I'm not attached to any Google Apps and it seems to me that getting Play (Market) installed on the Nook is a bit of a pain.
Moreover, Google goes out of the way to make it difficult.
The Amazon Appstore gives you a URL to just download their store app.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/get-appstore/android
Isn't Amazon a better place to go for apps? Your opinion?
Afaik, amazon apps only can be downloaded from few countries, such as usa, canada, australia etc. It is not active on my country, so its not an option..
It's just another app store; there's several others. The only differences I've seen are 1) some apps get updated faster on the Play store; and 2) your purchases are not backed up to your google account so when you set up a new device you have to go to the amazon app store and find/download the apps you want individually.
There are a number of apps I use that aren't on Amazon; the Market is the only source.
I'll just add that some of the apps that you get off Amazon, including free ones,
require you to keep the Amazon Appstore on your device to run them.
This may not be an issue for some, but if you use logcat,
continuous 1/2 page burps of complete nonsense out of the Appstore application in the logcat is a distraction.
So with being new to the Android community, when you are going to download an app, what are the things to look at to see if it is legit? Is it really taking a judgement call on permissions? Thanks
All the apps in the play store are safe to install (or at least a lot safer than the apps outside the store) and they are as you say "legit". I don't understand what you mean about permissions. Weather apps for example require an internet connection to update. Music apps require permission to read from the sdcard and so on... Before you install any app you can check the permissions and if there is something fishy then don't install! For example if a game wants to sent and receive sms, I'd say it is suspicious... Anyway watch out for cracked apps. These are the most dangerous, because he who cracked them can easily include all kinds of code in it...(ok I am being a little bit dramatic, but nevertheless you should be carefull).
Sent from my amazing 10.1 galaxy tab
I wouldn't trust what Panos said about Play Store or Amazon App Store apps being legit or safer in general. They're just safer than warez apps and that's not saying much.
In general, downloading hacked/stolen apps or any app from anywhere but a store is risky. When downloading from a store I stick with apps made by well known developers, apps that have a lot of installs and have been around a long time or apps that have reviews on major tech sites if they don't meet the other two criteria. So let's say my camera shutter app- it only has 10,000 or so installs but the dev is active and the app has reviews where writers spoke to the dev. That lets me know it probably isn't shady. Then I check permissions to make sure it isn't asking for abilities it doesnt require. Then I run Lookout's ad network app which scans apps for which ad networks they use. Some ad networks are very nasty and intrusive and some arent. Many games have this spyware spam crap in them including some non-free games.
I also make sure to root and download adfree which will update your hosts file (a networking configuration tool in your system) and block domains of ad servers. This will block spam in apps and websites without blocking functionality or your good stuff.
Many people have used picture apps from stores that were spyware and stole user data. Some of those had tons of installs before being removed from stores so you need to be wary. If you download bs apps like naked chinese girl wallpaper apps and crap like that from stores you're more likely to get burned.
I have the 2017 Shield.
I have used BBCIplayer in the US on many Android devices over the years. I usually install from apk or a British Google Play account, and then use a smart DNS service (smart DNS sends the proper signals through a VPN so the BBC server sees me as being in the UK, but the actual video is not sent through the VPN. Except for the limited purpose, the device has a US ip address.)
For every device except the Shield, once the Iplayer app is installed, it stays installed and visible.
The Shield has its own Nvidia made version of Iplayer (the regular version does not work with Google TV.) I installed this once from the Google Play store with a UK Google Play account. It worked fine, then disappeared after a while. I can now get it to work by using a copy of the Nvidia Iplayer apk that I downloaded from the internet - I click on the apk in file manager and then click on the "market" option rather than the "install" option. I am then given a screen where I can "enable" the Iplayer, and it then appears again as a usable app.
If I go into settings when the app is enabled it shows as a system app, rather than a downloaded app (as does the proprietary version of the Amazon video player.)
One of the reasons that I like Android is that it has less of the "big brothery" stuff than IOS (or a Roku, for that matter.) So it pisses me off that the device I paid for is actively frustrating my watching what I want to watch with an app which is on the machine. I'm not saying that Nvidia should be providing me with a VPN connection, but on the other hand it shouldn't be actively blocking me from what I want to do.
Short of hooking up to a VPN 24/7,any ideas as to how to stop this disabling of the app?
I want to try this.. Brit now in Germany. I installed express vpn on my shield but didn't look for iplayer yet.
I assumed I would need vpn set to UK all the time I wish to use BBC then disconnect vpn for normal use.
Sent from my Hauwai P9 EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
From Nvidia :
The BBC iPlayer app is only available inside the UK. If you are not located in that location or have recently moved out of the UK then the app will no longer be available from the main menu of SHIELD Android TV.
If you are located in the UK, please ensure that Location Services is enabled. To do so, navigate to the Settings menu and then into the Personal->Location menu and ensure it is enabled.
If you prefer not to use Location Services, please ensure that the device language selection is set to "English (United Kingdom) (GB)". To do so, navigate to the Settings menu and then into the Preferences->Language menu and select the language from the list.
----
so:
Disabled Location
Set English UK Language
Reboot
Enjoy
Tested
install kodi then install the iplayer plugin
afgok said:
install kodi then install the iplayer plugin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you are outside the UK it still won't work without VPN - at least not from Germany
shaunydub said:
if you are outside the UK it still won't work without VPN - at least not from Germany
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read the OP its pretty obvious he is using vpn hes in the USA what he wants is a work around for the app being disabled because its not licesensed for use outside the UK hence my post:good:
Hi, after battling with the same issue for some time on the 2015 shield, I've been able to work out a solution;
I've posted the solution up here;
https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/1011733/shield-tv/how-to-fix-the-disappearing-bbc-iplayer-app-for-out-of-region-/
In-case it gets taken down for any reason, the solution is to extract out the APK of the iplayer system app (using ES file explorer on the shield TV), then pull the resulting APK into "APK Editor Pro" and then modify the app name and package name to create a new APK (making sure the package name doesn't have iplayer in it) and then sideload it onto the shield TV.
This way when the shield is booted, only the inbuilt iplayer app is disabled, but not the modified cloned app.
I expect this same process to work with many other inbuilt apps on the shield TV that might be disabling out of region.
Hope this helps someone!
Hi Watsonash, I scanned the apk you've kindly shared for the disappearing iplayer & it's infected with malware; I checked it with both VirusTotal and NVISO APKScan...
chainfire3356 said:
Hi Watsonash, I scanned the apk you've kindly shared for the disappearing iplayer & it's infected with malware; I checked it with both VirusTotal and NVISO APKScan...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, those products must be reporting false positives. As said I simply used "APK Editor Pro" to change the information, so unless this in injecting malware (which I'd say is most definitely not the case). I described the process so there is nothing stopping you from taking the exact same approach yourself and generating the modified apk yourself. I just installed Virustotal and it said the apk simply wasn't in its database (which is correct as APK Editor Pro has to resign the app as part of the packaging process).
Hi Watsonash, I aplogize, I should have clarified in my original comment that I didn't think you were purposely putting that apk out there with malware; I was just trying to be brief in my comment, which isn't something that comes naturally, as you'll see... My reasons for posting were to let you know that a scan dectected malware so you could look into why that was & fix it - that being said, every day is a new school day for me, because I wasn't aware of the false positive thing until you mentioned it. Now I understand that it's not something that you can"fix"and it isn't likely infected. I don't know how to modify anything - the only knowledge I have is knowing where to look to find clever people like you who do the work to fix annoying issues like the iplayer disappearing. I am eternally grateful for people like you who figure these things out for people like me & to have learned something new about the false positive issue; I was stupidly thinking that since two different websites showed positives that something was there, but now that I've read into a bit, I've clued in that the majority of the actual antivirus programs on both sites marked it clear. I see now that there are many variables taken into account when these programs come up with a result that doesn't look good.
Again, I apologize; this is why I usually just read & then research & never post comments - I should stick to doing that! Thank you for figuring out this fix; it's very much appreciated!
ronwi2 said:
I have the 2017 Shield.
I have used BBC Iplayer in the US on many Android devices over the years. I usually install from apk or a British Google Play account, and then use a smart DNS service (smart DNS sends the proper signals through a VPN so the BBC server sees me as being in the UK, but the actual video is not sent through the VPN. Except for the limited purpose, the device has a US ip address.)
For every device except the Shield, once the Iplayer app is installed, it stays installed and visible.
The Shield has its own Nvidia made version of Iplayer (the regular version does not work with Google TV.) I installed this once from the Google Play store with a UK Google Play account. It worked fine, then disappeared after a while. I can now get it to work by using a copy of the Nvidia Iplayer apk that I downloaded from the internet - I click on the apk in file manager and then click on the "market" option rather than the "install" option. I am then given a screen where I can "enable" the Iplayer, and it then appears again as a usable app.
If I go into settings when the app is enabled it shows as a system app, rather than a downloaded app (as does the proprietary version of the Amazon video player.)
One of the reasons that I like Android is that it has less of the "big brothery" stuff than IOS (or a Roku, for that matter.) So it pisses me off that the device I paid for is actively frustrating my watching what I want to watch with an app which is on the machine. I'm not saying that Nvidia should be providing me with a VPN connection, but on the other hand it shouldn't be actively blocking me from what I want to do.
Short of hooking up to a VPN 24/7,any ideas as to how to stop this disabling of the app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for bringing up an old topic. Anyone use smart dns for BBC iPlayer on smart TV?
I want to stream it to my TV without VPN. Also how to install BBC iPlayer application to smart TV if iam outside UK now?
Here is how to fix an error similar to this: App "Won't run without google play services which are not supported by your device" on Firestick 2.
There was an older thread here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/installing-google-play-service-rooted-t3574088 that updated info from here http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-inst...amazon-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick-without-root/ but both are outdated at least for the apps I am using. Also, they did not list the source for their working version for when the tutorial gets dated.
Only two steps are required.
For now, https://www.apkmirror.com/ has the most up to date version and seems to update daily. You can use a sideloaded Google Browser or the AFTV browser in the Downloader App (enable JavaScript in settings) that is provided in the Amazon Firestick Store.
1. Go to source website (they do not have an app) and search Google Play Store for ANDROID TV. Ensure you download the version that explicitly states (Android TV) in the title. The ones that were not titled did not work even though the description said for Android TV.
2. On the same website search and download Google Play Services for Android TV
That is it. No need to download anything else, no need to log in, or even click the apps you downloaded. Since the website does not have an app, it won't auto update but hopefully, your apps do not require a constantly updated store.
I did this and the play store never loads. Advice?
total7kaos said:
I did this and the play store never loads. Advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The play store does not need to load. This guide is not for getting a functioning play store but to allow apps that require Google Play Services to function.
Thank you, bro. Last time I downloaded 4 files including a PlayStore, this is excellent.
velayo said:
Thank you, bro. Last time I downloaded 4 files including a PlayStore, this is excellent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome. I know, it was much simpler than the older tutorials made it out to be. Also by listing the source, hopefully, this tutorial can be relevant for a very long time.
What do you mean source web site?
Nm I got it thanks bunches
You rock, thank you!
Just to clarify as I got a bit confused at the beginning.
1. From APK mirror download 2 APKS with these names in the title, get the latest version.
-1. Google Play Store (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-store-android-tv
- 2. Google Play services (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services-android-tv
2. They can be downloaded from the device via a browser (enable java)) or side loaded.
3. Once you have them on the device, install them but no need to launch them. I installed 1 and then 2.
4. Launch your app that threw the error before and now it should work.
melonboy666 said:
You rock, thank you!
Just to clarify as I got a bit confused at the beginning.
1. From APK mirror download 2 APKS with these names in the title, get the latest version.
-1. Google Play Store (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-store-android-tv
- 2. Google Play services (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services-android-tv
2. They can be downloaded from the device via a browser (enable java)) or side loaded.
3. Once you have them on the device, install them but no need to launch them. I installed 1 and then 2.
4. Launch your app that threw the error before and now it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is all I did and it worked.
Side note. I personally use the https://apkpure.com/ because it has an actual app store. I could not find the correct version on there but once I used the APK mirror one, the Pure store was able to find and update it and it worked. Maybe it was a one time deal but thought I would mention it. That might make it easier than continuing to use a browser. However, apps don't seem to require the newest version of Play, so no big deal either way.
Didn't work for me
Did not work for me. Any chance to confirm the working versions?
I'm on:
Fire TV Gen2 / Fire OS 5.2.6.0 (FireTV Home version 6.0.0.0-264)
I used-
Google Play Store (Android TV) v. 8.0.2.8 ( 8.0.28.R-xhdpi (8) (PR) 163004339)
Google Play Services (Android TV) 11.7.46 (836-175121617) (11746836)
^^- There were newer versions, but the new versions were all betas and I didn't want to fool with that.
I get same errors as the OP- "App "Won't run without google play services which are not supported by your device"
For what it's worth I'm trying to use my (paid for) version of realMyst.
Any help? Thanks!
Racer_X_ said:
Did not work for me. Any chance to confirm the working versions?
I'm on:
Fire TV Gen2 / Fire OS 5.2.6.0 (FireTV Home version 6.0.0.0-264)
I used-
Google Play Store (Android TV) v. 8.0.2.8 ( 8.0.28.R-xhdpi (8) (PR) 163004339)
Google Play Services (Android TV) 11.7.46 (836-175121617) (11746836)
^^- There were newer versions, but the new versions were all betas and I didn't want to fool with that.
I get same errors as the OP- "App "Won't run without google play services which are not supported by your device"
For what it's worth I'm trying to use my (paid for) version of realMyst.
Any help? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, even if it is an older version, it should give you an “update error” not a “not supported error”
My apkpure app has updated the Google Play Store but not the Services.
Currently my Google Play Services is 11.5.09 (836-164803921) Try this first.
and my store which just updated now is 8.3.75.U-all [0] [FP] 173942022
This is what is working for me right now. Let me know if that works.
allusernamestaken said:
Hmm, even if it is an older version, it should give you an “update error” not a “not supported error”
My apkpure app has updated the Google Play Store but not the Services.
Currently my Google Play Services is 11.5.09 (836-164803921) Try this first.
and my store which just updated now is 8.3.75.U-all [0] [FP] 173942022
This is what is working for me right now. Let me know if that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for the quick reply... and for your help, generally. So- some slight progress, I guess.....
The app starts to load, but now I get the error- "This app requires the latest version of the Google Play Games app." with the option to cancel or install. Install leads to the error- This version of the app isn't compatible with your device. To fix this problem, go to Settings and uninstall updates for the Google Play Store app."
I guess I could try installing that next. I see there are (Android TV) versions of that app. Any suggestions which one(s) might be confirmed working for my OS?
Also- Is there not some way to modify an app so that it plays but doesn't need to reach out to google play? But that method probably wouldn't be the same method for all apps then (so not useful to try and figure out b/c limited use). These google apps eat up a lot of space on the very limited Amazon internal storage. Haven't tried to move them to external yet.
Also also- How did you get brakets ( ][) in your post? The site won't let me put them in, saying bbcode is forbidden.
allusernamestaken said:
Hmm, even if it is an older version, it should give you an “update error” not a “not supported error”
My apkpure app has updated the Google Play Store but not the Services.
Currently my Google Play Services is 11.5.09 (836-164803921) Try this first.
and my store which just updated now is 8.3.75.U-all [0] [FP] 173942022
This is what is working for me right now. Let me know if that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I did go ahead and install a Google Play Games, just for fun. This one:
5.3.98 (174057789.174057789-046) (Not the most recent but only a couple weeks old)
Didn't work. Got a blank screen on loading realMyst. Then I tried something- I moved realMyst from the the SDdrive to internal storage. THAT seemed to help. For a bit.
With rM on internal storage, google play games started up. But it wanted me to log in:
x'ing out - went to a black screen permanently
choosing 'use an account' or 'login with account' somthing like that- went to a black screen permanently
choosing 'use google play services' - went to a black screen permanently.
I'm getting tired of that having to be on internal storage issue... The Fire TV has so little internal memory... what a hassle. Unless maybe if I move all 4 services out the sd drive......
And anyway it still doesn't work.
Any suggestions, generally, on google play games version, internal/sd location, etc. would be appreciated. But I'm coming up to my wall, at least for this round....
I bought this thing, secondarily, for the game capability. But their game selection stinks. (Chose this over shield b/c I only really want app games on tv, and I use it for tv/media as well. Seemed more solid. And less expensive.)
Anyway... les sigh.
The app starts to load, but now I get the error- "This app requires the latest version of the Google Play Games app." with the option to cancel or install. Install leads to the error- This version of the app isn't compatible with your device. To fix this problem, go to Settings and uninstall updates for the Google Play Store app."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did it just start to work or did you wind up changing the versions? This would help future users. Slight progress but another snag for your issue I see.
Also- Is there not some way to modify an app so that it plays but doesn't neDidn't work. Got a blank screen on loading realMyst. Then I tried something- I moved realMyst from the the SDdrive to internal storage. THAT seemed to help. For a bit.ed to reach out to google play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Way above my layman knowledge to answer that. It is stupid that apps even require Google Play unless needed to function.. There are many devices and stores that are not Google.
Now this method is really to fool apps that don’t really even need to use Google Play but for some reason require it. I am not familiar with Google Play Games but does your app actually need a FUNCTIONING Google service to work? If so than......
EDIT:
From my quick review Google Play Games says “Games get more fun with the Google Play Games app. Browse and compete with friends, track your achievements, and pick up where you left off, on any device. As you master more games, show off your skills in your gamer profile. Record your gameplay and share it to YouTube. Play the world, anywhere in the world, all from one place“.
So from this description it appears you might need the real and not fictitious Google since it seems the game actually utilizes its framework or api to “compete with friends, track achievements and pick up where you left off on any device”. If that is the case.......not an easy fix.
Also also- How did you get brakets ( ][) in your post? The site won't let me put them in, saying bbcode is forbidden.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just used the iPad and [][]
allusernamestaken said:
Did it just start to work or did you wind up changing the versions? Slight progress but another snag I see.
Now this method is really to fool apps that don’t really even need to use Google Play but for some reason require it. I am not familiar with Google Play Games but does your app actually need a FUNCTIONING Google service to work? If so than......
I just used the iPad and [][]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh no, I should have specified- I installed the versions you suggested. Restarted, and open rM (realMyst). That's when I got to the Google Play Games requirement. Looking back, other versions I tried may have said that (Need-Games) and I didn't notice the difference. Moot point, we're on this path now.
So that's when I installed the above version of Google Games. Restarted. Started rM. Got to the 'choose a way to log in' errors, above.
To the best of my knowledge, rM doesn't need google play store or games. I'm not sure why it ever would, actually.. But it's single player, I think it's 'coninuous save', but you don't have multiple save games/points. There is no multiplayer, and no in-app purchases (that I recall). realMyst is a port of an old pc game, called Myst. They had a sequel, called Riven. This is just an android version of that old game. It's a first person explore and puzzle-solve game. Had great graphics for back then. Same kinda deal as like Out of This World (which will run on my Fire.)
And ur lucky with the brackets, I had to edit all the file names to remove then. And also just figure out that it was the brackets that were the problem. I have no idea what bbcode is, lol...
Racer_X_ said:
Oh no, I should have specified- I installed the versions you suggested. Restarted, and open rM (realMyst). That's when I got to the Google Play Games requirement. Looking back, other versions I tried may have said that (Need-Games) and I didn't notice the difference. Moot point, we're on this path now.
in-app purchases (that I recall). a...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably, I don’t see how an updated version of the correct file would error. Moot for you but not future users:angel:
I was editing my previous comment while you were apparently still here.
I added
From my quick review Google Play Games says “Games get more fun with the Google Play Games app. Browse and compete with friends, track your achievements, and pick up where you left off, on any device. As you master more games, show off your skills in your gamer profile. Record your gameplay and share it to YouTube. Play the world, anywhere in the world, all from one place“.
So from this description it appears you might need the real and not fictitious Google since it seems the game actually utilizes its framework or api to “compete with friends, track achievements and pick up where you left off on any device”. If that is the case.......not an easy fix.
allusernamestaken said:
Probably, I don’t see how an updated version of the correct file would error. Moot for you but not future users:angel:
From my quick review Google Play Games says “Games get more fun with the Google Play Games app. Browse and compete with friends, track your achievements, and pick up where you left off, on any device. As you master more games, show off your skills in your gamer profile. Record your gameplay and share it to YouTube. Play the world, anywhere in the world, all from one place“.
So from this description it appears you might need the real and not fictitious Google since it seems the game actually utilizes its framework or api to “compete with friends, track achievements and pick up where you left off on any device”. If that is the case.......not an easy fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My assumption was that newer versions would be better programmed to figure out that they were on a Fire and to stop working. Just like any kind of copy-protection. So that only older or 'adjusted' versions would work.
So I just loaded it up on my phone. First screen- permissions. Asks for camera, mic, other stuff, I forget what exactly. But I clicked 'don't ask again' and "Deny". The app says something about 'won't be able to save games without storage permissions'. Ok, fine for now, whatever.
Then, yes, Google Play does prompt me to create a Gamer ID (A google play account, I suppose.) My options are 'learn more' and 'Next'. This I've seen other apps do, sometime pretty insistently. But this time I can simply back out of it (The android back button on the phone). And this sends me straight to the game. The game opens, etc.
It does look like there are saved games (bookmarks). I can go back and play with the storage permissions (on my phone, at least.)
Many games will prompt to create a gamer ID. Some can be quite naggy. But at some point I can always back out and continue without.
Does that help at all? I kinda get that we're coming to the end of the road...
Racer_X_ said:
My assumption was that newer versions would be better programmed to figure out that they were on a Fire and to stop working. Just like any kind of copy-protection. So that only older or 'adjusted' versions would work.
So I just loaded it up on my phone. First screen- permissions. Asks for camera, mic, other stuff, I forget what exactly. But I clicked 'don't ask again' and "Deny". The app says something about 'won't be able to save games without storage permissions'. Ok, fine for now, whatever.
Then, yes, Google Play does prompt me to create a Gamer ID (A google play account, I suppose.) My options are 'learn more' and 'Next'. This I've seen other apps do, sometime pretty insistently. But this time I can simply back out of it (The android back button on the phone). And this sends me straight to the game. The game opens, etc.
It does look like there are saved games (bookmarks). I can go back and play with the storage permissions (on my phone, at least.)
Many games will prompt to create a gamer ID. Some can be quite naggy. But at some point I can always back out and continue without.
Does that help at all? I kinda get that we're coming to the end of the road...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to start a separate thread asking about the Google Play Games error. I am not that technically savvy but I decided to create an account and pay it forward since the other outdated thread which showed how to install Google Play Music pointed me in the right direction. I noticed that most people just needed the Play Store, so I basically cut the steps to make it easier and showed them where to always get the most up to date version.
This thread almost got you there, so maybe like Google Play Music, someone will be able to chime in.
THIS MIGHT HELP but again I am no expert and just speculating.
The Google Play Music Tutorial which I linked to on my first post had two extra steps which allowed you to log in with your Google Account credentials.
Maybe that login is what you need here to fool it and bypass the error.
So maybe try on the same APK site installing Google Services Framework and Google Account Manager
allusernamestaken said:
You might want to start a separate thread asking about the Google Play Games error....So maybe try on the same APK site installing Google Services Framework and Google Account Manager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that sounds like a plan. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it!
Rx
it works but not 100% - teamviewer but not youtube.tv --- really need a solution swtched from directvnow to youtube.tv and it only works on chromecast and phones.
Got it working
Success after some trial and error: My intention was to get Minecraft working on the FireStick since the Amazon version has no joystick support. So I bought version 1.2.8.0 from Google Play Store for $7 (downloaded and installed to Android compatible device), used SDMaid to backup the .apk file and then sideloaded it to the Firestick using ESExplorer over my network (there are dozens of ways to get the .apk file and sideload it to the FireStick). I then dowloaded the exact versions of Google packages from this tutorial https://flixed.io/install-google-play-fire-tv-stick/
*I tried the newest versions and they do not work (as has been experienced in this thread), it has to be the older packages, regardless if the minimum API matches the Fire OS SDK 22 or whatever.
Again, there are dozens of ways to download the Google packages from apkmirror.com and install them to your Fire TV (no mystery).
Google Play version of MincraftPE 1.2.8.0 working with generic PS3 style bluetooth controller on Fire TV Stick 2 FireOS 5.2.6.1:fingers-crossed:
HOW I DISABLED Google Playservices for INSTANT Apps
DISCLAIMER: Tweaking these apps and services can leave you with a broken, non-functional, steaming, smoking, screaming device; proceed at your own
risk. Just because I got it to work, doesn't mean it will work for you. I am not responsible for your PEBKAC errors. All Google stuff on my devices is extensively neutered, if it's not on your this may not work. I prevent updates to Play Store and Play services and the brunt of services run by those apps are disabled there's too much there to be covered in a simple guide but this instruction is what FINALLY clipped INSTANT APP'S wings.
I thought I'd found a way to prevent it from re-installing itself, but after two days it did, but at least this turns it off and keeps it from hogging battery and as much memory. As many have pointed out, freezing doesn't, but but turning off the SERVICES as outlined here, it slows it down a lot.
ROOT IS REQUIRED, the only way to block it without root I know of is disable the Play Store, go someplace else for that and don't hijack this information, it's not about using 3C, facebook, Play store, relationship problems or political unrest, it's about STOPPING Google's Apps: Play Store & Play Services from installing "Playservices for INSTANT Apps"
I think the PLAY STORE downloads and installs “Playservices for INSTANT Apps” under control of services run by PLAY Services
RECOMMENDATION: Every release of Play Store and Play services potentinally includes NEW services that might affect this solution. I recommend each time they are updated you check for NEW items that might trigger installation of Instant apps.
THE SOLUTION:
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Using 3C All-in-One Toolbox" from 3c71 dot com
"Manage">"Application manager">"Apps">"Google Play store">"Manage">"Permissions">"Activities">search (with magnifying glass on toolbar)
input package name "instantapps to filter and uncheck items. Do the same for "Providers", "Receivers" and "Services"
"Manage">
"Application manager">
"Apps">
"Google Play services">
"Manage">
"Permissions">
"Activities">search (with magnifying glass on toolbar)
input package name "instantapps to filter and uncheck items. Do the same for "Providers", "Receivers" and "Services"
NOW, UNINSTALL/DELETE/REMOVE the app: Google Playservices for INSTANT Apps.
"Manage">
"Application manager">
"Apps">
"Google Play store">
"Manage">
Uninstall
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This is working for me on Samsung Galaxy S5 (G900V Lollipop), Core Prime (G360T), Core Prime G360V, J1 (J100M), LG VS810P and MemuPlay Emulator.
Call it what you want, Malware, Spyware, Shovelware, Vaporware, Bloatware to me Google Playservices for INSTANT Apps is all those things. I saw Google Playservices for INSTANT Apps on my phone December 2018 and cringed. It's taken me almost 4 months to come up with this working solution. When I say WORKING, I mean it prevents Google Playservices for INSTANT Apps from reinstalling and still leaves Google Play Store functional.
THANK YOU! to the dev of 3C All-in-One Toolbox for providing their awesome tools.