Connect with us

Software

Apps on SD in the works for Android

Published

on

Joel Evans at The Mobile Gadgeteer (who, in comic book parlance, might be called the “Silver Age” Mobile Gadgeteer) has uncovered that the ability to store apps on an SD card has been given “FutureRelease” status at the Android factory.

The urgency to deal with Issue 1151 “RFE: Support install of apps on SD cards” has increased steadily since the initial call on 10/30/2008 and for good reason. Onboard storage on early Android devices has been limited, insufficient for upgrades in some cases, forcing some users to delete apps to make room for new ones. A solution to the problem, called Apps2SD, already exists, but it is not without compromise and complication. The upcoming native solution will be integrated into the platform, so it should be more widely usable.

Truthfully, I’m surprised this wasn’t a priority in the earlier releases. Openness and third-party support are part of the platform’s big draws. The hard limit on app storage detracts from that, but a fix is now on the list.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Strodtbeck

    05/11/2010 at 11:15 am

    From what I remember, a lot of the reasoning behind not letting apps run on the SD was due to fear of pirated software and how that would hurt developer movement to Android. Why on earth google just doesn’t setup a database for paid apps to ensure that the app you purchased is on the device you purchased it for is beyond me.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.