Web Application Design, Development & Innovation in Cape Town

Like the Apple App store Google Android also has an application store made for Android devices: The Android Market.
Here you are able to browse and download various applications to customize your android device to your hearts content. Unlike the iPhone your are able to download and run applications from alternative sources without any jail breaking. Some versions of android were released before the Android Market existed and thus Android Market alternatives were born.

The rest of this post will explain how to download these Android Market alternates on your Mobile running the Android OS. Before you try installing these Open Market alternatives go to your Settings > Application Settings > tick Unknown Sources. This will allow you to install non-Market applications.

Here are the 3 Android Market alternatives…

Leaf Open Market
Leaf, the South African HTC (Magic & Touch) importers, have launched the Open Market

Simply point your Android browser to http://www.leaf.co.za/openmarket and install the Open Market application. Here you will find various applications, wallpapers, ringtones for your Android phone that you will be able to download for free.

SlideME aka Mobentoo

SlideME is an Android Community and Application Marketplace that enables developers to monetize their efforts. The application you’ll need to download is the SlideME Application Manager get it directly from http://SlideME.org/sam2.apk or read more about the SlideMe Application Manager (SAM)

AndAppStore

The AndAppStore provides android apps for every Android device. Similar to all the above Android Market Alternatives they provide you with top-reated, most downloaded and various application categories. Download the AndAppStore directly here

There are probably many more app stores for android meeting every need we could imagine. Do you know any other Android Market alternatives? I’d love to explore them too. Please share them in the comments.