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I just wanted to say that the Amazon App Store is a really nice alternative to the Android Market. With honeycomb finally get to see new apps. Angry Birds Rio is really nice, and nows its free today for the ad free version.
sal_shawn said:
I just wanted to say that the Amazon App Store is a really nice alternative to the Android Market. With honeycomb finally get to see new apps. Angry Birds Rio is really nice, and nows its free today for the ad free version.
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Can someone explain to me the logic in having another place to get apps outside of the Google Market that benefits consumers? So I get Angry Birds Rio because it is exclusive however, if I remove the Amazon market app it stops working. Why? And all the other apps I checked are already available in the Google Market. So why do I need to use the Amazon Appstore other than exclusive content which in my opinion if fragmenting the available apps?
keitht said:
Can someone explain to me the logic in having another place to get apps outside of the Google Market that benefits consumers? So I get Angry Birds Rio because it is exclusive however, if I remove the Amazon market app it stops working. Why? And all the other apps I checked are already available in the Google Market. So why do I need to use the Amazon Appstore other than exclusive content which in my opinion if fragmenting the available apps?
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Click to collapse
Different features in the actual marketplace; different payment processor (Amazon, which I use extensively, has all my payment information but I do not use Google Checkout); different prices and yes, a different selection. Amazon and other app stores can offer additional features to developers like the DRM you are complaining about which will lead to fragmentation that may or may not be a good thing (time will tell). Who knows, maybe there will be a prime-esque subscription service at some point. Best Buy may sell the same games as Gamestop, but I'm glad I have the choice to never shop at the latter.
sangreal06 said:
Different features in the actual marketplace; different payment processor (Amazon, which I use extensively, has all my payment information but I do not use Google Checkout); different prices and yes, a different selection. Amazon and other app stores can offer additional features to developers like the DRM you are complaining about which will lead to fragmentation that may or may not be a good thing (time will tell). Who knows, maybe there will be a prime-esque subscription service at some point. Best Buy may sell the same games as Gamestop, but I'm glad I have the choice to never shop at the latter.
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Click to collapse
I am all about choice but having multiple places to search is not a positive feature in my opinion. Will we have 10 other app stores pop up next week? Not very appealing in my opinion.
keitht said:
Can someone explain to me the logic in having another place to get apps outside of the Google Market that benefits consumers? So I get Angry Birds Rio because it is exclusive however, if I remove the Amazon market app it stops working. Why? And all the other apps I checked are already available in the Google Market. So why do I need to use the Amazon Appstore other than exclusive content which in my opinion if fragmenting the available apps?
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Well I just like the ability to see all the new released apps. In Google's market for the Xoom all you can see is the featured and top apps.
keitht said:
I am all about choice but having multiple places to search is not a positive feature in my opinion. Will we have 10 other app stores pop up next week? Not very appealing in my opinion.
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Click to collapse
I can see you concern but I do not see how that is any different from other shopping experiences. I prefer Amazon's search/sorting capabilities from my brief look earlier. I'm sure eventually there will be apps to search any and all available app stores.
sal_shawn said:
Well I just like the ability to see all the new released apps. In Google's market for the Xoom all you can see is the featured and top apps.
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Click to collapse
That is an issue that Google can resolve. You get 10 other companies providing an app store, how is that helping? You then have to do the same search 10 times.
keitht said:
That is an issue that Google can resolve. You get 10 other companies providing an app store, how is that helping? You then have to do the same search 10 times.
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I see your point. I agree I would prefer one place to get my apps. But right now when I just go browsing for apps amazon is alot easier.
This has to be one of the biggest blunders I have ever seen with Android yet. Most of the Amazon market is filled with apps that are already available in the Google Market. The only app I have seen so far that is not available is Angry Birds Rio. And if you do not install or have removed the Amazon appstore app, you cannot even run it. Does that sound like the same issue with DRM protected music?
And what allows Amazon to create their own app store? Is it easy for 20, 30, 100 others to start their own store with mostly the same apps with their own rules? This does not look good. Who wants to search 100 stores for apps to find what they are looking for and on top of that, have different rules. This has to be the most retarded thing I have ever seen since owning an Android device and is doomed for failure.
If you don't like it, don't use it. Let market forces determine things. If 10 app stores popped out tomorrow I guarantee most would not succeed. As it is there are several alternative app stores for android already, and they have not caused any problems. Competition is ALLWAYS a good thing, even for our beloved google. Same reason I am happy that apple is constantly pushing on android and vice-versa. Competition is the underlying rationale for using Android for me.
keitht said:
This has to be one of the biggest blunders I have ever seen with Android yet. Most of the Amazon market is filled with apps that are already available in the Google Market. The only app I have seen so far that is not available is Angry Birds Rio. And if you do not install or have removed the Amazon appstore app, you cannot even run it. Does that sound like the same issue with DRM protected music?
And what allows Amazon to create their own app store? Is it easy for 20, 30, 100 others to start their own store with mostly the same apps with their own rules? This does not look good. Who wants to search 100 stores for apps to find what they are looking for and on top of that, have different rules. This has to be the most retarded thing I have ever seen since owning an Android device and is doomed for failure.
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So on your PC, you would rather have one single source for all your software? You don't comparison shop, buy from different vendors, directly from developers? The app concept and having it all in one place is a convenience, thats it. Its like saying you should not open up a Target because your town already has a Wall-Mart or something...
diaa08 said:
So on your PC, you would rather have one single source for all your software? You don't comparison shop, buy from different vendors, directly from developers? The app concept and having it all in one place is a convenience, thats it. Its like saying you should not open up a Target because your town already has a Wall-Mart or something...
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Click to collapse
This is not my PC. You go to Amazon store and you see the same apps available in the Google Market. You think the average consumer wants to search multiple markets for an app? I know I don't. And the same app works from Google market and not from another app store because their appstore app is not installed? You think this is a good user experience? I don't. Do not compare to PC experience because the Android tablet experience is based on competition from Apple iPad not from a PC experience. This will be a disaster in a year from now where iPad users can search one location for all their app needs and Android tablet users will need to search 100+ for theirs. There is no reason why these apps cannot be in one location.
keitht said:
There is no reason why these apps cannot be in one location.
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Click to collapse
But there is a reason... different terms and features for developers.
sangreal06 said:
But there is a reason... different terms and features for developers.
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Click to collapse
And what specifically are those?
keitht said:
This is not my PC. You go to Amazon store and you see the same apps available in the Google Market. You think the average consumer wants to search multiple markets for an app? I know I don't. And the same app works from Google market and not from another app store because their appstore app is not installed? You think this is a good user experience? I don't. Do not compare to PC experience because the Android tablet experience is based on competition from Apple iPad not from a PC experience. This will be a disaster in a year from now where iPad users can search one location for all their app needs and Android tablet users will need to search 100+ for theirs. There is no reason why these apps cannot be in one location.
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haha i don't want to get a back and forth going here, but really, just don't use the amazon app store and all will be ok. not to overblow the analogy, but two supermarkets usually carry 99% of the same things, doesn't mean you should get rid of one or preclude new ones from opening up.
i realize that apple people have their walled garden with their false sense of security and limited options, but take music purchases as an example: i can either say, buy all my music from iTunes like most Apple people do, or i can do what i do, which is source it from eMusic, Amazon MP3, directly from the artists, etc, all of which i am able to do from both my galaxy s or my xoom, and all of which i am able to do for less money than if i just bought everything from iTunes. oh and since the artists usually get a better deal if i avoid the iTunes store i know more of my money is going directly to them. same thing applies to app stores. its not really all that complicated, i mean, how lazy have we gotten if we can't be bothered to look for things on more than one app store?
as far as the drm deal where apps won't work without amazon appstore, i am not crazy about it, and if that is the case, i would definitely think twice before buying anything from them. maybe some content providers will insist on using amazon's system, but if the terms are that restrictive i'll just take my money elsewhere.
diaa08 said:
haha i don't want to get a back and forth going here, but really, just don't use the amazon app store and all will be ok. not to overblow the analogy, but two supermarkets usually carry 99% of the same things, doesn't mean you should get rid of one or preclude new ones from opening up.
i realize that apple people have their walled garden with their false sense of security and limited options, but take music purchases as an example: i can either say, buy all my music from iTunes like most Apple people do, or i can do what i do, which is source it from eMusic, Amazon MP3, directly from the artists, etc, all of which i am able to do from both my galaxy s or my xoom, and all of which i am able to do for less money than if i just bought everything from iTunes. oh and since the artists usually get a better deal if i avoid the iTunes store i know more of my money is going directly to them. same thing applies to app stores. its not really all that complicated, i mean, how lazy have we gotten if we can't be bothered to look for things on more than one app store?
as far as the drm deal where apps won't work without amazon appstore, i am not crazy about it, and if that is the case, i would definitely think twice before buying anything from them. maybe some content providers will insist on using amazon's system, but if the terms are that restrictive i'll just take my money elsewhere.
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Listen, I do not want back and forth either. I want to understand the reasoning behind having another place to get apps. If there is a restriction or process that does not work posting the same app to the Google market, what is it? Why is another market or appstore needed other than money to Amazon? I don't get it.
Why would developers choose to use the Amazon store over the Google Market? Can someone answer that please with specifics? Is this a takeover of the Google market?
keitht said:
Why would developers choose to use the Amazon store over the Google Market? Can someone answer that please with specifics?
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The only reason i could think of would be different methods of payment. What forms of payments do they both use? Actually another reason could be the amazon one may also allow "banned" software, as the market is run by google.
keitht said:
Why would developers choose to use the Amazon store over the Google Market? Can someone answer that please with specifics? Is this a takeover of the Google market?
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Right now? I do not know as I am not familiar with the policies of them both. However, as we have seen with the Apple App Store there have been many rules which have upset developers over time. Some of those are directly tied to how much money a developer can make off their app. For example, if Google were to mandate something similar to Apple's new subscription model I imagine many developers would like an alternative.
From a user perspective, having competing promotions like Amazon's free paid-app every day is nice
I agree that it can be a hassle to look for things in different stores but it is for the best. Its the universal rule of conservation if you will. The Amazon Appstore with bring competition to Google forcing google to step up its game if does not want to loose customers. For example Amazon will have a free paid app per day, maybe that will move google to do the same or top that. Amazon will test each app first to make sure it is not malicious and even though it will never be perfect maybe that will move google to do something similar. Amazon has worked out deals with developers in regards to the checkout process which may lead some developers that before only sold their apps from their own website to put them in the appstore (Gameloft). Also this has led some developers to drop their prices at the Amazon Appstore.
I understand not everyone thinks this is for the best or that its too much of a hassle but when you think of things from a perspective of growth and innovation it seems to be good.
In regards to the DRM content it is one of those things that are just tough to deal with sure we can try to avoid everything that has DRM but that is why Netflix and Hulu have not been supported thus far.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
I currently have a Xoom Wi-fi being used here in the Caribbean (Netherlands Antilles) and the state of Android Market simply makes it unusable, even when using USA VPN Connection.
I did find a solution here in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065698 (a combination of root + build.prop of a verizon xoom)
But what about using the Xoom without root? For the normal user. Let's say I decide I want to sell the Xoom, for a normal user it would appear to be simply unusable, unable to buy or download a good junk of apps. Without all this tinkering I would constantly get: "The requested app could not be found" or cannot be installed on your device to cannot be installed on your carrier. My country seems to be supported: http://www.google.com/support/androidmarket/developer/bin/answer.py?answer=138294 , but after asking some devs to enable an app in my market, most tell you that they made it available to ALL markets already. Especially this part I find particularly troubling as the devs clearly want to maximize their sales and make it available in as many countries as possible, yet for my country (and many others) where supposedly even paid apps are enabled, we cannot download/pay for them.
My question is basically isn't there an easy way around all of this, without root, basically in an out-of-box state? I guess this is also a cautionary tale that without all this tinkering/rooting....a wifi Xoom is pretty much usless in certain markets.
I Hear u on this! I Wrote to google asking about this situation, but havent got any replies yet!.
They have a form to contact them in the market help!.
(Venezuela here)
THe list of countries we are given to deploy to as a dev is not exhaustive, if it's not in the list, there is nothing we can do about deploying there (as developers) it's up to google to sort out whatever problem it is thats keeps your country off the list.
alias_neo said:
THe list of countries we are given to deploy to as a dev is not exhaustive, if it's not in the list, there is nothing we can do about deploying there (as developers) it's up to google to sort out whatever problem it is thats keeps your country off the list.
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According to the list my country falls in "Rest of the world" and has support for both free and paid apps. So I don't understand what's the problem.
Also as a dev, i think it's important for you guys, as I know many international users would like to buy certain apps, which is a huge untapped market, all potential sales going to waste.
blue13x said:
According to the list my country falls in "Rest of the world" and has support for both free and paid apps. So I don't understand what's the problem.
Also as a dev, i think it's important for you guys, as I know many international users would like to buy certain apps, which is a huge untapped market, all potential sales going to waste.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, it's very true, so which country are you in? I don't know which list you are looking at, but I'm looking at the list that is presented to me when I upload an application for sale on the market, I have to select countries and prices, with, by default, every country is selected.
Im located in Netherlands Antilles (Not Netherlands) I'm looking at this list: http://www.google.com/support/androidmarket/developer/bin/answer.py?answer=138294
Venezuela is Also in the List! so i dont know what its the problem =S
blue13x said:
Im located in Netherlands Antilles (Not Netherlands) I'm looking at this list: http://www.google.com/support/androidmarket/developer/bin/answer.py?answer=138294
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Click to collapse
Well, I just checked the market dev account for hte company I work for and our product is currently available in Netherlands Antilles, tell me if you see anyhting on the market from "Zubadoo", if not, then it's a Google problem, because you are certainly listed in one of the countries that can purchase our products.
alias_neo said:
Well, I just checked the market dev account for hte company I work for and our product is currently available in Netherlands Antilles, tell me if you see anyhting on the market from "Zubadoo", if not, then it's a Google problem, because you are certainly listed in one of the countries that can purchase our products.
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Click to collapse
Yup, they allow me to purchase your content. But like you said, it's a problem with Google, especially when the dev has enabled the apps in all markets and the market allows for paid apps, yet you can't download or buy them. Very frustrating.
blue13x said:
Yup, they allow me to purchase your content. But like you said, it's a problem with Google, especially when the dev has enabled the apps in all markets and the market allows for paid apps, yet you can't download or buy them. Very frustrating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So are you saying that even though you can see our apps, and others, you can't download/buy them? Including ours that you can see?
Actually its not such a big issue. I bought a Xoom wifi from the US. I live in the UAE and initially I had the same issues though Market access worked fine. Now though after using the update and getting to 3.1 even that isn't needed my Xoom is recognized a Verizon Xoom (since I used the US wifi files).
PS: UAE isn't on any of the lists :0) there might not be an official solution but there sure is a work around.
Cheers.
alias_neo said:
So are you saying that even though you can see our apps, and others, you can't download/buy them? Including ours that you can see?
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Click to collapse
Yours works, but in some cases of games like riptide it simply didnt allow it.
I had to root and do some stuff to allow it. Which means Google/Market has a few problems
huzz said:
Actually its not such a big issue. I bought a Xoom wifi from the US here the UAE and initially I had the same issues. Market access works fine. Now though after using the update and getting to 3.1 even that isn't needed my Xoom is recognized a Verizon Xoom.
PS: UAE isn't on any of the lists :0) there might not be an official solution but there sure is a work around.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How come your Xoom is seen as a verizon? Isn't it a WIFI unit? Did you do anything special?
Just used BRD's method and I am guessing those files were specifically for the Verizion wifi device.
huzz said:
Just used BRD's method and I am guessing those files were specifically for the Verizion wifi device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link? Does it require root?
Yes, even market access requires root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1074609
Hey there, my more experienced friends. I have been lurking for a while now, and am preeeeetty sure this question or some variation hasn't been asked yet. We'll see.
I am an American living in China and bought the Chinese unlocked dual SIM/SD card HTC One. Though I think it's a great phone, some aspects REALLY bother me.
#1 - It has this ****ty HTC Marketplace rather than the Google Play Store
#2 - I can't get the Blinkfeed to display anything but Chinese jibrish
After a few weeks of finding NO apps that I want, I took my phone to a large electronics market in Shanghai and had my phone rooted. Some things became better, some worse.
1) I asked the guy to get me the Play Store and he did...but not everything is available on it. I'm unsure why this is.
2) It's obvious that the Beats sound is no more.
3) I still can't get Blinkfeed to change whatsoever.
4) I can find more apps than before with both the Play Store and HTC Marketplace, but something is missing. I don't really know what it is.
5) The camera seems to be much less clear than it was before.
I guess my question is, since it's unlocked is there something I can do to wipe the Chinese stuff off of it and install all American software? Did the guy get me a less than optimal root? What am I doing wrong? What's the easiest solution?
All I want is for my phone to function like an unlocked US or International version. Thanks in advance for your help!
I suspect at least part of the problem is the government firewall blocking things.
You might start by installing Xposed framework and the Modaco toolkit module for it. Modaco has a setting that blocks the Play Store from checking your location.
But the best solution is probably flashing one of the custom roms with a non-carrier-specific setting. Not sure what that would do for you, but it should help.
I can confirm that the Government is blocking some of the apps. Both my phone have the play store but on is still on v3 and the other on v4. I couldn't find an airport security game and all the featured apps and top are also china-fied.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
This is why VPN exists.
squabbi said:
I can confirm that the Government is blocking some of the apps. Both my phone have the play store but on is still on v3 and the other on v4. I couldn't find an airport security game and all the featured apps and top are also china-fied.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest that you have a detailed read through this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2273570
It will tell you everything that is currently known about modifying these devices, including how to install patches for blinkfeed that will allow you to read foreign news, and facebook etc..if the firewall lets it in to china
BenPope said:
This is why VPN exists.
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Click to collapse
VPN won't work.
You could have one of two issues.
If you just can't view certain apps, do a search in a browser and open the link to the play store. If certain apps can't be installed, then you need to fix it another way.
If you have a foreign SIM card, put it in the phone, empty the play store cache, restart phone. Once you restart, you will be able to view/install the apps available in the country that SIM is from.
Maybe there is a rooted method that works now, but last I checked there wasn't a reliable working alternative. I used this with my One X I bought/used in China.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
kiwiandy said:
I suggest that you have a detailed read through this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2273570
It will tell you everything that is currently known about modifying these devices, including how to install patches for blinkfeed that will allow you to read foreign news, and facebook etc..if the firewall lets it in to china
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry. I live in Australia I was only visiting relatives in China. Thanks anyways.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Hi, I installed CM 12.1 and still want the Books app, etc that comes on stock firmware. Is there an upload of this somewhere?
PopRockRoll said:
Hi, I installed CM 12.1 and still want the Books app, etc that comes on stock firmware. Is there an upload of this somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most native FireOS apps have variants available in the Google Play store. Search for "Amazon". Be aware Amazon Underground (legit app) is needed for access to Prime Video. Google banned it from their app store; nothing like a little competition to whip up the book burners.
These aren't as full-featured though.
Davey126 said:
Most native FireOS apps have variants available in the Google Play store. Search for "Amazon". Be aware Amazon Underground (legit app) is needed for access to Prime Video. Google banned it from their app store; nothing like a little competition to whip up the book burners.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PopRockRoll said:
These aren't as full-featured though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many are, just arranged differently. In general native FireOS apps not not compatible with generic Android as they leverage features in the Amazon framework. Of course you can always return to FireOS if you prefer the native presentation.
OK, having taken the brave (for me) step of ordering a phone from China, I'm now starting to understand the downsides - a whole range of options that don't work here... Celia, Docs, Video, and more every day.
Now I find me thinking the unthinkable (again for me) of trying to make it a UK phone - but is it easy, simple and foolproof?
One issue straight off though - it's a Mate 40 RS which is of course not available in the UK - is it even possible??
Thanks.
Would you like to swap for an UK version mate40 pro?
rambits said:
Would you like to swap for an UK version mate40 pro?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm let me think.... no thanks
stewarta13wsb said:
OK, having taken the brave (for me) step of ordering a phone from China, I'm now starting to understand the downsides - a whole range of options that don't work here... Celia, Docs, Video, and more every day.
Now I find me thinking the unthinkable (again for me) of trying to make it a UK phone - but is it easy, simple and foolproof?
One issue straight off though - it's a Mate 40 RS which is of course not available in the UK - is it even possible??
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm starting to have the same thoughts!! I ordered a Chinese M40 Pro Plus and its currently on its way. The good thing is that I dont really use google services too much and i know the chinese versions of these phones much easier to install google services. We will see how it goes!! We'll figure it out together.
Lagann888 said:
I'm starting to have the same thoughts!! I ordered a Chinese M40 Pro Plus and its currently on its way. The good thing is that I dont really use google services too much and i know the chinese versions of these phones much easier to install google services. We will see how it goes!! We'll figure it out together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, I was ready for no Google but didn't realise no Huawei stuff too
Lagann888 said:
I'm starting to have the same thoughts!! I ordered a Chinese M40 Pro Plus and its currently on its way. The good thing is that I dont really use google services too much and i know the chinese versions of these phones much easier to install google services. We will see how it goes!! We'll figure it out together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Arrived yet?
Yup! Have had it for a few days now. Absolutely love it. How is yours?
Yeh, great. Managed to get Huawei Video to download & work, and finally Petal Maps but still no Celia or Huawei Docs. How about you... missing anything?
stewarta13wsb said:
Yeh, great. Managed to get Huawei Video to download & work, and finally Petal Maps but still no Celia or Huawei Docs. How about you... missing anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
using Waze for my maps, like it better than google maps anyways, banking apps all working, transferred from phone clone. used App gallery for social media apps. Default mail app links to my gmail. Chrome for browser. Not using any voice assistant at this time.
Lagann888 said:
using Waze for my maps, like it better than google maps anyways, banking apps all working, transferred from phone clone. used App gallery for social media apps. Same Default mail app links to my gmail. Chrome for browser. Not using any voice assistant at this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I ask if voice assistant works even if you don't use it? Same for Huawei Docs. Is this your first phone from China or are you an experienced old hand
stewarta13wsb said:
Can I ask if voice assistant works even if you don't use it? Same for Huawei Docs. Is this your first phone from China or are you an experienced old hand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Currently at work. Will let you know when I get home. This is my second Chinese phone. First one was Oppo Find X2 pro earlier this year, that was a disaster, couldnt replace a lot of default apps including the messaging app, some of the text was stuck in chinese. Even after I root it to replace the apps, kept getting error messages. I'm certainly not an expert when it comes to Chinese phones.
Currently on my Pro +, besides no google services which I would not have anyways even if I bought global, I don't notice any difference, coming from a global P30 pro. I'm glad I got the pro+ for the OIS, 10x telephoto, and freeform UW lens. Definitely worth it.
Update:
Huawei docs is not working, says not available in region.
Huawei assistant I have disabled on the homescreen, but it looks like its chinese only
Spooky... I tried the Oppo Find X2 Pro as well but wasn't keen.
Thanks for checking.
stewarta13wsb said:
Spooky... I tried the Oppo Find X2 Pro as well but wasn't keen.
Thanks for checking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hoho! I see that I'm not the only one Itch try OPPO find x2 pro.. i use it 5 days, I send it back INSTANT... for the price of this it's ridiculous!