yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Apps and Games] returntrip:
I am looking for an app that lets me track updates for applications I do NOT have installed. I have a few apps that I think in their current state are a bit crap, but that might become a bit more interesting in the future. So, instead of keeping them installed wasting space. I wanted to track their updates and see what was new and improved. Is this a feature request that you could add to APK Track? Or is there maybe some other app that does that already? Thanks.
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Hi!

It's not something this app does, and because of how ApkTrack works (it relies heavily on packages installed on the device), I don't think tracking arbitrary APKs will ever be supported.

You're welcome to use the API to check the latest version of APKs you're interested in however (ex: https://apktrack.kwiatkowski.fr/version/org.thoughtcrime.securesms).
[Android Apps and Games] Primokorn:
I don't find an answer in the search results so here is my question:

ApkTrack can't detect updates for apps published on Github like Impression or Cornowser?
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
It's not possible to add GitHub as an update source, because there is no way to guess the URL of the repo based on the app's name or package name.

I can however add apps individually in the AppBrain update source - would you like Impression and Cornowser added?
[Android Apps and Games] Primokorn:
Yes for Impression :) but there's no need for Cornowser since there's a built-in updater tool.
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Done!

ApkTrack should now be able to look for updates and automatically download APKs for Impression from the AppBrain update source.
[Android Apps and Games] bjoswald:
Thank you for this fantastic little app! Some of us don't like bulky "app stores", so this comes in handy.
[Android Apps and Games] Primokorn:
Hey [MENTION=6419498]JusticeRage[/MENTION]

Could you also add NetGuard? M66B is too fast compared to the small team of F-Droid lol
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Netguard has been added (the cache will still only be refreshed every 24 hours, no matter how fast M66B is)!

I should probably add a page where people can link package names to github pages to make this process more easy.
[Android Apps and Games] Primokorn:
I don't have CameraMX app in my list (com.magix.camera_mx installed from apkpure like other apps that are listed). I think it's the only missing app.

I tried to reset the ignored apps but it didn't help.
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Most of the time, when app installations or version upgrades are missed by ApkTrack, the issue is traced back to Greenify hibernating the app. Is this something which could have happenned?
[Android Apps and Games] Primokorn:
Yep, I tried Greenify a few days so it may explain the issue. I no longer have Greenify on my device and CameraMX is back. I can't confirm that it's related to Greenify since several apps were hibernated but they appeared in ApkTrack.
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
The problem occurs when ApkTrack's hibernated, because then it misses Intents raised by the system to indicate that an app has been added or deleted. Having tracked apps hibernate should not cause any detection problems, as long as ApkTrack is running.

This issue has shown up a few times on GitHub, so I think I will add a one-time warning message when Greenify is detected on the device.
[Android Apps and Games] Portgas D. Ace:
Would it be possible to add a manual scan to ApkTrack? This way the app can check for new/updated app versions even if it has missed some new installation or updates.
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Yes, this is currently in the works.
[Android Apps and Games] sapnesh:
Is it possible to add Tasker integration? An option to scan for updates via Tasker can have many applications. Like check for updates every morning or check for updates whenever I open playstore.
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
I have no idea how to integrate with Tasker since I don't use that app, but if anyone wants to implement the feature I'll integrate it!
[Android Apps and Games] Nitrooo84:
Just a minor thing I noticed: the list is not sorted automatically when it is sorted by status, you check for updates and one app changes its status. You have to sort alphabetically and then re-sort by status.
[Android Apps and Games] Droidphilev:
Hi [MENTION=6419498]JusticeRage[/MENTION]

I saw in the thread that since 2.0.0.0 disabled (frozen) apps are being ignored. Would it be possible to have a setting to en/disable this? I use cold launcher as my launcher. This launcher can freeze app not much used apps. I use this freezing for a lot of apps. As it is now for ApkTrack to work good i have to unfreeze all apps before checking for any updates.
[Android Apps and Games] mangoole:
it doesn't work well on my nexus.

if you have another version, send it to my email.

thanks.

email: mangoole2.xd@evilc0rp.pw
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
[MENTION=4187224]Nitrooo84[/MENTION]: Thanks for your report! I'm aware of this issue; this is a design decision I made because it felt weird to have items move around in the list just after clicking them in my early tests.

[MENTION=803530]Droidphilev[/MENTION]: Frozen apps are only added to the "ignored" list by default. This is a list you can clear from the settings so that they are no longer hidden! After this, you should no longer need to unfreeze them in order to check for updates. Let me know if this solves your issue!

[MENTION=7478543]mangoole[/MENTION]: I don't have a new version to provide you at the moment, but could you be more specific as to what isn't working for you in the app?
[Android Apps and Games] Droidphilev:
THanks! Will take an extra look in settings.
[Android Apps and Games] gonzolex:
does anyone can give my link to download?

Links on first page doesn't working
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Hi, and thanks for reporting this!

The links have been fixed!
[Android Apps and Games] mathorv:
[MENTION=6419498]JusticeRage[/MENTION]

Have you considered adding apkmirror as a source?

Apkmirror.com offers list of latest betas and software for selected manufacrurers like Sony, Htc and others.
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
I did, actually. The problem is that their website is difficult to scrape (the URL patterns are hard to predict), and they don't have an API, nor "near-term plans" for one according to an e-mail discussion I had with their operator.

It's a shame too, because they even have APKs, so I'd love it if using their data was easier.
[Android Apps and Games] mathorv:
Maybe apkmirror clones like

https://apkdot.com/

http://www.apklinker.com/

would be easier to add.
[Android Apps and Games] mathorv:
Another possible source:

XDA Labs (app)

http://www.xda-developers.com/xda-labs/

http://xdaforums.com/android/apps-games/labs-t3241866
[Android Apps and Games] Jhon998:
Can you fix the large icons? Or is it me?
[Android Apps and Games] martinklaus:
Is there a alternative app in active development?
[Android Apps and Games] Primokorn:
idk what you call 'active development' but ApkUpdater has similar features.

What is missing from ApkTrack?
[Android Apps and Games] martinklaus:
Since some days only show "Variiert je nach Gerät" only xposed and playstore work as source.
[Android Apps and Games] Primokorn:
There are issues (big icons, red line for an older version) but F-Droid checks are working.
[Android Apps and Games] martinklaus:
This Message is for nothing, not better to ignore "Varies with device".
[Android Apps and Games] maoikozo1:
Thank you for share!
[Android Apps and Games] Nitrooo84:
It looks like the checks from AppBrain don't work anymore.
[Android Apps and Games] martinklaus:
Yes
[Android Apps and Games] Primokorn:
If you trust Google to respect your privacy then do not change anything...
[Android Apps and Games] Onurtag:
Somehow Appbrain is working again so its all good for now.
[Android Apps and Games] dtoxic47:
App crashes, Kitkat 4.4.4
[Android Apps and Games] Portgas D. Ace:
Best. Bug report. Ever.
[Android Apps and Games] dtoxic47:
I know thank you! :) i sent the log via app,what else do you want me to do? dance around the fire? :D
[Android Apps and Games] Portgas D. Ace:
If you have send the bug report via app, then there is no need to post such a useless post here. How should anyone know what you have done without any further information from your side?
[Android Apps and Games] dtoxic47:
the post is for the developer to notice it,sorry if it was a bit poor on information but i did not see any need to further elaborate my issue
[Android Apps and Games] blackdroid52@gmail.com:
Need a link to latest version, the beta link on front page is not working. Share anyone...

Got it on f droid
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Hey everyone. For some reason, my mail notifications for this topic had gone off so I've done a terrible job at following up on user feedback here. Apologies to everyone who reported problems. If you want to be 100% sure I know about them, don't hesitate to open a ticket on GitHub.

An update of the app will be pushed to the beta channel very soon: it features a major overhaul of the design (materialize all the things!). It's entirely possible the big icons issue will be fixed at the same time, otherwise be sure to let me know.

See you in a few days!
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Happy new year XDA!

Here's a new beta version of ApkTrack just in time for 2017. I'll just paste the changelog for this 2.1.1 version below:

0-----------------------------------------------------------------------------0
| Changelog: |
0-----------------------------------------------------------------------------0

2.1.1:
------
* UI
- The app's design was materialized by Tetsuo55.
- Icons have been vectorized (also by Tetsuo55).
- The last check date is now relative (i.e. "10 minutes ago").
* Update Sources
- Removed the Nightly (Firefox) update source, because their website keeps
changing and the app has built-in update capabilities anyway.
- Fixed the WhatsApp update source. Support has been added in the AppBrain
proxy and this source will be phased out in later versions.
* Version Checks:
- Version checks for Google Play Services now ignore the part of the
version number identifying the architecture and DPI of the device.
* Supported Devices:
- ApkTrack now works on Android N.

Known issues:
-------------

* The "downloading" icon is too bright for a white background and needs to
be updated (help welcome).

Here's a screenshot of the new design:

You'll find the latest version here, and directly from ApkTrack using the Beta channel. Be sure to send me bug reports if you encounter any error! I hope to push these changes to the stable branch in 7-15 days or so.

There have also been some issues with getting version numbers from AppBrain since yesterday... I've gotten in touch with them to find a solution, so bear with me.
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Hey everyone!

Since there haven't been any complaints nor bug reports, I think this latest version is mature enough for the stable branch. I've fixed the issue with the downloading icon which was hard to see on the white background and updated the beta and release APKs. The F-Droid build should be on its way too.

Next feature: adding proxy support for Orbot users.
[Android Apps and Games] Dev Dezigns:
thanks alot man, love this app :))
[Android Apps and Games] Eskuero:
Getting "Connectivity problems" since this morning. It apparently happens only for apps it checks on the Play Store, when it checks another other sources like F-Droid or the WhatsApp itself it works fine
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Thanks for alerting me! I think the issue was for the proxy: for some reason the server seems to have rebooted. and the services were not relaunched. It's fixed now!
[Android Apps and Games] DocShadrach:
I think a blacklist with the apps that I don't want to update will be nice. Or get notifications only for the apps that I choose
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
You can already swipe apps from the list if you want them ignored!

At the moment, the features I'm working on are 1) proxy support for web requests and 2) theming support for those who preferred the black background (no promises on this one).
[Android Apps and Games] sui81:
[MENTION=6419498]JusticeRage[/MENTION]

Whats the Difference between Stable version and Beta ?

Any Changelog for Beta available ?
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
At the moment, the Beta is strictly identical to the Stable version. But new features get tested on that branch first.

There is no changelog, but you can look at commits on GitHub to get an idea of what happens in the beta branch!
[Android Apps and Games] meryncausinlaren:
Thank you so much, very usefull!
[Android Apps and Games] Chamelleon:
[MENTION=6419498]JusticeRage[/MENTION]

Hi, I tried to log in into OneSky app to update translation but it says that some limit was reached.
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Hi! Thanks for letting me know. I've just logged into the dashboard and I'm not seeing anything like that. Could you tell me more about what is reported (precise error message, etc)?
[Android Apps and Games] Chamelleon:
For a long time I didn't use it but my account shouldn't be suspender or something.
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Looks like it's an issue with your account, but not with the project... I don't think I can help you from my end. Maybe you should get in touch with OneSkyApp's support?
[Android Apps and Games] Chamelleon:
Ok, thank You. I sent email to support, we'll see what they say.
[Android Apps and Games] Chamelleon:
Ok, my account is active now. It seems that some developer made me a part of his organization and free account can't have too much collaborators or something like this. Anyway Polish is updated.
[Android Apps and Games] wladca:
Hi. ApkTrack is very good program :) Please add source apkpure.com (The source has a huge base apps) :)
[Android Apps and Games] Kamil30:
i love it
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
Any future updates?
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
I will be releasing a proxy option in a few weeks, but apart from that it feels to me that ApkTrack is pretty much feature complete!
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
Would it be difficult to have apkmirror be a selectable option (or such) for apk updates since it's a pretty good site, search engine such as Evozi doesn't work btw
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Actually, ApkMirror is already used if you're checking for updates through the ApkTrack Proxy. I stopped using AppBrain a while ago because their anti-scrapping protections kept blacklisting my server - resolving this with them was taking up too much time and always short-term. So the proxy has been retrieving version numbers and APKs directly from ApkMirror for a while now.
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
I mean like having the app download detected new version apks like a few apps do (skype for example, has a dl button)

Why doesn't that feature work with all apps (those that can be found on apkmirror, not paid apps)?
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Because for many apps, APKMirror offers several different APKs. The proxy doesn't know which one is right for the requester because no information about CPU architecture and Android version is sent. Even it this information were to be transmitted (there are privacy issues here however), it would still require some work to automatically determine which APK is right.
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
Ah i see, well in any case then i guess manually going to apkmirror and selecting the right apk to update is doable or using the "search engine" option over using Google in the app

Anyways thanks for your time. You should remove Evozi from the selections though, tried it once, doesnt work
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Exactly.

Thanks for mentioning that Evozi doesn't work anymore; since I don't use it I hadn't noticed. It'll be removed shortly.
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
Site is still up, but i mean it doesn't do anything on the site
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
I've just tested, and it seems to me that the Evozi search is working properly. I get taken to their download page with the APK name filled correctly.
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
Site loads and stuff, but when it searches for an app it just fails
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
[MENTION=6419498]JusticeRage[/MENTION]

Say, would it be possible for a dark mode theme for the app? Jw
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
[MENTION=7086291]demonoidmaster[/MENTION] I like the idea.
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
Say like an XDA app forum colored theme and a full on dark mode for oled
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Hey everyone! It's been a while.

I've just posted a new beta APK, you'll find the changelog below:

* Features
- You can now configure a proxy in the settings. It will be used to check
for updates, but *NOT* for APK downloads and searches.
* Update Sources & Search Engines
- Removed the Guardian Project, as their repository is outdated and does
not provide links to APKs.
- Updated the direct download regexp for F-Droid as their layout had
slightly changed.
- Added a new search engine, APK-DL.
* Translations
- Japanese translation contributed by Naofumi F. Thanks!
* Supported Devices:
- ApkTrack should work on Android O.

The only exciting feature is that ApkTrack can now use a proxy. The proxy doesn't work for APK downloads and searches, because those requests are handled by the system's download manager and browser (respectively). I'm looking into ways to solve the former. As always, you're welcome to try out the new features on the Beta channel. Please send me bug reports if you encounter any !
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Hey everyone.

I just wanted to let you know that I'm aware of the crash that occurs every time someone enters the settings on the F-Droid version of the app. I currently have no idea why this happens, since this bug doesn't appear on the APKs I personally release. The only thing I can say is that for now, I strongly advise against using F-Droid builds and switching to mine instead. The current beta APK seems to be stable.

That particular bug's thread is located here if anyone is interested.

That being said, I would like to ask your opinion on whether ApkTrack development should go forward, as more actively developed alternatives have surfaced. I don't use any of them, so I have no idea how they compare to this app but I'm considering dropping support. What are your thoughts? Are alternative solutions sufficiently mature to retire ApkTrack?
[Android Apps and Games] SuperSandro2000:
I switched to ApkUpdater and I think it is a worthy successor.
[Android Apps and Games] Ultramanoid:
Your application includes checks to F-Droid, which APKUpdater does not, and will not, as stated by its developer.

So for someone who prefers all checks in a single application, certainly your application is preferable. Thanks for developing it.
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
Honestly i use your app to find updates notifs for all apps, even those that aren't on the play store, so ApkTrack is still very useful, though one feature i'd like is autoinstall (be it using root or through Android's Accessibility Services on/off switch) after auto download of apks or manual download by pressing the dl button next to certain apps
[Android Apps and Games] SuperSandro2000:
ApkUpdater does that

---------- Post added at 10:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:42 PM ----------

Hasn't the fdroid app exactly that feature?
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
Didn't i just say i prefer this app ? I already have Apkpure and Yalp for apk updates, i don't need some other app. The only issue is not all apps get shown in those apps, that's why i use this for anything else that's not updated yet

Which is why I'd like an autoinstall feature for whenever ApkTrack has an update i can dl even if said update doesn't show up in Apkpure, Yalp, Apkupdater, etc
[Android Apps and Games] Ultramanoid:
If you use F-Droid AND other sources, then you need two applications installed for checks, as opposed to just having this one.
[Android Apps and Games] Primokorn:
Yes ApkTrack is still usefull. New features from time to time would help to attract new users.

IMO the main issue with ApkTrack is the time to check all apps. ApkUpdater does not support F-Droid but the checks are really faster.
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
Tbh I've noticed that when you launch the app and let it be it checks each app for updates more reliably than pressing the "search all" kinda button at the top right

Also having a dark theme using the same greyish colors as XDA Labs/Forums app has would be nice like i said in an older post. But overall this app is extremely useful for keeping up with app updates, even if said certain apps don't have the updates shown to dl in other apps.

I wonder why only few apps have the dl button next to them in ApkTrack? Having apktrack be able to have varying sources from where it can dl the updates it finds (after apktrack would get your device info and know your android version and architecture) and show the dl button next to all normal free apps would be cool, because some apps like say Gboard or Hangouts, etc don't have the dl button next to em.

Idk just my 2¢ yknow, but as it is the app works great aside from some other bugs sometimes
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Thanks everyone for your input and feedback on the app. I think the takeout for now is that ApkTrack should still be maintained.

As for all the suggestions (themes, auto-install, etc.), I do read them all and wish I were able to satisfy everyone, but sadly the time I can devote to this app is limited since I have a day-to-day job that requires my full attention.

The reason for this is that ApkTrack is currently unable to retreive APKs if multiple versions exist as you mentioned (API version, arm, arm64, x86...). This is something I would like to implement when it comes to ApkMirror, but currently fighting against CloudFlare has been my main focus.

There is a built-in delay for all sources except the proxy that prevents users from DDoSing the target websites. I suppose I could reduce that to a few milliseconds instead of 2 seconds, thanks for the feedback. This will be in the next beta. As for the proxy, checks should only be slow when the APK is not cached any more as it needs to be downloaded again.
[Android Apps and Games] blackdroid52@gmail.com:
Sir, In version code I'm receiving varies with device in almost every app.So is that a problem or really the app version code varies.
[Android Apps and Games] JusticeRage:
Hey everyone! The bug occurring with F-Droid builds has finally been squashed, so I have released a new version. A few goodies have also been implemented, in particular reducing the app's timeouts as per [MENTION=4958579]Primokorn[/MENTION]'s feedback. Version checks should be much faster now. You will find the full changelog for this version below:

2.1.2:
------
* Features
- You can now configure a proxy in the settings. It will be used to check
for updates, but *NOT* for APK downloads and searches.
- Downloaded APKs can now be cleaned from the settings screen.
- Added an option to ignore apps for which no update source could be found.
* Update Sources & Search Engines
- Timeouts between version checks have been reduced, which makes the
process of checking all apps much faster.
- Updated the direct download regexp for F-Droid as their layout had
slightly changed.
- Added a new search engine, APK-DL.
* Translations
- Japanese translation contributed by Naofumi F. Thanks!
* Permissions
- A new permission (REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES) is required to be able to
install APKs on Oreo.
* Supported Devices
- ApkTrack should work on Android O.
* Bugfix
- Fixes a major bug caused by ProGuard in F-Droid builds which prevented
users from entering the settings.

[MENTION=4766691]blackdroid52@gmail.com[/MENTION]: The Play Store update source returns this a lot. I recommend you switch to another update source, such as the ApkTrack proxy!
[Android Apps and Games] demonoidmaster:
Man you're amazing