20 Android apps download store alternatives!

Android

Are you looking for an alternative Android apps download site or resource for your Chinese phone or tablet!?  Well you’re in luck because this is the ultimate list of alternative Android app stores from around the web!

originally wrote a list of 15 ways how to download Android apps without the Android market here, but as that list of Android apps download resources was getting a little out of date and as other alternatives popped up I’ve decided to write an updated version.

Why would I need an alternative Android apps download site?

You might be thinking ‘Google Play is working just fine, why would I need an alternate Android app store?’.

Well there are a number of reasons, but the main reason is that many Android devices especially Chinese Android phones and Chinese Android tablets do not ship with Google Play installed so how to download Android apps in this case?

20 Android apps download store alternatives!

1. Pandaapp

Pandaapp continues to be my personal favorite way how to download Android apps. The Pandaapp store is available either via their website, or their own Android application which can be downloaded for free. All the Android apps on the Pandaapp store are Free, but please take care as there are plenty of cracked and pirated games!

Visit the Pandaapp website here.

2. Baidu App Store

Baidu the Chinese search giant who are currently kicking Google’s butt across the Chinese internet also have their own method how to download Android apps. The Baidu App store is actually an aggregator of a number third-party stores which allows you to search a wide network for the apps you are after from only one search screen.

Visit the Baidu App store here.

3. Opera Mobile App Store

Opera have their own way how to download Android apps! The Opera Mobile App store frequently offers discounted applications with some huge savings along with a wide variety of free Android apps. Plus as it is ran by a trusted name this Android apps download solution relatively safe.

Download the Opera Mobile App Store here.

4. MIUI.com

MIUI is the name of the Xiaomi OS, and they have their own website with great ways to download Android apps, many of them being free. As well as apps there are a number of hacks, how to’s and other useful resources which make Android apps download site and extremeley usful site to visit!

Visit the MIUI forum here.

5. Tencent App Gem

Like Baidu, China’s other search engine providers are getting involved with Android apps and their own way how to download Android apps. Tencent’s App Gem is the Chinese company’s solution to Android apps downloads and allows users to download apps directly to their Android device via the custom made app.

There are versions of App Gem for both Android phones and tablets and both can be used in conjunction with Tencent’s “iTunes of Android” system.

Visit Tencent App Gem Here.

6. GetJar

While Opera and Amazon offer clean and easy ways to navigate and get your apps on your Android device, GetJar offers a less user friendly and more cluttered approach to Android apps downloads. However that’s not to say GetJar is difficult to use, it just could be a lot simpler.
Like the other alternative app stores on the list, GetJar offers users to search and download popular applications, but unlike some of the others, this store also has a lot of unique hacks and apps developed by budding designers.

Visit the GetJar site here.

7. Wandoujia

Wandoujia is another platform claiming to be the ‘iTunes of Android’. Wandoujia is a PC desktop client which allows you to manage all the content on your Android tablet or phone, meaning you can sync your Android devices contacts, photos and movies.

Best of all is that Wandoujia will search a database of 3rd party Android markets and allow you to download apps from them, it will even let you know when updates are available too!

Visit Wandoujia here.

8. AppChina

AppChina have recently redesigned their whole network to give a more professional and unique experience Android apps download site and application. While a lot of popular Android apps can be found in the AppChina databases , you can also find a lot of cool lesser known indie apps from developers around China.

AppChina look to be going places too as they have already gained funding of $6 million! So keep an eye on this Android apps download solution in the future!

Visit AppChina here.

9. Handango

Handango is absolutely jam packed with free and discounted  Android applications making it one of the most better Android apps download sites around and a popular alternative Google’s Play store. A great resource for those looking for a way to download Android apps without the Android market.

Download Handangou Android store here.

10. OnlyAndroid Superstore

Only Android Superstore is actually ran by Mobihand, who in turn actually run alternative application stores for a multitude of mobile operating systems, but this the Android store is easily the most popular. To start downloading from the Only Android Superstore, you will need to download their app first, which is very clean and easy to navigate. Again be watchful of what you download to avoid malware!

Download Only Android Superstore here.

11. D.cn Games Center

If you are looking for a clean and easy to use way Android apps download site for your phone or tablet without the official Android Play app store then D.cn Games Center could be the one for you!

As you would expect by the name many of the Android apps available on this alternative Android store are games, however they are also mostly free (but ad-supported) and have become the official partner to Rovio Mobile, which suggests this way how to download Android apps could be a little safer than other methods.

Visit D.cn Games Center here.

12. Insyde Market

Insyde Market is another alternative to Google’s Play Android store. Last time we visited they had a lot of free apps but as they grow more unique and indie applications will be made available.

Download Insyde Market here.

13. SlideME

SlideME was one of the first Android app store alternatives to launch, and as such has a rather full database of applications and games to choose from. Apps are listed by category and screen shots are provided so you get a good idea of what you are downloading.

Download the SlideME Android app store here.

14. Gfan

Gfan started life as a forum or BBS for Chinese Android fans to share tip, hacks and of course Android applications. However as the site become more popular and more interest grew they have actually transformed the site in to a fully-fledged Android app store alternative.

Visit Gfan here.

15. HiAPK

HiAPK is a very popular app store in China, however like some other 3rd party Android app stores there are some hacked and pirated applications on here. While you might be rubbing your hands together at the prospect of free games and Android apps, keep in mind that pirated can also mean ‘malware infested’

Visit HiAPK here.

16. Anzhi (GoAPK)

Many of you with Chinese Android phones or tablets might already have this app store installed on your Android device. Like HiAPK there are many cracked or pirated apps available on the Anzhi store, but this hasn’t stopped this Android app store alternative cropping up on a number of Chinese Android devices as preinstalled software!

Visit AnZhi here.

17. YAAM Market

The YAAM market isn’t the most unique alternate store, but instead offers a solid simple way of getting applications on your device. Apps are grouped in to either ‘Free’ or ‘Paid’ with a further filter separating Apps, Games and Updates. We’ve not used YAAM in a while, but last time we did there was only a limited selection of Android applications available.

Download the YAAM Android market here.

18. Taobao App Market

Taobao are very new to the Android app market world, but with their huge audience and their own payment system (Alipay) they could easily become one of the largest alternative Android app markets available.

Visit Taobao App Market here.

19. N-Duo Market

N-Duo market is another new comer but unlike the multinational, billion dollar set up that is the Taobao App Market this is a start-up.

As such the selection isn’t huge, but they do have a great designer and easy to use sections which include Android apps specifically for Android tablets.

Visti N-Duo market here.

20. Google Chrome!

Ok perhaps you have tried all the above alternative Android app stores but you still can only find the app you are looking fro in the official Google Android Play store, then what?

We’ll you could always download APK Downloader which is a Google Chrome extension which will allow you to download Android apps to your PC directly from the official Android market then install the apps on your Android phone or tablet manually!

I hope you found this list of ways how to download Android apps useful, please feel free to report any errors, broken links or even your own personal favorite alternative Android app stores in the comments below.

Publisher: Unknown - 01:33

How To Protect Your Online Security in Cyber Cafes

How To Protect Your Online Security in Cyber Cafes

Cyber cafés allow visitors affordable and quick access to the Internet. They can be a fantastic means of communication and research for those who do not own computers or are traveling. There are certain risks, however, in using a public computer or wireless network for personal matters: encrypted connections cannot always be achieved, preset firewalls may be weak, and it is hard to know who is monitoring your activity. The following steps can help keep sensitive data safe, even in the public setting of a cyber café or public Wi-fi hotspot.

Step 1.

Before even entering a cyber cafe, if using your laptop, be sure to password-protect it first! If you are not using your laptop and are using a public computer, never do anything too private or sensitive. Even if you are able to install things on it, you never know whether there is some sort of malware running on it.

Step 2. 

Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for anyone who might be observing your computer screen and/or keyboard. If you’ve brought your personal laptop, use a security cable to anchor your laptop to a heavy or immovable object. Never leave your laptop, personal belongings, or any sensitive information unattended for any amount of time. It is inadvisable even to ask a stranger to “keep an eye” on your things for a minute. Cybersecurity is important, but physical security is the first step.

Step 3. 

Choose your Internet browser carefully. On a personal computer, take the time to download browsers, patches, and add-ons while at home on a secure, private connection. A great place to start is the HTTPS Everywhere extension for Chrome and Firefox, which is simple to install and protects users even on otherwise insecure sites. If you are on a public computer, however, you may have no choice: security settings often prevent installation by guest users. If possible, use Google Chrome in Incognito Mode, as many reports claim it is the least vulnerable to hacking, or Firefox with appropriate add-ons such as Stealther, Adbock Plus, NoScript, and Convergence.io. Avoid Internet Explorer; as the most commonly used browser, it is also the most commonly attacked browser.

Tip!

No matter which Internet browser you use, make sure to download the latest patches as soon as possible. These patches are the developers’ response to the newest viral threats.

Tip!

Before you use any browser, check its privacy settings. For maximum short-term security: block all cookies, disable search saving, disable login information storage, block all pop-ups, and disable location tracking. Also consider blocking and unblocking Javascript (as well as other things like Flash) as necessary. This will make surfing the web a little slower than it could be, but it will minimize your electronic footprint. If you are a casual user not dealing with sensitive content, these steps may not be necessary.

Step 4. 

Choose the most secure Internet connection. In a café or on a public computer, you may be asked to sign in or enter a password. This is for billing purposes and does not mean your connection is secure. If a Wi-fi hotspot pops up, be aware that unless it requires a WPA/WPA2 (not WEP) password, it is not secure; your actions online and the contents of your computer could be vulnerable. If you are using a personal mobile hotspot or laptop stick, protect it with a WPA2 password, as this is most secure.

Step 5. 

Once connected to the Internet, browse consciously and think before you click. If you were unable to connect to a WPA/WPA2, the information you send and receive is not encrypted, so you should try to visit only those sites that use encryption. Encrypted sites’ addresses begin with “https” and will display a clickable padlock symbol in the web address bar or at the top/bottom of the page. You can download plugins that will force all sites to use encryption and programs that will anonymize surfing.
Also, be aware of misleading links and fraudulent sites. If you are ever unsure, hover your mouse over a link before clicking. The real address of where the link will take you will appear. Malware can and will manifest itself as anything: a $10000 prize, an IM from a friend, a message from your bank, a news article. If the real address does not match up or is a strange string of numbers, do not click. Do not open emails from unfamiliar senders, especially if they have URGENT, IMPORTANT, or WINNER in the subject line.
Sites will even fake the https and the lock symbol. If either or those disappear at any time, know that you are no longer encrypted and may be on a fraudulent site.

Tip!

Create a free Google mail account separate from those that you use for business and personal matters. Give it a random name and password. Use it anytime a website requires one, but attach as little person information to it as possible. This will help keep spam—which accounted for 80% of all messages in February 2011—out of your way.

Tip!

Make your passwords random, lengthy, and difficult. Never use your name, your nickname, your mother’s maiden name, your pet’s name, your social security number, or your address. Though it may be hard to remember, a string of random numbers, capitals, lowercase letters, and symbols is safest. Use entirely different passwords for each of your different logins. Only write down a password if you must; never store it with your computer. Change your passwords at least every three months, or at the first sign of hacking.

Step 6. 

When you are finished browsing, log out of any sites you logged into. Double-check the browser’s history, cookies, and cache. Delete anything you find there - remember here that deleting something does not necessarily mean it has been deleted. Close all tabs and windows. Quit the browser. Log out of the computer
follow me now on twitter

Publisher: Unknown - 20:23

How to Communicate Securely from Your Android Using Whisper Systems

How to Communicate Securely from Your Android Using Whisper Systems

Privacy of communication is often one of the top concerns for activists in countries that monitor the airwaves and the Internet. These applications for Android from Whisper Systems allow users to communicate securely via text or voice.
Privacy of communication is often one of the top concerns for activists in countries that monitor the airwaves and the Internet. Responding to this need, Whisper Systems has created a suite of mobile applications that encode communications and storage on Android-based smartphones. All of Whisper’s apps are still in beta-stage testing, but can be downloaded nonetheless. RedPhone and TextSecure allow secure voice and text communications, respectively. Flashback, “stores encrypted backups of your device in the cloud.” WhisperCore, is a platform based in providing security to the entire phone, from smudge-resistant locks to selective permissions. WhisperCore includes Flashback and WhisperMonitor, which functions as a mobile firewall.
The two most popular Whisper app are RedPhone and TextSecure. According to the developers, these free apps “encrypt your voice calls and text messages, protecting your communication from anyone who tries to listen in.” Demonstrating their dedication to secure communication in volatile situations, Whisper Systems has made downloading RedPhone and TextSecure to an Egyptian phone as simple as visiting their website and entering your cell phone number. Others may still download these apps, but must visit the Android market do so.

Step 1. 

Open the Android marketplace application on your Android-based smartphone; Whisper applications are not yet available for iPhones and Blackberries. Search for “RedPhone” if you want voice call encryption, “TextSecure” is you want text message encryption, and “Flashback” if you want encrypted cloud back-up storage. All apps are free to download. WhisperCore must be installed manually from a computer.

Step 2. 

To call someone using RedPhone, open RedPhone and select the contact from your address book. If they are not in your address book, merely dial their number outside of the app and add a * to the end.

Tip!

According to Whisper Systems’ FAQ page, “Your mobile carrier may charge you for receiving a single text message when you receive an incoming call [via RedPhone].”

Step 3. 

To text someone using TextSecure, open TextSecure. You will be prompted to create a password, which will be used to log in to the app every time you open it. After creating a password, you can select contacts to text, just as you would outside the app. If the person you are texting has TextSecure, your communications are encrypted and cannot be monitored.

Tip!

According to Whisper Systems’ FAQ page, “It could certainly be possible, however, for a powerful adversary with the ability to monitor all network traffic to do traffic correlation in order to determine who is calling who.” Essentially, Whisper apps will do the job, but they are not invincible. As ever, you should be cautious with sensitive data.

Step 4. 

To install WhisperCore, you must first download an installer here. Then, follow the onscreen prompts. All content on your phone will be wiped in order to refill and encrypt it, so make sure to back up your phone before installing. Once your phone is running with WhisperCore, you will be prompted to create a passcode. You will have the option to set up a limited trial version of WhisperMonitor, which monitors all outgoing data traffic, allowing you to choose which address and port to use. Connection history can also be monitored.

Step 5. 

To use Flashback, merely open the app and click “initiate backup.” Flashback will even copy and encrypt content on an SD card, if one is installed. Backups for all of your Whisper-secured devices can be viewed, restored, and deleted from each device. Automatic backups can also be scheduled.

Publisher: Unknown - 20:19

How to get a SMS Short Code

How to get a SMS Short Code

Short codes are shorter versions of telephone numbers that provide increased functionality with SMS.  They typically provide automated services to people who text them.  One advantage of short codes is that organizations can charge special rates for texting to a short code.  For example, the American Red Cross charges users five dollars to text “GIVE” to 24357, which is an extremely convenient donation method for supporters.  Short codes can also be free to text to, which is used to encourage interaction between and organization and the community.  For example, an organization can mass message members and ask for a vote on a decision.  Community members can text their votes for free, allowing an organization to easily get feedback from supporters.

Step 1.

Be sure a short code is right for your organization.  Depending on the type of code, buying a short code can be very expensive.  Plan what your code will be used for to be sure that your organization will get sufficient value to justify your investment.

Note

Short codes are carrier specific, which often means that they are country specific.  For example, the Common Short Code Administration (CSCA) regulates US short codes.  If you buy a code from them people using wireless carriers popular in the US will be able to use your code.  However, if you have supporters across the globe using carriers that are not popular in the US, you might not be able to recieve messages from them.

Step 2. 

Decide what type of short code you want.  There are two types of short code:  Shared and Dedicated

• Shared short codes are used by multiple organizations.  Each organization has a “keyword” which a user must preface their text with to indicate which organization they wish to interact with.  This is more complicated for users and may result in messages being lost.  Additionally, cell phone carriers can refuse to accept short code information at their discretion.  If a carrier wishes to block an organization you are sharing a short code with, your organization will be blocked as well (check who else is using a shared code before you buy).  Shared short codes vary from under 100$ to 500$ per month, depending on the number of keywords you want to use and the number of messages you want to send.
• Dedicated short codes are owned by one organization, and that organization has control over the code.  These are much more expensive, and typically cost over $1,000 dollars to set up, plus between 500$ and over 1000$ per month.  Dedicated short codes also need to be approved by wireless carriers, which can take several months.   Dedicated short codes give an organization control over all data sent to the code.  Organizations can also choose their code (although this is more expensive).  For example, Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign used the code 62262, which spells “OBAMA” on a phone.  This code was extremely easy for supporters to remember.

Shared short codes are cheaper and can be set up faster and more easily.  Dedicated short codes are valuable if an organization is very large or will be using the short code a lot.  In general, only business and the largest organizations use dedicated short codes.

Step 3.

If you are buying a dedicated short code, you will need to supply information for the short code to be accepted.  In the United States, the CSCA regulates short codes.  To get a short code, first register on the CSCA website by clicking the "Get an Account Now" box in the top right corner.  You must pay for your code before it is approved by carriers.  Note that this money is non-refundable, so if your application is rejected you will still need to pay.  Once you have paid for your short code, you can start a "campaingn" to get carriers to accept it.  Here is a lengthy guide on getting a dedicated short code approved.  Since the process is rather complex, there are companies that will assist you with the process, called application providers.  This list of popular application providers is a good starting point.  The list does not provide links to the websites, but you should check an application provider's plans and pricing before you buy.
If instead you are leasing a shared short code, there are lots of companies that have codes for sale.  The Mobile Giving Foundation has a list of recommended partners to set up a short code for donations.  Rates and plans vary quite a bit, so shop around for deals that offer the number of messages and keywords your organization needs while matching your budget.  Be sure to check what carriers accept the short code and what country the short code is designed for.

follow me now on twitter

Publisher: Unknown - 20:17