Database Develop

[Q] [Play Store] Things that make me go mad

Well hello there, to anyone who's reading this.
Warning: This is not completely connected to Xperia Z, and neither is this just a troubleshooting thread, but it definitely contains some of both. Do not mistake this thread for hate-talk, fanboy-flame, or any other nonconstructive negative talk. This thread could fit in more than a few sections, but I decided to start it here, as it does concern Xperia Z. If mods decide it's not fit to be in Xperia Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting section - so be it. We'll sort it out, somehow.
Now, let's get to the point.
Google. A company that cares about its users' (privacy) - not. Up until now, I haven't had any major complaint about Google and their evil doings business strategy, as it hadn't been affecting me - well, at least not directly. But, I've finally come across something that-is-oh-so-Facebook-like that I can't understand why it's not there. A basic function that is missing from the big, complex picture (such as nonexistent native Android support for deleting all phone contacts with a single click). The basic function I'm talking about here is the ability to completely remove/detach device from a Google account. I had (still have, but will be passing it to a family member) an Xperia Arc that I connected to my Google account, but now I have Z, so I no longer need/want to have my old LT15i listed under the devices I own. I know there is a function to hide phones that are no longer in use from appearing in Play Store, but that's not what I (and an army of other angry Google users) want.
Okay, this is not the biggest problem the world has clashed with. I could live with just hiding phones I don't use anymore. But another problem emerged. This is where I could use some help of the awesome xda expert community here. My Z is attached to my G account, obviously. Well, at least it was. Ever since I updated phone to FW .67, Google doesn't list my phone in Play Store. But it's there under Dashboard section. In fact, there are two C6603s listed there - my Z before("last seen on Sep 25th") and after("last seen on Oct 13th" [today]) .67 update. The problem is, Play Store sees only the version before the update, and deliberately refuses to refresh the list to correspond to the current situation.
And how does that reflect in the reality?
If I click on "Install" and choose C6603 as the target device, the app never reaches the phone, of course.
I'm guessing the problem here is that the Google (for some reason) have different IMEIs listed for the two entries of my Xperia Z.
--> What I'm asking here is if anyone knows how to force Play Store to list my phone as it is now, at this moment, to reflect what's on Dashboard, so I can install apps using Play Store site.
Also, if you could please refrain from posts such as "don't use play store", and "just download apps through phone app".
Click for screenshots.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Aside from the above, there is one more problem I'm facing concerning Play Store app, which is far more frustrating and annoying.
I used to have two accounts linked to Z. I decided to completely get rid of the first one and only use the second one. But now the apps that I have downloaded with the first account refuse to appear under My Apps list, so I have to use 3rd party apps (AppBrain, in my case) to be notified of updates of unlisted apps. Even after a factory reset and TiBu restore, Play Store app refuses to show all my installed apps on the corresponding list (this method worked before with my Xperia Arc).
Does anyone know how to permanently attach the missing apps to the Play Store app?
Thanks in advance to anyone who didn't find this tl;dr and decide to help!

Try using market doctor from TiBu for restoring links to your account
Paid apps will never change to your other account though. You should really contact Google customer service for that.
Sent from my C6603 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I have already tried that, and I know that paid apps won't reattach. I need some other ideas here.
Sent from my Xperia Z

Bump
Sent from my Xperia Z

Bump

Nokia 8 (Original) - Possible without Google?

Hi all,
Now that Nokia have confirmed they are not rolling out Android 10 to the original Nokia 8, it's time for me to look into another option: a non-Google AOSP variant.
I've done a bit of searching and reading up, but not much. I think it's not possible to have what I would like, which is:
AOSP based on Android 10, no Google Apps, but with the Google Play Store.
My understanding is that the Play Store requires Google Play Services, and I really, really want to get away from that with all its data privacy invasion and the contagion it's spreading out to other aspects of my phone.
So, my questions are:
1. What's the best AOSP variant based on Android 10 that has no Google that will work on an original Nokia 8?
2. Is there any non-Google app store that will have the likes of banking apps and other such confidential data sensitive apps, and is also likely to have some of the other apps I need?
Thanks in advance,
Ian J.

First of all, we wont be having android 10. It may be possible with T-virus but not until Sirocco gets android 10.
There is another replica of playstore called Aurora store. It have everything that play store have. Aurora store is available on F-droid.

{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
You could use any AOSP / AOKP or any other variant of GSI that suits you alongside with T-Virus of course to gain Treble capabilities and use MicroG instead of Google Framework. It's a fully open-source reimplementation of google services that's not as invasive as Googles solution but also lacks support and compability in many cases. I did not use it with Nokia 8 but I'm pretty much sure it will work just fine. Back when I had it on my previous phone it did improve battery life by alot but also had issues with GPS / Loc. because of Googles proprietary solution being not embedded in such projects. You've gotta setup Deja Vu by Mozilla or Apple backend for GPS which work just fine too.
You can find out more in here: https://microg.org/
As store replacement you've got Aurora, Yalp and FakeStore.apk (it's a frontend for MicroG.. at least it used to work)

Many thanks for the replies.
I'm not sure I need the Location services, I'm not interested in any application having access to my location other than TomTom's Go app for driving and GPS Status for just that, the status of the GPS, and they only need the built in GPS.
As for Project Treble, is that required? I would have thought that in order to take advantage of it, a phone would need to be quite cosy with Google in order to get the OS updates.
I will check out the suggested app stores to see what they have, and see what apps I currently use that might be missing so I can see if I can live with alternatives.
Ian

Ian J. said:
Hi all,
Now that Nokia have confirmed they are not rolling out Android 10 to the original Nokia 8, it's time for me to look into another option: a non-Google AOSP variant.
I've done a bit of searching and reading up, but not much. I think it's not possible to have what I would like, which is:
AOSP based on Android 10, no Google Apps, but with the Google Play Store.
My understanding is that the Play Store requires Google Play Services, and I really, really want to get away from that with all its data privacy invasion and the contagion it's spreading out to other aspects of my phone.
So, my questions are:
1. What's the best AOSP variant based on Android 10 that has no Google that will work on an original Nokia 8?
2. Is there any non-Google app store that will have the likes of banking apps and other such confidential data sensitive apps, and is also likely to have some of the other apps I need?
Thanks in advance,
Ian J.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For alternative play store. U can try "apkpure". I use it on my other devices where there are no gappa installed.

I've looked into the apps available elsewhere and unfortunately such things as banking apps, and tomtom navigation and the like, aren't available widely if at all. Therefore it looks like my next phone will be an Apple iPhone as that at least is more likely to be private from Google's spying play services. I won't use an iPhone for media playback though, they're useless for that. I'll retain the Nokia 8 and remove the sim card, and use it as an MP3 player.

Ian J. said:
I've looked into the apps available elsewhere and unfortunately such things as banking apps, and tomtom navigation and the like, aren't available widely if at all. Therefore it looks like my next phone will be an Apple iPhone as that at least is more likely to be private from Google's spying play services. I won't use an iPhone for media playback though, they're useless for that. I'll retain the Nokia 8 and remove the sim card, and use it as an MP3 player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for ios system

General [Info] Honor Magic 3 Pro

See:
Join XDA and HONOR for the launch of the Magic3 Series!
www.xda-developers.com

This is possibly the first review of a commercial Honor Magic 3 Pro+.
I got english subtitles. Ask questions, I'll post more photos taken with Pro+ and upload a comparison with P50 Pro later.

How can i update Honor magic 3 pro China Variant with magic UI 6 outside of China?

Hilpolith RothsChild said:
How can i update Honor magic 3 pro China Variant with magic UI 6 outside of China?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will automatically come.
But if you want to keep your gms installed, better don't update.
After update gms install becomes impossible, and every time you successfully install it, the device will automatically reboot and uninstall it.

Hi, there! Does anyone know where I can get honor magic 3 pro plus update tracker? It's been a long time I dont get any security update and I wonder if there's something wrong. My device is running on Magic UI 6.0.0.125

No google services in an easy way for the Magic 3 pro+ yet?

fabiooli said:
No google services in an easy way for the Magic 3 pro+ yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man.
I've been using Honor Magic 3 Pro without gms for a long time now.
Actually haven't had any problems.
Most of the apps work normally without gms, and u can install them from Aurora Store.
YouTube has Vanced Extended.
Even sign in with Google works on most apps nowadays, through Huawei browser.
For other apps Just use gbox.
It has custom version of all gms apps. That installs like a original app, and gives you full functionality.
And for apss that really require gms and standalone apps are not available from gbox, install on gbox and install a shortcut.
Use a few days and you won't even feel the lack of Gms, except on many rare occasions.
And gbox customer support is good. On WhatsApp you can contact them, and if u have the skills, you can customize any standalone app integrated with gbox, with their instructions.
And for the rare occasions that gbox glitches, like on biometrics, use gspace for those apps.
And I've even found a easy way to enable backups for WhatsApp on drive using your device.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

Does anyone here have the Honor Magic 3 pro+ (or 3 ultimate) and got the android 13 update?

AxomiaHoiMoi said:
Hey man.
I've been using Honor Magic 3 Pro without gms for a long time now.
Actually haven't had any problems.
Most of the apps work normally without gms, and u can install them from Aurora Store.
YouTube has Vanced Extended.
Even sign in with Google works on most apps nowadays, through Huawei browser.
For other apps Just use gbox.
It has custom version of all gms apps. That installs like a original app, and gives you full functionality.
And for apss that really require gms and standalone apps are not available from gbox, install on gbox and install a shortcut.
Use a few days and you won't even feel the lack of Gms, except on many rare occasions.
And gbox customer support is good. On WhatsApp you can contact them, and if u have the skills, you can customize any standalone app integrated with gbox, with their instructions.
And for the rare occasions that gbox glitches, like on biometrics, use gspace for those apps.
And I've even found a easy way to enable backups for WhatsApp on drive using your device.
View attachment 5905659View attachment 5905667View attachment 5905665View attachment 5905663
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it worked fine, not as smooth as I expected but it's great. did you get the android 13 update?

fabiooli said:
it worked fine, not as smooth as I expected but it's great. did you get the android 13 update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, no Android 13 update.
Yup about the smoothness, when things don't work, it won't work. Just give up, otherwise when it works, it works fine.

Question google timeline working?

is there any chance to get google timeline working on VivoX70+Pro.
i install google maps on chinese version navigation works.
but i cant activate timeline.

mrazzido said:
is there any chance to get google timeline working on VivoX70+Pro.
i install google maps on chinese version navigation works.
but i cant activate timeline.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure Location History is on

Salaabda said:
Make sure Location History is on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i make everything on , but i doenst work.

hope there is some answer soon
thanks

Hi,
You can install google map in google play store and allow localtion permission on app setting. That's it work for map than chiness map version.

no luck after more than 3 months Y_Y

wertsacovivo said:
no luck after more than 3 months Y_Y
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Timeline works, enable google account and gmaps, give all necessary permissions and then on location.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

piskr said:
Timeline works, enable google account and gmaps, give all necessary permissions and then on location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been going crazy for months but it doesn't work for me.
I also tried to install google maps & services via ourplay from vivo store (ourplay creates a sandbox), in which version of map the timeline is active but does not record my movements.
ive upgeaded to Ocean by OTA

Forget the sandbox. You may be aware that it is highly unlikely that one phone has a timeline and the other doesn't and the hardware or the system is the cause.
The more probable cause is your google account or settings. Therefore, I advise you to first check if your device is GPlay certified in settings. If not, you should achieve it by adjusting your google account (on a computer) or reset the phone.
Another useful approach is checking the timeline on other phone (or tablet). You may borrow one if you don't have it. If hte timeline works, the problem lies in your phone, otherwise in the google settings.

It doesn't work for me. Device side problem as it works on other android tablet.

maxant69 said:
It doesn't work for me. Device side problem as it works on other android tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you check if you're device is google play certified? If yes, check settings and permissions. If it doesn't help, try to factory reset the phone and set everything from scratch.

I don't have the button for the verification from the play store, but only an application verification

But you do see "device is certified" under the Google Play - Settings - About?

I can't turn on location history either. It just has in Italics "Location History is off"
Can't select any toggle to turn it on.
In play store it shows my Device is certified.
History works fine on my other devices.
Live View for walking directions is also always greyed out on my Vivo for some reason.

piskr said:
But you do see "device is certified" under the Google Play - Settings - About?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes is certified

fabrixx said:
Yes is certified
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Inspecting the issue thoroughly, I found that the location history actually doesn't work. The reason that I was mistaken is the fact that I use a dedicated car dongle in order to have Android Auto. And all time history I have has been plotted with this device. Last month I was travelling and got zero timeline.
I tried to enable it and totally failed. As it can be seen from the attached picture, my phone is not and can't be included in the location history.
I searched the web and found the probable reason. Chinese Vivo doesn't have full Google framework, only basic. Hence, it can't communicate with Google servers in full. That's why we can't make backup as well.
Actually, I don't miss the location history on the phone that much. But if someone is interested, there is an instruction to enable it here:
[FIX] [All Amazon tablets] Enable/Fix Google Location Services [MARCH 2019]
****UPDATE MARCH 7, 2019:**** If the guide below doesn't work for you, see additional instructions at the end. This seems to be a huge problem for many users...location services not working when the Google Play store is installed. I have found a...
forum.xda-developers.com
Of course, it is for a rooted device. But there is a slight chance enabling it without the root. The most important is getting the full Google service framework to the phone.
Otherwise, I guess, we are out of luck.

The non complete framework is the reason why many google features don't work:
- android auto;
- location history;
- google backup;
- "OK Google" voice activation.

Thanks for the explanations on the problem.
I tried to download the apk files.
Already the first on the list does not install due to a security exception.
I also tried to download the latest versions but I have the same error.

Any solution without Root?

Interested in solve this problem

How To Guide [SCRIPT] Removing bloatware from Windows

Hi everybody,
here's a copy of a script I wrote some years ago for the LG G5 to remove the bloatware: this is a version for the Zenfone 8. I'm lazy so I just made a Windows batch script, sorry Linux and Mac users.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
The script requires adb installed and the phone connected to the pc. Just double click on the script and you will be prompted with the choices for uninstalling different sets of useless software:
Third party bloatware: things that you probably want to remove like a bee from an helmet you're wearing. The list only includes third party software that can't be uninstalled by the user. Luckily, the Zenfone 8 is not overloaded with useless apps, so in this category you will only find Facebook spywares.
Google apps requiring a Google account: apps like Calendar that won't work without a Google account.
Non-essential Google apps: Youtube, Lens, etc. i.e. any app made by Google that is not essential for the system but can work without a Google account.
ASUS' useless software: I find most of theASUS apps useful, so this list is currently empty.
Play Services: if you are really masochist, you can erase from your life Play Services and Play Store too with a single keystroke.
App removal is done using --user 0 parameter, so root is not needed.
Spoiler: List of apps the script can remove:
Facebook services: the only "useful" app would be Katana, which is the actual Facebook app, the others should be treated as spywares. See https://www.theregister.com/2018/05/22/facebook_data_leak_no_account/
com.facebook.appmanager
com.facebook.services
com.facebook.system
Google's account linked apps
com.google.android.feedback
com.google.android.gm (Google Mail )
com.google.android.calendar
com.google.android.apps.walletnfcrel (Google Pay)
com.google.android.gms.location.history
Google's non-necessary apps
com.android.chrome
com.android.hotwordenrollment.okgoogle (part of Google Assistant)
com.android.hotwordenrollment.xgoogle (part of Google Assistant)
com.google.android.apps.maps
com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
com.google.android.youtube
com.google.android.apps.youtube.music
com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks
com.google.ar.core
com.google.ar.lens
com.google.android.projection.gearhead (Android Auto)
Google Play Services
com.google.android.gms (Play Services, you can replace it with MicroG Services Core)
com.google.android.gsf (Play Services Framework, you can replace it with MicroG Services Framework Proxy)
com.android.vending (Play Store, you can replace it with Aurora Store)
This specific version of the script targets the Zenfone 8 with August 2022 Android 12 update.
Feel free to edit and repost my script, adapting it to other phones or with other apps to be removed from the same phone.

Hi I think you forgot to include a download link!

Adaoh said:
Hi I think you forgot to include a download link!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here it is in the attachment

Thanks for this.
Do you know if it's normal that after running the script and rebooting, the removed apps are still listed in the apps section with, "not installed for this user"?
I'm using a Zenfone 8

Niiiiiiiiiiiiice , but i use LOS

Craig_D said:
Thanks for this.
Do you know if it's normal that after running the script and rebooting, the removed apps are still listed in the apps section with, "not installed for this user"?
I'm using a Zenfone 8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is normal as it's a script that works without root permissions: the apps' files aren't actually deleted, but the apps are completely deactivated for the main user. They will still show up in the list but they won't do anything.

ivanmazepa said:
Niiiiiiiiiiiiice , but i use LOS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you don't even have to worry about bloatware