Can I Put an APK File on a NOOK Color?

APK Files

APK files are programs and applications for use with the Android operating system. These are package files based on the ZIP format, containing all of the data and assets that the program uses, with the exception of external files such as icons if the program is designed to use external assets. Installing an Android app requires you to place the APK file in the appropriate system directory for the device's operating system to recognize it; additional installation is not required.

Android SDK

Though many users of Android devices use the Android Market application to install new apps, you can also use the Android Software Development Kit, or SDK, to install programs and applications for which you have the APK file for. Use Android SDK's ADB loader to install and uninstall APK files, though you also need root access to the device in order to install an ADB client on the device. You need a wired Internet connection to the computer where the Android SDK is required for installing apps from APK files, though you can install the ADB client wirelessly.

Rooting the NOOK Color

The operating system of the NOOK Color doesn't allow access to the device's root directories by default. To gain access, install a rooting program on a microSD card and insert it into the NOOK Color's microSD expansion slot. The program reconfigures the NOOK Color's operating system during the boot process, installing the ADB client and allowing you to access the device's root directory. Once rooted, connect the NOOK Color to your computer via a USB cord and access the root directory using the ADB function of the Android SDK from a command prompt or console window.

Installing and Uninstalling APK Files

The Android SDK uses the ADB 'install' command to move an APK file from your computer to the installation directory on your NOOK Color. To uninstall the application at a later date, use the ADB 'uninstall' command to remove the APK file from the NOOK Color's installation directory. After connecting to the device via the ADB client, enter the commands using the format of 'adb install filename.apk' or 'adb uninstall filename.apk,' without the quotation marks.