Related
Good Day Everyone,
I have been searching the forums for a few days and installed a number of apk's all of which don't seem to work.
There seems to be so many posts on Chinese tablets and getting Android Market to work. And a number of work arounds that I have tried have so far been unsuccessful. Many of us have bought the WM8650 models (VIA8650,High-performance 800MHZ CPU+300MHZ).
So my question is can't we collaborate as a group who own these tablets to donate an amount (say $10 or $20 each) to the developer that ports an Android version which runs all the Google apps and Market?
That way we won't have to look for workarounds, and those who purchase after us will have a much easier upgrade path.
wm8650
KingsSon said:
Good Day Everyone,
I have been searching the forums for a few days and installed a number of apk's all of which don't seem to work.
There seems to be so many posts on Chinese tablets and getting Android Market to work. And a number of work arounds that I have tried have so far been unsuccessful. Many of us have bought the WM8650 models (VIA8650,High-performance 800MHZ CPU+300MHZ).
So my question is can't we collaborate as a group who own these tablets to donate an amount (say $10 or $20 each) to the developer that ports an Android version which runs all the Google apps and Market?
That way we won't have to look for workarounds, and those who purchase after us will have a much easier upgrade path.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the wm8650 and can't access to the android market, even though there is an icon for it. I get an error that says, "Authentication error. Please check your account/password". Have you figured out the problem yet?
Not yet
Hi guytimes.
The Android Market apk that I loaded won't open, however it seems the pre-loaded Market app on the device only shows applications from China(did not return any results when I searched for Angry Birds). The icons look similar but I'm not sure if the pre-loaded app goes to the Official Android Market place.(If someone knows, please could you correct me?).
In the interim, to at least to get some apps loaded, I managed to get the application from Slideme ( an Android application website) which works well. It does not have all the apps on the official Market but it will let you download and install. I am still trying to find a way to get the Google apps and Market place working or to Port a different ROM to this type of device.
KingsSon said:
Hi guytimes.
The Android Market apk that I loaded won't open, however it seems the pre-loaded Market app on the device only shows applications from China(did not return any results when I searched for Angry Birds). The icons look similar but I'm not sure if the pre-loaded app goes to the Official Android Market place.(If someone knows, please could you correct me?).
In the interim, to at least to get some apps loaded, I managed to get the application from Slideme ( an Android application website) which works well. It does not have all the apps on the official Market but it will let you download and install. I am still trying to find a way to get the Google apps and Market place working or to Port a different ROM to this type of device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that stinks. I had no idea the marketplace was blocked on these devices. Please let me know if you find a real work around and I'll do the same.
Hi everyone,
I too opt-in for a possible collaboration.
I'm still waiting my baby to arrive.
Thanks
Thank you boshkop,
Let's hope we can get enough people to agree. And then a technical person to port Android for us.
By the way I found another nice app market at Androidpit
What do you mean by "porting the Android"?! The device already runs Android 2.2!! Am I missing something here?
<html> said:
What do you mean by "porting the Android"?! The device already runs Android 2.2!! Am I missing something here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I understood, he meant that Android market doesn't work and no apps can be installed even via .APK files, am I correct?
I just found a possible solution for the AndroidMarket (using the application Applanet).
Check here (the last post):
androidpit.com/en/android/forum/thread/420722/Table-7-wm8650-VIA-926-REVIEW
I have this tablet and I can tell you, it run 90% of the apk aplications
No need to have an android market. You can install the applanet market and get all free without registration and any complicated steps.
Now the only thing I'm searching is to know how to root the tablet.
I can access all the system files directly and edit any archive but need some special permisions.
Hopefully soon we can find soemthing for this awesome tablet.
rom
Hi everyone, I will have a ROM posted for the Eken m009s with the via 8650 cpu within the next few days, so far I removed the chinese apk's, a different lockscreen (froyo default), and launcher pro as the default home screen, also, Slide Me marketplace works perfectly on this, and Applanet does as well, the market I tried also fails to open.
iCracked said:
Hi everyone, I will have a ROM posted for the Eken m009s with the via 8650 cpu within the next few days, so far I removed the chinese apk's, a different lockscreen (froyo default), and launcher pro as the default home screen, also, Slide Me marketplace works perfectly on this, and Applanet does as well, the market I tried also fails to open.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks. I will be waiting
I also needed to root this WM8650!! Pls anyone can help me to .... - 1. enable Ad-hoc Wifi connection and 2. Install the official Android Market apps! Thanks!
Did you ever post this rom?
There are lots of ROMs some of them still under development here:
techknow.freeforums.org
I really dont know how to tell which one mine is though? It is a MID tablet running android 2.2 froyo 7" display I can post my model number and other specs if you need them to be able to tell which one it is.
256mb ram
snareplayer1993 said:
I really dont know how to tell which one mine is though? It is a MID tablet running android 2.2 froyo 7" display I can post my model number and other specs if you need them to be able to tell which one it is.
256mb ram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately there are at least 3-4 models with same tech specs.
The only difference is their LED color or if they vibrate on startup or not...
So far, the only way with the custom ROMs for these tablets is trial-and-error.
I tried on last night and it is stuck on a loading screen tried the install again and nothing... mine has green led and does vibrate on startup
snareplayer1993 said:
I tried on last night and it is stuck on a loading screen tried the install again and nothing... mine has green led and does vibrate on startup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just keep trying with different ROMs made for the Green LED tablets.
Thats the problem the only roms I found that will actually load on my tablet dont work the other green led roms wont even load???
Hey
The first (Android) smartphone with camera that can really compete with the digital cameras and no section for it?
Modding it would be great
Altek A14 Leo
Altek Leo Section
regarding the serious problems the Altek Leo has, as no google apps, not even market, no rooting published, no adobe flash, firefox will not install and so on,
a section would be useful for the distessed owners of this camera phone which
is more a fumble phone than a smart phone. Its advantages are a very good lens, an outstanding CCD chip, a xenon flash and professional camera software.
True, is buggy
I bought one actually and despite it being pretty buggy, I just absolutely love the camera.
Definitely needs some software love though:
1) Interface is pretty sluggish and 2.1 isn't helping, the latest android performance improvements would be nice.
2) Touch-screen is strangely inaccurate. Swype was a must for me.
3) Battery life is pretty bad (not certain how much a newer Android would help, but any amount of powersaving fixes would help).
4) Buttons/widgets to lock the screen (e.g. Extended Controls) don't work.
5) The camera button doesn't open the camera when the phone is locked (debatable I guess, but imo, the camera button should just open the camera, period).
6) Default alarm clock doesn't ring randomly.
7) Not to mention apps randomly crashing, strange animation bugs in the Album viewer, no google apps, terrible GPS, etc.
But despite those, I've managed to work my way round them and am in love with it.
Alex
I have one of these and I do like the quirkyness .
I would love to improve the experience by modding.
Quirkyness fits well
To continue the list (more than enough for a forum)
- Backups by Titanium, AVG or Nandroid do not work because i have no idea
how to root the Altek Leo.
- WLAN range is still very short and does not always an automatic reconnect.
- I could not manage to make any browser play flash files, but the moboplayer
plays flv files well.
- Apps like soundhound say the microphone is blocked.
About half of the apps i need are not available because they will not install
or they are exclusively available over google market and getting them from
file hosters seems a bit risky to me. Most of this problems seem to be caused
by the small software space of 120 MB for files and 83 MB for running
applications.
But i will keep the Altek Leo and use it because the camera prooved itself
as outstanding among mobile phones.
- I use the application stores Applanet, Amazone Appstore, Handango,
SlideMe SAM and the tools Memory Booster Lite, Android Tweak.
Does anyone discovered any other useful helpers for this half of an
ANDROID device ?
"We do not need any adobe flash, we have got a real xenon flash."
Where To Buy
Does anyone know where to pick up/order one of these units?
Here To Buy
Search at Ebay, you will need a Paypal account.
I bought mine from Wifigadget.
Eason of Yupitek provides International Customer Service,
have a look at the facebook pinwall.
Thanks for the tips! Really like Memory Booster and Swype.
If you're on a mac, the "missing sync" from markspace is well worth the buy - particularly given that there does not seem to be a way to add a Google account under accounts and sync - it's missing on my altek leo! Anyone elses too?
Also recommend "Lookout" if you're worried about virus from no easy way to get apks other than file sharing sites.
Despite the quirks, very happy with this all-in-one device - music player + phone + camera - 3 down to 1! Fantastic!
Vignette
Sidenote, 'Vignette' is the perfect app for this device.
It doesn't fix any of the quirkiness, but it's a photo manipulation tool which complements the fantastic camera perfectly.
You can take your pics and then touch them up making the phone a studio for all things photography.
You can purchase it from the AndAppStore.
By poor battery life, how many days do you get out of it?
root and market
Has anyone tried the Gingerbreak exploit? I heard it might work on older devices. Also, if you don't trust file sharing sites and want stuff from the market. You could try running an emulator and installing the Market on that, then sideloading the APKs. I haven't tried it myself yet, but it seems there are a lot of people doing this. Here's one HOWTO which is specific to Mac but I think it's prety much the same or at least you should be able to use the same system image. http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1387830/how-to-install-android-market-app-on-the-emulator there are lots of other links if you google "android market emulator" I don't have the Leo yet because they're sold out in Taiwan, but I've got mine on order. I'm most interested whether the google apps work at all if they're sideloaded. I've just sort of bricked my older Cyanogen device. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Oh, here's a Windows specific link - http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/10004/accessing-android-market-from-android-sdk/
and be careful with Gingerbreak!
There's also UniversalAndRoot to try http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=747598
and SuperOneClick http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
Poor battery-life
@rocky7st
It depends on usage. Light usage is ok. Any sort of medium/heavy usage won't get you through the day.
I bought it from an ebay seller which sent me 2 batteries which was helpful:
cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230614421067
It's is useful since it allows me to occasionally geek out with the camera, playing with apps or using the GPS (i.e. 2 hours straight) and and it'll completely run out of juice by late afternoon.
I usually wait till I get home to recharge it on those occasions, but it's been very useful to be able to switch to the backup battery if I'm out and about and I really need to use the phone.
@everyone_else
On the topic of side-loading apps, my gf has an Android phone with a market on it, so I use the "Astro" file manager which allows you to "Backup" the apks, and then I transfer them to my phone via email.
I've been unable to get my device to show up with adb, so not far enough to try SuperOneClick.
UniversalAndRoot says something like "unable to root"
Z4Root says "running root exploit" and does not progress..
That's bad news but good to know at the same time. Hopefully there will be a method soon. Still waiting on mine but I unbricked my older one. Seems to be an almost total lack of hands-on reviews (outside of a trade show) so I thought someone might be interested in this one. Also, I emailed the author to see whether and how he installed the Market app.
http://120x160.com/old-entries/216-hardware-review-altek-leo-a14-camera-phone
Cheers for the reply jackflap. Do you guys know anything about the Android 2.2 upgrade, I've heard Altek is meant to be releasing it next month.
Okay, I got SuperOneClick working so I have root. ADB worked in windows after installing the Altek software.
ADB in linux still cannot find the phone..
So I tried installing various vending.apk files but keep getting MISSING SHARED LIBRARY or out of date SDK.
@daktak I've been trying to develop for the Leo but have not been able to get ADB to work in windows. Where did you obtain the Altek software?
Hi All,
I am a complete noob here and non technical.
Recently bought an altek leo with the sole purpose of loading an app called Passport Photo Plus and using the device to create passport photopgraphs and to send by Bluetooth to a compatible printer.
We have been doing this on other android smartphones but wanted to use the altek due to its camera features.
It appears that our desired app is ony avaiable on Market.
Being non -technical we have tried and failed to find a way to install this app on our leo.
I'm sure there may be other apps available but we specifically want this one due to it's features.
Does anybody know if this can be done, and if so how? Can anybody point me in the right direction (in easy to understand non tech terms please!)
Would happily pay a small fee for succesful step by step instructions (not sure if I can post that here, if not please ignore / mods pls delete).
Many thanks in advance.
I bought an A22 android stick from pandawill (sorry I XDA wont let me post links) last week with the intention of throwing XBMC on it.
It's buggy as hell and reboots itself if I try to plug a mouse into it! I wouldnt mind that if I could control it with droidmote server from my phone but this app, along with youtube and google music wont open. (They close immediately with a message "Unfortunately youtube has closed" or something similar). Obviously the packaged remote is near useless so without any robust way to control the thing I'm in trouble!
Has anyone got any leads for installing a custom ROM on this thing? I dont have much experience with this stuff but I'm hoping a custom ROM would be more stable than the stock version. Any ideas?
So when I noticed my Shield downloaded the 4.4 update, and went over the notes in it, I was like I better come to XDA and see if this is for me or not.
CLEARLY being an emulation junkie I need to stick with my beloved 4.3.
What I need to know is if there are any safeguards I can take to stop my shield from updating to 4.4 accidentally / automatically, seeing as the files are already on it waiting to be updated?
Edwii said:
So when I noticed my Shield downloaded the 4.4 update, and went over the notes in it, I was like I better come to XDA and see if this is for me or not.
CLEARLY being an emulation junkie I need to stick with my beloved 4.3.
What I need to know is if there are any safeguards I can take to stop my shield from updating to 4.4 accidentally / automatically, seeing as the files are already on it waiting to be updated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Long press the OTA notification, select app info, Uncheck the box that says show notifications. (Or go into apps and find Google services Framework, and disable it that way)
The Shield will not Automatically update on it's own regardless, but now you won't ever see the notification.
If you ever want to update just go into settings, about, Update.
There are other ways but I'm not sure if they will work with the Shield/Have not tried them.
You can also install the Gamepad Mapper, and new Tegra Zone. just grab these APKs and install them normally. This way you have the improved gamepad mapper, and remote streaming when you want it. The new Tegrazone app doesn't replace the old one, so you can still use the HQ old Tegrazone app. The Nvidia button will also only open the old app, I used Gravity box to set up the Y button to open the new Tegrazone app with a long press, and that works perfect.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2-JgUT2G-9vQjRha2JXVFBKdE0/edit?usp=sharing - TegraZone
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2-JgUT2G-9vakM2Z1M3bmQzQjg/edit?usp=sharing - Gamepad Mapper
The same thing happened to me. Since I use the Shield for emulators and some Android games (no interest with streaming PC games on a 5" display), I have no need for 4.4. Especially since emulators are reported to play slower and most of all, external writing for 3rd party apps has been killed by Goople (not spelling error).
The only catch here is the 464 MB update will still be taking up flash storage, since already downloaded. Added: Mine is still on 4.2, as was out of box when bought from Best Buy last week.
CDeviant said:
Long press the OTA notification, select app settings, disable notifications from the app that pops up. (Google services I think)
The Shield will not Automatically update on it's own regardless, but now you won't ever see the notification.
If you ever want to update just go into settings, about, Update.
There are other ways but I'm not sure if they will work with the Shield/Have not tried them.
You can also install the Gamepad Mapper, and new Tegra Zone. just grab these APKs and install them normally. This way you have the improved gamepad mapper, and remote streaming when you want it. The new Tegrazone app doesn't replace the old one, so you can still use the HQ old Tegrazone app. The Nvidia button will also only open the old app, I used Gravity box to set up the Y button to open the new Tegrazone app with a long press, and that works perfect.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2-JgUT2G-9vQjRha2JXVFBKdE0/edit?usp=sharing - TegraZone
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2-JgUT2G-9vakM2Z1M3bmQzQjg/edit?usp=sharing - Gamepad Mapper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply, Some really handy information here for avoiding the update but getting the goods out of it.
I do have three follow up questions :
1. I want to really confirm what you are saying, that "the shield will not update on it's own" I've had my shield since July/13, I could swear that it's updated itself with out me pushing a button, like even the last update before kitkat, I really thought it updated on it's own. LIke if I shut the shield off, it wont force the update?
2. I have a 64gb sd card so it's not really a big deal that i lost 400megs of internal data doesn't seem like a big deal to me.
But I do wonder, there must be a way to delete those update files some how?
a. I've avoided rooting my shield mostly cause I'm lazy, never done it before, and it seems like it adds complications, should I?
3. About your work around suggestions;
a. What's the difference between the old tegrazone and new one?
b. Do I need to map a button for the new tegrazone or can I just open it like any other app?
c. What is the "remote streaming"? I mean I know about how I can stream from my PC to the shield at home, is this a feature that is new that lets me stream from like, wifi at a coffee shop or something?
4. This may be a better question for some where else, but as of right now the only real reason i'm avoiding the update is because of emulator performance. But from what I can tell there are a lot of negative things about this update.
What are the other pros and cons about the latest update? (I heard something about it effect the useability of my SD card among other things?)
I dont know if theyre in the same spot as other android devices but check the /data/fota folder for the new update files. If its there do me a huge favor please and copy the file and upload it. If you have a slow connect could u grab a couple files from it for me i need to check something.
Edwii said:
Thank you for the reply, Some really handy information here for avoiding the update but getting the goods out of it.
I do have three follow up questions :
1. I want to really confirm what you are saying, that "the shield will not update on it's own" I've had my shield since July/13, I could swear that it's updated itself with out me pushing a button, like even the last update before kitkat, I really thought it updated on it's own. LIke if I shut the shield off, it wont force the update?
2. I have a 64gb sd card so it's not really a big deal that i lost 400megs of internal data doesn't seem like a big deal to me.
But I do wonder, there must be a way to delete those update files some how?
a. I've avoided rooting my shield mostly cause I'm lazy, never done it before, and it seems like it adds complications, should I?
3. About your work around suggestions;
a. What's the difference between the old tegrazone and new one?
b. Do I need to map a button for the new tegrazone or can I just open it like any other app?
c. What is the "remote streaming"? I mean I know about how I can stream from my PC to the shield at home, is this a feature that is new that lets me stream from like, wifi at a coffee shop or something?
4. This may be a better question for some where else, but as of right now the only real reason i'm avoiding the update is because of emulator performance. But from what I can tell there are a lot of negative things about this update.
What are the other pros and cons about the latest update? (I heard something about it effect the useability of my SD card among other things?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I've rebooted/power off my Shield many times, no problems. I think I've had it on 4.3 since 4/16 it's never updated on it's own, but I do have CWM (custom recovery)
2. The only way around that is unlocking the bootloader and rooting. It's a simple process, getting the environment to use ADB and getting the drivers to all work properly is key, and the hardest part. the process goes: Unlock bootloader > Flash custom recovery (CWM) > Flash root package with CWM.
3. a. Better ui, and streaming options, but lower quality video, and sound lag when streaming. Remote streaming. - New TegraZone
b. No, you can open it like any other app.
c. Exactly, it lets you stream your games away from home, and it's not bad.
4. Really the only cons I see in 4.4 are the SD restrictions, and the worse performance/battery life, everything else is great! The overall polish of Kitkat is really nice, probably my biggest pro is the immersive status bar. Being able to pull the status bar down while streaming a game is really nice (or anywhere fullscreen really)
If you do end up rooting/unlocking your shield, I recommend eventually installing the Xposed Installer and getting Gravity box, there's a lot of useful tweaks in there. :good:
Seems if the main focus is Android and emulator games, stay away from 4.4, but if main focus is PC gaming, 4.4 is the way to go. The stutter that happens due to the random throttle issues with emulators and control input ruins the emulators for me. If I had not been used to them playing smooth on my other devices and the Shield as is, perhaps I would not be as bothered. The difference though is very noticeable to me. Even NES and PCE games stutter/lag. Not good cricket!
If there is an Nvidia update that fixes this issue, I will consider starting from scratch with unlocking and then rooting to remove external write restrictions. Right now, the performance issue does not warrant the effort or free time wasted starting over again.
hexitnow said:
I dont know if theyre in the same spot as other android devices but check the /data/fota folder for the new update files. If its there do me a huge favor please and copy the file and upload it. If you have a slow connect could u grab a couple files from it for me i need to check something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Need to be rooted to access. Of course. Drat.
I would like the 4.3 update. I guess I was a week too late buying this.
4.4 No lag for me in any emulators other than some rooms in reicast. Arcade is mint. I spend a lot of time with cps2 and neo geo games. If you're having speed issues in 4.4 try a better emulator. Haven't had any speed issues with retro arch.
Sent from my LG-D959 using Tapatalk
Sess said:
4.4 No lag for me in any emulators other than some rooms in reicast. Arcade is mint. I spend a lot of time with cps2 and neo geo games. If you're having speed issues in 4.4 try a better emulator. Haven't had any speed issues with retro arch.
Sent from my LG-D959 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"A better emulator"
That just isn't really the problem though, these same emulators were perfect before.
If you have them both, please try Castlevania Aria of Sorrow on GBA.emu
It's unplayable on 4.4, but perfect on later android versions, even with 0 frameskip and hq2x rendering. Now on the other hand, the My Boy! emulator seems to work nearly as well on both android versions and I played through Tomba with FPse partly with 4.3, and finishing it on 4.4, I noticed very little difference. So not all emulators have taken a hit, but it's there even in the system.. and don't get me started on battery life.
Basically I'm kinda agreeing with you. But, there is some issue either with Android 4.4, or whatever Nvidia did.
A little more on Topic. Ever since I disabled the notification from Google Services, and deleted the update from the cache partition, It hasn't downloaded again! It's been 2 days since I did that, and It's had plenty of times to download an OTA. (reboots, sleep with wifi on, etc.) It might download if you go to the update settings, so watch out.
Well I'm glad that I checked out XDA before I purchased a shield. I was looking for emulators, some android gaming, and for sure PC streaming since I have a powerful rig. I'll wait until Nvidia gets this stuff sorted. I planned to root and unlock so I'm not too worried about the external storage issues.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
CDeviant said:
"A better emulator"
That just isn't really the problem though, these same emulators were perfect before.
If you have them both, please try Castlevania Aria of Sorrow on GBA.emu
It's unplayable on 4.4, but perfect on later android versions, even with 0 frameskip and hq2x rendering. Now on the other hand, the My Boy! emulator seems to work nearly as well on both android versions and I played through Tomba with FPse partly with 4.3, and finishing it on 4.4, I noticed very little difference. So not all emulators have taken a hit, but it's there even in the system.. and don't get me started on battery life.
Basically I'm kinda agreeing with you. But, there is some issue either with Android 4.4, or whatever Nvidia did.
A little more on Topic. Ever since I disabled the notification from Google Services, and deleted the update from the cache partition, It hasn't downloaded again! It's been 2 days since I did that, and It's had plenty of times to download an OTA. (reboots, sleep with wifi on, etc.) It might download if you go to the update settings, so watch out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you are a gamer/emulator fan, you probably will not notice as much, but we do. Smooth with 4.2 to stuttery with 4.4 is not an option IMO, so 4.4 is not happening- unless there is an update to fix it
People refer to Retroarch, but compared to the other dedicated emulators, it does not have the same level of features (nor perform as good with some). Also, the lack of individual system defined directories for the different roms is a major pain. :silly:
Are there any ROMs that work well/ respond to touch quickly?
I recently pulled out my old tf201 to try to start using it again. I was able to get the last version of HairyBean working.. But it is really really slow. Like I'll click a button and maybe 30 seconds later it will respond (or tell me the app isn't responding). I mostly use it for my kids to watch shows. Once the show starts it works great, but just navigating the menus and apps to get to the shows can be excruciating. Also, I know thisdevice has WiFi issues just due to the all metal construction, but I feel like the WiFi is even slower than what it used to be when I actually used this 5 years ago or so.
I flashed a couple of other ROMs and either had a lot of bugs, or couldn't get root, or something. Does anyone have any recommendation for a ROM that works well and is actually usable? Thanks!
Anyone??!! I recently put kashmellow (tduros android M). Gapps no longer works so I didn't install that. Many people say its fast w/no gapps. But mine is barely usable. So slow. What the heck happened to these devices? Thing used to be a beast! Believe it came with ICS
I use KatKiss timduru site and xda thread, it is Android 4.4.4 ROM and it is quite fast an somewhat usable. I also have old Google Play Services 10.5.42 that mostly do not crash so even Play store works. However many new apps either cannot be installed or crash because of missing NEON support, sometimes older apk versions work. Basically I keep it for lot of old stuff that still works but don't update anything (or keep Titanium backup of apk+data and often restore back to old version when newer one crashes or needs newer play services).