Database Users

General warning about using Random APK's

Just a general warning to those who seek out APK's on the internet.
I've noticed an increasing number of people posting APK links on XDA-developers using 3rd party hosting such as multi-upload instead of the official developers websites. This is a potential security risk to your own phone, because Android code CAN be decompiled, and dodgy code can be added before re-uploading. You at a greater risk of downloading compromised APK's if you download them from an untrusted party.
Many of these APK's seem to be hosted officially by the developers already, so please link directly to the developers OWN servers when possible, and those who use their phone for business or store sensitive data on it, should avoid using APK's from sources which weren't set up by the original developers.

andrewluecke said:
Just a general warning to those who seek out APK's on the internet.
I've noticed an increasing number of people posting APK links on XDA-developers using 3rd party hosting such as multi-upload instead of the official developers websites. This is a potential security risk to your own phone, because Android code CAN be decompiled, and dodgy code can be added before re-uploading. You at a greater risk of downloading compromised APK's if you download them from an untrusted party.
Many of these APK's seem to be hosted officially by the developers already, so please link directly to the developers OWN servers when possible, and those who use their phone for business or store sensitive data on it, should avoid using APK's from sources which weren't set up by the original developers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off: Who's to say the original developer can't put this so-called "dodgy code" in their own apks?
Secondly: The Android marketplace doesn't have any strict rules as to what someone can post, and the code isn't even checked. You have just as high a chance of getting this "dodgy code" from any app you download straight from the market.

Nobody. But it is a hell of a lot safer from a trusted first party, than being passed down a chain of untrusted people before it makes it's way to you. Especially since apk's don't seem to be digitally signed (I may be wrong).
I'm just concerned that you can post any APK you want here which have an official website, insert a trojan, and nobody would be none the wiser. I'd simply like to see a change in attitude.. If someone posts an unofficial link to an APK which is already available by developers, I'd like to see people stand up and point to the OFFICIAL website.
At the moment, people are actually ENCOURAGING bad security practices, and doing so makes XDA a target ripe for future attack. And I don't want to wake up to a forum of people *****ing about Samsung, for a problem caused because of a trojaned copy of Angry birds beta on XDA.
We should build awareness now for people to get files from the last link in the chain, rather than wait for someone to try it (which they probably will, and may have already done)

andrewluecke said:
Nobody. But it is a hell of a lot safer from a trusted first party, than being passed down a chain of untrusted people before it makes it's way to you. Especially since apk's don't seem to be digitally signed (I may be wrong).
I'm just concerned that you can post any APK you want here which have an official website, insert a trojan, and nobody would be none the wiser. I'd simply like to see a change in attitude.. If someone posts an unofficial link to an APK which is already available by developers, I'd like to see people stand up and point to the OFFICIAL website.
At the moment, people are actually ENCOURAGING bad security practices, and doing so makes XDA a target ripe for future attack. And I don't want to wake up to a forum of people *****ing about Samsung, for a problem caused because of a trojaned copy of Angry birds beta on XDA.
We should build awareness now for people to get files from the last link in the chain, rather than wait for someone to try it (which they probably will, and may have already done)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you familiar with modifying an APK? It is not nearly as easy as you make it seem. If the developer doesn't release the source code, it can't easily be functionally modified minus a few graphics and the like. Not to mention, this is how the iPhone jailbreak system works in regards to getting content. And has been going on with PC for years.
I really do not think it's something we have to worry about. Just install an anti-virus on your phone if you're worried.

1) Grab 7zip to decompress your apk package.
2) And yep, there are tools to decompile dex files too. Technically it seems to be more like disassembly, but can probably easily be modified to cause the app to ring russian phone sex numbers every 10 minutes without your consent, or do other nasty things. There are some security mechanisms in place, but that doesn't make them invincible.
You tell me, what is the advantage of encouraging reposting of APK's with already existing websites? Because it doesn't seem to have any advantages, but can have BAD security implications.

Good thing to raise awareness among users, but alas - most of them don't even bother to read the permissions requested by apps downloaded from the market.
There are actually quite few people that have an idea of what could happen if they had a rouge app on their phones. I recently tried to give a similar general warning in another forum that people should take care when flashing "beta" firmwares downloaded from some hosting site and not from the developer... You think most of them cared? Sadly they didn't...

There's nothing wrong with being a bit cautious and smart about the way we do things. I'll trust the app if I see the dev is in "the" community.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App

andrewluecke said:
1) Grab 7zip to decompress your apk package.
2) And yep, there are tools to decompile dex files too. Technically it seems to be more like disassembly, but can probably easily be modified to cause the app to ring russian phone sex numbers every 10 minutes without your consent, or do other nasty things. There are some security mechanisms in place, but that doesn't make them invincible.
You tell me, what is the advantage of encouraging reposting of APK's with already existing websites? Because it doesn't seem to have any advantages, but can have BAD security implications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, obviously you've never tried to actually edit one of those XML files within it. try that and get back to me.
APK's are not open source and cannot be decompiled and edited. The only way for what you are suggesting can happen, to happen, is if the APK in question had its sources released so someone else could release an edited version of the program, made from scratch, in java.
"can probably" is not very sure. The chances of someone posting a completely separate app with the name of a well known app is much more likely than someone editing an existing app (assuming the sources were available).
If you have no clue about android apk development why even bother arguing?
opensourcefan said:
There's nothing wrong with being a bit cautious and smart about the way we do things. I'll trust the app if I see the dev is in "the" community.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Agree 100%. Much better said! You don't know who's releasing what, so watch what you're installing and just make sure it looks like the program you were looking for in the first place..

Electroz said:
So, obviously you've never tried to actually edit one of those XML files within it. try that and get back to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Refer to apktool Link
Or Apk Manager (My Signature)
Xml's can be 100% decompiled/recompiled from binary to human readable and back thanks to apktool.
2 options to make sure ur safe :
1. Dont install root applications (they require 0 upfront standard android api permissions hence u won't know what its doing behind the scenes)
2. Install apps by transferring them to ur phone and using the package manager, that way you can see standard permissions (if any) and judge accordingly.
You know what would be cool, if superuser could log the "su" commands a root requiring app executes

Daneshm90 said:
Refer to apktool Link
Or Apk Manager (My Signature)
Xml's can be 100% decompiled/recompiled from binary to human readable and back thanks to apktool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, my bad.... But no wonder major game companies aren't developing for the platform yet.

But even if the apk that u downloaded from the net have a virus (eg. sends SMS to get money), you will still see the permission when installing so an antivirus isnt needed, or am i wrong?

leoon said:
But even if the apk that u downloaded from the net have a virus (eg. sends SMS to get money), you will still see the permission when installing so an antivirus isnt needed, or am i wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its a non-root requiring app then yes, it must disclose its permissions prior to installing it through package manager not if u use adb to install.
You just have to judge, if a wifi toggle app is asking for email/sms permissions, you might want to be careful
As for root-requiring apps, theres not much you can do other than read reviews for that app or decompile and try to understand what its doing behind the scenes.

Electroz said:
Wow, my bad.... But no wonder major game companies aren't developing for the platform yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's quite easy to modify disassembled app code as well - trust me ;-) Also I think we will have possibility to decompile to Java code in the future.
Just don't think of your phone as a smaller PC (especially Windows), because this isn't true. There will never be antiviruses for Android and your only protection are permissions. Anyone could create market account and upload malicious app.
About game companies: they usually write in native code and it's really hard to decompile (or maybe even impossible for now). Besides... did you heard about gameloft's recent games? They're really awesome. Note that first 3d-gaming capable Android phones were released just ~10 months ago, so it's still quite early.

leoon said:
But even if the apk that u downloaded from the net have a virus (eg. sends SMS to get money), you will still see the permission when installing so an antivirus isnt needed, or am i wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should, however, what if it is an alternate launcher, in which case, you'd expect it to be able to send SMS's and make phone calls. That's all fine, until you realise the copy of launcherPro you downloaded using a multi-upload in XDA is having phone sex with a russian operator costing you hundreds of dollars.
It's actually good Brut spoke here. Brut[Maps] is relevant, because it introduces new features which distinguishes it from Google's version. However, can we trust Brut as much as we can trust Google? He seems trustworthy yes, but as trustworthy as Google? Questionable. (Btw Brut, good work on your mod). Of course, his mod does have considerable benefits showing he is interested in helping the community and he hasn't caused any problems thus far. That only means his official multi-upload posts are safe though, if I repost them elsewhere, you shouldn't trust my copies.
It's common sense that programs should pass by as few hands as possible to remain secure. We need to build awareness about security practices (particularly for business users who may compromise their companies security or information). I'm not saying all rom's are safe.. Think about it though, if an APK is already readily accessible, why would someone go through the effort of re-uploading it?
Furthermore, we should encourage people using their phone's for important purposes to use the official Kies releases, not random firmware's available from Samfirmware's (which may not even be final versions).
Remember, trojans are common in the warez world, and it's better to change the attitude of the community before they become a problem here too (otherwise, people will be stuck in a poor mindset that compromises herd immunity). XDA is a website targeted at the technical crowd, and we should set a good example.
@Electroz. Haven't disassembled them myself, but checked a tutorial. But someone has responded already anyway.. Just because I don't have experience doing it myself anyway, doesn't mean it isn't widely known to be possible.

Several big guys already launched Antivirus For Android
Norton, Trend, and a few more
i think we are pretty safe with those
however... it's suck if they run in the background all the time eating the juice+cpu power away

Anti-virus only helps for known trojans anyway, and since so few people have it installed, it doesn't help much. When Android has it built in though, it may be more useful.
Anti-virus should be considered a last line of defense anyway. And either way, I'm not concerned, because I try to minimise the risks of my own sgs. However, it's a concern that people here don't believe such a risk exists, and are actually encouraging a global attitude which might make the Android population ripe for social engineering attacks in the future.

@andrewluecke
I understand you, I don't say there is no problem with security. I say it doesn't matter you will get malicious software from mirror or Market itself. We could assume apps downloaded from WWW are more dangerous, but this problem is general one: people should be cautious whenever they install something with critical permissions. If they won't they will have problems anyway - it's just a matter of time.
I agree with you: it's important to aware people of that problem. This is actually only one thing we can do: be aware and cautious.
Ahh and in many situations it's possible to protect yourself against problem with redistribution. First, you could check md5 - many developers give it to people, I do. Second: signatures. Each app is signed by its author, so you could check its authenticity. You could check signatures of downloaded apk using public key uploaded by dev to his WWW or using "safe" apk you downloaded earlier. Unfortunately there are no tools to do that easily :-/ Also Android does this check automatically when you install new software. So if you have installed e.g. GM modded by me, then you have downloaded new version from some mirror and succeed at installing it, you can be sure it was also from me and nobody modified it.
AllGamer said:
Several big guys already launched Antivirus For Android
Norton, Trend, and a few more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm? I think it's impossible, cause apps can't get to data and resources of others apps. And creating an app for root users only wouldn't have much sense.
I have found Norton Smartphone Security for Android and it's anti-theft protection, not anti-virus.

I'm not a coder and came from IT field so I have lots of general questions about apk security and found this thread...great discussion. TY
Just a general question about apk security...how easy is it to alter apk for malicious intent? And is it possible for spyware writers to turn some freebie apk or rom into a bunch of botnet drone? ...just kinda scary to imagine
the news about android virus gets me nervous about installing any apk released from any individual
http://www.talkandroid.com/24949-new-android-trojan-virus-discovered-dubbed-gemini/

kobesabi said:
how easy is it to alter apk for malicious intent?
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Click to collapse
Quite easy for a good developer.
kobesabi said:
And is it possible for spyware writers to turn some freebie apk or rom into a bunch of botnet drone?
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Click to collapse
Yes, but I think that would be quickly noticed by people and then these apks, roms and developers would be banned from every forum in the internet.

Brut.all said:
Quite easy for a good developer.
Yes, but I think that would be quickly noticed by people and then these apks, roms and developers would be banned from every forum in the internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, scary. Unless there is something else, that they can't get away, I don't think banning would deter much, they just laugh at the weak security as a fun challenge. If they already got tons of ip under their control...banning by account, ip, or email will not help much...they can always get new ones.
Is there a way user can authenticate/verify apk signing from authentic author/writer? Many just post apk but did not post md5 or sha sum so how can a user find out if it is original or not?
Anyway to test these apk without loading up to real phone?

I need to hire a developer!

Howdy, the name's Mike. I've got an idea for a comics app that I think has legs. I want to release it for the Android Market, but I'm a graphic designer and I'm absolutely useless when it comes to code. The App Inventor isn't robust enough for my needs. So, I need to hire someone who can take my graphics, concepts and instructions and make it into a real app.
I'm planning this as a commercial application (~1.99/free with ads), so you will be paid well for your work. Preference will be given to developers who can code for multiple platforms (Android/iOS/WP7), have proven development and Android Market experience, enjoy internet comics, and who can meet in person in north Texas.
I've been lurking on XDA since I got my HTC Touch three years ago, and I can't think of anywhere else I'd like to start looking for talented developers. I supply the ideas, the capital and the interface. You supply the rest. Let's make an app. Email me at aggie20x at gmail dot com to get the ball rolling.
[Mods: If this post violates XDA rules, please take it down and email me to let me seek alternatives. I don't want to make any trouble.]

I was wondering a similar thing, but a search doesn't give much.
I didn't want to make a new post, I'm surprised there wasn't a long list of devs for hire already
Please post here if you might be available. I have a rather simple app request.

AndyCr15 said:
I was wondering a similar thing, but a search doesn't give much.
I didn't want to make a new post, I'm surprised there wasn't a long list of devs for hire already
Please post here if you might be available. I have a rather simple app request.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's hear it.

Basically I just want an app for my site (see sig below) which will give the posts in a list, have a tab for comments and a tab for videos (from our YouTube channel).
My idea was it would be a way for people to say thanks (I would charge 99p for it) and it would maybe help fund further progress of the site...

[Q] Banned For Life from Android Market/ Developer

Google recently shut down my developer account and google market account with no explanation. And as you all know their support sucks. Does anyone know how to get back on the market to sell apps? Thanks. I had some Themes for pandahome etc but now I have some apps I made with AI I want to get on the market.
Your merchant account has been closed

Make another fake account.
Xda app

I tried that 4 times and somehow they keep finding me. I used walmart gift cards with fake names! I don't know if they are tracking my ISP or what, but they go up for about an hour, take my $25 developer fee, and then get closed down.
Any surefire ways to set up a stealth developer account?

All I was making was themes you can see what I had here, then lost everything
androidlib my developer name was Onion Rings Studios

007onionrings said:
All I was making was themes you can see what I had here, then lost everything
androidlib my developer name was Onion Rings Studios
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're were making themes for an app; did you ask the developer if you can put them on the market. He could report you because you didn't have his approval.

It looks like most of your themes were copyright infringing, maybe someone who owns the copyright had complained about you.

I remember getting my first ticket. Some guy was ahead of me and was slowing down to stop for a light that was turning red, I decided to drive right around him to pass.
I got pulled over.
When I asked the cop what I did wrong, he gave me a nasty look and just said "license and registration".
Sorry, I know this story doesn't have anything to do with the topic of this thread, but when I read that Google banned the account without giving any explanation...It made me think of that.

I seriously doubt that they would ban you for no reason whatsoever, as the previous posts say your themes where probably copyright infringing and the copyright owner complained about you. So there is your reason!

What kind of AI were you working on?

Futur Innovations said:
What kind of AI were you working on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He means App Inventor, not AI apps.

???
If you were making themes for another developers app and making money out of it, i can completely see why you should be stopped... Banned seems a little OTT though? I also think Google should have an obligation to explain the ban, you should have been given a chance to appeal or something! Unless of course you're missing a few bits out??
Try teaming up with another developer or themer? If its any consolation, i dont think many people use panda home anymore...infact i dont know of anyone!!

007onionrings said:
I tried that 4 times and somehow they keep finding me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why the hell would Google know who you are?

Are you re-uploading the same App? Using same email? Thats why they find you probably. Get someone with a real CC to open an account for you.

I suspect his endeavours take a wrong turn the moment he starts using 'Walmart credit cards' and 'fake identities'.

Not many genuine people need fake ID and credit cards so its probably for our protection....doesn't look too good considering the apps he/she sold were to profit from another devs work in the first place!

I had a nice app game that I downloaded last December.
After I upgraded to Froyo, I wanted to re-download the game.
It is no longer available because a huge corporate game marketer threatened legal action becuase it had similarities to one of the games they market.
It's corporate litigation bullying!
The independent developer cowered and pulled his app.
I'd love to see a thread with links to apk files(apps) that we can access and install with a sideloader.
Does anyone have such a resource?

Google "alternate android market" and the world is your oyster

RAMMANN said:
why the hell would Google know who you are?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.. didn't you know? google knows all.

naenee said:
I suspect his endeavours take a wrong turn the moment he starts using 'Walmart credit cards' and 'fake identities'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL @ upstanding business practices.

How to Promote Android Apps?

Hi, I'm a new app developer and I recently published my first app on the android market. Unfortunently I'm not getting any downloads besides those from friends. I've tried posted in app development forums like this one but that did not create an downloads. I also tried running an admob campaign and that did not create any downloads. I've been reading through the forums here and at other sites and it seems people won't download unless you have reviews and other people downloading. If others won't download because no downloads then nobody will download. I would really appreciate any advice. I'm not expecting or hoping for 10000 + downloads but I was hoping for at least 5 downloads since it's been almost 3 weeks now. Thanks for the suggestions.

go to smaller android blogs and ask them to review it. create youtube video and show how it works

This blog post documents my experience in App Marketing
This blog post documents my experience in App Marketing
http://karim-ouda.blogspot.com/2012/05/android-app-marketing-dumping-my.html

Submit your app to http://50bestandroidapps.com/
Submit your app to 50bestandroidapps.com
It's a good web site to get your apps promoted. :fingers-crossed:

the_main_app said:
Hi, I'm a new app developer and I recently published my first app on the android market. Unfortunently I'm not getting any downloads besides those from friends. I've tried posted in app development forums like this one but that did not create an downloads. I also tried running an admob campaign and that did not create any downloads. I've been reading through the forums here and at other sites and it seems people won't download unless you have reviews and other people downloading. If others won't download because no downloads then nobody will download. I would really appreciate any advice. I'm not expecting or hoping for 10000 + downloads but I was hoping for at least 5 downloads since it's been almost 3 weeks now. Thanks for the suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Increase SEO of app..
In app details, enter large no. of keywords related with the app. Also, enter name of other similar popular apps as keyword.
It'll not just increase visibility in built-in search results, but also on external search engines and curators!

I might be able to help?
If you are looking to get your app promoted, I actually own and operate a website called Droid App of the Day, so if you would like a free app review visit my site (I cant post links as am a new member). A google search won't fail you!

the_main_app said:
Hi, I'm a new app developer and I recently published my first app on the android market. Unfortunently I'm not getting any downloads besides those from friends. I've tried posted in app development forums like this one but that did not create an downloads. I also tried running an admob campaign and that did not create any downloads. I've been reading through the forums here and at other sites and it seems people won't download unless you have reviews and other people downloading. If others won't download because no downloads then nobody will download. I would really appreciate any advice. I'm not expecting or hoping for 10000 + downloads but I was hoping for at least 5 downloads since it's been almost 3 weeks now. Thanks for the suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello friend, I have the same problem as you! I also have a new android app, but cannot promote it properly. Could you please, share your experience on promoting your app. It would be interesting not only for me Good luck!

I have wrote this guide for people like me. I have wrote almost everything I tried when I was promoting my app.
http://obscurant1st.biz/blog/how-to-promote-android-app/

obscurant1st said:
I have wrote this guide for people like me. I have wrote almost everything I tried when I was promoting my app.
http://obscurant1st.biz/blog/how-to-promote-android-app/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great article! Thanks for sharing this

Few words about google play app pronotion
Empirically, I determined that a new application has to be seen through search Google play. Search is all that we have without money for a marketing campaign.
Therefore,application should be optimized in the following order:
Application name in google play. This name may be different from the name displayed on the desktop device. The application name contains 30 characters, they should contain the main application keywords.
Description of the application must be clear and also contain keywords.
Attractive icons are very important.
The application must be beautiful and functional. No need to buy a device for $ 300-500 and install an ugly app. People want a beautiful application.
Publication of forums mentioned above.

Well if you don't mind paying for installations try appbrain. It features an option to pay per installation, for a small number of installations you can go as low as 0,20 per installation. They only allow to promote free apps though, and if your income is from ads you will probably not get your money back.
Other options are going to forums and telling the users about your app. Or contact review blogs. Appeggs usally posts good apps, or try app of the day blogs. But make sure your app is ready for the big public or else you might just end up getting bad reviews,

I wrote a little guide on how to promote your apps http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2225125

I wanted to add that the guide that i've been using (a small one) and that lead our team to initially post a thread here on XDA is: http://karim-ouda.blogspot.kr/2012/05/android-app-marketing-dumping-my.html
Interestingly enough, the author of that guide has posted here as well!

So keywords actually do stuff then? I only tried it in one app, I didn't tell anyone I built or released the app. Not even one or two people and admittedly it has had 200 downloads.
I thought it didn't really do anything. Think I have to add keywords to all my apps descs now.

Be careful with keywords: http://droid-blog.net/2011/06/13/how-to-not-get-kicked-out-of-android-market/
This is also interesting: http://droid-blog.net/2011/07/11/four-reasons-why-your-app-wont-be-successful/
And for tips: http://droid-blog.net/category/aso-2/
Ok. It is all from the same blog but I found it very helpful.

Advertising is one option, the other is to advertise your app on various forums, facebook groups. Making youtube video is also a good practice. It avoids you negative reviews as user has already been aware of all app features.

First of all, I want to say that I have no experience in promoting Android apps. But I did some work in promoting websites for businesses, and I can suggest some things.
Key is a having a functional app. If users download an app which is half done and has disabled functions because they aren't done yet, they are going to uninstall it. Second suggestion, a great design is makes a difference for a lot of people whether they're going to install it or not.
When you have both those things, you can get on with actually promoting the app. I would search for an SEO copywriter to get the description for your app. SEO copywriters are specialized in optimizing texts for Google. And I would look into advertising on Facebook. I think you can actually promote your apps, and advertise only on phones. This way your advertisement will only be showed to people who are using Facebook on their phone. User will probably more tempted to install the app.

My app is now having more 1600+ downloads! I am planning to do a major update which might increase the app exposure!
EDIT: I would like everyone to know that I have started a free review service, so if anyone in the process of promoting thier android app, they could consider requesting a free review from me!

the_main_app said:
How to Promote Android Apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello to all.
You can promote your apps at Appsorg.com :good:
Appsorg.com - Helps you share and organize your Android apps from around the web.
ps - This is my first post at xda, but this is not a spam )
I really think this site will be very helpfully to all of us

App promotion
Thanks for all the interesting links and posts on app marketing ideas. We're a new app developer & in the same boat.
It seems that App Store Optimisation along with submissions to as many review sites as possible are good starting points. We started looking at pre launch strategies as well focusing on building up some marketing steam.
Check out pre apps. It's a pretty interesting idea. We also submitted to any app dev competitions and as many journalists as we could. Paid reviews are worth a look at as well if you can scrape a few 100 bucks together but make sure the site has traffic
dinamotxt dot com

Promote Android App

how to promote my android app for free???

I guess you can find many promotion methods after you install an app from Google Play.
Splash window,
Push notification,
App recommendation inside an app.
Corporate with other developers and promote apps for each other.
...
Well, at least the first three promotion methods can be found in most of the apps from Google Play.
But who knows more promotion methods?

You may install swably and share your apps in there, its community where dev and customer share thoughts about lots of app
Sent from my HTC Salsa C510e using Tapatalk 2

As previously stated, Swably is a free way to promote & share apps. That's probably your best bet.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

Post it here on XDA.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

for everyone
Thanks

for you
ariser said:
I guess you can find many promotion methods after you install an app from Google Play.
Splash window,
Push notification,
App recommendation inside an app.
Corporate with other developers and promote apps for each other.
...
Well, at least the first three promotion methods can be found in most of the apps from Google Play.
But who knows more promotion methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks very much.

okmijnlp said:
As previously stated, Swably is a free way to promote & share apps. That's probably your best bet.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go.Bin said:
You may install swably and share your apps in there, its community where dev and customer share thoughts about lots of app
Sent from my HTC Salsa C510e using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This app on Google Play?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=goofy2.swably
---------- Post added at 01:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:39 AM ----------
okmijnlp said:
As previously stated, Swably is a free way to promote & share apps. That's probably your best bet.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
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Oops, after I install this app from Google Play, I'm stuck in the Connect through a network page, and it gives me three options: Facebook, Twitter, Google+. However, if I choose Facebook, it takes long time to load and then gives me the message of "Connect to...timed out".

ariser said:
This app on Google Play?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=goofy2.swably
---------- Post added at 01:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:39 AM ----------
Oops, after I install this app from Google Play, I'm stuck in the Connect through a network page, and it gives me three options: Facebook, Twitter, Google+. However, if I choose Facebook, it takes long time to load and then gives me the message of "Connect to...timed out".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you access Facebook on your phone?

subscribe to getjar and publish your app. or publish your app on Amazon appstore....
OR
Go To This Site and Publish [media.droidtweak. com / android-app-marketing] (Copy and paste it remove spaces, m a new user so i cant post outsider links, m jus trying to help, sorry moderators)
OR
Before you make any sort of promotional effort, you need to do the following:
1) Make sure you have a good rating. Get 10 friends to give you 5-stars. Nobody wants to download an unrated app (or even one with less than 5 ratings).
2) Add a video on the app store. It doesn't need to be pro, just something that gives a good indication of what your app does.
3) Make sure your screenshots are good and your description is accurate. The first sentence is the most important for describing what the app does.
After it's on the store (free version):
1) Post in forums
2) Submit it to review websites
3) Write up a press release (catchy headline, what your app does, why is it better - have a good angle) and send it to every news / tech / related website you can find. Who knows, 1 or 2 websites out of the 100s might write something about you, which can get you 100s of downloads. It's worth the hours it takes to do this. Also, use some Mail Merge software to make it personal (as simple as "Hi [name]").
4) Find influential twitter users that you think would use your app. Send them a message - dont harass them though. Be sincere. If they like it and they haven't tweeted about it, ask them to.

sam shaikh said:
subscribe to getjar and publish your app. or publish your app on Amazon appstore....
OR
Go To This Site and Publish [media.droidtweak. com / android-app-marketing] (Copy and paste it remove spaces, m a new user so i cant post outsider links, m jus trying to help, sorry moderators)
OR
Before you make any sort of promotional effort, you need to do the following:
1) Make sure you have a good rating. Get 10 friends to give you 5-stars. Nobody wants to download an unrated app (or even one with less than 5 ratings).
2) Add a video on the app store. It doesn't need to be pro, just something that gives a good indication of what your app does.
3) Make sure your screenshots are good and your description is accurate. The first sentence is the most important for describing what the app does.
After it's on the store (free version):
1) Post in forums
2) Submit it to review websites
3) Write up a press release (catchy headline, what your app does, why is it better - have a good angle) and send it to every news / tech / related website you can find. Who knows, 1 or 2 websites out of the 100s might write something about you, which can get you 100s of downloads. It's worth the hours it takes to do this. Also, use some Mail Merge software to make it personal (as simple as "Hi [name]").
4) Find influential twitter users that you think would use your app. Send them a message - dont harass them though. Be sincere. If they like it and they haven't tweeted about it, ask them to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice advices, but the first link goes to paid reviews

New android app - need exposure
Hi everyone,
I'm a noob here (hopefully I'm not violating any rules) and was hoping to post one of my android apps here to help it gain some traction. My 11 year old son worked with me on this app, I would just like to keep him motivated by seeing some success.
Lately with the way the android market has become saturated, it has been very tough to get your app discovered.
I only do this as a hobby on the side. I have only developed games, they are all pretty simple games, no 3D or anything like that.
I recently released a dice game app (variation of Yahtzee), That I think some people would like.
It has some online challenge features with scoreloop, and an extra game mode.
My downloads to date are pretty poor, and was hoping to gain some exposure.
here is the link on the google play store:
play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=com.anndconsulting.yahtzeecrag
I have a free (ad supported) and paid version released.
developer ID is ANND Consulting Games
Thanks for the help
Please let me know , if there is a better way of doing this, and I apologize in advance if I have violated and rules here.

When I was trying different methods to promote my app, I kinda noted it down. Here is brief about what I did:
http://obscurant1st.biz/blog/how-to-promote-android-app/

1. Never use push notifications aka push it to people's notification centers. People will perceive it as spam, and never download it. Ever.
2. Contact several Android news sites, and tip them that your *special* app is available. With special, i mean, really special. Don't even do it if it's a fart app or a stupid and useless app. You don't deserve the attention.
3. XDA. Publish it in the app section. People will find it and download it. People will use it if it's any good, or people will complain if it's ****; and you'll deserve it.
Bottom line: Build it, and they will come. Exploit the system in a bad way and you'll go nowhere. Don't piss people off with annoying ads.

From my very recent experience, getting a review on a major website with tons of viewers will get you a ton of attention. Websites like android police and android central have a ton of views per day.
My usual promotions were to post on forums. If you were lucky and people paid attention to your app, they'd download it. The more downloads you get, the higher chances of it showing up on Top New apps or just Top Apps. Once you get on that list, its when the app will finally take off. Its took 2.5 weeks for my live wallpaper to get to top 10 new paid live wallpapers and top 10 new free live wallpaper. The Top Paid live wallpaper is easy to get on as only a few purchases will qualify the app.
Anyway, back to my point about the review. My app was doing ok and there was a consistent downloads per day then it started to decline a little. But all of a sudden, my google wallets account exploded with purchases and my free version with admob banners, the requests and impressions exploded. I was shocked and had no idea what was going on. Then, a quick google of my app, revealed that android police decided to give my app a review. i was shocked. I never asked them to review it, so it was pretty much free publicity. If you look at the little graph on the right side of my app, you'll see how it was starting to decline, then all of a sudden, it shot up.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.qk.batterycorelwfree
Here's the review on my app.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...e-way-to-track-your-lithium-ion-expenditures/
Main points:
1. Post on forums
2. Get a review done.
Side note, I've never seen a good app not get downloads. All good apps will get tons of downloads.

LordManhattan said:
3. XDA. Publish it in the app section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I've published my app in the app section, People loved it and found it useful, I updated frequently, But The app went in the last pages which I think no one checks,

True is there any really good way to promote app for free?
UpGado said:
Well, I've published my app in the app section, People loved it and found it useful, I updated frequently, But The app went in the last pages which I think no one checks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

chengsokdara said:
True is there any really good way to promote app for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are lots of ways. Requesting a review for your app is one of the easiest ways.
I have started a free review service, You could consider requesting a free review from me!
Also see this link from my signature with lots of tips to promote our apps for free!

I can help promoting yours apps on the biggest Polish Android forum.

qkhang said:
Then, a quick google of my app, revealed that android police decided to give my app a review. i was shocked. I never asked them to review it, so it was pretty much free publicity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In other words: what you say about yourself, is advertising. What others say about you, it's public relations - much more effective way of promotion, but much much more complicated, too.