yota 3 english version with google play - YotaPhone 3 Questions & Answers

Hello,
when we are expecting english version of yota 3 and a worldwide release.
If not when the mod OS with english version will be available.
Does yota 3 have google play store?
Does yota 3 can mirror front screen to back screen like yotaphone 2.
How it can import to india?

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I bought of Yotaphone 3 from CECT Shop in GB so I could share some of my new gained experiences.
CECT Shop offers CN version, with Android Nougat 7.1.1, China and English language, build in 64GB storage, without Google Services and tons of CN apps.
Implementation of Google on Yota3:
Absence of Google isn't real problem. You could without and dificulties download 4 needed APK's from "external" APK repositories like APKMirror. You need to install 4 apps in exact order: Google Framework (look for 7.1.1 version), Google Play Services, Google Account Manager (look for 7.1.1 version too) and Google PlayStore (you should use NODPI versions) . It's important not to run any of apps until full install procedure. After install you should reboot your phone to allow adding new Google account.
About Android and Yota optimization mechanisms:
For start lets agree that Android 7.1.1 itself have in opinion of many users some real "issues" witch optimization procedures and DOZE. Google assumed that running some sort of apps in background isn't much high priority for system, memory and battery drain (not 100% true). You may be shocked, but one of these apps is for example Gmail, bunch of similar apps using push communications/notifications, and lots of more useful software. On top of it is fact that on Yota3 is large number of, lets say, "hard coded" CN system apps. Apps that (it's my opinion based on my observations) partly trying to replace original Android 7.1.1 functionalities, like mentioned before battery optimization and permissions management. In result original Android possibility of disabling some of these mechanisms just doesn't work (excluding apps form optimization works for at most until the phone restart). When you connect need of constant excluding apps from optimization, and fact that even those smallest like Clock need to do that for proper work, then you realize that it's real pain in the @$$. But there almost always some way... For consolation, if you reduce amount of apps that must run in background (I have about 15 of all of my 70-80 apps set so) you could live with that and have a chance for nice and fully functional phone.
Other disadvantages:
1. Low functionality of back E-Ink screen. Most of apps able to run on it is CN apps like: CN eReaders, CN news and weather apps, CN music player, etc. For now (I hope temporary) there is no possibility to mirror/transfer view of front screen to back screen.
2. Notification from regular not CN apps doesn't display either on front lock screen and back E-Ink screen.
3. On one hand fingers you can count apps designed and working on back E-Ink screen available in PlayStore.
4. For now there is no possibility of root implementation.
5. For now there is no custom ROM available for Y3.
6. Y3 doesn't have NFC for contactless payments.
7. Y3 doesn't have backlight for E-Ink display.
Benefits:
1. It's great phone with nice big Super AMOLED screen.
2. It have dual SIM slot and 4GB RAM.
3. Y3 is super thin for phone with 2 screens. You look at it and wonder where they have put and fit 3300mAh battery in it?
4. Running time on 3300mAh is pretty good.
5. Nice 3A charger.
6. Rubber-like cover case.
That's for now...

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I also got my Y3 from cect-shop, and added an original wallet-style Yota case from joybuy.
The system still shows some UI elements in Chinese even with Android language being set to English - lock screen, for example.
There is no such thing like the YotaHub on the previous YotaPhone. Instead, there is a "discover" screen on the E-Ink screen whichs allows to install some CN apps adapted for the E-Ink screen. Mostly news, WeChat, and some CN eBook apps.
A Chinese version of Kindle app was preinstalled and can run on the E-Ink screen. International Amazon accounts do not work on amazon.cn, so I was stuck.
I downloaded & installed Amazon appstore, downloaded & installed the latest (non-CN) regular Kindle app - and surprise! Suddenly that second Kindle app was also available on the E-Ink screen. As this was a stock app, I assume that Yota's modifications on Android determine which app may use the E-Ink screen, and not the app itself.
In addition, I found that Yota's "gallery" app allows to use any gallery picture as lock screen or as shakeout screen for the E-Ink panel. So for now, my use cases are:
- reading Amazon kindle eBooks on E-Ink screen
- take screenshot of flight boarding pass & send it to E-Ink display to have your boarding pass always ready no matter whether you are using your phone otherwise..

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Thanks for that tips. I wasn't aware about Gallery and NonCN Kindle app.

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For the Y3 user that don't know it... These is a dialer secret code to manage mirror function on Yota3 phone, but it's more like kind of developer test function.
You can enable it, but then the front screen it totally turned off and you could use back screen only. If you want to turn it back on to original setting, you have to repeat procedure and turn mirroring off.
Code: *#*#9738#*#*
Enable/disable function: Dialer --> <code> --> "Mirror test" --> "Start/Stop Mirroring"

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The glass on my Y2 broke so I decided to try out Y3 - not impressed at all I must admit So much things that made Y2 the best phone ever are gone, let alone it being chinese only. The widgets on the back are gone, like, why?! Missed calls+sms+emails+notifications counter and battery indicator, plus better weather, no reason for those not to be there ffs, it breaks my heart :|
Also it feels like they threw out their designer, the Y2 was a beauty to look at from behind, back quite seamlessly transitioning into the EPD. I have no idea why Y2 is not the same in this manner. If you can't make the EPD fully black but only dark grey, at least make the plastic around matching gray. All uniformity gone. Also the 3 buttons (= o <) are kinda pointless imo, but at least, again, make it look like a part of a whole Now it's just a squarish brick like anything else, with the back screen not feeling like part of the design but something that was just slapped on. And the functionality (ultra limited) the same story. I don't really need the integrated mirror functionality (though it would be nice from time to time, but just a minor bonus for me). But it should really go all in on presenting you valuable information - clock, weather, notifications, news, but it totally fails there. Theres a 'step counter' though that I cant even get rid of, like, WHY :'(
Issues I hope could be addressable, not sure, please let me know if you know solutions to some of it:
- I cannot use a custom launcher? The default one is, I dont know, basic, nothing that wrong with it, but isn't there a way to switch to Apex for example? I failed to find a way to set a different one
- EPD - "MOBEST", can I for the love of god get rid of that screen?
- same story with "DISCOVER" honestly... but then I don't know how I would access 'panels setup', since it does not seem to be editable from something on the main screen (yotahub etc)
- and last, and thats a very shocking and very big one - is none of the ebook readers capable of presenting the ebooks in landscape mode? I mean, holy hell, I know it's all in chinese, but I really tried clicking/toggling everything, in kindle, ireader, qqbook, jingDongReader, even that stupid mobest, and I just have no f*cking clue how to read my epub/mobi/... in landscape! I mean, it just feels impossible that such a thing would not be implemented in any of those things. I guess all are just presentation of their 'regular' non-epd versions, and rely on device orientation, but that is locked on the EPD. I-need-to-be-able-to-read-in-landscape, I'm really getting desperate here after navigating through all the chinese menus (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
With the price this thing cost me to buy+import I could have had S9 actually, which is a gem, but with my Y2 I got addicted to being able to see the clocks and weather forecast and emails+notifications without touching the phone. And sure, I liked to read some stuff on it from time to time as well. All I got with the Y3 is the clock. And it is not even good as an e-book reader since its all portrait only
Oh and one more thing - even the clock f*cking lags behind, so I can't really realy on it!!
Please help me with at least some of the issues, there must be a way to make it "good enough", but as is it is unbearable

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I am looking forward to an major update that will fix most of the errors discussed here...

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I'm still hoping that there will be an US/EU version with better functionality.
How is possible than an old version had more functionality than the old one!?!?!?!!?
Enviado desde mi HTC One E9PLUS dual sim mediante Tapatalk

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Recently bought Yota3 from taobao and trying on different things.
First of all, no Google Play, which is a bit sad. I adb installed the Google apks like the 1st thread said, but Gmail not usable and Contact not synced. I recently found a code from Chinese forum to get into debug/dev page. The code is *#*#900#*#*.
I tried to root with Dirtyc0w (yes a bit old compared to Aug2017) and Kingroot but none of them gives me root.
I will keep on updating when I found more useful stuff.
**UPDATE**:
22/3/2017
So, I made the contact works perfectly now. You need to install this:
Google Contacts Sync: google-contacts-sync-7-1-1-release (Get it in apkmirror)
You need the correct version of Google Play Services to fix the Play Services issue. Check the long number in the version and get the latest. Android 6.0+ one should be fine.
GMail works, make sure you download the Google Play Services with arm64+arm Android 6.0+ version.

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I am not getting notifications like for example from twitter app, I guess thats some of the android optimizations getting in the way preventing the apps from running/checking for notifs, but can I somewhere turn the optimizations permanently off? For specified apps at least... Pushbullet is not working for me in this regard at all and thats a really convinient app if it works (showing phones notifications on pc)

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How to switch off preview of text messages on e-ink screen?
I think I've almost disabled all possible notifications. However, I still didn't manage to stop the e=ink to show messages. Could you help me which option(s) is it? I am loosing my marbles here.
Found it! It was in settings of the eink - not on AMOLED display. Hope, I have saved someone a search... It would be nice if we could manage behaviors from any side...

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Hi
I can't make Viber to display any notifications... Did anyone manage to enable a non-chinese messaging app, to display notifications on either main screen or (better) on the e-ink screen?
Regards,
M

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Google Play doesn't work
Hej,
Can someone please post the exact download links to the 4 apks you need for google to work. I try multiple and they all didn't work. I'm so frustrated. Can someone please help me?

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Benjamin98 said:
Hej,
Can someone please post the exact download links to the 4 apks you need for google to work. I try multiple and they all didn't work. I'm so frustrated. Can someone please help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
i am not allowed to post a link. Just google for:
yota 3 play store geeks r us
It is in German. It worked for me.

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Google Play eventually stops working
I've encountered this twice already.
At some point Google Play Store and the internal Package Installer cease to work. I couldn't reproduce the exact sequence but it happened even after Factory Reset after some time again.
Code:
04-19 11:44:48.253 12317 12376 V SQLiteTime: /data/user/0/com.android.vending/databases/library.db: "SELECT account, library_id, backend, doc_id, doc_type, offer_type, document_hash, subs_valid_until_time, app_certificate_hash, app_refund_pre_delivery_endtime_ms, app_refund_post_delivery_window_ms, subs_auto_renewing, subs_initiation_time, subs_trial_until_time, inapp_purchase_data, inapp_signature, preordered, owned_via_license, shared_by_me, sharer_gaia_id, shareability, purchase_time FROM ownership" took 1.000 ms
04-19 11:44:48.253 12317 12376 D SQLiteCursor: received count(*) from native_fill_window: 0
04-19 11:44:48.254 12317 12376 I Finsky : [155] com.google.android.finsky.cg.a.f.j(100): Finished loading 1 libraries.
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: FATAL EXCEPTION: PackageInstallerImpl
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: Process: com.android.vending, PID: 12317
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: java.lang.NullPointerException: Attempt to invoke virtual method 'void android.app.AppOpsManager.checkPackage(int, java.lang.String)' on a null object reference
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.Parcel.readException(Parcel.java:1690)
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.Parcel.readException(Parcel.java:1637)
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: at android.content.pm.IPackageInstaller$Stub$Proxy.getMySessions(IPackageInstaller.java:385)
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: at android.content.pm.PackageInstaller.getMySessions(PackageInstaller.java:406)
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: at com.google.android.finsky.cv.f.run(SourceFile:4)
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.Handler.handleCallback(Handler.java:751)
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:95)
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:154)
04-19 11:44:48.262 12317 12377 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.HandlerThread.run(HandlerThread.java:61)
---------- Post added at 09:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 AM ----------
Not sure what causes that. Package manager crash log is below.
Code:
04-19 11:50:30.242 12686 12686 W InstallAppProgress: Replacing package:com.android.vending
04-19 11:50:30.253 12686 12686 E linker : Failed open_library for realpath:
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: FATAL EXCEPTION: InstallThread
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: Process: com.android.packageinstaller, PID: 12686
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: java.lang.NullPointerException: Attempt to invoke virtual method 'void android.app.AppOpsManager.checkPackage(int, java.lang.String)' on a null object reference
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.Parcel.readException(Parcel.java:1690)
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.Parcel.readException(Parcel.java:1637)
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: at android.content.pm.IPackageInstaller$Stub$Proxy.createSession(IPackageInstaller.java:249)
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: at android.content.pm.PackageInstaller.createSession(PackageInstaller.java:297)
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: at com.android.packageinstaller.InstallAppProgress.doPackageStage(InstallAppProgress.java:342)
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: at com.android.packageinstaller.InstallAppProgress.-wrap2(InstallAppProgress.java)
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: at com.android.packageinstaller.InstallAppProgress$6.run(InstallAppProgress.java:483)
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.Handler.handleCallback(Handler.java:751)
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:95)
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:154)
04-19 11:50:30.256 12686 12721 E AndroidRuntime: at android.os.HandlerThread.run(HandlerThread.java:61)

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I think even the Hisense A2 Pro (with NFC!) is better than the Yota3: https://www.banggood.com/Hisense-A2-Pro-Dual-Screen-4GB-RAM-64GB-ROM-Snapdragon-625-Octa-core-4G-Smartphone-p-1221864.html

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Is there any way to contact the people from Yotaphone?
My e-book died, my mobile phone is dying and this is taking a way too long.
Enviado desde mi HTC One E9PLUS dual sim mediante Tapatalk

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Yota 3 playstore no work
Hi dear people. I buy yota 3. I install apps but playstore stop working, i reset, they stop working again, i reset again and get every app.
There is one possible workaraound i discovered. You download all apps you need and then you update apps threw chinese google play(when google play english stops working)
However you cannot get new apps to the screen but if you download new apps threw chinese google play they must be reached threw that app. But updates are possible of existing apps you got from english google play.
TO YOTA: Please yota fix so i can mirror front to backscreen. Allso fix english google play working. Before this is fixed i cannot recomend phone.
Dear every1 thank you for reading.
//john

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Just received an answer from Yota.
There's no news, no official release date in EU and not even an official confirmation of a better version for EU.
As my old smartphone is giving symptoms of old age I leave the Yotaphone 3 for EU as a lost cause and look for another phone.
If anyone knows something different, please, say something and I will consider waiting for Yotaphone 3.
Regards.
Enviado desde mi HTC One E9PLUS dual sim mediante Tapatalk

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Gmail
windhamwong said:
Recently bought Yota3 from taobao and trying on different things.
First of all, no Google Play, which is a bit sad. I adb installed the Google apks like the 1st thread said, but Gmail not usable and Contact not synced. I recently found a code from Chinese forum to get into debug/dev page. The code is *#*#900#*#*.
I tried to root with Dirtyc0w (yes a bit old compared to Aug2017) and Kingroot but none of them gives me root.
I will keep on updating when I found more useful stuff.
**UPDATE**:
22/3/2017
So, I made the contact works perfectly now. You need to install this:
Google Contacts Sync: google-contacts-sync-7-1-1-release (Get it in apkmirror)
You need the correct version of Google Play Services to fix the Play Services issue. Check the long number in the version and get the latest. Android 6.0+ one should be fine.
GMail works, make sure you download the Google Play Services with arm64+arm Android 6.0+ version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my Yota 3 and was, like others here, a little disappointed with the lack of mirror functionality - which is the main reason why I wanted it. Also, the lack of google play functions.. Why they restricting this? MY Elephone and Honor 8 were Chinese too but seemed more user-friendly.
I followed steps on here with the four or so APK packages to get Gmail up and running. It didn't work. When I clicked on the app it said "Getting your messages" for a many minutes before saying something like I needed Google Service which is not supported by this device.
Anyway, I discovered the email app in "Discover" on the E-ink side and Gmail loaded. After I got all my emails loaded I flipped over to the other screen and it was working there fine... until I installed the latest update. Now it doesn't work on colour screen but still works, refreshes to new emails on the e-ink side. WTF?
I kind of suspicious of Google and Facebook anyway so am not that bummed that it is difficult to get these apps to work on this phone- as I am wanting to not use them anymore but would be better to have that option open for people who do want to use whatever on this phone.
I also tried the mirror download - with app MORE shortcuts - it did mirror the screen but all it mirrored was a frozen notice saying "Mirroring" or such.
Looking forward to getting more hacks/tips on here to make this phone more customised.
Thanks.
---------- Post added at 08:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:37 AM ----------
Grubbanax said:
I just got my Yota 3 and was, like others here, a little disappointed with the lack of mirror functionality - which is the main reason why I wanted it. Also, the lack of google play functions.. Why they restricting this? MY Elephone and Honor 8 were Chinese too but seemed more user-friendly.
I followed steps on here with the four or so APK packages to get Gmail up and running. It didn't work. When I clicked on the app it said "Getting your messages" for a many minutes before saying something like I needed Google Service which is not supported by this device.
Anyway, I discovered the email app in "Discover" on the E-ink side and Gmail loaded. After I got all my emails loaded I flipped over to the other screen and it was working there fine... until I installed the latest update. Now it doesn't work on colour screen but still works, refreshes to new emails on the e-ink side. WTF?
I kind of suspicious of Google and Facebook anyway so am not that bummed that it is difficult to get these apps to work on this phone- as I am wanting to not use them anymore but would be better to have that option open for people who do want to use whatever on this phone.
I also tried the mirror download - with app MORE shortcuts - it did mirror the screen but all it mirrored was a frozen notice saying "Mirroring" or such.
Looking forward to getting more hacks/tips on here to make this phone more customised.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed another update and my Gmail account now loads fine in the Chinese pre-installed "Email" app folder. It had a red number for my new emails. The gmail app i downloaded still doesn't work though.
I would also like to rid my phone of these Chinese apps and other stuff in Chinese. Anyone know how to Anglicise it? I'm downloading updates that are written in Chinese and I have no idea what I am downloading.