What are APK files and why is there a need to download such files? APK files are meant for smartphones such as android smart phones. They may be app files, as well as can be used to install applications on phones.

The most popular smartphones right now are, of course, Android smartphones. Applications may be downloaded into these smart phones by way of a channel described as the Android Market. Android Market, a web page owned by Google, is a marketplace that distributes smart-phone apps.

Many times, for some reason, smart-phone owners are not able to download apps directly from the Market. For example, some models are not supported by the Market, so users can't login and download directly. But this does not mean that the telephone is incapable of running applications. Here is where APK files come in.

APK programs are really application files. In Windows, we are all knowledgeable about executable (EXE) files. They function in a similar manner. When you click on an APK file, you are launching the installer for the application. The app can then be installed directly on the device. So if you cannot access the Android Market for some reason, then your only option is to look elsewhere.

Obviously, for security reasons, you should only download and install these files from trusted sources. Before installing, make sure that your have modified your settings to allow app installations from unknown sources. So where can you find reliable app. files?

Such files may be created by making a backup of existing apps. Most free apps that can be available publicly can be backed up into an APK file. The file may then be re-distributed to be installed on other smartphones. Some developers release APK installers for the benefit of all users. These files tend to be released in apps-related blogs and forums. You shall find a great deal of APK installers in developer forums.

In many instances, an app could possibly be updated, causing the smart-phone to crash. This means the updated app is no longer usable. Since you can not revert back to the older version (there is absolutely no option to do that), you will be forced to uninstall the new app and look for the old version. Regardless if you've got access to the Android market, mobile game downloads the old version may no longer be available. This is the time to request or search for an APK file.