Free Android Apps!!

UPDATE: Due to Applanet being down for an extended period of time, we have added a link to another app similar to Applanet but with better availability called BlackMarket Alpha.  Check it out here...

Yes, you read that right.  We are now going to get into the meat and potatoes of the seedy underside of the Android app world...free apps!

There are several ways of getting free apps, so we're going to start with one of the more complete ways.  An app called Applanet.

Before we can get into that, we have to get our phone ready.  From the home screen, press the menu button and then select Options.

On the next menu, select Applications.  Here, you should see an option that says Unknown Sources.  Make sure this is checked.  By default, your Android phone is setup to only allow you to download apps from the Android Market.  They do this to make sure someone doesn't try to install malicious apps that may damage your phone.

Now you're ready to download Applanet and start downloading free apps.  There are several ways to do this.  First off, you can visit the applanet website...

http://www.applanet.net

There you will have several options of downloading the file either to your computer or straight to your phone if you're visiting from your phones web browser.

Or, if you are like me and you're just too lazy to go to another site...just hit the link below from your phone's browser  and you should start a download of the file.

http://applanet.net/app.apk

You should see a download start on your phone.  Once the download is complete, select the file and you should be prompted to install it, similar to any other app from the market.  Go through the regular steps, install the file and you're ready to go.

You will immediately notice that Applanet is designed to look and behave just like the Android Market.  There are categories and listings of free and paid apps.  Find the apps you want, hit download, and enjoy.

Disclaimer: Why would someone download free apps?  This is intended to be used to test drive apps.  If you find an app you like, we STRONGLY recommend taking the time to buy the regular app on the market to help support the developers.  They work hard to get the apps to you and without our support, who would be left to make apps?

Drop a comment below if this did or did not work for you.  Applanet is a little finicky and often times their network is down, leaving you with just a blank screen when you launch it.  Have patience with it and feel free to visit their site for more detailed info and technical help.