The Android application technology platform has proven to be versatile and developer-friendly. You can develop an Android app and publish it on the Google Play Store with minimal restrictions. This concept has led to the rapid development of popular Android applications, some of which are not available on iOS and other platforms. To run an Android application, you usually need to use a smartphone or tablet with this OS - this is obvious. What to do if you want to try using Android without buying a device?
Fortunately, you have this opportunity; Android can be run even on an old desktop computer. There are several ways to accomplish this task, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Perhaps the easiest way to run Andoid apps on a Windows computer is to use the ARC Welder app for the Google Chrome browser. The application was developed by Google and can be used not only on Windows computers - this method also works on Chromebooks and Macs. The launch process is practically independent of the platform used. Simply go to the Chrome Web Store and install the ARC Welder app from the catalog.
The ARC Welder application is in beta and is intended primarily for developers. However, the process of downloading the app is quite simple. You need to upload the APK file to ARC Welder. The APK file can be obtained by backing up the app on a physical Android device or by downloading from various third-party sites on the Internet. We do not recommend downloading paid applications and games from dubious sites. There are resources that archive free apps, such as APK Mirror.
Once the required APK file is downloaded and ready for download, you can open ARC Welder from the list of extensions in Google Chrome and point to the file. Then you need to choose how to display applications - landscape/portrait mode, smartphone/tablet mode and clipboard access method. Not every Android application will launch this way, and some applications may lose some of their functionality. ARC Welder, unfortunately, does not currently have built-in support for Google Play services (unless you are an application developer and do not have access to the source code), so Google applications and some third-party applications will refuse to work.
Applications or games that run in ARC generally run smoothly. You can get full functionality from Evernote, Instagram and even Flappy Bird. You can only have one application installed in ARC Welder at a time; to launch another application you need to return to the installation dialog.
The application deployment process and the limitation of running only one application at a time create barriers to everyday use of the tool. However, the extension is suitable for the needs of developers and testers, or simply to get acquainted with the capabilities of the mobile platform.
The next easiest way to run Android apps on a PC is to use an Android emulator developed by Google as part of its software development kit (SDK). The emulator can be used to create virtual devices running any version of Android with different screen resolutions and hardware configurations. The first disadvantage of this method is the rather complicated installation and configuration process.
Neither product is perfect - you need devices supported by the tools, such as the Dell XPS 12 in the case of the Intel version or the Lenovo ThinkPad x61 for Android-x86. You can install these environments on top of Windows, but this is not a good idea. The smartest way is to create a separate hard drive partition and install Android on it.
If your PC configuration is not supported by these products, you can try installing them in VirtualBox or VMware virtualization environments, which are faster than the Android emulator. These products may still not be suitable for testing games, but most applications will install and work correctly. You will need to install applications yourself, because... There is no Google Play integration in these products. For help, you can use the instructions on our website - Installing Android in VMware Workstation.
If you're looking for a way to run multiple Android apps and games at once, and it's easy to install and configure, then BlueStacks is your choice. represents one of the easiest ways to launch applications. However, the product uses a highly modified version of Android to run applications. BlueStacks contains a built-in Google Play store, and you have access to all purchased paid applications. The program is added to the list of Google Play devices under the name Galaxy Note II.
A separate BlueStacks window contains a list of applications divided into categories: games, social networks, etc. When searching for an application or clicking on the icon of a specific application, the unexpected happens - the Google Play client in tablet mode is displayed. The user can navigate the interface as they would on a regular Android device, making BlueStacks more than just an “app player.” In fact, the user can install third-party launchers such as Nova or Apex from the app store and select them as the default launcher. The home screen in BlueStacks with app categories is a variant of the home screen. Thus, by replacing it, you can feel like the owner of a real Android device.
Full access to the Google Play store eliminates problems with application deployment, and BlueStacks itself works stably and quickly. You can play most games, but you may have problems using the mouse. If your computer has a touch screen, you can use applications that support multi-touch. BlueStacks can turn a Windows 8 tablet into an Android tablet. The technology used in BlueStacks is called “LayerCake” because Android applications run in a separate layer on top of Windows.
The only drawback of BlueStacks is the use of a modified build of Android. All changes made by the product developer to run Android applications on PC may cause crashes and failures in the application. This modified environment is of little value to developers - there is no guarantee that applications that display and run correctly on BlueStacks will behave the same on a physical device. The service uses a freemium monetization model - you can either pay $2 for a subscription or install several sponsored applications.
Which way is better?
If you want to test an app before installing it on physical devices, Android emulator offers the best way to test the app on your computer first. The product is quite slow, but it is standardized, so the developer can see how the application will behave on a real smartphone or tablet. Porting Android to PC can achieve decent performance, but there may be issues and glitches and it requires compatible hardware.
If you need to get several Android applications on your computer at once, the best solution is BlueStacks App Player. The product provides full access to Google Play, works quickly and supports Windows devices with multi-touch. Don't forget about ARC Welder as a way to run one application at a time. The extension is free and easy to install.
Do you doubt whether it is worth investing in mobile application development? You can do it yourself and absolutely free. You may end up with a test version that can be used to conveniently evaluate the effectiveness of your mobile strategy. And if you try, you will make a decent mobile application that will become the main tool for online interaction with owners of smartphones and tablets.
Is it worth making your own mobile app?
Costs. If you don't take my word for it, here are some facts:
- According to Flurry Analytics and comScore, owners of smartphones and tablets use the browser only 14% of the total time they work with the device. And they spend 86% of their time on different applications.
- The installed application is your direct channel of communication with the consumer. Just think: you don’t need to spend money on advertising or wait for a person to find you using Yandex. All that remains is to support the functionality the user needs and provide him with relevant content.
- The number of purchases made using tablets and smartphones is growing both on the Internet in general and in RuNet. According to marketing agency Criteo, already in 2016, more than half of online transactions in RuNet will be made using mobile devices.
If you want, the application is a mobile browser in which only your website opens. In what case would a user install such an Internet browser? Only if he is interested in your product or information. Therefore, remember: the client who installed the application is a loyal and ready-to-buy representative of the target audience.
In this case, is it worth taking the risk and offering DIY applications to loyal customers rather than custom programs made by professionals for Android and iOS? Let's figure it out.
When can you create an application yourself?
Do you remember what website visitors need? They come because of the content or functionality of the resource. People want to get information, buy something, look at and comment on friends' photos, and so on. Mobile app users need the same. They are looking for information or making some kind of transaction.
Do you remember when a business could make a website on its own? It’s right when you don’t yet have money to collaborate with professionals, but you still have the time and desire to figure out WordPress or Joomla. The same situation is with applications. Self-created programs for iOS and Android can be roughly compared to websites built on open source engines.
You don't have to register to start working. Click the Create Now button on the main page or select the Create App menu in the upper right corner on any page of the service.
Select the appropriate application template. If we are talking about a content project, you may be interested in the following options:
- Manual. This template allows you to create a guide program.
- Blog. The application will help your blog audience read new notes from the screen of a smartphone or tablet.
- Website. The template converts a website into an application.
- Pages. With this template you can convert any content into an application with simple functionality.
- News. The template allows you to create an application that is an aggregator of industry or regional news.
- Page. The template converts offline content, such as an e-book, into the application.
- VK Page and Facebook Page. Create an application that allows you to monitor updates of open groups on VKontakte and Facebook.
- YouTube. Use the template to promote your YouTube channel.
How to Create a Blog App
Use the Blog template. In the appropriate field, enter the URL of your blog or RSS feed. Select a note title color.
Enter the name of the application.
Add a description.
Choose a standard one or add a custom icon. The appropriate image size is 512 by 512 pixels.
To create a download file, click the Create App button. After this, you need to register in the system. Confirm your registration and go to your personal account. Here you can install the application on your mobile device, publish it on Google Play and Amazon App Store. The system also offers a monetization option. If you use this feature, advertisements will be displayed in the application.
Check how the application works on your mobile device. On a tablet, the program should display a list of blog posts in title and announcement format.
Open the template and customize the appearance of the application. Choose how to display content: one step per screen or a list of steps.
Use the editor to add text, images, videos or links. To add a photo to the program, upload it to Imgur hosting and paste the link into the appropriate field.
After editing the content, specify the name of the application, add a description and an icon. Click the Create App button. After creating the download file, install it on your mobile device and check its functionality.
Please note that most mobile devices block the installation of applications from unknown sources by default. If a user downloads a program from your site or an app builder site, they will see a security warning when they try to install it. Some clients will probably refuse to install the program.
8 constructors similar to AppsGeyser
If the universal AppsGeyser constructor is not suitable for you, pay attention to similar services:
- AppsMakerStore. Using the service, you can create applications of various types: from programs for Ecommerce to solutions for content projects. The designer makes applications for iOS and Android. The service interface is Russified. For beginners, there is an informative guide to using the constructor. The service is paid.
- Mobincube. A tool for creating and monetizing iOS and Android applications. The basic functionality of the service is available for free. The designer allows you to create applications of different types.
- Good Barber. Using this service you can develop Android and iOS applications. The constructor is paid, the cost of use is 16 USD per month.
Most of the services offered have an English-language interface. If you are uncomfortable working with constructors in English, choose platforms with Russian-language content.
Application designers: a stone ax or a thin modern tool?
Don't go from one extreme to another. With the help of the proposed services, you can really create functional functional applications. The resulting programs can be used to solve various problems: from facilitating online trading to distributing content and educating audiences. Applications created in the designer can be published on Google Play and the App Store, edited, and monetized using advertising or paid installations.
Do not overestimate the services offered. Their obvious drawback remains their stereotyped nature. We are talking about both the design and functionality of the programs. In addition, access to platforms with decent functionality is paid. What is better: to pay the developers for their work once or to pay the owners of the designer for many years? Do the math for yourself.
And one more thing: if you don’t have time to create a mobile application yourself, contact our company. We develop mobile applications and .
Contact us Shall we discuss? Order a free consultation
What should a person do who has purchased a smartphone on the Android OS for the first time in his life and does not know how to use it? There are a large number of instructional articles on how to use and configure the device. But there are few places where you can find out how to download applications on Android. The process of downloading, installing and uninstalling applications on any Android smartphone will be discussed and described.
Some facts
It's no longer a secret that the best applications for Android became free a long time ago. Of course, there are their share of developers who require the user to pay, but most often such programs have free analogues. No, this is not a call to use just such applications, but just an explanation of the current situation on the Play Market. Also, Russian applications for Android are becoming very popular these days, which are sometimes no worse than their foreign counterparts.
The main classification of applications available for download on the Play Market consists of the sections “Games”, “Best”, “Editor’s Choice” and “Family”. There is also sorting by sections, which will be discussed in more detail later.
Set of standard applications
So, in your hands lies a treasured smartphone based on the Android OS. It's already turned on, activated and ready to go. It is worth considering all the applications that are provided “bundled” with the operating system. It should be mentioned right away that, depending on the manufacturer, device and version of Android, the set of pre-installed applications may change, but the main ones are most often the same.
Among the main applications it is worth highlighting “Phone”, “Messages” and “Contacts”. The “Music” application for Android will give you the opportunity to listen to your favorite tracks, the “Camera” application will allow you to take pictures of the best moments (if available), and the “Gallery” application, in turn, will show an archive of photos and videos, not only taken on a smartphone, but also downloaded via a USB cable or the Internet. Standard applications also include Clock, Mail, Calendar, Notes and Explorer, which allows you to delete, move and copy various files located on any storage media.
But sometimes this set is not enough. For example, the standard Music application for Android does not suit everyone, so you can always download third-party software. All you need to do is go to the pre-installed Play Market application and download. Below are instructions on how to do this.
Internet connection
The first step is to make sure you have an Internet connection. There are two options here: connecting via mobile data (Internet directly via cellular connection) or via Wi-Fi. While everything is clear with the first choice (you must take into account that the provider may charge a separate fee for using the mobile Internet), the Wi-Fi option requires clarification.
For those who don't know, to connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi you need to have an access point. It can be a router located in the user’s apartment, through which a PC, laptop or TV is connected, or any free access point in public places. As a result, to connect to the Internet, you should go to the “Settings” menu and then select the required item: “SIM card management” - set the “Data transfer” checkbox to the “Enabled” mode, or use the “Wi-Fi” submenu and make a connection to the access point. The first step is completed.
Creating a Google Account
So, after successfully connecting to the Internet, you need to make sure that an account for managing web services, such as Play Market, Gmail and others, is configured on the device. To do this, in the “Settings” menu, you need to select “Accounts and synchronization” (in rare cases, the location of this submenu may change, so you may have to search). All you need to do is click on the “Add” button and select the account type (in this case, Google). After this, following simple and intuitive steps, you should create an account, indicating the desired email address, its password and personal information (full name, date of birth). After completing all the steps, an account will be automatically created and you can start working.
First visit to Play Market
In order to understand how to download applications on Android, you must fulfill the two previous conditions. After that, you can launch the Play Market and plunge headlong into the “sea” of applications with the limitless imagination of developers and unique content.
When you first launch, you should read the privacy policy and terms of use - this will be prompted by the application itself. You also need to decide whether you want to receive Google Play newsletters. The application itself is divided into two parts: “Games and applications” and “Entertainment”, which correspond to tabs at the top of the screen. This article only covers the first tab.
The first thing that appears is the search bar with the words “Google Play”. If you need to download a specific application or know an incomplete name, you can use the search, and the Play Market will automatically present the most suitable applications for the search query.
Below is a block of primary navigation buttons. The best applications for Android, respectively, are located on the “Best” link. In the “Games” section you can find applications of the appropriate direction for every taste and color. Under the “Categories” link there is a list of games and programs that are sorted according to their topics. “For the whole family” - here you can find both games and applications that will interest both children and their parents. The last link is called “Editor's Choice” and is a general list of applications selected directly by Google Play employees for everyday comfortable use.
Installing applications and games
To directly download an application or game, you need to click on the “Install” button and accept the installation conditions. After this, the download process will begin. Its speed depends on the size of the software, the speed of the Internet connection and the performance of the smartphone. The language of the Android application will be selected automatically in accordance with the selected OS interface language. When the installation process is complete, you can click on the “Open” button. The application will launch.
other methods
How to download applications on Android from the Play Market is, in principle, clear. But there is another way - installing games and programs manually. All that is required is to download it to your smartphone via transfer from a PC or from an external flash drive. After this, you need to find the corresponding file using Explorer and click on it to install.
It should be noted that this action will require special permission to install applications from unknown sources. To do this, in the “Settings” menu, you need to select the “Privacy” sub-item and check the “Unknown sources” checkbox.
The first and main advice: you should not install applications that you are not sure about, or they were obtained from unknown resources. After all, among them there may be malicious programs that can disable the operating system and prevent you from using your smartphone. When installing such applications, it should be mentioned that everything is done at the user’s own risk, and no one except himself bears responsibility for this.
It is also necessary to understand that in different versions of Android, the names of certain pre-installed applications and menu items may differ, but the process itself is the same. And I would like to add that figuring out how to download applications on Android is not so difficult. The main thing is to have a little patience, and everything will definitely work out.
It’s worth installing Sberbank Online on Android - and you will always know about the state of your finances, you will be able to manage your cards and accounts in real time, and make any transactions.
Where to download the Sberbank Online application for free
The mobile application from Sberbank allows bank clients to quickly access many convenient functions, for example, pay for goods and services, make transfers in one click, suggests the procedure for paying a loan, opening a deposit, and more.
How to download an application to your phone on Google Play
First of all, it should be recalled that you should only download the official application from Sberbank to your mobile device from the official website or store available for Android. It includes functions and procedures for encrypting transmitted data.
New versions of the free application from Sberbank are equipped with a built-in antivirus that provides protection against hacking programs. As a result, users receive a reliable and secure tool for managing their finances.
Users have several options for connecting Sberbank Online on Android for free. The easiest way to connect is through the Google Play store. To do this, you must follow the installation order:
- in the main menu go to Categories – Finance;
- ask a request “Sberbank Online”;
- find a suitable application (it can be identified by the bank’s logo and the name of the developer – Sberbank of Russia);
- click Install;
- give the necessary access (to the address book, SMS, etc.);
- wait for the installation to complete (about 50 MB in size, so make sure you have free space).
Instructions for downloading the program from the official Play Market website
You can install Sberbank Online on Android for free from the official Play Market website. To do this you need:
- follow the direct link to play.google.com;
- click Install;
- enter your email and login from the account “linked” to your mobile device;
- return to the application page called Sberbank Online, a list of devices associated with your account should appear, including a mobile phone;
- click Add to wishlist;
- go to Google Play Market on your phone;
- from the main menu go to My applications and games - That's all, then all that remains is to find and install Sberbank Online on Android (it will be at the very top of the list).
Tips for installing a free application on Android
- reboot the device and try to reinstall again, there may have been a system failure;
- check the system for viruses;
- make sure there is enough free space on the memory card;
- check the Android OS version - you need 4.0 or later (as indicated on the official Play Market website).
If nothing helps, then you can go to the nearest Sberbank branch and ask specialists for help. They will explain how to install Sberbank Online on Android or perform all the necessary operations themselves.
It will not be possible to install Sberbank Online on a computer from the official website, since it uses a different operating system and a different connection procedure. You also cannot download the installation file to your computer from the site and transfer it to your mobile device using a USB cable or via Wi-Fi.
Procedure for connecting the Sberbank Online application
After the official application from Sberbank is installed, it should be configured.
How to get login and password
Make sure you have a mobile bank connected, as you will need to confirm your first login using the code number from the SMS. Subsequently, you can change the order of notifications to Push Notifications from the official bank number and mobile banking can be disabled.
You will also need to obtain a login and password from Sberbank Online to connect to the system. If you have not yet received the identifier, you will need to:
- call the bank's hotline and ask you to connect to the system remotely;
- go to the branch and sign a comprehensive service agreement;
- insert the card into the ATM, click Connect Sberbank online and follow further instructions.
It is important not only how to install the Sberbank Online application on Android, but also how to connect it. Maintain the confidentiality of your data, do not tell anyone your secret password for authorization in the system, otherwise strangers will be able to use your funds.
You come across a link on the Internet that promises to tell you how to connect an application to your computer for free - avoid it. There is a high probability of downloading a reflashed application that will send data about your cards, logins and passwords to the hacker. Authorization in the system
After you have managed to install Sberbank Online on Android, the connection procedure will be as follows:
- launch the program by tapping on its logo;
- On the first screen, tap Register device;
- enter the login and password for connection that you use to log into Sberbank Online;
- wait for you to receive an SMS with a password (it should come from the official bank number 900) and enter it in the proposed column;
- in the next window, specify a secret 5-digit number, which will subsequently be used for authorization in the system without the need to specify other data.
To confirm transactions, the application uses Push notifications, so you won’t have to wait for an SMS every time. If you are not receiving notifications, check to see if you are using an outdated version.
That’s it, after these procedures the Sberbank Online application will be ready for use. If you have several agreements with Sberbank, then before the first login the system will ask which one is considered the main one.
How to pay using the mobile app
If you want to install Sberbank Online on Android for free in order to make payments, you will encounter a limitation: in the mobile version you can make transactions only using pre-created templates in your online account. This is done for additional security so that an unauthorized person who gains access to the application functionality will not be able to make a transfer in his favor.
For users of Apple products, Sberbank specialists have developed a convenient payment tool, Apple Pay. But it only works with devices running iOS and macOS; there is no such option for Android.
Therefore, if you intend to make a payment using a mobile application, you must create a template in advance. You can also connect to Automatic Payment through your online account, so you don’t have to worry about timely transactions.
Conclusion
Thus, you can install Sberbank Online on Android in several ways. The main thing is to download the official application from the developer. To set up the program, you will need connected mobile and online banking. The application's functionality is limited, so expected payments must be configured in advance as a template or the auto-payment function must be enabled.
The Thank You mobile application from Sberbank is a logical continuation of the successful Thank You bonus loyalty program, launched a little earlier. The essence of the offer is as simple as 5 kopecks and is beneficial to the bank’s clients: application users receive bonuses Thank you for paying for services or making purchases in chain stores, restaurants and other partners of the country’s largest bank. Bonuses can subsequently be spent on burgers, movie tickets, airline tickets and other pleasant and useful things, paying only 1 ruble for them from your own money.
Opportunities for users of the Thank you application from Sberbank
It would be strange to assume that the application of a program that allows you to save significantly and receive bonuses would be paid. Of course, it is freely available, and you can download the Thank You application from Sberbank for free on many resources. The program itself was developed by Sberbank specialists for various OS versions of mobile devices - iOS, Android and Windows, including PCs.
You can download the Thank You mobile app for free on your phone on the AppStore and PlayMarket.
After the user downloads and installs the application on the phone, the following options will become available to him:
- Exchange bonuses for discount coupons directly in the application;
- Track all promotions with increased bonuses and personal offers;
- Quick search for partners through a specially created filter;
- Control your points balance;
- Share great deals with friends;
- Receive notifications on your phone about partners who are nearby and new promotions.
How to install a mobile application on your phone for free
Actually, you can install the Thank You from Sberbank mobile application by downloading it from the list on the AppStore or PlayMarket; just launch it for the installation to begin. There is nothing complicated about it; the application interface for mobile devices is intuitive.
The main thing is that in order to use the program, you must be connected to the loyalty offer. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps:
- Send an SMS to number 900 with the text THANK YOU XXXX (under the crosses are the last four digits of the subscriber’s card number);
- Receive bonuses for purchases and payment for services from bank partners (0.5% for standard partners, up to 10% for special youth partners).
You can check your balance to find out what your bonuses are already enough for with a simple action - sending an SMS with the text THANK YOU to number 900 or using the mobile application.
Conclusion
The Thank You loyalty program from Sberbank is deservedly popular among clients of the financial institution. Bonuses awarded for purchases and payment for services from partner companies can be used in cafes and restaurants, in entertainment centers or for travel, paying only 1 ruble of your own funds for the purchase. The Thank you mobile application from Sberbank makes using the program even easier. It is designed for different operating systems, installs itself and is available for free in application markets for mobile devices.