Google Play missing from cheap tablet bought at Game

[nicroets]

Yesterday I bought the "HCL Sync 1" at Game for R999 for my niece. 1GB RAM, 8GB flash, 1GHz CPU, 2MP camera, 800x480 display. It can play 1080p mp4s. It also includes an OTG cable, so you all you need to go on the Internet is a 3G USB modem. The hardware is pretty good value.

The software is the problem: It does not include the play store, youtube, Google Maps or Gmail. Instead it has the 1mobile market, which has most of the apps you find on the Play store. However, I get the distinct impression that they try to force you to use some apps with dubious permissions, like a live wallpaper needing to make calls. Furthermore, I'm worried that the lack of proper surveillance will make the tablet vulnerable to malware and virusses.

Fortunately I don't intend to store private documents or password on the tablet, so safety will be adequate.

 

[mercurial]

Is this a FYI or do you have a question? If you want those apps, you could probably get the apk file from some websites, copy it to the tablet and install it.

 

[Thamza]

Thanks for sharing

 

[InTheCube]

Here is a comprehensive list of Android APKs: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2392504

 

[Maverick Jester]

This tablet probably has a forked version of Android, which is against the Google Apps TOS, and why they have not been preloaded.

 

[Avenue]

here's a youtube video dealing with HCL. Don't know if I would trust the link the guy gives, but i'm sure you can google a bit and find a trusted APK

 

[Chevron]

This tablet probably has a forked version of Android, which is against the Google Apps TOS, and why they have not been preloaded.

This.

AFAIK you need to get your tablet approved by Google if you want the Play store on it.

 

[nicroets]

here's a youtube video dealing with HCL.

Tried it and FCed.

And before that I tried backing up the Play Store on my other tablet and installed that apk. Also did not work.

I was able to transfer a number of other applications by backing them up on my other tablet. That's more than adequate for my niece.

 

[Fox1]

Take it back. You can get a Toshiba, Acer or MSI with official Google Play support for R200 more elsewhere.

 

[Park@82]

Here is another way to get apk files from the store: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
Just paste the google play url and it gives you a link to download the apk...

 

[kingrob]

Take it back. You can get a Toshiba, Acer or MSI with official Google Play support for R200 more elsewhere.

+1

The tablet will not be used much if she cannot download music, apps and games with it.

I suggest you stop being such a cheapskate and buy her something better - she will love you more.

 

[nicroets]

The tablet will not be used much if she cannot download music, apps and games with it.

She's 8, so she's not supposed to download music, apps and games. "Oh look, it's Miley from Hanna Montanna" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrUvu1mlWco

 

[Arthur]

There are two separate agreements that Google has for Android.

One is for Android only. Your tablet clearly has that.

The other is for GMS, which includes all the apps and suites (and app store), and none may be left out - it's all or nothing.

The GMS contract will probably result in the same anti-trust actions against Google that Microsoft went through for including IE and Media Player in Windows.

 

[SirFooK'nG]

Aptoide

 

[Maverick Jester]

There are two separate agreements that Google has for Android.

One is for Android only. Your tablet clearly has that.

The other is for GMS, which includes all the apps and suites (and app store), and none may be left out - it's all or nothing.

Not for forked versions of Android, though, which this tablet most likely has (and hence the missing Google services).

The GMS contract will probably result in the same anti-trust actions against Google that Microsoft went through for including IE and Media Player in Windows.

Yeah, no. Android as an OS is not proprietary. The Google services are, and Android acts as a vehicle to deliver these services to you. One cannot fork a version of Windows, as that would be in breach of Microsoft's EULA.

 

[Arthur]

Not for forked versions of Android, though, which this tablet most likely has (and hence the missing Google services).

Even forked versions require a licence. It's free.

Yeah, no. Android as an OS is not proprietary. The Google services are, and Android acts as a vehicle to deliver these services to you. One cannot fork a version of Windows, as that would be in breach of Microsoft's EULA.

Of course Android is proprietary. The code is owned by Google - that is what proprietary means (it's Google's property). Google have chosen to make it generally and freely available at no charge under the licence agreement.

The GMSA is a separate agreement. It inter alia requires all mobile services and does not permit forking. You take it whole or leave it. Check it on their website. I have.

 

[Maverick Jester]

Even forked versions require a licence. It's free.

Of course Android is proprietary. The code is owned by Google - that is what proprietary means (it's Google's property). Google have chosen to make it generally and freely available at no charge under the licence agreement.

The GMSA is a separate agreement. It inter alia requires all mobile services and does not permit forking. You take it whole or leave it. Check it on their website. I have.

Without getting into the nitty gritty, what you are saying is correct. I still don't agree that they would be subject to the same antitrust actions as Microsoft were.

 

[OMB]

Even forked versions require a licence. It's free.

Of course Android is proprietary. The code is owned by Google - that is what proprietary means (it's Google's property). Google have chosen to make it generally and freely available at no charge under the licence agreement.

The GMSA is a separate agreement. It inter alia requires all mobile services and does not permit forking. You take it whole or leave it. Check it on their website. I have.

so how does Amazon work then on their Kindle Fires? you have to use the Amazon app store and you can't access any Google services

 

[nicroets]

Even forked versions require a licence. It's free.

That statement is misleading: The only requirement is that the person making the fork ACCEPT the license. No permission from Google is needed.

Of course Android is proprietary.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proprietary_software "Proponents of free and open source software use proprietary or non-free to describe software that is not free or open source."

The code is owned by Google

AFAIK, open source code is owned by the person who wrote it (unless that person assigned their rights). I'm quite sure large pieces, such as the kernel, was never assigned to Google.

Aptoide

Thanks!

 

[Maverick Jester]

so how does Amazon work then on their Kindle Fires? you have to use the Amazon app store and you can't access any Google services

You can, it just means that Amazon cannot preload Google Mobile Services onto their devices. Amazon instituted the policy to disallow them completely.