Abstract: Techniques for integrating always-on software applications are provided. A simulator for the software user interface interfaces with the always-on software application. The simulator operates similar to the software user interface, except that it does not affect the hardware user interface (e.g., the screen display). For example, the simulator user interface can execute a state machine that is the same as the software user interface. In this manner, the always-on software application drives the simulator software user interface when it is not in the foreground, which allows the simulator software user interface to direct the hardware user interface when the always-on application executes in the foreground.