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If I wish to install applications such as Skype, DropBox, etc however without registering for a Google account, is that possible? If so, how do I install them without a Google account?

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2 Answers

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Use adb to install the applications. Install the adnroid sdk ( https://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html ). Enable usb debugging in settings>applications>development. This process can be done even without enabling side-loading of apps. Open a command prompt window and type:

adb install app_name.apk
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Thanks Ruben Roy. Do I have to disable any security features such as Installation of Non-market apps? – PeanutsMonkey Apr 25 '12 at 4:48
no you dont have to – Ruben Roy Apr 25 '12 at 7:04
@PeanutsMonkey: you only need to have non market apps install enabled while installing them. You can disable it again once you've finished installing. Enabling USB debugging is a much bigger issue security wise than enabling non market app install. – Lie Ryan Oct 3 '12 at 15:03
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You could use other App stores like Amazon App Store or GetJar, but you would also need accounts on those.

You can side-load apps via downloading APK files on PC and then installing them from your SD card. Just try opening the APK files with a file manager like ES File Explorer or ASTRO File Manager which would give a option to open it with Package manager or Install.

But I assume from your question that you don't want to enable Installation of Non-market apps, then you don't get much choice. Even Amazon App store requires that feature enabled.

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