How to install the Android SDK on Windows, Mac and Linux

Everything you need to get started with the Android SDK, and everything you need to know about installing it.

Installing the Android SDK is far easier than it used to be, thanks to a new package from Google. One download gives you most everything you need to communicate with your phone via the USB port, using tools like adb and fastboot.

If you plan to use the SDK to build Android apps or just see how they are made (a great decision) you’ll probably want to download Android Studio instead. It’s even easier to install (Java is self-contained and there is no PATH to set up) and you’ll find full directions at the Android Studio website.

If you’re just using the SDK and have no need fro the tools to develop for Android, follow along and we’ll get you set up.

This post was last updated in October 2016.

Getting started with the Android SDK

I told you this was pretty easy, and that there was just one file to download. Here it is. Download the SDK direct from Google by clicking here. Scroll down a bit and find the section marked “SDK Tools Only” and save it somewhere easy to get to, like your desktop. We’ll be extracting it to a better location in the next step.

The file you downloaded is compressed. You’ll need to be familiar with compressed files — and how to extract them — to go any further. If you’re not, stop here and spend the time to learn about them.

Extract your compressed file into the following location:

• Windows: The root of your C: drive
• OS X: Your home folder
• Linux: Your home folder

Rename the extracted folder to “Android”. This will make the rest of this guide, and your time with the SDK, much easier.

Prerequisites

You’ll need a working version of Java to run the SDK components. For most things you’ll be doing with the SDK both Open Java and Sun Java from Oracle (yes, that Oracle) will work.

On a Mac, it’s pretty easy because you’ll already have it installed unless you uninstalled it. If you did, install it again — you should know how.

On Windows, head to the Oracle website and download the correct version (32- or 64-bit) for your computer. Again, if this gives you any trouble stop what you’re doing and learn a bit more about your computer. If you can’t install Java, maybe you’re not yet ready to use the Android SDK.

On a Linux computer, you’ll also need to install Java. You can find x86 and x64 binaries for Sun Java from Oracle at their website. OpenJDK also works for most things you’ll need to do with the SDK.(OpenJDK is now bundled with Android Studio which includes the SDK as well as a development environment) and you’ll find complete instructions to get it installed at the OpenJDK website. If you need more assistance or want to use a package manager to install Sun Java, you’ll need to refer to the documentation for your particular distro.

Linux users will also have to make sure they have some 32-bit libraries installed if they are running a 64-bit version of the operating system. If you’re using Ubuntu or another Debian variant, install ncurses5 and stdc++6 through your terminal:

sudo apt-get install lib32ncurses5 lib32stdc++6

Packages for other distros, like Slackware or Fedora, should be available as well. See the documentation for your particular distro.

Setting your PATH

The PATH variable in your computer’s operating system tells it where to look when you want to run a command from a terminal or the command line. For example, to run the adb command you either need to type and provide the complete path — ie the folder adb is actually in, inside the SDK folder — or have the location set in the PATH variable itself. It’s a bit confusing, but the good news is that doing it is easier than explaining it.

For these directions to work as written, you will have to have extracted and renamed the SDK download folder as mentioned above, and to the correct location for this tutorial.

On Windows

Unless you’re still using an older version of Windows, you no longer can set the PATH in the autoexec.bat file or autoexec.nt file. You’ll need to update the system Environment Variable settings instead. Here’s how it’s done on a Windows 8 machine:

• Hit the Start key on your Keyboard.
• Start typing the words Environment Variables.
• As you type, you’ll see the choice to Edit the system environment variables. Choose it.
• In the Environment Variables window, select the PATH line item in the Systems Variables section, then click the Edit button.

Add the full path to the Android SDK tools and Android SDK platform-tools folders in the edit box, separated by a semi-colon. It should look something like this:

C:Androidtools;C:Androidplatform-tools

For older versions of Windows, refer to the documentation that came with your computer for assistance on setting the PATH. And, again: If you’ve installed your SDK somewhere other than Android, you’ll need to adjust accordingly.

On OS X

You can set your PATH variable on a machine running OS X in your bash profile. Doing so is easy, and is all done in one file.

In your Home folder is a file named .bash_profile. Open it with any text editor.

You may see a blank file, or it may be full of other information. All we need to do is add a couple lines to the top of the file:

export PATH=”$HOME/Android/tools:$PATH”
export PATH=”$HOME/Android/platform-tools:$PATH”

(Did we mention that if your SDK is in another location, you’ll need to adjust things accordingly? Good.)

Save the file, and reboot your computer so the new PATH is sourced properly.

On Linux

Setting the PATH on a Linux computer is almost the same as on a Mac, you just edit a different file.

Using your favorite text editor, open the ~/.bashrc file. It will probably exist and have multiple entries. If you get an error that the file does not exist, simply create a new file and save it as ~/.bashrc when finished.

You’ll want to add the following two lines to the END of the .bashrc file:

export PATH=”$HOME/Android/tools:$PATH”
export PATH=”$HOME/Android/platform-tools:$PATH”

Save the file, and close the terminal window. Open a new instance of the terminal and type this command:

source ~/.bashrc

Your session will not reference the changes you made and the SDK will be in your PATH.

Wrapping it up

If you made it this far, you have successfully installed the Android SDK and can now use tools like adb and fastboot. Pat yourself on the back and have a frosty beverage. We’re going to talk a lot more about how to use these tools in future articles, as well as making sure your phone is ready to go and connected.

If you can’t wait to learn about drivers, and development tools, head into the Android Central forums to talk to some gurus and get a jump start.

Your Android is your oyster, and you’ll need no sword to open it.

T-Mobile will give you 50% back on your Google Pixel purchase

T-Mobile is back with a new offer for Google Pixel owners who are looking to bring their unlocked phone over to its network. If you purchase an unlocked Pixel and bring it to T-Mobile and sign up for a T-Mobile One plan, you can get 50% of the purchase price back. That’s right, T-Mobile is offering to pay you (through monthly bill credits) to bring your new phone over to its network. Whether you purchased your Pixel through Google or another retailer, all you’ll have to do is validate your purchase online.

From T-Mobile’s announcement:

To take advantage of this limited time offer, purchase an unlocked Pixel from Google or anywhere else, sign up for T-Mobile ONE, then just show us your proof of purchase via our validation site. You’ll automatically see a $13.55 credit to your monthly bill for 24 months (for a grand total of $325, or half the cost of a 32GB Pixel).

If you’ve been thinking of picking up a Google Pixel to use on T-Mobile but couldn’t justify the cost, this may make that purchase even easier for you. You will receive the credit over the course of 24 months with a bill credit, which is less than ideal compared to a one-time credit for the amount, but still better than nothing. If you’ve been delaying your purchase of the Google Pixel, is this deal good enough to make you pick one up now? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Google Pixel and Pixel XL review
• Google Pixel XL review: A U.S. perspective
• Google Pixel FAQ: Should you upgrade?
• Pixel + Pixel XL specs
• Understanding Android 7.1 Nougat
• Join the discussion in the forums!

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Moto M with metal body and Snapdragon 625 leaks

It looks like Lenovo is readying a new budget Moto M series that will co-exist alongside the Moto G and the entry-level Moto E lineup. Dubbed the Moto M, the phone features a metal body and is rumored to offer a Snapdragon 625 SoC, up to 4GB of RAM, 64GB storage, microSD slot, and a massive 5100mAh battery.

From the leaked image, the Moto M looks like a more refined version of the Moto G4, with the phone sporting a similar camera setup. It is possible we may see the same 16MP camera from the Moto G4 Plus (which was excellent) on the Moto M.

The fingerprint sensor has moved to the back (thankfully), and based on the hardware on offer and the metal chassis, it is feasible Lenovo is looking to fill the gap between the Moto G4 and the Moto Z Play with the Moto M. The combination of the 5100mAh battery and the power-efficient 14nm Snapdragon 625 should result in remarkable battery life, one that could outshine even the Moto Z Play.

Other rumors suggest we’ll see a 5.5-inch Full HD display, and a release window sometime in December.

Qualcomm acquires NXP Semiconductors for $47 billion

Qualcomm is the market leader in the mobile SoC segment, and the company is now looking to expand into automotive and smart home applications by acquiring Dutch-based NXP Semiconductors for $47 billion.

NXP makes chips that go in NFC payment machines, but its core competency lies in automotive infotainment and networking systems, with the company powering 14 of the top 15 infotainment units.

With growth in the smartphone segment plateauing, the deal gives Qualcomm a gateway into the lucrative automotive and connected home segments. By consolidating its efforts with NXP, Qualcomm is setting itself up for future growth while reducing its reliance on the phone market.

From Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf:

With innovation and invention at our core, Qualcomm has played a critical role in driving the evolution of the mobile industry. The NXP acquisition accelerates our strategy to extend our leading mobile technology into robust new opportunities, where we will be well positioned to lead by delivering integrated semiconductor solutions at scale.

By joining Qualcomm’s leading SoC capabilities and technology roadmap with NXP’s leading industry sales channels and positions in automotive, security and IoT, we will be even better positioned to empower customers and consumers to realize all the benefits of the intelligently connected world.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals around the world, with Qualcomm looking to close the deal by the end of 2017.

Router vs Mesh Networking: What’s best for your home WiFi network?

Don’t just replace a working home WiFi network because Google WiFI is new, but if you need a change here are some tips to get you started.

Google WiFi isn’t the first consumer-focused mesh networking product. Offerings from Eero and Luma have been around for a while and offer a mesh networking solution very much the same as what Google is selling. The difference is that Google WiFi is a good bit cheaper and comes from a company everyone knows. Google will do whatever it can so you know that their WiFi product exists, and so that people interested in things like mesh networks know that it’s an inexpensive way to get started.

That leads to the obvious question — should anyone switch to a mesh-based WiFi network in their house?

Like most things, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. There are a couple things you should consider before you dust off your credit card.

Do you need to upgrade your WiFI network?

This is the first thing you should ask yourself. Ideally, a WiFi network is something you should set up once and then never have to think about it until it’s time to replace it. When properly planned, a WiFi router or a mesh client device should run unattended for several years — at least until it’s time to upgrade to a newer wireless standard for increased speeds and bandwidth.

Ideally, a WiFi network is something you should set up once and then never have to think about it until it’s time to replace it.

Of course, that’s often not the case and many of us know our router needs that weekly reboot or things will get wonky. Or even worse, we aren’t particularly savvy when it comes to network issues and gear and have to call Comcast or AT&T for help. Waiting for a technician to arrive sometime between 8 am and 5 pm is never fun.

If you have a solid WiFi network that doesn’t demand you fiddle with it enough to become frustrating, you should probably hold off on doing anything until we see 802.11 ad technology become more mainstream. On the other hand, if you are tired of pulling plugs and counting to 10 or any of the other silly things we do to fix bad WiFi, or if your home network is just too slow you shouldn’t wait any longer than you have to. Don’t try to fix what isn’t broken!

Are you just trying to fix a dead spot?

This is a pretty common issue. You have great WiFi in the kitchen or living room, but when you go downstairs or to the bedroom things are just slow or intermittent. If everything is working well in parts of your home that are close to the router or that aren’t blocked by things not WiFi friendly — the walls of your bathroom are notorious WiFi signal blockers because of the special drywall used and all the copper pipes inside them — you could be the perfect candidate for a wireless repeater instead of setting up a whole new network.

A WiFi Extender is a cheap way to fix a single dead spot in your WiFi coverage, but there are drawbacks.

Also known as WiFi Extenders, wireless repeaters do exactly what their name implies — they take your existing WiFi signal and repeat the signal to extend the range. Usually very easy to setup using a network cable or an online settings page, WiFi Extenders are also compact and only need a power connection. One thing to be aware of is that you usually can’t connect a consumer-grade WiFi Extender to an existing extender, so daisy-chaining them to reach your garage or the neighbor’s house isn’t very practical.

You also will have a new network name (known as an SSID) to use when connecting to the extender instead of the router itself. This can be a bit of a pain if you move in and out of a room that needs an extender very often. Quality WiFi Extenders run between $30 and $150 dollars depending on the network type, so if you need multiple fast ac extenders it might be more practical to set up a mesh network using Google Wifi. These drawbacks aside, a simple WiFi Extender is an easy way to fix a single dead spot and a great idea if the rest of your WiFi network is working well. If you’re in the market for one, we can recommend Netgear’s simple extender that plugs directly into a wall socket for home use.

See at Amazon

When to choose a mesh network

If you’ve decided you need to get rid of the gear you have and set up a new network or are setting things up in a new place, the choice between a mesh network and a traditional linear router based network comes down to one thing — money.

For some, a simple WiFi router and an extender is perfect.

A WiFi router that will service a normal sized single floor home plus one extender for hard-to-reach spots can be had for around $100. You can also lease them from your internet service provider. While the more inexpensive models aren’t quite as easy to install as something like a Google OnHub router, they’re not too ornery, and as long as you have a phone you can use to Google the answers to any questions you have most of us can do it without any issues. And we understand that wireless networking equipment is something that doesn’t have the appeal that other tech does. If you only want a WiFi network so you can use the internet from your laptop or phone or tablet, don’t have any special needs like a home office or a favorite online video game, there’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple. We do recommend at least an 802.11 n or faster network, though. The internet is too media-rich to go any slower. Netgear also makes a simple and reliable router that pairs well with the extender above.

See at Amazon

If you need anything more robust than a simple router solution, mesh networking makes the most sense.

The cost of a high-speed router with the tools for quality of service scheduling or port forwarding starts at about $120 — about the same as a single Google Wifi unit. When you add extras like long range antennas or multiple access points it doesn’t take very long to hit the $299 price for a three-pack of Google WiFi units. Either method should last the lifetime of the technology they’re using and offer trouble-free use during that time, but you’ll miss out on some key advantages of having a mesh network, like not having any single point of failure and the better traffic handling mesh networks offer. If you need WiFi in a multi-story home or one that’s bigger than 1,500 square feet or so, mesh networking is simply a better choice most of the time. The only case I would hesitate to use wireless mesh network in favor of a linear router based setup would be if you have equipment that requires a physical wired network connection. Even then the addition of Google OnHub and a simple switch could be added to a Google Wifi powered mesh network. If you have those sort of networking needs, you’re probably not looking for basic networking advice and you understand exactly what we’re talking about here.

If you want or need a router-based solution that can handle more traffic or offers the power-user bells and whistles, you can’t go wrong building it around a Netgear Nighthawk router. Sticker-shock trigger warnings apply.

See at Amazon

For the rest of us, Google WiFi seems to be exactly what we’re looking for.

Two of the biggest drawbacks to wireless mesh networking are no longer an issue when using Google WiFi — needing an advanced networking education to set things up and maintain them, and a pocket full of money.

Google WiFi tackles the biggest problems with home mesh networking — administration and cost.

A wireless mesh network is designed to handle high volumes of traffic in a big area with no downtime due to equipment failures. A three pack of Google Wifi units will be easy to set up using the Google Home app and only cost $299. New stations are easy to add using the same app, and all traffic shaping and route handling are automatic so you’ll have no need for QoS scheduling when you want to play Call of Duty without lag glitching or when you want to work while the kids are watching Netflix. They’re small, don’t look like leftover robot parts, and everything you need to connect to your modem is in the package. And anytime you need to expand your network, adding a station only makes the rest of the network better by offering another node to handle traffic from all points.

We’re excited to see WiFi mesh networking offered by a more mainstream company like Google. Based on the performance of their OnHub products, we expect things to be simple and robust as well. The easy administration and relatively low cost make adding a mesh network to your home (or place of business, where it can be even more important) something any of us can do. Whether you’re upgrading your existing equipment or building a network in your new house, there are very few reason not to go with Google WiFi.

See at Google

OnePlus 3T vs OnePlus 3 vs OnePlus 2: What’s the rumoured difference?

OnePlus is rumoured to be announcing an upgrade to its OnePlus 3 smartphone before the year is out. The new device, which is expected to be called the OnePlus 3T, is claimed to be arriving before Christmas, offering a little more power than the current model.

This is how the OnePlus 3T is rumoured to compare to this year’s OnePlus 3 and last year’s OnePlus 2, based on the speculation.

OnePlus 3T vs OnePlus 3 vs OnePlus 2: Design

• OnePlus 3 slimmer and lighter than OnePlus 2
• OnePlus 3T expected to offer same design as OnePlus 3

The OnePlus 2 measures 151.8 x 74.9 x 9.85mm, weighs 175g and it comes in Sandstone Black. It isn’t the slimmest or lightest device out there, but it offers a fantastic build quality, even if it isn’t metal.

The OnePlus 3 is around the same size as the OnePlus 2, albeit slimmer and lighter and with an anodised aluminium build. It measures 152.7 x 74.7 x 7.35mm, hits the scales at 158g and comes in Graphite and Champagne Gold colour options.

The OnePlus 3T is rumoured to offer the same design as the OnePlus 3, so we would expect the same measurements, along with a fingerprint sensor and USB Type-C like the OnePlus 2 and OnePlus 3.

• OnePlus 3 review

OnePlus 3T vs OnePlus 3 vs OnePlus 2: Display

• OnePlus 2 and OnePlus 3 have 5.5-inch Full HD displays
• OnePlus 3 uses AMOLED over LCD
• OnePlus 3T rumoured to feature same display as OnePlus 3

The OnePlus 2 has a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a Full HD resolution for a pixel density of 401ppi. There is ample brightness, good viewing angles and decent contrast offered.

The OnePlus 3 also has a 5.5-inch display with a Full HD resolution, meaning the same pixel density as last year’s model. The display technology switches to Optic AMOLED though for rich, deep colours and inky blacks.

Rumours suggest the OnePlus 3T will offer the same display, resolution and technology as the OnePlus 3, including Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection, meaning just a difference in the technology compared to the OnePlus 2.

• OnePlus 2 review

OnePlus 3T vs OnePlus 3 vs OnePlus 2: Hardware

• OnePlus 2 features SD810, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 3300mAh battery
• OnePlus 3 features SD820, 6GB RAM, 64GB storage, 3000mAh battery
• OnePlus 3T expected to feature SD821, 6GB RAM, 64GB storage, 3000mAh battery

The OnePlus 2 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, Adreno 430 graphics, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. There is a 3300mAh battery powering the device, which as we mentioned, is charged via USB Type-C.

The OnePlus 3 opts for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, Adreno 530 graphics, 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The battery capacity sits at 3000mAh, meaning it is smaller than the previous model, but it supports Dash Charge, which is the equivalent of Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 for a quick top up when you’re running low.

The OnePlus 3T is expected to come with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chip, which is an enhanced version of the SD820, resulting in a faster and more efficient device that should be more capable, especially when it comes to virtual reality. Other hardware specs are expected to remain the same at 6GB of RAM, 64GB of storage and a 3000mAh battery.

The OnePlus 3 offers NFC, meaning support for Android Pay, something the OnePlus 2 missed off its spec sheet. As you might expect, the OnePlus 3T is also expected to support NFC.

• OnePlus 3T: Release date, rumours and everything you need to know

OnePlus 3T vs OnePlus 3 vs OnePlus 2: Camera

• OnePlus 3 has higher resolution front and rear camera compared to OnePlus 2
• OnePlus 3T rumoured to offer same camera as OnePlus 3

The OnePlus 2 has a 13-megapixel rear camera with an aperture of f/2.0 and optical image stabilisation, delivering excellent image quality. The front camera has a 5-megapixel sensor.

Resolution is bumped up for the OnePlus 3 with a 16-megapixel rear snapper, again offering an aperture of f/2.0 and OIS, with phase detection autofocus also included and 4K video recording capture. The front-facing camera is 8-megapixels with 1.4µm pixels and fixed autofocus.

Rumour has it the OnePlus 3T will offer the same camera specifications as the OnePlus 3, which will mean features such as auto HDR and manual control, along with good results in varying light levels.

OnePlus 3T vs OnePlus 3 vs OnePlus 2: Software

• OnePlus 2 and OnePlus 3 now run on modified version of Android Marshmallow
• OnePlus 3T will probably arrive on the same software as OnePlus 3

The OnePlus 2 launched on a customised version of Android Lollipop, while the OnePlus 3 arrived on a customised version of Android Marshmallow. As the OnePlus 2 has been updated to Marshmallow, the experience between the OnePlus 2 and the OnePlus should now be very similar.

It is thought the OnePlus 3T will launch on the OxygenOS again, like its predecessors, and although Android Nougat is now available, we’d suspect the same software as the OnePlus 3 is more likely so Marshmallow rather than Nougat from the box.

OnePlus 3T vs OnePlus 3 vs OnePlus 2: Price

• OnePlus 2 is cheaper than OnePlus 3 by £80
• OnePlus 3T could be $80 more expensive than OnePlus 3

The OnePlus 2 costs £249, while the OnePlus 3 will set you back £329.

It has been rumoured that the OnePlus 3T will cost around $80 (£65) more than the OnePlus 3, which would make it around $480 (£395).

OnePlus 3T vs OnePlus 3 vs OnePlus 2: Conclusion

Generally speaking, a succeeding smartphone will always make improvements on its predecessor in a couple of areas, whether that be camera, processor, design or battery. The OnePlus 3 did exactly that over the OnePlus 2, delivering a more premium design and advancements in power and camera.

The OnePlus 3T looks like it will do similar to the OnePlus 3, but only in terms of power rather in design or other specifications, making it an incremental upgrade.

Based on the rumours, the only reason to buy the OnePlus 3T over the OnePlus 3 is for the extra speed, with everything else seemingly remaining the same. Therefore, if you have a OnePlus 2 and you’re considering an upgrade, hold fire to see if the OnePlus 3T arrives, while those with a OnePlus 3, sit tight and wait for the OnePlus 4 unless you really want the power upgrade.

This is of course all speculation for now, but we will be updating this feature if more rumours and leaks appear.

• OnePlus 3 review
• OnePlus 2 review
• OnePlus 3T: Release date, specs and everything you need to know