Android is being looked upon as the OS for the tablets , e-readers and other such devices of this time and era. However, the latest e-reader news is ripe with the fact there is a lack of application available for this OS. The makers of each individual device using Android as its OS often have some application to offer. But since these are very limited in number and variety, it can mar your experience with this otherwise great OS.
There is however other methods available to find and install applications that runs on the Android, which is what you will get to know here. However a note of caution is advised. There exists no guarantee that all the applications installed in the methods explained in the succeeding paragraph would work. But then, there’s no harm in trying.
Presented here are a few simple ways of finding the right Android Apps that you’ll love to have.
Source the APK from developer’s website. The APK file at times is available at the developer’s website itself, which users are free to download and install the APK on the device of their choice. This even if the app is available through the Android Market. Also, you may come across versions of the app that render sharp display even on a larger screen.
Search for the app at Google. A search at Google can throw up some interesting results. This perhaps is the easiest way to procure your apps and you might come across these buried in the developer’s page itself or in a repository. However, you got to be careful here as a search might lead you to many file upload or torrent sites where you might inadvertently end up downloading virus instead of the app that you were looking for.
Third part app stores. The thing that you have to be aware of here is that the Google market is not the only place to look for apps. In fact, there are several independent repositories like SlideME, AndAppStore, Androlib, Brothersoft and so on. Then the app stores that cater to specific devices are a good place to search for apps too. An excellent example of this is the Camangi Marketplace that allows for download of applications using a web browser.
Searching in forums and websites that deal with the device. Forums, FAQ or Wiki sites are another probable source to find the specific apps that are being searched. This specially occurs for those devices that have gained popularity. The example of ArchosFans and their forum is a good case where the users of this device have created a special Wiki page complete with links from where the apps can be downloaded.
You can use your Android Phone to get the apps. Those having access to the official sites can download any APK using the phone itself. It is once again advisable to backup existing application on the mobile device to another place. Astro File Manager is a good utility that allows selective backup of applications on the mobile device. Once the back up is done, the APK files can then be transferred to the backup folder by connecting the phone to the PC. Then, it will be a simple process transferring the APK files from the PC to the Android running device. You have to be careful though against violation of TOS and EULA.
Android Communities. There are a plethora of android communities right now offering an exciting choice of apps waiting to be picked up. Some of the more popular apps that are currently being lapped up by users include the iTriage – a medical reference application, the Tricorder app that lets you detect such things like magnetic field, gravity along with a few things more. Then there is the Dividend Reinvestment Calculator or the Co-Pilot Live 8, which is the latest iteration of the Co-Pilot product family that provides you with state-of-the-art navigation facility. There is also the LogMeIn Remote Access App that is being developed and which will let you control your work or home PC from just about anywhere in the world. Barnes & Noble too has a good android community.
You will also have a lot of apps from our Good e-reader forum and is definitely worth a visit.
These are just a pointer to the places and methods of getting Android specific applications. With Android based devices flooding the market there sure will be a steady build up of more applications and sources.
The topic will be covered further in-depth in our forthcoming Good E-Reader Magazine.
Keep watching for more e-reader news.
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. The motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot, and I'll likely make a film sometime in the future.