AppSurfer, which allows users to try Android apps in their browser
before downloading them on their phones, has now added support for
tablet apps as well. It supports a resolution of 1024x600 for tablets.
AppSurfer
released a private beta in March 2012 and launched its first version
mainly targeting developers in October 2012. It runs a customised
version of Android in the Cloud and runs multiple instances of the OS,
streaming graphics to users using HTML5 or Flash. It tracks user input
and sends it back to the cloud. It has also implemented custom sensors
to emulate sensor data, like that of GPS and orientation sensors.
RainingClouds
Technologies, the company which has developed AppSurfer, says that it
is not just another AppStore, and its focus is on enabling users to try
apps. After they are satisfied with the app, they can make the decision
to download it. For downloading the app, AppSurfer redirects users to
the Google Play app store. Users can also share app recommendations on
Facebook and Twitter and their friends can try these apps within
Facebook.
Developers can create a free account at AppSurfer, and
can put their apps (via apk files) on the site . They don't need any
code integration/change in app and they can also embed apps on blogs and
product pages, just like YouTube videos.
Speaking with NDTV
Gadgets, Aniket Awati, CEO and Co-founder of RainingClouds, informed us
that as of date, AppSurfer has 4,000 developers and 2,300 apps on-board,
with a paid to free app ratio of 1:20. The company intends to monetise
by offering new download models, tying up with third party app stores.
It
is noteworthy that, Amazon also allows users to try apps in the web
browser through its 'Test Drive' feature. However, according to Awati,
the feature is based on Flash, while AppSurfer also offers an HTML5
version, allowing non-flash devices including iOS ones, to run app
previews in their respective browsers. The company doesn't offer support
for iOS at the moment, as there are several restrictions. "iOS apps
require installation of emulators, which slow down the experience and
don't support native features like GPS," adds Awati.
Services like
Pieceable (which was acquired by Facebook), and Kickfolio also allow developers to upload their apps on
the web, allowing users to try them via their web browsers.