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Hey. I am planning to get an Android phone and have a question about Google Play behaviour regarding different regions.
How do regions work in Google Play? I know each region get different apps/books/etc and prices but there are several things I'm curious about (all things are compared with itunes because atm I own an iphone):
If you buy an app at the German (example) store will it be easily updateable/installable when I switch back to the UK store? On iTunes it's a huge ****ing pain in the ass dealing with apps from different countries. You can't update them without wasting 10 minutes at least.
Are ratings and reviews separate as well? I have to use the US itunes store just so I can read more opinions and see larger rating vote counts.
Unlike itunes google play determines your location automatically which is bad for me. Is it alright if I'm going to use a proxy to fool the Play store and install apps from 'another country'?
Sorry if it's in the wrong section.
That can be an issue, but if you plan to root your phone you can flash things that will enable you to view anything from any region. Being in the US I don't run into this issue, but it's something to look at depending on the phone.
Also, most apps you can download the APK (for free apps) or contact the developer on how to find the app.
There is an app " market enabler" aka "market unlocker".
Needs root.
Works for apps only.
You can get any apps, specific to a region by changing the location in the app.
Or as said above, you can get the apks
LIFE! Live it to the best!
Lifehacker7 said:
There is an app " market enabler" aka "market unlocker".
Needs root.
Works for apps only.
You can get any apps, specific to a region by changing the location in the app.
Or as said above, you can get the apks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well looking for and downloading apks every time some app is updated would be annoying. Is there a software which manages android phones like itunes? I'm having tons of problems with itunes and its handling of apps purchased in different countries, hope to avoid this with android.
Al Gore said:
Well looking for and downloading apks every time some app is updated would be annoying. Is there a software which manages android phones like itunes? I'm having tons of problems with itunes and its handling of apps purchased in different countries, hope to avoid this with android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think " buying it from another country" thing is an issue.
Once you have paid and downloaded, there shouldn't be any issue.
Unless the app is region specific and wouldn't work outside that country.
LIFE! Live it to the best!
Al Gore said:
Well looking for and downloading apks every time some app is updated would be annoying. Is there a software which manages android phones like itunes? I'm having tons of problems with itunes and its handling of apps purchased in different countries, hope to avoid this with android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you can access the Play Store online and download stuff just like iTunes does for iOS devices, then you can manage the apps on the phone.
https://play.google.com/store/apps?feature=corpus_selector
You can also use that Market Enabler app to see all regions from the Play Store app, but you must be rooted.
I've noticed that the Mate 9's apps aren't in the play store. It doesn't appear it has it's own Store either. How the heck do they update?
They either have the auto-update or they do not update at all.
MetroPCS has some apps installed on their Samsungs and are not present in any store. So they either update automatically, or they do not update at all.
RossTeagan said:
They either have the auto-update or they do not update at all.
MetroPCS has some apps installed on their Samsungs and are not present in any store. So they either update automatically, or they do not update at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sigh.. I was afraid of that. Makes me want to look elsewhere when the Mate 10 comes out. I'd hate to wait for system updates just to fix bugs in messaging or even the mail app.
DOTC said:
Sigh.. I was afraid of that. Makes me want to look elsewhere when the Mate 10 comes out. I'd hate to wait for system updates just to fix bugs in messaging or even the mail app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but you could also use third-party apps that you can find in Google Play instead of the default one from Huawei.
HiApp
DOTC said:
I've noticed that the Mate 9's apps aren't in the play store. It doesn't appear it has it's own Store either. How the heck do they update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are they not in the HiApp store?
That doesn't exist on my phone... I've got the US model.
RossTeagan said:
True, but you could also use third-party apps that you can find in Google Play instead of the default one from Huawei.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh for sure. I usually give the built in apps a shot because when you theme the phone, none of the non-huawei apps obviously theme and it throws the look off. I know that seems stupid, but hey. Also, I know this isn't Samsung, but have you ever tried to use 3rd party apps instead of theirs? All kinda of crap doesn't work right from the gallery to messaging and so on.
well...
DOTC said:
That doesn't exist on my phone... I've got the US model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried googling "hiapp apk" and it led me straight to Huawei's official app store where HiApp is available for download...
alternatively try to connect to HiSuite on your computer... there it would also prompt you to update the different apps when new versions become available...
HiApp is its own app store for Huawei mobiles and tablets. And you can download the package installer, . apk file, for HiApp store from official website of Huawei as below.
http://appstore.huawei.com/app/C27162
Ah great. Thanks guys.
(this is a duplicate of my other thread. I realized the question doesn't ONLY apply to my old Nexus 4)
I'm trying to build an android phone with no Google apps on it, for privacy purposes.
I've got LineageOS on my rooted phone with no issues.
Getting apps is another matter. Amazon's app store doesn't even have Amazon's app, the LG store won't run on my phone. The various .apk-download sites I've seen either don't do paid apps, have outdated versions, or are basically for "cracked" apps, which i don't want to use.
Downloading .apk files can work, but most apps do not have such thing available, and I find often my phone's browsers choke on the link, and I have to download to my pc and then use adb to push the file across.
Is there a decent app store (or other app source) that isn't Google?
You could try Fdroid This is the website for Apk
Fdroid is all open source Apk's
bigfatguy said:
(this is a duplicate of my other thread. I realized the question doesn't ONLY apply to my old Nexus 4)
I'm trying to build an android phone with no Google apps on it, for privacy purposes.
I've got LineageOS on my rooted phone with no issues.
Getting apps is another matter. Amazon's app store doesn't even have Amazon's app, the LG store won't run on my phone. The various .apk-download sites I've seen either don't do paid apps, have outdated versions, or are basically for "cracked" apps, which i don't want to use.
Downloading .apk files can work, but most apps do not have such thing available, and I find often my phone's browsers choke on the link, and I have to download to my pc and then use adb to push the file across.
Is there a decent app store (or other app source) that isn't Google?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's wrong with Google? Whatever I have a few:
GetJar (Has not be well maintained, spam, malware etc. Lurking on there now)
SlideME (Abondon, apps are so old)
Aptoid (Has some stolen apk, malware)
TutuApp (dumb kids use it to get modded games and apps, don't go there)
The Internet (APKMirror is the best)
Google Play
Sent from my KFAUWI using Tapatalk
dro3m said:
What's wrong with Google?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1: I've decided, if possible, to act on the privacy concerns I've had about google for quite some time now
2: I'm a gun nut law abiding firearms enthusiast and don't appreciate their recent policy changes on Youtube. Since my information is the product they sell to make money, I wish to withhold it.
it might be a pipe dream, but a guy can try.
Thanks for the places to try, all.
In addition to Google Play and Amazon Appstore, I suggest Huawei App Store. http://appstore.huawei.com/
Just for your reference.
You could use the Yalp store app which is an app that will get and down load your apk from play store anonymously
You can download it here
Hi7m3up said:
You could use the Yalp store app which is an app that will get and down load your apk from play store anonymously
You can download it here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may be an ideal solution... use Google's store, but don't have Google's app on my phone...
Yeah ideal for people who have restriction's of some type.
You probably noticed that yalp store (well at least the yalp bit) is play store backward's "very fitting"
Morning Huawei users!!
I've been using a Huawei P40 Pro for just over two weeks, Been loving the device & I have found a little golden nugget of an app! Its called Petal Search : Find Apps So I had been using App Gallery, APK pure & Aptoid however I have managed to find a new app which basically hubs all of the apps into this one platform and allows downloads via this app without any real redirection for it, its also ad free. So from a set up/new user point of view this is definitely a key app , I would say its a must have! Especially as you don't need to go trawling the whole of the internet for links for up-to-date apps. :good:
Having used it now for the last couple of days and I've made the decision to remove both APK Pure and Aptoid, The Petal Search app is downloadable from Huawei App Gallery and that's it! You can even add it as a search bar widget on a home screen!
Setting it up is as straight forward as can be, Huawei App Gallery , Search for Petal Search, Install. Then once you're installed you are ready start searching.
Have you had any experience with Petal Search?
EAT.SLEEP.TECH.REPEAT
Really god Application
Hi,
I have actually been using this app and have to say it has one major benefit over More Apps. Its reach is very extensive. More Apps focused on most used apps and was a little limited. But Petal search allows for a bigger array of apps due to it pulling from major app platforms. 100% Recommend it
How have you found its overall functionality?
Petal Search is not available in some countries .. had to switch to United Kingdom
Edit ... just installed .. why is this actually any good? most apps just link to apkpure anyway .. might as well just use apkpure
now uninstalled.
linux2525 said:
Petal Search is not available in some countries .. had to switch to United Kingdom
Edit ... just installed .. why is this actually any good? most apps just link to apkpure anyway .. might as well just use apkpure
now uninstalled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thoughts here, Probably an employee made the opening post to promote something.
So far Aurora + ApkPure is the best combination for me.
linux2525 said:
Petal Search is not available in some countries .. had to switch to United Kingdom
Edit ... just installed .. why is this actually any good? most apps just link to apkpure anyway .. might as well just use apkpure
now uninstalled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Wales so I have only been able to check my UK device, I found apk pure and other apps messy in the sense of chopping and changing between apps
EatSleepTechRepeat said:
messy in the sense of chopping and changing between apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont understand .. surely aurora or apkpure is easier than a third party directing (like petal) linking you back to apkpure .. apkpure is not much different to the google play store ... install app, wait for updates, install updates.
linux2525 said:
I dont understand .. surely aurora or apkpure is easier than a third party directing (like petal) linking you back to apkpure .. apkpure is not much different to the google play store ... install app, wait for updates, install updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get where you are coming from. Personally i like Petal as it draws from multiple app stores giving larger reach. I think it comes down to personal preference, but still a cool app.
JazonX said:
Same thoughts here, Probably an employee made the opening post to promote something.
So far Aurora + ApkPure is the best combination for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish! would deffo have saved me money on buying the device! Like everyone else here im just a tech fan mate
JazonX said:
Same thoughts here, Probably an employee made the opening post to promote something.
So far Aurora + ApkPure is the best combination for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate - do u use a P40 phone at the moment?
Has Aurora and APK Pure got everything you need? Need to look at Petal to see if itll make life easier or harder!
Aside from the obvious such as Gmail, certain apps from my Mate 20 Pro won't clone over (slightly weird as they did the first time I copied over but after resetting and cloning again, they won't).
I can't find them using any of the appstores either. Would my best bet be to Google the app names and apk and download them? I guess the limitation of this would be that they may not be that recent and I'd have to do periodic manual searches for new updates?
Tmel14 said:
1. Would my best bet be to Google the app names and apk and download them?
2. I guess the limitation of this would be that they may not be that recent and I'd have to do periodic manual searches for new updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. you mean google for the apk of the following appstores ... aurora, apkpure, aptoide, amazon appstore, f-droid ... install of these apk and enjoy your new google play store .. they are all pretty much the same.
2. install updates as per your new replacement 'google play store' .. just use apkpure, aurora, aptoide, amazon appstore, f-droid ... I have them all installed and update my apps using a different appstore everyday just for fun.
go to update, select apps, hit update, install .. same as the google play store.
linux2525 said:
1. you mean google for the apk of the following appstores ... aurora, apkpure, aptoide, amazon appstore, f-droid ... install of these apk and enjoy your new google play store .. they are all pretty much the same.
2. install updates as per your new replacement 'google play store' .. just use apkpure, aurora, aptoide, amazon appstore, f-droid ... I have them all installed and update my apps using a different appstore everyday just for fun.
go to update, select apps, hit update, install .. same as the google play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I was typing that on my phone whilst trying to walk the dog and think it got a bit muddled! I meant for apps that don't clone over and then cannot be found in those appstores? Would I then search for that app's apk in my browser and try and install it that way? Is that safe?
Weirdly, there were some apps that cloned over absolutely fine from my Mate Pro 20 first time and then I reset my P40 Pro and did it again and suddenly a bunch of apps wouldn't clone over... could this be to do with the fact that first time I just cloned over everything whereas second time, I only cloned over some specific settings as opposed to all?
Tmel14 said:
I meant for apps that don't clone over and then cannot be found in those appstores? Would I then search for that app's apk in my browser and try and install it that way? Is that safe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
interesting .. maybe because they are paid apps perhaps, then they are not available on the appstores?
what apps?
you wont be likely to find an apk if it is a paid app ... but if you can find an apk for a paid app, then i guess it will be a hacked high risk option from a dodgy website.
seems like phone-clone trouble shooting & testing is your best option .. or a GMS install.
linux2525 said:
interesting .. maybe because they are paid apps perhaps, then they are not available on the appstores?
what apps?
you wont be likely to find an apk if it is a paid app ... but if you can find an apk for a paid app, then i guess it will be a hacked high risk option from a dodgy website.
seems like phone-clone trouble shooting & testing is your best option .. or a GMS install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just tried again but there are still a range of apps that won't copy over but it's weird as they did the first time I tried - they are not paid apps either. Some of them are betting apps and others are just general apps such as Tripadvisor, Uber, Citymapper...
Message is 'new phone cannot import this data'
Tmel14 said:
I've just tried again but there are still a range of apps that won't copy over but it's weird as they did the first time I tried - they are not paid apps either. Some of them are betting apps and others are just general apps such as Tripadvisor, Uber, Citymapper...
Message is 'new phone cannot import this data'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tripadvisor is on apkpure appstore, aurora appstore, etc .. why do you need to phone-clone?
linux2525 said:
Tripadvisor is on apkpure appstore, aurora appstore, etc .. why do you need to phone-clone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was more just an example as not all of those apps are available on those stores. I'm wondering if it has anything to do with location services as that appears to be a common denominator for a lot of those apps.
Tmel14 said:
That was more just an example as not all of those apps are available on those stores. I'm wondering if it has anything to do with location services as that appears to be a common denominator for a lot of those apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know the answer but all your x3 examples are on the apkpure appstore .. so who cares about the phone-clone? is it better on an appstore, so you can update easily.
Tmel14 said:
Aside from the obvious such as Gmail, certain apps from my Mate 20 Pro won't clone over (slightly weird as they did the first time I copied over but after resetting and cloning again, they won't).
I can't find them using any of the appstores either. Would my best bet be to Google the app names and apk and download them? I guess the limitation of this would be that they may not be that recent and I'd have to do periodic manual searches for new updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go on app gallery and download the petal app, ive just searched 'google' and theres a fair few on there that'll do it, diolch.
Thanks, it appears to be the betting apps (e.g. SkyBet that are a bit harder to find, or when found, don't work). I'm still confused as to why lots of the apps transferred over fine last time but won't now.
Going to reset the phone, install Micro-G, clone over my apps and see how I get on with the phone and notifications over the next couple of days and then decide whether I feel I need GMS in order to be able to enjoy the phone.
One thing I will say out of the box is that the battery does not seem as immense as my Mate Pro 20's was when I first bought that... although I suppose cloning everything over is probably quite heavy duty work.
ChrisHtube said:
I get where you are coming from. Personally i like Petal as it draws from multiple app stores giving larger reach. I think it comes down to personal preference, but still a cool app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the point I was trying to get to, why have loads of different apps when you can have 1 hubbed app.
For example, on the detailed page of apkpure website for 'Google Chrome browser', I noticed that the field value of 'uploaded by' is someone else other than 'Google LLC'.
So, I wonder whether this apk is safe and reliable enough to download and install on Android devices. Have apkpure finished some security check? ......
As we know, Google Play Store is unavailable on Android devices in some countries. These Android users have to download their apks in order to install some apps.
Thanks for your comments and advices in advance.
James_Watson said:
For example, on the detailed page of apkpure website for 'Google Chrome browser', I noticed that the field value of 'uploaded by' is someone else other than 'Google LLC'.
So, I wonder whether this apk is safe and reliable enough to download and install on Android devices. Have apkpure finished some security check? ......
As we know, Google Play Store is unavailable on Android devices in some countries. These Android users have to download their apks in order to install some apps.
Thanks for your comments and advices in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use apkpure so much but the apks are verified before uploading usually. Users upload apks, apkpure checks if it's safe an then publish it. I can't confirm they do it 100% at apkpure, but I can with Apkmirror. It's a very serious website (Affiliated with Android Police) that host very popular apks like paphonb ported apks and other cool stuff. I use this rather than apkpure
Raiz said:
I don't use apkpure so much but the apks are verified before uploading usually. Users upload apks, apkpure checks if it's safe an then publish it. I can't confirm they do it 100% at apkpure, but I can with Apkmirror. It's a very serious website (Affiliated with Android Police) that host very popular apks like paphonb ported apks and other cool stuff. I use this rather than apkpure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, thank you very much for your comments and ideas about apkmirror. I will have a try. :good: