Linux kernel, Android is becoming a powerful choice for embedded applications. Its familiar user experience, strong developer tools, and flexible architecture make it a compelling alternative to traditional embedded Linux environments.

Here are seven key reasons why embedded Android might be the right OS for your next device — and how you can get started.

1. It’s Open Source — and Free

The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) gives developers access to the entire Android OS up to the launcher and key applications like the browser and clock — all under permissive licenses such as Apache 2.0, BSD, and MIT. This means you can modify, customize, and ship your products without disclosing proprietary source code.

Pair that with the Linux kernel (released under the GPL), and you get a solid, no-cost foundation. The only caveat? Most commercial solutions still rely on proprietary “binary blobs” for firmware and hardware-specific drivers — typically provided by chip vendors through Board Support Packages (BSPs).

2. Familiar, User-Friendly Interface

Android is instantly recognizable. If your embedded product includes a touchscreen, users will intuitively understand how to navigate, tap, swipe, and interact with your interface. That familiarity reduces training needs and enhances overall user experience — a huge benefit in applications like kiosks, POS systems, and digital signage.

3. A Well-Known Programming Environment

Need developers? Android’s developer ecosystem is vast. Thanks to extensive documentation and the popularity of the platform, it’s easy to find experienced engineers proficient in Java, Kotlin, and C++.

For embedded teams already using C++, Android NDK support means you don’t have to throw away hard-earned expertise — you can integrate native libraries as needed.

4. Excellent Development Tools

Android Studio offers a full-featured IDE for building and debugging applications in Java or C++. And if you’re transitioning from Windows Embedded, tools like Xamarin allow development in C# and .NET, easing the path to Android from legacy systems.

Add to that robust emulators, performance profiling tools, and broad testing support — and you've got one of the best developer toolchains in embedded today.

5. Strong SoC Vendor Support

Unlike consumer Android devices, embedded products need long lifecycle support, reliable operation in harsh conditions, and stable supply chains. Fortunately, vendors like NXP, Qualcomm, and HiSilicon offer industrial-grade SoCs with BSPs tailored for embedded Android use.

For instance:

• NXP i.MX 6/7/8 series supports AOSP and long-term Linux kernels.

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 410E/600E targets industrial applications.

• HiSilicon HiKey boards are directly supported in AOSP, making development easier and more predictable.

6. It’s Still Linux Underneath

Android is built on Linux — which means your existing Linux knowledge and tools are still relevant. Want to reuse legacy code? You can do it. Need to install custom drivers or optimize kernel performance? Absolutely.

While Android isn’t POSIX-compliant out of the box, techniques like environments or using the Android Native Development Kit (NDK) help bridge the gap between Android and traditional Linux.

7. Customization is Built-In

Because Android is open-source, it’s fully customizable — ideal for embedded systems where you want tight control over UI, app behavior, and system performance.

Whether it’s locking down the UI, controlling user access, or pre-installing custom apps, Android gives OEMs and solution builders total control.

In short, embedded Android gives you:

✅ Familiar UX

✅ Scalable development

✅ Industrial-grade performance

✅ Cost-effective software freedom