Question Why are there separate google apps on these phones? - Google Pixel 6

Google Lens is already on the phone, but there's still the Google Lens app in the store that you can install. There's also GPay already on the phone, but some apps tell me to install Google Pay from the store.
Why? Does having double the apps screw with anything in the long run?

Maybe updates? I would go with the factory load versions unless they don't work well.

For Gpay, the one on the phone is the old version. They are pushing everyone to upgrade to the new version, that is the one in the store.

I don't use Gpay. The worst that will likely to happen if you don't upgrade is eventually it will stop working. You could get into issues with Playstore which demands updating. Playstore is so on my bad side, I rarely use it anymore.
I use the factory load versions for most of the Google apps especially Gmail and Gmaps as the update's UI's* sucked. Some of the Google system apps are factory load too because the update caused issues like excessive battery consumption*. So it is after 2 years, current load is over 1.5 yo, still fast, stable and user friendly.
You should experiment to see what works best for you. Just be aware that updates (especially firmware) can break just as easily as they can fix devices.
*Samsung seems to modify these and many times the factory load version works best. Or perhaps it's just the oldest version before Google screwed them up more

I installed the Google Assistant app just so I could add it as an icon to my home screen in Nova Launcher.

It's for people who root and want specific apps installed without installing the background/integration stuff.

Related

[Q] Preventing automatic update of Google apps?

I would like to stay with Google Maps 6.14.4 as it is the one that plain works as I want it to (simple, easy to use, fast, precise(!)). This is the version I have in my rom.
My problem is this: Something is automatically updating my Google Maps to version 8!
I think it is related to the last release of Google Play Store which I am also trying to downgrade as it doesn't list an apps new permission requirements in red or marked with 'new' anymore. This causes people to install apps believing it doesn't require new permissions when in fact it does and now can spy even more on the user. Something is also autoupdating Google Play Store quite agressively (i.e. sometimes it is updated within seconds of being downgraded and usually every time I open it). Of course I have setup Google Play Store to not update my apps at all but as even the play store is updated despite this, something must force this upgrade!
So, how do I stop Google Maps (and Google Play Store) from being upgraded? Can I hack my android to prevent this from happening? I do have it rooted if that can help.
I am very frustrated with the Google offerings lately. They make stuff worse all the time for no obvious reason.

Sony Tablet S de-Googled

As of Feb. 8/9 of 2017, it looks to me like my Tablet S, which came with 4.0.3 is no longer able to run Google apps. The tablet is still fine for other things, but the Chrome browser is on version 42 and can't be updated. Kinda sucks that one day it works, and the next it doesn't. It is still a fine tablet but much less useful to me without the Google apps. Some can still run in the browser, but it certainly is not as handy.
Hi,
I have the same issue. A couple of days ago (I think on 10.02.2017), all Google apps lost connection to 'mothership' on my STS . I've tried all potential fixes out there (clearing data, cache, uninstalling updates, re-installing updates, uninstalling Google Services, modifying hosts file, disabling two-step authentication etc.) - nothing works. I've made also a factory reset and up until the moment I download Google Services app, the connection is there. However, all new versions of Gapps require Google Services in order to run. So it's either running a couple years old versions or not having Gapps at all.
Is this some kind of intentional action on Google side? Or maybe some bug in Google Services app? I doubt many people here still use STS, but maybe there's hope that someone finds a solution to this issue?
m4q said:
Hi,
I have the same issue. A couple of days ago (I think on 10.02.2017), all Google apps lost connection to 'mothership' on my STS . I've tried all potential fixes out there (clearing data, cache, uninstalling updates, re-installing updates, uninstalling Google Services, modifying hosts file, disabling two-step authentication etc.) - nothing works. I've made also a factory reset and up until the moment I download Google Services app, the connection is there. However, all new versions of Gapps require Google Services in order to run. So it's either running a couple years old versions or not having Gapps at all.
Is this some kind of intentional action on Google side? Or maybe some bug in Google Services app? I doubt many people here still use STS, but maybe there's hope that someone finds a solution to this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. My belief is the Chrome browser cannot be updated on the version of Android it is running. That would mean to me that any other device running 4.0.3 is running Chrome 42, also, and nothing can be done. Sure would like to be wrong. I have plenty of options (toys), but I hate losing normal functions on an otherwise functional machine. It is 5 years old.
Thanks for starting this thread in the first place. Without it, I would still be wondering am I the only one with this issue .
I don't think it's connected solely to Chrome browser. From my point of view, it has something to do with google services. I've tried to revert to some older version (via APK mirror, but with no success). What's worse, now I can't even get into google play store (for a while I could, despite Gapps being down). Not sure what to do at this point. I've used my STS mostly for YT or some movie during travel. I guess I'm left with just the latter . Anyway, if it's not just a bug, then it's a really unfair move from google.
m4q said:
Thanks for starting this thread in the first place. Without it, I would still be wondering am I the only one with this issue .
I don't think it's connected solely to Chrome browser. From my point of view, it has something to do with google services. I've tried to revert to some older version (via APK mirror, but with no success). What's worse, now I can't even get into google play store (for a while I could, despite Gapps being down). Not sure what to do at this point. I've used my STS mostly for YT or some movie during travel. I guess I'm left with just the latter . Anyway, if it's not just a bug, then it's a really unfair move from google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would bet I am correct, but...see which version of Android and the browser you are running and compare to what I reported. I was told the browser was no longer updateable with 4.0.3. The fact that it happened just as Google was announcing its new products is what led me to this conclusion.
You can still watch YouTube through the browser on your STS. I had mine on my bedstand with the dock so that I could watch in bed via Google Cast. Cast will not work because of this issue, even in the browser, because it is a newer app. So, I replaced it with my Nexus 7 2012, which also has a dock. Works fine, as would a phone or tablet.
These are my conclusions - if you find otherwise, please report back! :good:
Of course, I'm not 100% sure, but since I'm not using Chrome browser and still have this issue - wouldn't that indicate that it isn't a browser-related one? Plus, once you do a factory reset and not install Google Play Services, the connection to Google servers is being established. It's being lost after Google Play Services installation. That's what suggest to me that these services are indeed the culprit. In the end it doesn't really matter as whatever the culprit is, it doesn't look like we can solve this on our own .
m4q said:
Of course, I'm not 100% sure, but since I'm not using Chrome browser and still have this issue - wouldn't that indicate that it isn't a browser-related one? Plus, once you do a factory reset and not install Google Play Services, the connection to Google servers is being established. It's being lost after Google Play Services installation. That's what suggest to me that these services are indeed the culprit. In the end it doesn't really matter as whatever the culprit is, it doesn't look like we can solve this on our own .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not disagreeing. Just saying that if the browser can't be updated, then apps can't be either, perhaps for the reasons you state. Sorry for the confusion. I think we're looking at the same thing from different perspectives. Either way, I think the STS is de-Googled. It is a shame as I think it has been a really good machine for its specs. Time to repurpose it or just put it away.
Sad, but true . STS had its quirks, but it has been with me longer than any other equipment.
I won't hold my breath, but maybe next Google Play Services update or some other update could fix this issue. I'll let you know if I find something.
Cheers.
I got out another Android tablet (an Asus 2 in 1) that I was thinking of repurposing and found it had Android 4.0.3 and Google Play Services 10.2.98. There is no access to Google apps except the Play Store and the Chrome browser. I forgot to check which browser number it was but if I had to guess, it is 42. Since I had not been using it, I don't know when this access was taken away, but I'd think it was the same timeframe as the STS.
There are 2 seperate issues.
- Chrome browser does not update: this is normal (I think since quite some time), as the chrome browser does not support Android 4.0 anymore. Just download another browser.
- Since a short time (days, weeks) there are some issues with the google services. Youtube doesn't start, sync doesn't work. Google Photos cannot login. But the play store does work fine.
This problem occurs on 3 seperate tablets, all with different google logins and configurations. I also tried resetting to factory state on one tablet, with the same results.
This is not because of android 4.0, because I have other devices that are older (even 2.3) that still work fine. There is probably a Google-Service update that does not play nicely with the tablet S (or maybe even other tegra 2 chipsets).
---------- Post added at 08:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:25 AM ----------
FYI:
It is indeed an incompatability between the latest Google-Services and Tegra2 chip.
All Tegra2 devices seems to be impacted, including the devices that are updateable to a newer version of android.
https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/play/uX3Xqk2gi_k;context-place=topicsearchin/play/category$3Aandroid%7Csort:relevance%7Cspell:false
spicyalan said:
There are 2 seperate issues.
- Chrome browser does not update: this is normal (I think since quite some time), as the chrome browser does not support Android 4.0 anymore. Just download another browser.
- Since a short time (days, weeks) there are some issues with the google services. Youtube doesn't start, sync doesn't work. Google Photos cannot login. But the play store does work fine.
This problem occurs on 3 seperate tablets, all with different google logins and configurations. I also tried resetting to factory state on one tablet, with the same results.
This is not because of android 4.0, because I have other devices that are older (even 2.3) that still work fine. There is probably a Google-Service update that does not play nicely with the tablet S (or maybe even other tegra 2 chipsets).
---------- Post added at 08:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:25 AM ----------
FYI:
It is indeed an incompatability between the latest Google-Services and Tegra2 chip.
All Tegra2 devices seems to be impacted, including the devices that are updateable to a newer version of android.
https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/play/uX3Xqk2gi_k;context-place=topicsearchin/play/category$3Aandroid%7Csort:relevance%7Cspell:false
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info! I will keep looking at the various sites to see if a fix for the Tegra devices comes out, but I'm not counting on it. Again, everything by Google but the Chrome browser and the Play Store seem to be affected, so the main reason I use Google is gone for two devices. If it isn't a Google app, they do work. YouTube works in the browser, but not Cast, etc. Hulu works.
I have other tablets and phones that have ARM processors, so I don't need to buy anything, but it is disappointing that they screwed up two good Google devices I have, one being in use everyday until it happened. That reminds me, I have a Chromebook with a Tegra chip - I'll have to check on that...updating from 59..0.2924.87 to...56.0.2924.110 - no problems. This is a Samsung XE303C12.
Thanks a lot spicyalan for the info about all Tegra2 devices being affected.
I've just installed Google Play Services version 10.5.42 (beta) and it seems to have solved the issue . At least I can use Gmail and YT freely, without crashes or FCs.
Afterwards, I have checked your link (https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/play/uX3Xqk2gi_k;context-place=topicsearchin/play/category$3Aandroid%7Csort:relevance%7Cspell:false) and others have confirm this to be a working solution (at least for the time being).
Cheers!:good:
m4q said:
Thanks a lot spicyalan for the info about all Tegra2 devices being affected.
I've just installed Google Play Services version 10.5.42 (beta) and it seems to have solved the issue . At least I can use Gmail and YT freely, without crashes or FCs.
Afterwards, I have checked your link (https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/play/uX3Xqk2gi_k;context-place=topicsearchin/play/category$3Aandroid%7Csort:relevance%7Cspell:false) and others have confirm this to be a working solution (at least for the time being).
Cheers!:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, the 10.5.42 beta works on my Asus TF101 and my Sony Tablet S, both having Android 4.0.3.
Ajajsendemi brusutus
Sns asende mo yani

Play Store Service crashes every 10 seconds - how to freeze version?

Hey there,
if you are still a regular user of the good old GTab 10.1 - like my GF - you might have encountered this issue recently too.
Google has updated and does remotely update your Play Store Service to a version which is not supported anymore by this tablet, or the other way around, the app does not support our hardware anymore and the service keeps crashing and crashing, same with Chrome and Maps as far as I know.
Well I first thought something is wrong with the ROM or Gapps so I looked for a recent unofficial ROM and found the [ROM][Unofficial][AOSP] Android 7.1.1 Nougat and there was stated:
Incompatible apps:
The following apps no longer support the hardware in this tablet. They will not work on any ROM for this device. There is no hack to make them work.
Apps that do not support this tablet:
Chrome 50+
Google Translate
Gboard 6.0.79
Maps 9.45
Google Play services 10.2
Apps based on Unity 5 engine
Last known compatible versions:
Chrome 49.0
Gboard 6.0.69
Maps 9.44
Google Play services 10.0.84
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I had a backup from 2015 on the GTab and restored it but immediately the service updated itself and it began to crash.
In the Above mentioned thread there was some1 writing
This worked for me (for disabling Google Play Services auto-update) :
- disconnect wifi
- disable auto-update apps in Google Play Store
- in Settings / Apps, GPS, 3-dots menu, Uninstall updates, so back to v10.0.84....
- in App info, Data usage, disable Unrestricted data usage
- reconnect wifi
Now GPS doesn't seem to auto-update anymore.
Best regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly this does not seem to work for me. I was thinking about Titanium backup to freeze the GPS but I am not sure if this will work.
Also flashed manually a GApps Version which had the older play store in it but also got overwritten immediately
So have you encountered this issue and how did you fix it?
Thanks
Did you make sure to turn off auto update apps in Google Play store? That combined with the other steps listed worked for me and my Galaxy Tab play services has NOT updated... And it works fine, though it still occasionally crashes, but not every ten secons.
Thank you for this information. I've been banging my head on the wall for a few days while searching the cause.
I'm facing exactly the same problem.
I don't have the "Disable unrestricted data usage" option in Google Play Services Data Usage.
There is only "Restrict app background data", but this one doesn't prevent GPS from update.
In the next day GPS updates automatically to version 10.2.* and crushes.
have you tried this ? : https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help/delete-disable-downgrade-prevent-update-t3091832
tl;dr create 2 folders at /data/app : com.google.android.gms-1.apk and com.google.android.gms-2.apk . Done that today, but still need to test on the long run.
I tried this and it worked - for a couple of days. Now some apps are complaining they are unlicensed
Well I was able to disable GPS completely but now, as stated above, apps are complaining and there are now no app updates availible and the complete store is disabled, not really what I was looking for. But I guess Google now really fu:cyclops::cyclops:ed us. So are we done with this tablet or what?
Not Dead Yet
HansiHusten said:
Well I was able to disable GPS completely but now, as stated above, apps are complaining and there are now no app updates availible and the complete store is disabled, not really what I was looking for. But I guess Google now really fu:cyclops::cyclops:ed us. So are we done with this tablet or what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My p4wifi is working fine on the latest 7.1.1 ROM and the older GApps. Disabling automatic updates in the Play Store keeps regular apps from updating when we don't want them to.
Disabling the background data settings in Apps.... Google Play Services... Settings keeps GPS from updating itself.
(I'm not sure that I made the settings change in Developer Options or not.)
It might be worth reading through the posts in the 7.1.1 thread.
I can afford a new tablet, but cannot find anything this size that keeps the ROM current with Google releases.
(I also do not play games or need esoteric applications.)
Don't give up yet.
Is this a solution?
https://www.xda-developers.com/unshackle-your-device-from-the-google-play-store-with-apkupdater/
I also deleted cacche from Gps & blocked the internet connection wth Afwall.
Tried the solution of lebaronrouge in 5.1.1 rom topic.
Seems to work.

Sharp Aquos S2 Widget not work

I bought Sharp Aquos S2 from TWN, evething works fine with original play store except Sharp widget does not work (System UI no permission). Don't know how to set permission system UI?
PS: reset several times but does not work.
Please help.
Thank you
Kinda off-topic but how did You get google play store to work on Aquos S2?
I can't install it at all. Did You have it preinstalled on your phone?
I bought from Taiwan, it has google play store original but the problem is the phone widget is N/A.
_haker_1 said:
Kinda off-topic but how did You get google play store to work on Aquos S2?
I can't install it at all. Did You have it preinstalled on your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
liuhaychiv said:
I bought from Taiwan, it has google play store original but the problem is the phone widget is N/A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, you don't know how to install CH play to Sharp S2?
Everyone,
Pls let me know the way to install CH play.
Thank you so much.
liuhaychiv said:
I bought from Taiwan, it has google play store original but the problem is the phone widget is N/A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lucky You with play store preinstalled. I'd suggest you to simple get rid off original widget and install any other widget from google play store. The original one is not working for me either (N/A). I'm gonna keep fighting with mine. Does anyone know how to enter recovery mode on S2? I was able to boot in safe mode (power + volume down) but idk what's the combination for recovery. Maybe under recovery mode I'll be able to install all those google services. I was also unable to root this device.
If anyone got some info how to install google services on this I'd appreciate it!
Cheers,
Hi, first lucky owners of this brand new phone; could you share any benchmarks, please?
maxecume said:
Hi, first lucky owners of this brand new phone; could you share any benchmarks, please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
~70k antutu
~325k droidfish
Still no luck with play store :-/ @liuhaychiv
Can You tell me what's Your ROM version?
_haker_1 said:
~70k antutu
~325k droidfish
Still no luck with play store :-/ @liuhaychiv
Can You tell me what's Your ROM version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must install Google Play Services in order to have Google Play Store and other Google apps. Both apps can be found here: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services/. Choose the right services, this one works for me: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/googl...s-11-7-41-248-171017412-android-apk-download/
piskr said:
You must install Google Play Services in order to have Google Play Store and other Google apps. Both apps can be found here: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services/. Choose the right services, this one works for me: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/googl...s-11-7-41-248-171017412-android-apk-download/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exacly what I did. I've checked dpi, android version, cpu architecture. I've installed services, framework, account, play store in order. Still no luck. I've also installed google installer which is downloading all neccesary services automaticaly and... same story. Everything installs without any problem but it freezes when I want to open any google app.
Have You installed gaaps on Sharp S2 without those apps being preinstalled?
Actually, I haven't. I had Gapps preinstalled this time. But I had some Chinese phones before and not all of them came with Gapps. I never had problem with installing them.
S2 has plenty options to set rights and restrictions per app. They are in 3 sectors - under SIM settings (about use of networks), apps settings and S boost. I couldn't get internet radio working before I assign necessary rights to it. Have you checked that you gave all gapps needed rights?
Hm.. Maybe I've found the problem. Under SIM and S-boost everything looks good. In apps settings I'm unable to give "get location" for Google Services. I can see it needs "access precise location" to work. Can You tell me whether You have "get location" set for google services on your phone?
I gave GPS all possible permissions. Always.
Well, I can't. The phone is crashing when I want to swipe "location: ON" in google services. It freezes, going black-screen and then going back to settings. It's exacly the same when I want to allow Google Services Framework to read/write instant messages (as far as I can see online those two are by default OFF anyway). All the other permissions for all google apps are ON. Also, most of the other apps with location needed are crashing when I have gaaps installed. Idk why I cant give it all permissions, didn't find any similar problem online.
_haker_1 said:
Well, I can't. The phone is crashing when I want to swipe "location: ON" in google services. It freezes, going black-screen and then going back to settings. It's exacly the same when I want to allow Google Services Framework to read/write instant messages (as far as I can see online those two are by default OFF anyway). All the other permissions for all google apps are ON. Also, most of the other apps with location needed are crashing when I have gaaps installed. Idk why I cant give it all permissions, didn't find any similar problem online.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then, it seems that the problem is serious. When I bought the phone I noticed that the system has flaws, so first thing I did was factory reset. Even after that I still have two errors, fingerprint scanner is slow and sometimes after unlocking the screen just turns blank and after using power button it turns out that phone is unlocked already. And after every resetting the phone Android Pay simply disappeared and has to be enabled in Google Play again. I've gotten one OTA already and nothing regarding both issues has been changed.
I guess you have 3 options: factory reset and set all bunch of Gapps again, returning the phone or waiting for next OTA. It is obvious that the problem is on the sw side and it is in proprietary Smile UI system precisely.
Hopefully they gonna sort it out soon.
Yeah, exacly. I've already done factory reset multiple times. I'm installing proper version of google service and I can't give it location permisions. I'm almost sure I'm doing everything right.
Gonna wait for OTA, I'll use it without play store atm.
I have no problems at all with fingerprint sensor and unlocking. I think we might have slightly different softwares. Can You tell me whats your ROM version? Mine is 00CN_1_27L with android patched September 1, 2017. Kernel Version 4.4.21
Cheers
_haker_1 said:
Yeah, exacly. I've already done factory reset multiple times. I'm installing proper version of google service and I can't give it location permisions. I'm almost sure I'm doing everything right.
Gonna wait for OTA, I'll use it without play store atm.
I have no problems at all with fingerprint sensor and unlocking. I think we might have slightly different softwares. Can You tell me whats your ROM version? Mine is 00CN_1_27L with android patched September 1, 2017. Kernel Version 4.4.21
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is 00WW_1_27L and that is the difference. WW stays for worldwide and CN for china (kernels are the same). And WW has Gapps installed. But it has other issues caused by incorrect android system modification (smile UI).
Result of that erroneous system is obviously in Gapps failure. My previous phone was Chinese (there was ww version as well), without Gapps, but system was good and I had no troubles installing Gapps.
I understand - thanks for information. I guess I'll have to wait for root manual and flash rom to WW in future.
You don't need root, just OTA or factory image. If I were you, I'd ask both the seller and Sharp for it Describing troubles and they might hear you.
Sharp didn't even reply. Seller said that I bough device with CN rom and it is as it is. They are both kinda right. How can I OTA with region change? I dont think I can use factory image as my image is CN atm. WW images are not available online.
It's the same kernel, exactly the same hw, there is no difference, only the system. You can flash either ww ota or factory image. Another problem is to get any if supplier doesn't cooperate.

LG 3gs Android 5.01 Lollipop crashes after logging to Google :/

LG 3Gs Android 5.01 Lollipop with App2SD and Kingroot. I know: it is a nightmare but I made it so and live with it. I can change it. I mean: remove App2SD however looks like this works almost OK. I use McAfee Security. I cannot update Android cause it's rooted :/
The problem: My strong suspicion is one of Google apps is broken. Don't know which one. Maybe I made it using Apps2SD 'remove broken apps' tool and removed few parts of something :/. I am not sure. The problem happened after updade of Google App but I am not sure this is the case, cause I removed upgrades and no change..
LG works quite OK until trying to log into Google account. I cannot finish it through Google services confirmation. I used to few days ago. It stops now at the last confirmation of settings. Doesn't go through it. Anyway I have my Google data available after logging in - like calendar or contacts, but after couple of minutes my phone blocks.. like trying to reload and freezes. I need to remove battery to start it cause no button works :/
I can open my Google Play Shop before crash but no update works. It starts an update but no single Byte downloaded.
Moreover: in SETTINGS..MEMORY I don't see any apps data memory use - except the free space on disk. Nowhere it's visible :/
I tried few things:
1. removed GOOGLE App updates and turned it back to factory version. No change.
2. I tried to uninstal updates of Google Play Store. I can't do it.
3 Of course I did reset the data from anything suggested: Shop, Google and Downloader..
4. My Google account on smartphone was reinstalled.
All above didn't bring any progress. :/
==============================
Pls. suggest what's wrong and how to remove/reinstall it? Thanks in advance.
OK. I uninstalled Google Play Shop updates and it helped for 2 days.. In the meantime I updated all possible apps via the factory G.Shop version. And once I tried to move few apps to SD card - the problem came back. Let me remind: I have Apps2SD but I didn't use it this time. I moved only apps to SD traditional way.
Now I try to uninstall Google Services' updates, but it's not going.. The smartphone restarts and blocks.. like above.. PLEASE HELP.

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