For 10 years, every time a new version of the aprs.fi iPhone app came out, the first question was always the same: "when can we have it on Android?" For a long time I was pretty sure the answer would be "never" — but here we are! The aprs.fi app for Android is now available on the Google Play Store.
The app gives you immediate, real-time access to current APRS position information, weather reports, telemetry graphs, and more. Zoom and browse around the world and see stations instantly — no waiting. It runs directly on top of the same reliable and fast aprs.fi database that powers the web site — just like the iPhone app has been doing for 10 years!
Here are some of the main features:
- Search callsigns and addresses, with quick search-as-you-type and search history, showing APRS data and maps instantly
- Track multiple stations at the same time
- Filter the information shown on the map (weather stations, AIS, powerful custom filters)
- View weather, telemetry, and statistic graphs
- Beacon your position on aprs.fi
- Attach to a transceiver over a wireless connection to a Bluetooth, BLE, WiFi, or USB-attached TNC, and receive and transmit position beacons without the Internet
- Dark Mode support for an ergonomic viewing experience in low-light environments
- High-resolution graphics for high-DPI displays, with the full APRS symbol set
- KML and GeoJSON overlay files on the map
- Views designed for both Tablet and Phone layouts
Buy the app — get the web site for free!
A quick word on pricing and subscriptions, because this is important to understand before purchasing. The pricing model is the same as on iOS: the application itself is paid, but it is not expensive — cheaper than a pint of beer in Helsinki, it lasts much longer and is 80% more healthy, and you get the web site on top for free. Basic features and many new future features are available without a subscription fee.
Some features additionally require the Extra Features subscription (also not expensive — about 0.58 €/month with the yearly plan). It sometimes comes as a surprise to people who didn't read the application description, so please read the full description before purchasing. These features are currently included in the Extra Features package:
- APRS text messaging
- High-performance software DSP modem (1200/300 bit/s) with GPU hardware accelerated oscilloscope and waterfall views
- APRS-IS beaconing, with up to 10 callsign profiles
- RX iGate functionality
- Long time ranges in map and graph views
Why subscriptions? In-app subscriptions provide a sustainable business model. They ensure continuous interest in developing and maintaining the application and its backend service, even after the finite number of interested APRS users have already purchased the app. I intend to implement subscription sharing between Android and iOS via the aprs.fi user account, but it's a bit complex and not there yet.
A few notes on requirements and availability: the app uses some modern functions of the Android platform and requires Android 11 or newer. On some older devices you might need to upgrade Play services to their current versions — Android 11 without updates installed probably will not work. The app is currently only available on the Play Store, and it's not possible to run it on de-googled devices. I might look at other stores later.
The new Android APRS app is available here!
The user guide is available online and inside the app.
Have fun!
