With the help of a Chrome extension, users can the installation file for download applications via the web version of the Android Market. The apk downloader is, however, taken offline due to the spread of paid apps.
The developer says, startled that the Chrome extension APK Downloader was used in the illegal distribution of paid apps. It is by extension possible to make paid apps easier to distribute the apk file via side loading to install; the tool enabled users to get the apk installation file to download from the Android Market.
The maker also says APK Downloader does not continue to spread, but it is likely that these will soon again elsewhere will pop up. It is also possible that another developer with a similar extension.
Although the installation of Android apps via the Market usually easier, makes the apk-downloader may to software through other channels to distribute it. In some cases, there are apps in the Android Market is not available for users; it is for developers, among other possible downloadrestricties by country or device type. By an apk file on a tablet or smartphone can in the Netherlands for example, yet Google Music used to be.
It is not unlikely that Google steps had been taken if the developer extension is not offline. Paid Android applications have already been distributed free of charge through the installation files. It is unclear how large the piraterijprobleem on Android is exactly, but some time ago complained to a developer that three quarters of the users a cracked version of the app had installed.
Update 27/02 18:28 pm: The creator APK Downloader put online again.