Apkudo wants to address fragmentation by becoming the gold standard of smartphone hardware and software testing

This article originally appeared April 20, 2013, on Android Authority

Ever wonder why not all carriers release their mobile devices at the same time? Or how about Android updates? While Google is now at version 4.2.2, some smartphones are still getting updates older than this one. It all boils down to carrier testing and certification. Carriers that have the resources would require testing whether devices meet their specifications — in terms of performance and compliance with their specific needs. This is also the reason why manufacturers have to release separate updates for each carrier.

But testing does not come easy. According to Apkudo, it’s usually normal for tier 1 carriers to have the resources to run a battery of tests before declaring a device or update fit for their needs. Everyone else might not have the clout nor the resources to do so. This testing can be outsourced, however, which is exactly what a startup called Apkudo is doing. Apkudo aims to become the gold standard of device and application testing, so that developers and carriers do not have to waste their time and resources in doing the testing themselves. Keep reading…

Apkudo Wants to Handle Android Fragmentation so Carriers and Developers Don’t Have To

This article originally ran April 19, 2013, on TechCrunch

Baltimore-based Apkudo is debuting its “Apkudo Approved” program this week, extending its existing work with making sure that Android apps and devices perform well for consumers. The company has positioned itself in a growth market, to act as a layer both between developers and devices, and between devices and carriers, to help both parties deal with the fractured and often maze-like landscape of the Android hardware market. Keep reading…

Fragmentation Fix: Apkudo on how it plans to make Android developers’ lives a little easier

This article originally ran April 19, 2013, on Pocket Gamer

And for free, too

Fragmentation has been an albatross around the figurative neck of Android for years now.

Although the increasing popularity of certain Nexus devices has helped to some extent, the problem remains a pertinent one for mobile game developers operating on the platform.

It’s an issue that Apkudo is looking to solve, both for developers and OEMs. Keep reading..

DroidCon UK might be over, but DroidCon NL is a week away!

Thanks to everyone who came out to catch David Teitelbaum’s class at Droidcon UK, “Who Needs Thumbs? Android Instrumentation and Reverse Engineering.” We had a fantastic time mixing it up with all the Android Devs in London and appreciate all the great feedback on Twitter! For all of you who’ve asked, you can find the slides here.

Are you thinking to yourself, “I couldn’t attend DroidCon UK and I’ll never forgive myself because this class sounds SO interesting. I wish there was somewhere else I could go to learn how to reverse engineer my favorite apps!?” Well you’re in luck! Strap on your clogs because we’re headed back across the Atlantic to bring this amazing class to DroidCon NL! Here are the details:

WHO? David Teitelbaum presenting at DroidCon NL

WHAT? Who Needs Thumbs? Android Instrumentation and Reverse Engineering

WHEN? Friday, November 23 from 11:30 am – 12:15 pm

WHERE? Science Park Amsterdam

Don’t miss your chance to learn about the fundamentals of APK reverse engineering, including Dalvik executable disassembly/reassembly, code injection, and view hacking using tools such as Smali/Baksmali. We hope to see you there!