Database Info

Non-market .apk file database proposal

Hello everyone. I've a sort of proposal for the developers here, but before I get into that let me first briefly introduce myself:
I'm a communication designer for print, user interface, and illustration that completely advocates everything Android. I've been lurking the Dream development forums here for quite some time, trying to keep up-to-date with the latest ROMs, apps, etc., etc and I fully appreciate everything that goes on here and the endeavors that you devs put yourself through. Amazing stuff, really.
One thing I've noticed is that there are a slew of third-party / beta apps all over these boards, and other places on the internet as well. More often than not, I find myself scouring the cloud just to find a link for these non-market apps, and I usually get referred to them via some obscure site through another site. Despite getting the .apk file or ROM in the end, the process can get to be a bit tedious; especially for incoming users and those new to the Android platform.
My proposal is this: A website with a simple and clean user interface that has direct and succinct navigation with the purpose of consolidating and listing third-party / beta non-market applications into an easy access database. This website database would link these applications and have them be easily downloaded and installed via the Android browser, without having to mount the device.
I've actually come up with a fully-functional concept site, did the branding and everything for it, and also registered a short domain name for quick access while on your G1 or whatever Android device.
Navigate to: http://anda.pk to see what I had in mind, and how the overall layout/concept of the site would work.
I uploaded several .apk files I had backed up as examples for you to see how the database section would function. I also took into account the resolution of most Android phones and made the .apk application database section fit perfectly in the Android browser when in portrait mode right when you the load the site to ensure the best possible user experience when installing these third party apps. When you scroll to the right, you'll see info on what the site is about, and in the footer there are links to the FAQ, the about section, contact, etc.
I had also noted in the about link in the footer that the applications hosted on the download section are in no way accredited to the site, and that credit goes to their rightful developers. My being a communication designer has had the idea of peer collaboration engrained, and as such I give credit it where credit is due.
That said, I hope you guys here and the developers collaborate with me on on this site, possibly help contribute apks, and agree to them being hosted. If anything, I do hope you just embrace the concept, which originally was just going to be a reference for myself and my friends whom I've turned away from the iPhone, S60, and WinMo in favor of Android. I figured since I know the Android community is only going to get bigger, this website concept of mine could be a decent resource to have bookmarked.
Appreciate you reading this wall of text! Do hope to hear some feedback, so let me know what you guys think. Thanks!
Cheers.

I think this is a fabulous idea...automated version control would go over very well -- i.e. yum update
you should post up bits that you need help with and have folks contact you.
also..I love the logo!
question: do you propose a rating system or a review prior to listing type of approach or something new to keep this resource trustworthy?

Been following this on SA and twitter and it's a great idea.
Having the devs here on board would be a fantastic way to get something solid on the go. It's the kind of thing that can really help android become more hackable and useable for the average user...and it just make things easier for the rest of us.

Sounds good to me.
thelilliandivide said:
the applications hosted on the download section are in no way accredited to the site
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Click to collapse
Credit and accreditation are different things. To be accredited is to be given credentials or official approval. I think you meant "credited".

Sounds like a GREAT idea.
My opinion: The color scheme hurts. Love the logo.

i like the logo and the idea. I think the site should be more mobile friendly, or even better, an application for android that can work like the official market. I could help with that part if an application is going to be built.

camalot said:
i like the logo and the idea. I think the site should be more mobile friendly, or even better, an application for android that can work like the official market. I could help with that part if an application is going to be built.
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i second that.. it should also have update checks if possible

I was going to complain that I didn't like your site layout, but in portrait mode you only see the left side which lists the apps. I like it.
One thing you might have to be leary of is dealing with apps that are considered warez unless your going to spend the time to verify every app that is uploaded or there has to a method in place.
As well there should be some kind of version control in place. You know what works on 1.1 and what works on 1.5. Obviously almost everybody within the next few weeks/months should be on 1.5, but will all the older apps run on 1.5 or does it really matter or does anybody care? The downloader will care.

CBowley said:
Sounds like a GREAT idea.
My opinion: The color scheme hurts. Love the logo.
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Click to collapse
Seconded. The text is much too light. A darker charcoal shade would be much better.
If the site gets an apk wrapper (a la FBook) version checking would be rather easy. Set up the directory tree something like this /downloads/WiFiTether/1.2.3.apk and just have the apk compare filenames. If the file names don't match, it needs to install the update.
EDIT: Now following your progress on twitter.

Some solid input. I'll play around with the color scheme and make some changes later this evening once I get back from class. And I actually do plan on making a mobile wrapper eventually, but as it stands as far as the concept layout goes, the site is best used when in portrait mode for easiest functionality. The rest of the site is to be considered supplemental. I do however, have a lot of things I eventually want to integrate; application tags, search, possibility of user uploaded apk files, etc. But for right now, I'm trying to keep the general site as simple as possible to make the workload on my end less stressful (graduating in 2 weeks).
bahnburner said:
If the site gets an apk wrapper (a la FBook) version checking would be rather easy. Set up the directory tree something like this /downloads/WiFiTether/1.2.3.apk and just have the apk compare filenames. If the file names don't match, it needs to install the update.
EDIT: Now following your progress on twitter.
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Click to collapse
Did not know how that version checker worked. Thanks. I'll re-work the apk directory scheme akin to that later tonight for when I do eventually get the wrapper up.

thelilliandivide said:
Did not know how that version checker worked. Thanks. I'll re-work the apk directory scheme akin to that later tonight for when I do eventually get the wrapper up.
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Click to collapse
That's not necessarily how most version checks work, but that's the simplest method I could think of, and probably one of the easiest to implement.

alapapa said:
I think this is a fabulous idea...automated version control would go over very well -- i.e. yum update
you should post up bits that you need help with and have folks contact you.
also..I love the logo!
question: do you propose a rating system or a review prior to listing type of approach or something new to keep this resource trustworthy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! And I feel I might need some help in the future as far as implementing the features that I want to get working. But I'm not quite sure I understand your question. Are you referring to how I choose which applications get posted onto the site?

i'm a graphic designer and web designer, i'll throw in a helping hand if you want, pm me or whatever.
(think about an android based layout to bring it to the phone like Cough*cydia*cough

very cool and much needed
Xda-dev is great, but there is alot of stuff thats not on the market and they have shown to bow down to the tmobs pressure(ie: tether app) so another place to get apps would be great, and your weppage is beautiful and looks like it would be very finger friendly on the g1, but there is a basic model in linux of repositories(which is about what ur doing) and a simple app to d/l them maybe somebody could just make a market.apk with a modded addy, depending on how much is known about the market and its inner workings... it would be nice to do it as it has been always done....but as I stated above your webdesign is very nice and would work well in the native browser(im heading there now on my g1)
bhang

not a bad idea. I think this is great for all verified apps that are pulled from market...

I really like this idea. Go for it.
Just one (stupid) remark about the logo... it's like it has a big nose and a :-| expression... sorry

apetit said:
I really like this idea. Go for it.
Just one (stupid) remark about the logo... it's like it has a big nose and a :-| expression... sorry
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Haha, I just noticed that actually. Now it's all I see. But yeah, I'm hoping to have a few more apps to upload by the end of next week. Revisions to the site are imminent once I get out of this last class.

I love the idea. One bookmark to check up on all the good non-market apps will be much easier than having several bookmarked threads.
Some applications may benefit from having tags such as [beta], [stable], [experimental], [contains-ads], etc.
As others have mentioned once/if user uploads are implemented an app approval system will be crucial to keep the spam at bay. I can see this really taking off.

im a supporter

zgmf-x322a said:
im a supporter
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Click to collapse
+1 this sounds like a great idea, there was something like this for apps for the dash,mda & sda.

[REQUEST] XDA Market App - 9 April 2010

Has anyone thought of making an XDA Market App that the ROM developers could put their ROMS in, ROM Updates in, Custom Applications, Themes, etc? I would think it could be hugely popular, and a good way to distribute ROMs/Apps which are specific to our forums.
Broken into categories, searchable, very similar to how Verizon Market works (by piggy backing on the Market app) or even as a completely separate app? Would 'bake' into ROMs nicely.
Would be a nice way for devs to get feedback on their apps, and could even integrate bug reports (complete with simple logcat dumps!)
Just a thought. I have zero Java experience so I can't do it myself.

I've always wanted the same thing. It's overdue if you ask me.

+10
Would be an awesome app.

It could in theory be setup with aptoide if it allows you to control what it looks for and downloads (meaning something other than .apks). I'm not sure if it does though.
Edit: Well it's open source, both the app and the server. So in theory it could be made to do anything. ha.

This topic would probably be better suited for the Android Software Development threads. I know a lot more Android users besides us HTC Hero users could benefit from this. Definitely a great idea though.

flipzmode said:
It could in theory be setup with aptoide if it allows you to control what it looks for and downloads (meaning something other than .apks). I'm not sure if it does though.
Edit: Well it's open source, both the app and the server. So in theory it could be made to do anything. ha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like it could be a good starting point. Would have a lot of the 'framework' already setup and could therefore be modified to fit specific needs of the ROM devs. (logcat dump, bug reports, etc)
This wouldn't even make sense to restrict to CDMA Hero either; GSM would be right at home as well, especially for non-ROM devs who are making apps/widgets/themes/etc.

I want to team up to develop android apps !! Anyone interested Can JOIN

Im new to application development (for android), (im a noob.. fr now ;-) ) So i thought it would be good if i team up with a experienced group or developers. Im ready to work for you(whoever is willing to recruit me first)
Wht i know
-photoshop
-flash
-dreamweaver
-maya
-c/c++ (theoritically strong)
- little java
Thanks

jenod said:
Im new to application development (for android), (im a noob.. fr now ;-) ) So i thought it would be good if i team up with a experienced group or developers. Im ready to work for you(whoever is willing to recruit me first)
Wht i know
-photoshop
-flash
-dreamweaver
-maya
-c/c++ (theoritically strong)
- little java
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same situation
- C/C++
- SQL
- Java

Would be helpful if you also included the types of programs you were interested in working on.

Good idea
Its a good idea if we all freshers hook up together. wht you say? and after that we will get some experienced developer to lead us

RoboPhred said:
Would be helpful if you also included the types of programs you were interested in working on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For android always java is best(according to the arcticles i read) so obviously JAVA

I know an app I would pay for is one that could control the video functions of a PS3 with my phone. I would think it is possible since the the PS3 remote uses bluetooth, but I'm not a developer so it might not be possible.

I don't know if you've done this already but google provides all the sdk material on their android developers site. They also give instructions on how to get started using the sdk. Pretty much everything seems to be built on java. Have fun!
Google provides almost all the tutorials and instructions you could ever need to begin developing.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

yea you should start at http://developer.android.com/index.html if you know java you should be good to go after reading and doing the tutorials

Thanks
I already read those things. Anyway thanks for your support and encouragment. and im now done with
->installed eclipse
->installed android sdk
->connected both eclipse and android sdk
-> now reading a book on how to develop android apps(in chapter 3 now)
All i need
-> some good friends(those who like to develop android apps,its okay if you are noobs)
->One experienced developer to guide me [this is optional ;-)]

jenod said:
Im new to application development (for android), (im a noob.. fr now ;-) ) So i thought it would be good if i team up with a experienced group or developers. Im ready to work for you(whoever is willing to recruit me first)
Wht i know
-photoshop
-flash
-dreamweaver
-maya
-c/c++ (theoritically strong)
- little java
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAHA...pretty much me too. Been debating about getting started for just over a year now. (Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Flash, Actionscript3, HTML, javascript, ~coldfusion, ~php, learning C#, can read VB, etc.)
Coming at this from a designing for training view. Been 15 yrs in technical training and looking to learn more. I got a few project ideas already and two things I really want...(which is what I am using for motivation)
As for the google tutorials...hello worlds really don't get you very far and I have looked out on web for other tuts. They all seem to have issues though...
Would appreciate feedback on the following....
-- This site/tut seems to 'assume' a whole lot and the program doesn't even work:
=== http://androidcore.com/android-programming-tutorials/182-fancy-listviews-part-one.html
(this one seems to not be showing any errors in SDK [it was first time, but not after restart] but it force closes in my emulator every time)
--This site/tut looked a bit more promising but is also has stuff that doesn't seem to work:
=== http://androidwizard.net/2010/05/create-a-context-menu-on-top-of-a-listview/
(no such thing as a OnPopulateContextMenuListener according to SDK and google site, switch(aItem.getId()) is not a supported method according to SDK, .getItem(menuInfo.position) cannot be resolved...all things a newb is at a loss to fix)
So...I am actually looking either for better tuts that get more in depth than hello world or someone from those sites that I can correspond with (as a trainer my OCD is really bothered by missing info in what look like the right kind of tut.)
Anyway...jenod...if you get some newbs together to work on stuff...I'd be interested.

Thanks for your feedback.. wil surely PM u if i get some(i mean developers)..

(why) does Android
Know what would be totally awesome? If someone like (why the lucky stiff) wrote something poigniant, beautiful and easy-to-follow to lead someone into Android app development! Something that reads almost like his Poigniant Guide to Ruby or like Chris Pine's Learn to Program.

Ya I have just started in android development. I have had many years of experience in all sorts of languages java, perl, python, c++, c#, and c. I also have a start on one project that would be great to have a group of people to work together with. I am very interested with this. Hope this works out, shoot me a PM if you want.

Hey guys!
awesome idea, i study informatics in second year now and iam just done with my JAVA lessons. Maybe i could help u, cuz i want to learn programming apps for andoid in my holiday too.
I also have an Idea for an app.
So PM me if u still need some help.
mfg X

Please PM if you would like to make a team, I too am interested and have multiple ideas for apps that can be made and released quickly

Thanks
I have to really thank you ppl for your piceless support.
Interested ppl you can PM me your Personal info(ur name,age,interests and wht u know).
Thanks

jenod said:
I have to really thank you ppl for your piceless support.
Interested ppl you can PM me your Personal info(ur name,age,interests and wht u know).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PM'd, any suggestions for apps to make as our starting point?

Hey idk if you all have seen this yet, but it is worth checking out. Google has a free software developing tool in beta at the site http:// appinventor .googlelabs .com
The beta requires an invite much like google voice but it looks to have some potential.
(type the url into the internet, I had to add spaces because I cannot post urls yet)
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

Shadomastr said:
Hey idk if you all have seen this yet, but it is worth checking out. Google has a free software developing tool in beta at the site http:// appinventor .googlelabs .com
The beta requires an invite much like google voice but it looks to have some potential.
(type the url into the internet, I had to add spaces because I cannot post urls yet)
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will not be as powerful as straight coding. It is meant to allow people to make little apps for themselves. One review I read even indicated that inventor apps will not be allowed in market.
(This is all early speculation, but hey it is what I read today as I went ahead and submitted my info for an invite...LOL)
Coming from Macromedia/Adobe...this would be kind of like Captivate is to Flash is to Actionscript. This would be Captivate...simple but simple.

Hey this sounds like a great idea, hope everything works out. We need take over apples app market!
JBlaze -- Evo 4G

Completely Customize your OS : idea

So I have thought about this for a long time. There are some great custom roms/mods/hacks out there. But even they can lack features or have features you don't want.
I mean like choosing individual options that show up in the settings menu, etc...
Isn't it possible to have some source code that contains all the features of all the roms, and have an application that you use to design your own custom version of that rom. Say I want to fix my homescreen to have 4 screens and each screen to have its own background image... If we could just hardwire that capability into the OS via a custom designer/compiler off the source code, and flash it to the phone, that would be awesome...
Maybe that is asking a bit too much, but it seems possible. Although I am on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to coding and modding, so I may just have no idea what I'm talking about. Maybe there are others out there who have thought of this, or are working on it, or maybe it already exists, but anyway... Just an idea...

Kinda hard with all these different devices and UIs, making compatibility an issue.

Ummm there is an app that lets you have different wallpapers for each home screen

ya... I mean it would have to be restricted to certain devices or something... but i dunno... just a thought.

If only every phone company only released 1 or 2 models.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S

govindadas said:
So I have thought about this for a long time. There are some great custom roms/mods/hacks out there. But even they can lack features or have features you don't want.
I mean like choosing individual options that show up in the settings menu, etc...
Isn't it possible to have some source code that contains all the features of all the roms, and have an application that you use to design your own custom version of that rom. Say I want to fix my homescreen to have 4 screens and each screen to have its own background image... If we could just hardwire that capability into the OS via a custom designer/compiler off the source code, and flash it to the phone, that would be awesome...
Maybe that is asking a bit too much, but it seems possible. Although I am on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to coding and modding, so I may just have no idea what I'm talking about. Maybe there are others out there who have thought of this, or are working on it, or maybe it already exists, but anyway... Just an idea...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely understand what you are trying to achieve over here. But there are various factors in place. You are trying to make a kitchen more advance so we can fully customize it but it is not possible with the number of device that are out there and the number of processors. Its not impossible but quite hard to achieve

I am very pleased with the thought and don’t feel like adding anything in it. It a perfect answer.

robertsmigel22 said:
I am very pleased with the thought and don’t feel like adding anything in it. It a perfect answer.
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Click to collapse
Which answer.....?

Android with a WebOS UI=Better than Sense.

that's a good idea actually.

Well, I mean, start with one phone model on a specific carrier that is very popular among developers and general users. If a large number of people who work on mods/roms and other customizations got together... then they could probably whip up something.
But, yeah... doing it for a large number of phones would be very difficult...
but starting off simply, could slowly add in features, or a select your phone and carrier type thing...

In other words, an xda phone. Well gluck rounding up the devs to a particular phone.
$1 gets you a reply

Great
Thank you for your work

Kailkti said:
In other words, an xda phone. Well gluck rounding up the devs to a particular phone.
$1 gets you a reply
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Click to collapse
So everyone should get an HD2?

that's a good idea actually.

I really would like to see a newer HD2 like device. I mean like the phone that runs everything. but those come with time they aren't made that way

It's not impossible. I mean it would take a lot of time to complete but you could do it device by device. First you achieve the idea within 1 device. Combine all the roms and put features together and maybe if you add a UI to the application End Users can pick the features they want and tailor their own rom. Developers instead of updating roms they'd add new features to the application. After that you could combine phone's from the same company. Like the Sony X10 & X8. They're not that different and porting won't too hard. And then eventually you get to a General app. Some phones have some features other don't but it'd be just like Market. Some apps are compatible with your phone some aren't. It's a good idea~
Sent from my X8 using XDA App

That's a good idea actually.

What about a GUI rom "cooker"? Devs build their standard roms, but let the end users crunch them through a GUI that lets the users filter what little things they want or dont want to keep in the rom. GUI then repackages it and then we flash it.

Skv012a said:
What about a GUI rom "cooker"? Devs build their standard roms, but let the end users crunch them through a GUI that lets the users filter what little things they want or dont want to keep in the rom. GUI then repackages it and then we flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya, thats pretty much what i mean. So you can choose what options show up in the settings menu, completely customize the power/lock button menu and actions, etc...it seems like it should be possible. Just take a highly customized rom and create an intetface to remove features and compile it. It could all be done in the cloud and notify you when its ready for dl.

turning an older android device into a browser only device

hello,i come looking to inquire about how dificult in would be to create a rom, that would boot directly to a browser (prefferably iceweisel) to run a series of html5 based apps my developement team is working on. security would be a massive factor. any developers that might have input please contact me and i can better fill you in on whats happening.

side note
the team i mentioned in the original post is very good with java script and the like but actual mobile devices are out of their line of expertise. thank you in advance for any help.

plainstribune.com said:
hello,i come looking to inquire about how dificult in would be to create a rom, that would boot directly to a browser (prefferably iceweisel) to run a series of html5 based apps my developement team is working on. security would be a massive factor. any developers that might have input please contact me and i can better fill you in on whats happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you should think of creating a Launcher app especially if you want your soft be able to launch on a different devices.