Any way to install apps from Android Market?

[davidkettle]

I tried, but because the Vox isn't an approved device, I had no luck. Here's the response I got:

"The Android operating system is open source, which means any device manufacturer is free to use Android on its devices. However, Android Market is an application created by Google that's only made available to devices that pass Google’s compatibility requirements. In addition, manufacturers must obtain a license from Google in order to install Android Market on their devices."

I don't know why Kobo hasn't done that, but if anyone knows of a way to get around this, please let me know. I have a phone that runs Android (and is an approved device), so I thought maybe I could install the app on my phone, copy the apk file to my computer, then copy it to the Vox and install it. But the apk file seems to get deleted as soon as the install process is done. Anyone know how to prevent it from being deleted?

[JD Gumby]

Originally Posted by davidkettle

I don't know why Kobo hasn't done that, but if anyone knows of a way to get around this, please let me know.

Because virtually no $200 tablets meat Google's compatability requirements.

[Cdesja5]

There's another thread about this with lots of work arounds but no one actually getting into AM itself

[borisb]

Just a shot, but have you gone into Settings - Application Settings and enabled "Unknown sources"? This option is off by default, preventing you from installing from APKs you "sideload".

[46jimbo]

davidkettle, on your phone, try to find the folder /system/apps.

[taming]

You can extract apk files from rooted devices.

[davidkettle]

Thanks. I looked in that directory and saw lots of APK files, but not the one I'm looking for (Adobe Reader). Adobe Reader is free, I think I should be able to install it on the Vox without ruffling any feathers. Since the eReader software that comes pre-installed doesn't seem to support PDF files, I thought I'd install Adobe Reader. (If there's an app I want that isn't free, I'd be quite willing to pay for two licenses if I want to run it on my phone and my Vox, but it doesn't seem to be possible.)

Originally Posted by 46jimbo

davidkettle, on your phone, try to find the folder /system/apps.

[davidkettle]

Can you tell me where the other thread is? I couldn't find it. Maybe I'll try the suggestions there anyway. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Cdesja5

There's another thread about this with lots of work arounds but no one actually getting into AM itself

[wilbrich]

There's an app called Repligo that does a great job on PDF's. I think I found it at apktop.com.

[taming]

Originally Posted by davidkettle

Thanks. I looked in that directory and saw lots of APK files, but not the one I'm looking for (Adobe Reader). Adobe Reader is free,

You can download it directly from Adobe at the bottom of this page: http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/892/cpsid_89295.html

[davidkettle]

Thanks, that worked. Now I can actually read PDF files on my Kobo Vox eReader! (Why did they leave that capability out anyway, or at least pre-install Adobe or something else that can read PDF files?)

I'd still like to get around this problem, though. Even if Android Market doesn't support the Vox (or Kobo doesn't want to pay the licensing fee or whatever the reason is), why shouldn't I have the choice to install apps that may or may not work on the Vox? As I said, I'd be quite happy to pay twice to run certain apps on both devices. As for the free apps, why should anyone care?

Originally Posted by taming

You can download it directly from Adobe at the bottom of this page: http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/892/cpsid_89295.html

[taming]

We just may have to hang in there. I'm guessing that Canadians will get access to the Amazon App store sooner, rather than later. At that point, you will be able to buy and install almost everything but the proprietary google apps.

[Cdesja5]

Other thread is here:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=155802

[Haesslich]

Originally Posted by taming

We just may have to hang in there. I'm guessing that Canadians will get access to the Amazon App store sooner, rather than later. At that point, you will be able to buy and install almost everything but the proprietary google apps.

Given that it took three generations of Kindles (and almost 6 years) to get an International edition and Amazon Prime hasn't made it out of the US, I wouldn't count on Amazon App Store ever making it outside the States. It was this long lag which I credit for the existence of Kobo - if Amazon had rolled out internationally when it first started, I don't know if anyone else would have had a chance of getting established.

[davidkettle]

Thanks, but that thread seems to be talking about importing ebooks, not installing apps. However, I did find some other threads about installing apps. Like you said, there doesn't seem to be any workaround yet, unless you can download directly from the developer's web site.

Originally Posted by Cdesja5

Other thread is here:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=155802