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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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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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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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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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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+1 this sounds like a great idea, there was something like this for apps for the dash,mda & sda.

NAIPS for ANDROID

hey guys just wondering if anyone would be able to creatte this app.
The Iphone has such an app only cause the iphone is mainstream in aust but yeah. Was just yeah wondering if someone could port it over to android either 2.2 or 2.1 idc. but would be happy to pay as yeah i want to be the "different bloke"
as the pilot as i have the nexus one and everyone else (11) others own a iphone so yeah thanks

care to explain wtf it is/does?
and are you from australia?

well its a air services site that provides weather for pilots.
it is created by the buero of meteorology and then compiled and put out over different forms, i.e an app or a computer program or radio and such
yes i am australian and most that i know havent a clue how to make such a thing
i would give you links but it says i cant. i must be new lol.

I have considered developing simply to create this app.

Pweese I know at least 50people that would be willing to pay. Would bee so awesome

I'm the developer of the iPhone version of NAIPS - I had a quick look at android however it looks like way too much work for personally minimal gain for me (I don't even have an android phone). If I did do it one day - it would probably have minimal features as it would require a 100% rewrite. Plus I'm currently focusing on getting ERSA etc onto iPad/iPhone (after work & family).
Maybe a bunch of people could pay some firm in China/India to write a version? Or just a simple version (with Airservices' permission) that does location briefings etc?

I'm the developer of the iPhone version of NAIPS - I had a quick look at android however it looks like way too much work for personally minimal gain for me (I don't even have an android phone). If I did do it one day - it would probably have minimal features as it would require a 100% rewrite. Plus I'm currently focusing on getting ERSA etc onto iPad/iPhone (after work & family).
Maybe a bunch of people could pay some firm in China/India to write a version? Or just a simple version (with Airservices' permission) that does location briefings etc?
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That's cool. Can you provide some details as to the source of the data? There are plenty of open source weather apps, one could possibly bee modified to get data from that source

Shagpile said:
I'm the developer of the iPhone version of NAIPS - I had a quick look at android however it looks like way too much work for personally minimal gain for me (I don't even have an android phone). If I did do it one day - it would probably have minimal features as it would require a 100% rewrite. Plus I'm currently focusing on getting ERSA etc onto iPad/iPhone (after work & family).
Maybe a bunch of people could pay some firm in China/India to write a version? Or just a simple version (with Airservices' permission) that does location briefings etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, i have been reading your posts on PPruNe forums, if i do get my act together and start writing a similar app for android, do you mind if i contact you then for bits of information (ie what ASA said regarding scraping their material etc.)?
Also, just out of personal interest, what and where do you fly?

liam.lah said:
Sent from my computer using a keyboard.
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you had me laughing my ASSS off tonight, hahaha!
too funny, I'm sorry for going off topic.

That's cool. Can you provide some details as to the source of the data?
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You basically have to emulate the website by sending off HTML get/post requests as per their html code. There are no documented protocols or anything.
do you mind if i contact you then for bits of information
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Not at all - visit ozrunways.com and send me a message on the 'contact me' page so I don't have to write my email address on a public forum.
We need more small cheap pilot apps available. I've made a bit of coin out of NAIPS but it's still far less than what I would get if I spent my time flipping burgers at McDonalds. Don't get too excited !!
Also, just out of personal interest, what and where do you fly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
P3 Orion - the cold war relic

liam.lah said:
Ah, i have been reading your posts on PPruNe forums, if i do get my act together and start writing a similar app for android, do you mind if i contact you then for bits of information (ie what ASA said regarding scraping their material etc.)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey mate, just wondering if there has been any progress on developing a NAIPS based app for android yet. Because if there has been I would be keenly interested in it.

Not yet. There is no paid app store for Australia yet.

i'm interested to work on this app and it would be free app. however i'm very new to android and still learning.
my first app is KL Web Traffic which you can find on android market. if i know how to get the data and what this app do i don't mind working on it so i can improve my java/android programming skills.

Replying to a 3 year old thread because this app was the only thing keeping a mate of mine on IOS, and this is one of the top hits on Google search.
Check out thttps://sites.google.com/a/juddy.net/android/naips

There are a few now. "NOTAM Filter" is available on the play store and does Met and NOTAMs including areas.

[Q] How to make an Android app?

Hello people
I've wanted to make a Android app for a while now but I don't know where to start.
Can someone give me some pointers on where to start.
If it involves coding then be warmed I'm a complete novice at that.

No coding method: search Google for Android app inventor.
Coding and better method: Android apps use JAVA. Take some basic online courses, then learn the Android sdk. (functions that are specific to android)
Option b is better, and if you have a little patience it won't be too hard.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

alex ainsley said:
Hello people
I've wanted to make a Android app for a while now but I don't know where to start.
Can someone give me some pointers on where to start.
If it involves coding then be warmed I'm a complete novice at that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to get somewhere forget the app inventor and invest some time.
Start by using google on terms like "android tutorial" "android hello world".
Download eclipse and the android sdk (google has all the info and tutorial on how to do that).
The sdk has ALOT of very good example apps. From 3D drawing to system infos and interface layouts.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Google app inventor is doing my head in.
if anyone is reading this on a scale from 1 to 10 how hard/complicated is making a app using coding?

Depends entirely on what you want the app to do unfortunately. If you can give some basic ideas of what you want it to do it will be easier to say how hard it will be.

well all id like my first app to do is when it starts up to show a picture with text then link you to a web page.
Nothing hard

Thats not too difficult, you could patch work something out of existing tutorials/example.
But its always relative saying how difficult something is.
It depends on the person...

Well sorry that's not helping much. I'm still at a loss on what to do.

Basically all you need to do is copy and paste the code from some tutorial examples, or you could even use the app inventor as you need barely any code to do this, for example:
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/graphics/index.html
http://developer.android.com/guide/webapps/webview.html
Putting it all together and making it into an application shouldn't take you more than half an hour once you have gone through the starter tutorials to understand how and what it is you are using.

Ok I'll try that.

Click Here is the link for a LIVE remote workshop / presentation
-Cheers

omg
i really wanna learn, so i went to purchase course and
DescriptionsAmount
Diploma in Java Programming.Diploma in Java Programming.
$1,695.00Item price: $1,695.00
$1,695
are you serious??

Well if you are really determined to learn it, you can manage doing it on your own too, with the help of free online resources. Search for a tutorial series on youtube. Here's one I had found useful when I was learning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl-zzrqQoSE
You should also buy a good book on Java programming and read it. That would help a lot too.

read android developers guide

You can check android developers official site it has lot of tutorials and resources.

You can go to next university library and borrow any Android book. It will not include the latest version of OS, but it will have lot of fundamental information in one place, written by one person. Tutorails often show you how to solve single problem only.

Thank you
Also great video

You're Welcome! Yes it is a great video. That guy really does explain it nicely.

Is App Inventor still working?

Look also at cornboyz tutorial on youtube. Same guy, slightly different tuts

[REQUEST] Digital Watch Face

I started working on one using GWD, but I'm not able to achieve the desired aesthetic. What I'm hoping someone might take interest in creating, is something similar to this, but with no image background. Ideally, with some type of blinking/pulsing animation, and including current temp/battery/date info as well.

Have you looked on www.facerepo.com?

Redflea said:
Have you looked on www.facerepo.com?
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I had not. While it appears to be an excellence repository, after ~20 pages, I still hadn't quite found what I describe in the OP. I do appreciate the resource though!

disturbd1 said:
I had not. While it appears to be an excellence repository, after ~20 pages, I still hadn't quite found what I describe in the OP. I do appreciate the resource though!
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Click to collapse
There's also a Google+ community for the WatchMaker app where you could put a request for info/creation.
Search for WatchMaker in G+.
Oh, and the WatchAware site:
http://www.watchawear.com

Watchface building tool

Hi guys, i'm currently using GDW to make watchfaces in a faster way but i like to add some features (like sunset/sunrise) using Tizen Studio. Now, i'm not a programmer, is too much complicated to build it with codes? Any helpful site where to find codes, suggestions how to start programming simple things like this?
Thank you in advance
Ps: some of my work is already available on Samsung gear store, just type "hennet nailo" to see them all.