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Android Market Question


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Hi guys, (mods please move if in wrong area)

 

I am getting used to this Android way of life. I have a Chinese Android dual sim phone, handy for personal and work.

 

I want to start to install some apps, but how can I be sure that the manufacturer installed "Android Market" app is taking me to the Genuine Android Market?

 

This phone is used to all sorts of important stuff, so security is critical (isn't it always?).

 

Security is one area Apple seems to have it all over Android (that and I can't save sms texts to my pc easily!).

 

Who here is using Android, and how do you deal with an open market when it comes to downloading apps?

 

So, is it possible to determine if I am accessing the official market, and how can you be certain apps are secure?

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Welcome to the dual sim club :) There is only one official Android Market. Even if you use third party services like AppBrain you are taken to the android market to download and install your selected app. Under Applications in your main menu make sure you have Unknown sources unchecked. This will prevent apps not from the market installing without first notifying you to allow installation.

 

Google have taken great strides to have more of an Apple approach to controlling and vetting applications allowed in the market. If at some later date an app is found and reported to be malicious they can and do remotely wipe that app from your phone. Install an app like Lookout Security (there are many others) which not only allows you to backup your phone contacts, protects your phone, it also scans apps to determine if they are safe, alerting you if your install is suspect.

 

As you become more familiar with the android ecosystem you will develop your own pattern of safe usage. Initially I strongly advise you stick to installing from the market only. Once you establish who to use as a trusted third party source you can then experiment with extending the functionality of your phone.

 

A few resources I use regular:

 

http://www.androidpolice.com/

 

http://www.xda-developers.com/

 

http://www.cnet.com/android-atlas/ (podcast via miro)

 

http://twit.tv/aaa (netcast via xbmc)

 

I forgot to mention, google have been actively hunting down unofficial markets and getting them closed down.

 

 

 

Edited by {BBI}Nexus{BBI}
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Thanks guys, I hadn't figured the unknown sources would stop installing stuff from other third party markets. Yes, this box is unchecked, and will remain so.

 

NEXUS, when you say back up phone contacts, can that also copy sms? I hate that I cannot download sms to my PC! and then everytime the phone crashes and needs a battery removal, I loose all my sms history.

 

I know there are apps specifically for this, but I am very nervous about getting a nasty one.

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GO SMS (even the free version) will backup all your text messages. There are lots of other ones too. If you can I recommend you try to either watch (or find the specific netcast) from http://twit.tv/aaa. They review all productivity (and other) apps each week. For example they will review say the most popular sms apps head to head against each other.

 

The only caveat I've found with these dual sim androids is the processor. Don't go app crazy. If you get notified an app can be moved to the sd card do so, but also be aware moving some apps breaks the link with its onscreen widget, however thankfully that side effect is not common and has nothing to do with the phones being chinese or dual sim.

Edited by {BBI}Nexus{BBI}
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GO SMS (even the free version) will backup all your text messages. There are lots of other ones too. If you can I recommend you try to either watch (or find the specific netcast) from http://twit.tv/aaa. They review all productivity (and other) apps each week. For example they will review say the most popular sms apps head to head against each other.

 

The only caveat I've found with these dual sim androids is the processor. Don't go app crazy. If you get notified an app can be moved to the sd card do so, but also be aware moving some apps breaks the link with its onscreen widget, however thankfully that side effect is not common and has nothing to do with the phones being chinese or dual sim.

 

Ah, good advice.

 

And I agree on the processor, she is a little laggy. When my friends compare to 'reputable' smart phone she is slow, but meh. It's my first 'smartphone', I run a business, and have a separate private number so it seems like a good solution. It's not perfect, no where near actually, but a good solution.

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