The process of initiating an Android operating system from a Universal Serial Bus drive is a method employed to load and run the OS on a device, bypassing the internal storage. For example, this technique allows users to test custom ROMs or repair a malfunctioning operating system without affecting the existing system files. It enables temporary or persistent system installation on a compatible device.
This functionality is significant for development, testing, and recovery scenarios. The advantages include the portability of the operating system, the ability to run multiple environments on a single device, and the potential to recover data from a system that is otherwise inaccessible. Historically, this capability was less common but has gained traction with advancements in mobile hardware and software customization. The benefits are enhanced by the capability to utilize devices in a flexible manner for various purposes.
