Signing and Verifying APKs

Signing applications with a key has become an essential part in the process for mobile app developers. It's like a signature for the app.

 To know how to sign the applications, visit the android developer reference here.

Now let us see how to verify whether the app ( android build.. APK) is signed or not and with what key.

  As mentioned already in one of my posts that describes how to install APK programmatically, an APK file is a kind of jar file.

 Go to command prompt and type the following and replace <path> and <app_name> accordingly.

   jarsigner -verify <path>/<app_name>.apk

 command. If you see "jar verified" message, it means it is a signed one.

 To know more about the key details, type the below

   jarsigner -verify -verbose -certs <path>/<app_name>.apk

  If you see "CN=Android Debug", this means the .apk was signed with the debug key generated by the Android SDK(means it is unsigned), else you will find something for CN.

References

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/7104624/how-to-check-the-android-apk-is-signed-or-unsigned

http://developer.android.com/guide/publishing/app-signing.html

Happy New Year & Android in 2014

Wish you all a Happy & Prosperous New Year !!

Hope you may be excited to know what might be happening in the next year. Interested in Future Predictions, Check out my App in Google Play.

Now let's look what we can expect in Android. 4GB RAMs, 64 bit Processors for mobiles, wearable gadgets and many more interesting things..

Currently there are many manufacturers for Android Smartphones unlike iPhones. Here is a list of expectations/forecast for the new year -

1. Samsung's next mobile in the pipeline may be Galaxy S5 or Note 3. It is observed to have produced a 4GB RAM for mobiles. (My MacBook Pro Mid 2012 has 4GB RAM). Technically it is 50% faster than existing phones and consumes 40% less power. Read More..

2. The future mobiles may have finger print and swipe sensor to verify identity & unlock.  Sweden`s Fingerprint hopes to sell its own touch sensors to other big mobile phone makers like Samsung, LG Electronics and Huawei. Read More..

3. Intel has big Android ambitions for 2014. The chipmaker's points of focus for the year ahead include 64-bit processing power and more tablets. Read More..

4. Google to team up with Audi for Android in cars. Read More..

5. Android 4.4 KitKat 2014 Rollouts for many SmartPhones including 5 HTC Phones, LG G2 And G Pad, 8 From Motorola, 9 Sony Xperia And 20 Samsung Galaxy. Read More..

6. Wearable gadgets,flexible displays down the line. Read More..

7. Nokia rumoured to be working on Android Phone. Nokia Normandy. Read More..

Above is only a short list.. Other Suggestions are welcome.