Android Application Development For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Configuring a Tablet Emulator

First things first —you need a tablet on which to test your application. If you already have a tablet, you’re well on your way; if you don’t, then you need an emulator to simulate an Android device on your computer. Google calls these Android Virtual Devices (AVDs). Follow these steps to get the Google Nexus 7 AVD:

1. Click the Android AVD Manager icon on the Eclipse toolbar.

2. Click New.

The Create New Android Virtual Device dialog box opens, as shown in Figure 17-1.

Figure 17-1: Create a Nexus 7 tablet emulator.

3. Choose Android 4.1 – API Level 16 from the Target drop-down list.

The Nexus 7 uses Android 4.1.

4. From the Skin section, select the Built-In radio button and choose WXGA800-7 from the drop-down menu.

5. Click the Create AVD button.

6. Choose the AVD you just created from the list of AVDs and click the Start button to launch it.