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computer, you can then upload them to the Kindle (I had no
issues moving them to the Kindle).
Once the .apk devices are on the Kindle, open up ES File
Explorer and browse to where you saved the files. Click on
the .apk file and select install. This will give a scary-looking
screen showing the permissions that the itemrequires when
it’s installed. If you agree with this, then carry on with the
installation and it’ll install for you.You can now use the app
from the main screen.
Note that some of the apps thatrequire Google services (such
as Chrome), won’t work correctly unless you’re able to copy
across all the Google services as well.
BrowserPluginMethod
You can download .apk files directly from the Play store using
a browser plug-in for either Chrome or Firefox. Google would
prefer you not to access the app store this way, hence why
it doesn’t allow you to download the .apk files directly. The
extension is called APK Downloader and lets you download the
.apk directly to your laptop, allowing you to transfer the .apk
file as described as above. The main drawback to this method is
that you need a Google account to associate purchases on the
Android marketplace and that itrequires an Android DeviceID to
work as well.
The Android device ID is so that the store can log what device
the app is to be installed on (though we aren’t going to actually
install it on that device). If you’ve already got an Android phone,
you can use the same device ID.You can find this by either
downloading the Device ID app (goo.gl/ymrN7r) or dialling
##8255##. I found that on my device, I had to use the app.
Once you have this information and the email and password of
your Google account, you can visit the Play store via the browser
and you now have a button on the app store, letting you download
the .apk directly to your computer rather than the device.You can
then follow the same method of installing as above.
NonAndroidUsers
Unfortunately, non-Android users are perhaps a bit stuck–
without an Android device to download the apps to initially
or being able to use a Device ID number to use the browser
plug-in, you’rerestricted to either downloading the .apk directly
from sources on the internet, if you can find it, or getting your
Android-running mates to download it and send you a copy of
the .apk.
There are websites that offer .apk downloads, but side-
loading is an easy way to get an infected app. The best option is
if you can get a friend to send you an app or even get a cheap
Android phone off eBay and use the Device ID to go down the
route of the browser plug-in (as the app store may prevent you
downloading directly to the device if it isn’t compatible).Conclusions
It’s always preferable to download apps from the Amazon store
where possible, because Amazon will be able to auto update
these and, where possible, apps from the Amazon store can be
downloaded to the micro-SD card, freeing up space on the small
internal drive.
But side-loading allows you to use apps that you might have
paid for in the Play store, so you don’t have to purchase them
again in a second store. Note that the methods of downloading
the .apk files detailed here will not allow you to pirate apps, but
if you’ve already bought and downloaded the app, you can use
it on Android and Amazon devices.mmMalware
Side-loading is generally not recommended, because it’s an
easy way for malware to be installed onto Android systems.
However, it is possible to install software safely using it as
well if you use a known source – such as the Google Play
store. Follow this article and turn off the ability to side-
load when you’re finished to prevent accidentally installing
anything nasty.iAPK Downloader presents a log in screen for you Google username,
password and DeviceID
iSuper Backup allows you to
backup apps, amongst other itemsiSuper Backup shows all the
installed apps on your Android deviceIt’s always preferable
to download apps from
the Amazon store where
possible