How to download the ereader apps

[twobits]

I just got one of the ~$100 android tablets. The main use for it is going to be as a remote control for my dvr. However, I am also still trying to pick which ereader device to buy. So I figured I would also use it as an ereader for now and try out the various stores and such with it at least since I see a number of places saying they have android apps available.


How do I get them though? I tried Amazon, Barnes and Nobels, Alkido, and Kobo so far. All of them say to get it from market place or to scan some bar code. Neither of these is an option for me. From what I gather the bar code scanning may just be a shortcut tot he market place anyway. I need the direct downloads for the .apk files (I think that is the right suffix). Seems odd no one is providing the direct download links. How do I find them?

[jethro10]

Your right in what you say here.

you need an APK file. a pay for version is unlikely to be available to download directly, but a lot of free or opensource versions will have apk files for direct downlaod - especially as people like you become more common.

type the name of your given program and "apk" into google, eg:

fbreader apk

gives This page for instance, links to the FBReader apk:-
http://www.fbreader.org/FBReaderJ/

which is here http://www.fbreader.org/FBReaderJ/FBReaderJ-0.7.8.apk

your device will probably need a file manager to allow you to "click" on the file to install it. I assume it has?

Anyhow, try the FBReader, I use it and it's fine

Jeff

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by twobits

I just got one of the ~$100 android tablets. The main use for it is going to be as a remote control for my dvr. However, I am also still trying to pick which ereader device to buy. So I figured I would also use it as an ereader for now and try out the various stores and such with it at least since I see a number of places saying they have android apps available.


How do I get them though? I tried Amazon, Barnes and Nobels, Alkido, and Kobo so far. All of them say to get it from market place or to scan some bar code. Neither of these is an option for me. From what I gather the bar code scanning may just be a shortcut tot he market place anyway. I need the direct downloads for the .apk files (I think that is the right suffix). Seems odd no one is providing the direct download links. How do I find them?

I couldn't find the nook app either, probably due to regional restrictions (Germany).
I've downloaded the app "bn.ereader_v2.2.apk" from here: http://m.box.net/view_shared/93t5vc7np8
Kindle app I did find in the market though. Selling "international Kindles" (as opposed to the still "US only" nook), this makes sense of course. I found the Kobo app as well in the market.

[twobits]

Originally Posted by jethro10

your device will probably need a file manager to allow you to "click" on the file to install it. I assume it has?

Anyhow, try the FBReader, I use it and it's fine

Jeff

Thanks. I have a web browser, a file manager, and a package manager at least so should be able to install from that url.

Originally Posted by mgmueller

I couldn't find the nook app either, probably due to regional restrictions (Germany).
I've downloaded the app "bn.ereader_v2.2.apk" from here: http://m.box.net/view_shared/93t5vc7np8
Kindle app I did find in the market though. Selling "international Kindles" (as opposed to the still "US only" nook), this makes sense of course. I found the Kobo app as well in the market.

Thanks also, found the kindle app also from that link. So this should give me a few to try out now at least.

[jethro10]

Originally Posted by twobits

Thanks. I have a web browser, a file manager, and a package manager.

you wil lbe fine with that, it just may take a bit more effort to find APK's

J

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by twobits

Thanks. I have a web browser, a file manager, and a package manager at least so should be able to install from that url.




Thanks also, found the kindle app also from that link. So this should give me a few to try out now at least.

Glad it's working for you.
But the Kindle app should be available from the Android market anyway. Kindle is available "globally", so should be the app. At least I could find it from Germany without any problems. Same for the Kobo app. And you should try the TXTR app for DRMed ePUbs and PDFs.

[Dave_S]

Originally Posted by twobits

How do I get them though?

Since your device probably does not meet the Android Compatibility Definition requirement you probably will not be able to get downloads from the Android Market, but you can still use one of the alternative markets like SlideME. I just checked on SlideME and the Aldiko reader is available there.

http://slideme.org/sam

[beachwanderer]

Originally Posted by twobits

I just got one of the ~$100 android tablets. The main use for it is going to be as a remote control for my dvr. ... I need the direct downloads for the .apk files (I think that is the right suffix). Seems odd no one is providing the direct download links. How do I find them?

Well, there are some useful directions here already. SlideMe is certainly a good point to start and there are other alternative Markets sprouting up too. (Thanks for the link to m.box.net, mgmueller! K to you. )

If you want to try yet another reader, have a look at Moon+ Reader too.

If you are interested in other apps besides eBook Readers (I guess your question is answered) then also have a look at slatedroid.com, and at this thread from the forums at entrourageegde.com. People there are always on the lookout for good apps and apk.-links too.

[twobits]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

Glad it's working for you.
But the Kindle app should be available from the Android market anyway. Kindle is available "globally", so should be the app. At least I could find it from Germany without any problems. Same for the Kobo app. And you should try the TXTR app for DRMed ePUbs and PDFs.

Yeah, I can't get things from the Google market though.

Txtr looks interesting, but can't track down the apk for it so far.

Originally Posted by Dave_S

http://slideme.org/sam

Thanks, seems a few alternative markets, though most of them are missing the ereaders that are tied into booksellers it seems, for better or worse.

Originally Posted by beachwanderer

Well, there are some useful directions here already. SlideMe is certainly a good point to start and there are other alternative Markets sprouting up too. (Thanks for the link to m.box.net, mgmueller! K to you. )

If you want to try yet another reader, have a look at Moon+ Reader too.

If you are interested in other apps besides eBook Readers (I guess your question is answered) then also have a look at slatedroid.com, and at this thread from the forums at entrourageegde.com. People there are always on the lookout for good apps and apk.-links too.

Thanks, I am sure I will be trying a lot more apps, and probably some alternative firmware once I get the microSD card I ordered in.

[Jakie]

I loaded kobo and kindle apps for android onto my android tablet as well.
They work fine. I found the apps by going to slateroid and searching kindle. After wading through the options, I found a download site mentioned by one of the posters. Unfortunately I cannot remember right now where it was. When I find it I will post it.

john

[Jakie]

Here are some ereader apk files. Still looking for Kobo.
http://files.rwbcs.net/?path=./android/apk_files/