By presenting the Nokia X, X+ and XL at Mobile World Congress, Nokia joined the world of Android. The so called 'Nokia X OS', which is based on open-source Android and looks very similar to Windows Phone aims the lower-end markets. But typical for Nokia, they provide their amazing services and applications on as many devices as possible (including Asha models). Ok... there is one exception: The Nokia N9 and MeeGo Harmattan didn't get that much of services like HERE maps and Nokia Mix Radio - but well, we all know that story.
To be independent from Google, Nokia loads their own "Nokia Store" on the X-series. Of course it doesn't take much time until other Android users ask the question: How to get that store on other Android devices? As a Jolla users, I'd like to ask: How to I get that store on Sailfish OS?
Nokia Store, HERE maps and MixRadio on Sailfish OS
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| Nokia X Store on Jolla |
opssemnik (user on xda-developers) took the time to make a port of the Nokia X Store. Therefore it is possible to install the store APK file on Sailfish OS. The store works nicely and downloading applications works out of the box. Installing them needs a bit of extra work...
I downloaded and installed HERE maps, but as expected it doesn't start up. Nokia's MixRadio runs well - but only at first start up. At second try you won't get further than to a message telling that MixRadio is a Nokia device exclusive. It seems though that an unofficial port of MixRadio is in progress. Most other 3rd party applications run fine.
You can download the Nokia Store APK here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2664212
Workaround to install Android apps from Nokia Store
Unfortunately I don't know any way (and haven't tried) to give Android full root access on Sailfish OS (within Alvien Dalvik - the Android application compatibility layer). This would be required to install applications directly from Nokia Store. Opssemnik posted that he is working on a version which doesn't need root access - so we'll keep an open eye on that project.
1. Download a Sailfish file browser with root access. I recommend "Filetug" with "StartAsRoot for Filetug" available in Warehouse (or via this link at OpenRepos.net).
2. Use Android Nokia Store and download an application (ignore the error message). Make sure you remember the downloaded file size - leave the store open.
2. Go to Nokia Store cache usually under: data/data/com.nokia.nstore (you need to be root!)
3. There you find files with random number - search for the file with the right file size and copy/cut it.
4. Move the file to Downloads (or anywhere you want) in "Home", rename it and add .apk to the file name.
5. Install it via Filetug or other Saiflish file browsers which support Android app installation.
I can't imagine that it is in Nokia's interest to see their store and unique applications on any other Android devices than the X-series. So we will have to see where that goes... But installing applications from Nokia X store on Jolla devices is a nice little "weekend-hack"!
