do you need an Android device to develop for android?

[scott_morrow]

A web URL is generally an easy way to distribute but I was getting a 404 error when I tried

http://www.thehales.id.au/thehales.id.a ... espite.apk

Did you try this address on your computer to see if was correct? You should be able to download the .apk

I was able to use the ftp to get the apk onto my computer but after transferring it to the Android device and trying to load it I got the message:
"App not installed.
The package appears to be corrupt."
I haven't ever tried side loading from my Mac this way before so I'm not sure if this problem is on your end or my end.

[jameshale]

Sorry Scott,

doubled up on my domain name

<http://www.thehales.id.au/respite/Respite.apk>

As for the apk being corrupt, I don't know what this means. The LC build seemed to go OK.
I'll try the android studio a bit later to see if I can work it out.

Apologies for the stuff up

[jameshale]

I ran the apk in the simulator ok, no warnings or anything.
The sim was a "Pixel 2 API 30" running Android 11.0,x86
Just to be sure I rebuilt the apk.

I have uploaded this to the site.

[jacque]

Did you choose "Sign for development only" in the Android standalone settings? That's the best way to distribute test apps.

If you have Google Drive, distribution there is painless, you just share a link with the testers.

[jameshale]

@jacque - didn't twig about cert.
checked the lesson and discovered the current Android Studio doesn't match.
Used Terminal method.
While doing this I started thinking about splash screens and timezones - you guys are active late at night here, oh well.

Started another thread re splash screens and will get back here soon...

[jameshale]

ok, certificate attached.
no splash screen I'm afraid, just a 30 sec wait on the android sim before showing the main card.
As before (for those brave and patient souls) I have placed the apk on my site

<http://www.thehales.id.au/respite/Respite.apk>

[jacque]

The Android emulator is excruciatingly slow. I don't know anyone who uses it unless there's no other choice. It's much less painful to cable the phone to the computer and hit the test button. You're apt to get more reliable results too.

[jameshale]

Ah yes, I would expect so. Unfortunately I don’t have a physical device.

[jacque]

Ah yes, I would expect so. Unfortunately I don’t have a physical device.

If you're in a position to do so, check out backmarket.com. I've purchased two android devices there and have been astounded at the high quality. For your testing you don't need the latest device, a 2 or 3 year old one would be fine and their prices are very low. Backmarket uses qualified refurbishers. I ordered an old Samsung Tab A in "good" condition for $90 and it looked like it just came off the factory floor and worked flawlessly. I could have bought one in "fair" condition for even less. They offer a one year warranty and a 30 day return window if you aren't satisfied.

If that's not an option, then build for x86 for your own use. That emulator is much faster. Almost no one owns an x86 device these days so when you want to distribute to testers rebuild for ARM.

[jameshale]

Thanks Jacque but I think I will try the sim under just x86 build.

I also discovered what I think was stuffing up my splash stack attempt.

I have removed the apk file for now and will let you all know when I am ready for testers again.

For now thanks to you all.

James