Ways to install mobile apps

What is mobile application?

Mobile application is an application developed for mobile devices. Mobile devices are very different and assigned for different tasks. Applications are downloaded and installed on the devices through the marketplaces. The most popular ones are App Store and Google Play. All applications are developed according to the specific platform of the mobile application. 

Installing the mobile applications from the store on different platforms

Let us probably start with the widely known system and its store. In Google Play there are a lot of apps for everyone and everything. Some are with the immediate launch, which means that they mustn't be installed on the device. Applications can be free and commercial. They all function only on devices with Android OS.

Actions for the search are pretty simple.

How to download the application on Android

1. Open the Google Play application on the device or follow the site by using a browser.
2. Find the corresponding content. If the name is known, it is easier to do that through the search or with the help of some keywords.
3. Chose the product from the search results.
4. Tap the «Install» button and if the application is not free, then the card for payment must be also specified.

How to download the application on iOS

1. Open the App Store on the device.
2. Find the application needed (better to use the search field).
3. Tap the «Get» button or the price that is displayed in blue colour. The display of the  «Get» button hints that the app is free.
4. Confirm installation by tapping the corresponding button.
5. Type in  Apple ID and password.

Why download the application not through the official stores?

The Installation of the application not from the store can come in handy in different situations. First of all, not all applications can be available in a certain country. Then, not all device models support Google Play. Also, the reason might be that users won’t be willing to log in to the store. So, it is good that the store is not the only source to download and install the application from. The openness of the Android OS allows installations from aside, not from the store only. To enable this option, the toggle must be active in the «Install unknown apps» point in the «Privacy»  menu of the device.

Unlike Android, iOS has fairly tight control over how to install applications to protect against viruses and other threats. iOS does not contribute to the spread of malicious code. Applications are installed only from the App Store, where they get after a detailed check.

File extensions for different platforms

Android users have probably encountered APK files more than once, perhaps without even thinking about it.

APK is a file extension for Android files. APK files are needed to quickly install various applications on your Android device. They are used to send applications on Android from Google. Usually, when downloading applications, you may not even notice the word APK. All this is due to the fact that Android takes care of the process of installing the application in the background IPA files are used for iOS applications. They are used to store various pieces of data, which make up the application for iOS devices. Files are downloaded via the App Store on a mobile device or via iTunes on a PC.

Launching a mobile app on your Android device

There are several ways to open applications on your mobile device. They are all quite simple and intuitive. First, you can open it with a shortcut on the working screen of the device by clicking on it. The second method has more steps and you need to go to Google Play first. Next, tap the hamburger menu on the left of the screen or click on the profile picture. A list of menus will be displayed in which you need to select «My apps & games», then the «Installed» tab. Select the desired application from the list of applications and open it.

Installing applications for beta testing

Beta testing is probably one of the most important steps in developing mobile applications. Unlike standardized iOS, Android mobile devices differ significantly from each other not only in the installed version of the operating system but also in the type of programming language, screen resolution, hardware and more. Usually, this process is carried out manually. First, one needs to install the application, then carefully check the usability and functionality for errors.

Below we will consider services for beta testing, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as ways to install applications.

Installing mobile applications using special applications

By special programs we mean the familiar iTools and iTunes for iOS devices and ADB for Android.

 iTunes is a program, one could even say, a multimedia system that is designed for all users of smartphones, tablets, players and set-top boxes Apple. iTunes is required to fill your device with content. Such as movies, music, games, programs, etc. using a PC.

Detailed information about iTunes can be found in the article in our blog «iTunes as a useful testing tool»

іTools is a more convenient analogue of iTunes, developed by Chinese programmers. Due to the fact that it is free and more convenient, the popularity among users is growing rapidly. Another advantage is that the program uses fewer computer resources.

Detailed information about iTools can be found here «iTools as a testing tool: a review»

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) a tool that is installed together with the Android-SDK and allows one to control the device based on the Android OS.

It works on all Android devices where this feature was not intentionally blocked by the manufacturer.

Detailed information can be found in the «Android Debug Bridge (ADB) guide to installation and settings» article

Based on the material above, it is obvious that the user encounters the installation and launch of applications on a daily basis. In order to download the application on Android or iOS, just follow the simple steps. However, when testing an application that is not yet on the market, it is important to know what ways you can install it on the device.