Database Info

Alternate method to installing Market content

In case there's somebody around here wondering, I'm starting a thread to show you how to download FREE apps if you don't have market access. Any FREE app you can find online in .apk form is yours. Please note you DO NOT need ROOT ACCESS to follow these steps, but I recommend it anyways, so use that nifty search bar and try it out.
Note: This is a method only for installing FREE APPS that are already free. Some people complain of not having the market app, others have market crash issues. This method is only to be used as an alternate to the Market if you do not have market access.
What you'll need:
Method of data transfer between phone and computer (USB Cord, MicroSD adapter, etc)
ASTRO File Manager- Found in the Android Market for free.
Level of Difficulty: 2/10
Procedure:
Step 1: Download ASTRO File Manager
This is self-explanatory. Go into your market and search for: ASTRO
Look for the result that reads: ASTRO File Manager
Download the app, it's free.
Step 2: Connect phone/SD to computer
Either plug in your phone and select mount, or plug your MicroSD into an adapter. Once your computer recognizes the SD card, move to step 3.
Step 3: Create free apps folder
Create a new file folder on your SD card in the top directory (meaning on the SD card and not in any other file folder). Name it Free Apps or similar.
Step 4: Download your .apk files
Search the internet for your desired applications. XDA forums and iPmart are great places to start. Once you find your application, download it and drag it to your Free Apps folder on your SD card.
Step 5: Unmount phone
This doesn't need explaining.
Step 6: Run ASTRO
Once your phone is unmounted and ready, run ASTRO File Manager. Once the application loads, it will list all the folders on your SD card. Navigate to your Free Apps folder, and select it. Once open, find your application you wish to install. It may list it twice, one with the logo and the other with a little settings logo, click the one that has the actual application logo.
Step 7: Installation
A menu will popup with two choices: Explore or App Manager. Select App Manager. It will come up with a new window, and beneath the application logo will be a button that says install. It will bring up the familiar installing are you sure screen, click yes and install it. Once it finishes, click done. Now you can install more or run your application.
That's it, enjoy your apps.

Hmm... I don't see any piracy. There are a lot of "Free" apps online. Android is Open Source. Now if he was talking about downloading paid apps for free... then we have a problem.
This is just a thread showing how to install free apps... which there are billion of online.

jUgGsY said:
If you actually went to the website listed.. Its a website that offers FREE PAID android apps.. Is that not piracy?
EDIT : Besides... Why would you use this method of installing free apps? The market offers free apps..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First site is this one and the other one, I didn't see any paid apps offered for free....looks like a china site from what I could see.....
The market isn't the only place to get free apps. Most of the ones I have were gotten right here....

chfields said:
First site is this one and the other one, I didn't see any paid apps offered for free....looks like a china site from what I could see.....
The market isn't the only place to get free apps. Most of the ones I have were gotten right here....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously dude you need to stop...one of the sites he mentioned has warez in it. For instance here are a few PAID apps...
Solo v1.21
Advanced Task Killer PRO v1.7.6
SetCPU for Root Users v1.5.3a
Should I go on or should I let you continue making yourself look foolish??

MyDroidHax said:
We dont support wares here kid. So please GTFO these forums with your ****ING ****! people work hard to make these apps so people like us can enjoy them. And they spent hours on making the apps and your here to rip them off really?
Now If you would kindly like to support the free apps for being free and the paid apps for being PAID!!!
Then you shall do this for the "goodies" aka Free apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to watch your language. This is your first and last warning.
As far as "piracy" is involved... I don't see any here. Just because the guy says there's a way for you to go throw yourself off a cliff, doesn't mean you're gonna go do it, right ?
He's offering a solution on how to install freely available .apk's. How you get them and If YOU choose to go download them, that's your problem.
Now let's play nice...

VinceOB, MyDroidHax, and Juggsy, you all really need to calm down. I may not have worded it correctly, but I fixed it. The reason I posted this was because a ROM I installed for whatever reason didn't have the market app, so I had no market access. There are a wide array of free apps on both sites, yes there are a few paid on iPmart, but iPmart is still one of the best overall sources for free apps as well. Seriously, i didn't plan on awaking to controversy.

Re: Alternate method to installing Free Apps with Root Access for N00bs
VinceOB, MyDroidHax, and Juggsy, you all really need to calm down. I may not have worded it correctly, but I fixed it. The reason I posted this was because a ROM I installed for whatever reason didn't have the market app, so I had no market access. There are a wide array of free apps on both sites, yes there are a few paid on iPmart, but iPmart is still one of the best overall sources for free apps as well. Seriously, i didn't plan on awaking to controversy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries man. I was just trying to save you the trouble of getting your thread deleted. The way it was worded before, seemed to ME like a method to install PAID apps from alternate sources.
I apologize, and thanks for your contribution.
-------------------------------------
Sent from my HERO200

MyDroidHax said:
Na bro. Not uncalled for at all. He can -Blam- off.
See what I did thar?
And I have no respect for some one that comes in here and tells me what to do right off. He could have came in here and said something like, "please dont be cussing, it is against the forum rules(which its not) and blah blah blah" BUT he didn't so ALL my respect that could have gone toward that guy is all gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you asked for it. Telling a moderator to *** off is definitely uncalled for, even if I use "Windows Mobil"
p.s. Don't forget that XDA is still 90% windows mobile. It's where its roots are. You should respect that.

oh snap eng any chance you jumping to android

Did MyDroidHax get banned? If so, that warrants a big EL OH EL.
Edit: Oh, and LONG LIVE ANDROID!!!

NRGZ28 said:
Well, you asked for it. Telling a moderator to *** off is definitely uncalled for, even if I use "Windows Mobil"
p.s. Don't forget that XDA is still 90% windows mobile. It's where its roots are. You should respect that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't see him drop the f bomb on u. He might have meant it that way but that would be putting words in his mouth.
Sometimes I wonder what the qualifications are to become a mod are. So far I believe the first three qualifications are ego, power hungry, and favoritizm.
Care to elaborate on the extensive and rigorous interviews and testing that took place to acquired ur higher status.
BTW win Mobil is only around cause its backed by Microsoft. Doesn't mean it's a great OS. Just that the backers have deep pockets and wont let it die.

ok, I don't like or condone the way this thread has gone. Instead of discussing the topic of free apps, its all about calling people names and slagging each other off.
@cbarlan - The f word was never mentioned by either MyDroidHax or
NRGZ28. One used "-Blam-" the other "***". It was actually you which first referred to the f-word.
But none of this matters. What matters is your respect for fellow xda users as per rule #2 below.....which by they way does mention no cursing which MyDroidHax blatantly flaunted.
2. Be polite and respect your fellow xda-dev user.
There is no need for cursing, flaming, racism or personal attacks. There are a lot of different nationalities on this forum all with different cultures, this means that no matter what you're like, you'll have to adjust to people that are most definitely not like you. For this reason we'd like to ask you to refrain from discussions about religion or politics, we do not wish to limit your right to free speech, but we have noticed these topics tend to get heated and might be best discussed in a different environment. It will gain you a lot of respect if you help to keep the peace. It's disrespectful and therefore not permitted to create Alias Member names in an attempt to deceive others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can I remind all to be respectful. Consider this first and last warning
p.s. I have cleaned thread up a bit as well, so hopefully it will stay on topic

Fallen Spartan said:
ok, I don't like or condone the way this thread has gone. Instead of discussing the topic of free apps, its all about calling people names and slagging each other off.
@cbarlan - The f word was never mentioned by either MyDroidHax or
NRGZ28. One used "-Blam-" the other "***". It was actually you which first referred to the f-word.
But none of this matters. What matters is your respect for fellow xda users as per rule #2 below.....which by they way does mention no cursing which MyDroidHax blatantly flaunted.
So can I remind all to be respectful. Consider this first and last warning
p.s. I have cleaned thread up a bit as well, so hopefully it will stay on topic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please remind nrgz28 who is a moderator of the rule u posted. I believe he was very rude in emplementing his harsh warnings instead of being polite and respectful. U can be stern and respectful at same time. And for future reference when someone uses stars inplace of a word it is usually vulgar. Also no need to threaten with this is ur first and last warning. Remember rule u referenced and be polite as well. I'd be willing to write up a wiki on how to use ur manners and be respectful as I've had to reach my six year old. Kinda the same thing

Thank you to the mods for the cleanup work. MyDroidHax initially used F***ING, and then edited it. I read the post almost immediately.
Anyways, I updated the post, and I wrote it at 1AM here today, so I was tired. Sorry for misconceptions guys. Like I said, I had market issues, so I found this way to help me and felt I'd share.
Yes you can get paid apps, but it doesn't mean you should or are going to. This is just a workaround to a normal situation, use it how you will.
Also, you guys really shouldn't rip on the mods. The rules clearly stated that you can't do what MyDroidHax did, and so he was told he can't. So? That's how it works, he won't do it again if he doesn't want to get banned.
On a related note, this can also be used to install apps that are not in the market but are available online, such as betas hosted online, custom apps, etc. If you're rooted, you should have "install non-market apps" checked, but if it's not it will take you to the screen where you check it during this process.

I am 98% sure this doesn't require root access. The file manager I know doesn't, and on the Hero (since we have not been neutered like ATT phones) we can install apps from outside sources. So that option is freely available.
What here requries root access?
Not giving you heck, just trying to make the post more informational.

Kcarpenter said:
I am 98% sure this doesn't require root access. The file manager I know doesn't, and on the Hero (since we have not been neutered like ATT phones) we can install apps from outside sources. So that option is freely available.
What here requries root access?
Not giving you heck, just trying to make the post more informational.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually wasn't sure, decided to play it safe. Thanks for the update. I'll fix the post.
UPDATE: Post is fixed.

OtisFeelgood said:
Did MyDroidHax get banned? If so, that warrants a big EL OH EL.
Edit: Oh, and LONG LIVE ANDROID!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahaha, agreed. that was an awesome thread to read

Grooveshark alternative?

Hi, wondering if someone has found something besides the official grooveshark app? I had nanogroove on my touch pro2 and loved it. I do not mind paying for the app, but I only want to pay ONCE not monthly. I do not see a need to pay for something monthly that I will probably not use ever month, just when the occasion arises. Does not have to be grooveshark specifically either, just an app that i can type in an artists name of song title and it search and stream it. Thanks in advance.

I came from the TP2 and loved nanogroove... Took me a while to find a replacement. Search the market for "Song Storm Lite" .... You won't feel like you are missing nanogroove anymore. Plus it puts the file automatically in your library instead of having to do the groovy.mp3 rename trick

Riptide9 said:
I came from the TP2 and loved nanogroove... Took me a while to find a replacement. Search the market for "Song Storm Lite" .... You won't feel like you are missing nanogroove anymore. Plus it puts the file automatically in your library instead of having to do the groovy.mp3 rename trick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No go for song storm? No results for me in the market. I use Music Junk, but you will have to Google to get that, the apk isn't in the market.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Here is the web link for Song Storm
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/multimedia/song-storm-lite_gpdr.html

friggin sweet, love this place. thanks guys

Did not find it even through the qr

yeah, i couldnt get the song storm, but got the music junk here

tunee music
app is here: http://www.tunee.net/

whoa tunee is even better! straight forward, no fuss, search for a song and click play or download! thank you all so so much

tool2269 said:
tunee music
app is here: http://www.tunee.net/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, very good app.

Wow, Tunee is awsome! Its the most straight forward and simple music search engine I have ever used.

All the apps posted above are great but is there an app that you can queue songs?

Song Storm Lite
Ya just so you guys know the app isn't available on the Market anymore. Grooveshark asked me to remove it last friday so as of this Monday it is no longer available (it was only a matter of time). I'll maybe host the .apk file on the ****ty website i have up for the app or just release the source code this weekend. Let me know what you guys think. I want to keep it working in the future b/c most of the other apps have a smaller libraries and I can't find the music that I want.

This is not safe to do is it ???

Hello xdadevelopers,
I've been having a heck of a time accessing the market to get U.S. apps that I'm otherwise entitled to owning. Being outside the country doesn't allow me to download these.
I then came across:
http://www.abtevrythng.com/2010/10/how-to-download-android-apps-which-are.html
As you can read from the instructions, it states that you must hand over your Google username and password.
Humm.... Isn't that exactly what one should not do????

I have not used AppBrain myself, but it is a huge and very popular portal.
I doubt it will misuse your google credentials and i probably would have heard of something like that happening.
But i can understand your worries and it is good to ask before just entering ones passwords and account into random sites.
Lets wait for another answer, maybe from someone using appbrain, as i don't plan on signing up there .

try VPN,pls.

I don't use appbrain myself, but I know people who do. Very good app, from what I've heard.

GhostElves said:
try VPN,pls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? Spam?

[WAREZ] WARNING:: Dolphin is a warez!!!

Hi, guys,
as the title says, I'm sure that dolphin browser is a warez. It collected everything you have clicked and every webpage you've viewed. I was shocked then, and today someone sent a strange email by my name to all of my friends.
Lets take a look with it.
TOPIC::
Hi, dear friend
---------------------------------—---------
Hi, dear friend
I ordered a lot of nice presents on a shopping website(web address deleted.) for my friends as Christmas gifts.
The Chrismas Day is coming, this website is holding many promotion activities, all their product will
have a big discount, besides, when you purchase products reached value $500, there will be a
further discount of $100 for free charge. It's really a good chance shopping now, don't miss it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a Taiwanese, I only view XDA for a English forum. However, xda don't have warez, and I only used dolphin browser before for about 2 months! And it collected all of my ID + passwords!
Everyone please stop using this ****ing bull****, or you might get this mail, too...

Always check permission requests before installing an app

That's not what warez means.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

warez is software that has been distributed illegally for free when it a paid app.
dolphin is aware of the issue and have patched it in the latest version according to another thread on this forum. There is a way to block the info it sends if your phone is rooted by editing the hosts file manually and adding a specific address to it.
here is the link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1319529

To me its really strange how everyone complains about permissions applications require when installing on an android device, when they install just about anything that says "freeware" on they PC's. Android is just nice enough to let you know what the application accesses, kind of "I politely ask for access to these parts of your system" Where on your old nokia/windows mobile/samsumg/motorola etc which didnt have android, you would install anything anyway. I have read reports about Dolphin browser, so it caches server side, so does your google account which you use to access market. All your searches gets stored serverside, cookies track your browsing habits. If this is suck a concern, dont store your credit card number on your phone as a contact or in plain text. Dont browse dodgy porn sites. Dont watch too many movies where the CIA/MIB are watching your every more. Seriously, just use another browser if that is the problem

In the latest update of dolphin there is no more forwarding

traumatism said:
warez is software that has been distributed illegally for free when it a paid app.
dolphin is aware of the issue and have patched it in the latest version according to another thread on this forum. There is a way to block the info it sends if your phone is rooted by editing the hosts file manually and adding a specific address to it.
here is the link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1319529
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the latest version of Dolphin.
I have a P500h LG Optimus One cellphone, and I use Dolphin Mini. It's awesome.
Check it.

Pandora 1.7 by rydah805. Themed/no ads/unlimited skip

Passing along newest version of Pandora, no ads, unlimited skips, themed
Download direct link:http://d-h.st/1e4
Thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1783124
Original thread that started it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1849110

All credits go to Rydah805 and Bad Seed Team.

Great post brah.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Thanks for sharing!
Sent from Glade Air Freshener using JellyBAM

This is awesome. Thanks so much. I love that the QUIT button is back on the main menu too instead of having to back out of stupid pandora and then quitting.
One question --- my HTC One shows 2 notification icons -- one for "app info" and one for the actual song playing... anyone to get rid of the app info one? If i disable notifications from the app info screen, of course it disables both...

ninety6 said:
This is awesome. Thanks so much. I love that the QUIT button is back on the main menu too instead of having to back out of stupid pandora and then quitting.
One question --- my HTC One shows 2 notification icons -- one for "app info" and one for the actual song playing... anyone to get rid of the app info one? If i disable notifications from the app info screen, of course it disables both...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im trying to figure out how to disable that second one as well, really annoyong

Will something like this still work with my T-Mobile unlimited Pandora streaming

koszor said:
Will something like this still work with my T-Mobile unlimited Pandora streaming
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may depend -- does that have it's own app, or is that app a "system" app on the phone?
I'd just try it, and see what happens. If it doesn't work out, go back to the way it was before.
-Uninstall your pandora app. If you can't, this may not work
-install this version
-use it, and see how it goes...
You can't have this and the "real" pandora installed at the same time. But i seriously doubt you could hurt anything to try. Just keep an eye on data use before and after.

What version of Pandora is this thanks

Zacedward said:
What version of Pandora is this thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's version 1.7 of this app. It doesn't correlate to the default/real pandora app version because it's a completely different app, as far as i know....

Ok thanks

Don't usually register or comments on forums unless it's a dire emergency or some kind of stuff but got to say awesome job on the app. Thanks

Is this app being kept up to date at all?
I searched through the forums and this looks like all. Otherwise there are other moded apks outside of xda..

CoNsPiRiSiZe said:
Passing along newest version of Pandora, no ads, unlimited skips, themed
Download direct link:http://d-h.st/1e4
Thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1783124
Original thread that started it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1849110
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The download doesn't work. I downloaded it but not installed. The installation does not work for my phone. My phone is a LG Escape2. Please reply and help me. Thanks.
Sent from my LG-H443 using XDA Free mobile app

Coolbriggs said:
The download doesn't work. I downloaded it but not installed. The installation does not work for my phone. My phone is a LG Escape2. Please reply and help me. Thanks.
Sent from my LG-H443 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not believe this app is up to date. I also believe this app now violated XDA's ToC and is considered "warez"
Pandora has since put a stop to the majority of things developers were once able to do to the app in order to get these things done. Server sided.
I have a subscriptiion to Pandora One, and I must say for the $4.99 it is amazing... I get a large number of skips and higher quality audio you can tell the difference, playing through the aux cord, headphones, or bluetooth audio.
Sorry to tell you won't find anything like this on XDA. If you are that hard pressed for an app like this look for another source. It was not my work to begin with.