Apps

What is APK (install from a file)

What it is

The install file of an Android app. It can be handed out as a link or from a bot, with no app store: a person downloads the file and installs the app themselves.

How we use it

OshaVPN and OshaPlay are first installed from an APK link and then update themselves. For the first install we hand out a universal APK, and self-updates then download the build for the specific phone's architecture.

Where it helps a business

An app for staff or your own customers has to be distributed today, without store review.
Test builds must reach testers quickly.

How we use it

OshaVPN and OshaPlay are first installed from an APK link, without Google Play, and then update themselves. For the first install we hand out a universal APK, and self-updates then download the build for the specific phone's architecture. After installing OshaVPN, an "Almost ready" screen walks the person through the required permissions.

Common problems

Installing from an unknown source. Android warns and asks for permission; without clear instructions people give up.
A substituted file. Updates are checked against a signed release list: a substituted list or a foreign key is rejected.
The first install is manual. Self-updating works only after it.

When you do not need it

An app for a wide audience that people search for by name needs a store: RuStore or Google Play.

Where we used it

Related services

Android and Windows apps

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