Using the Android Market Website

Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of installing apps from your tablet, let’s look at how to install them from the Internet. You can go directly to http://market.android.com from your laptop or desktop browser to find and install apps without having your tablet in hand.

The Android Market website looks a lot like the tablet version (see Figure 13–9).

Figure 13–9. The Android Market website

There are a few differences between the tablet and Web versions of the Android Market. For example, the layout is designed for a bigger screen. The Web version also lets you better fine-tune your searches, and it includes a few more navigational choices. However, the concept is pretty much the same. Simply browse or search for an app you like, and then go to that app’s Details page.

You’ll need to be logged into your Google account to download anything, but you’ll be prompted to do so once you click the Download button. Once you log in, you’ll see a screen resembling the one shown in Figure 13–10.

Figure 13–10. Downloading apps from the Web

In addition to displaying permissions, this window prompts you to select a device to send this app to. If you’ve only got one Android device, there’s not much choice, obviously. However, you can use this option to select between many different phones and tablets. You’ll only see choices for compatible devices you’ve registered.

After you click Install, the app is queued for installation. The next time your tablet is connected to the Internet, it will download and install the app for you.

Once you’ve downloaded and used an app, be sure to go back and use the website to leave an app review. In the next chapter, we’ll look at installing apps from sources other than the Android Market.