Database Users

[Q] Android apps suddenly not compatible with my NC?

I've been collecting free apps from Amazon on my rooted NC for awhile now. At the time I got each of these apps, they were listed as "compatible" with my device.
Now suddenly a lot of them are not, and I am unable to go back and re-install the ones that I had removed.
Even worse, pretty much everything I've tried so far today to grab has come up as incompatible. Even really simple stuff that should have no problem running.
Oddly, at some point early on, Amazon listed my device as simply "Nook Color". Most of the apps are still showing as compatible with that device. Unfortunately, that's not what Amazon thinks my NC is anymore! I now have a second device on my list called "BarnesAndNoble NOOKcolor", which almost nothing is compatible with.
So then I wanted to check to see if Amazon was behind this, maybe to screw B&N fans. But nope! The Android Marketplace lists every game I've checked so far today as incompatible with my NC!!!
That's certainly news to me, considering some of the games I checked are currently installed on my NC and work perfectly.
I'm not sure what's going on here, but it's sort of scaring me. Who's locking down my rooted NC? If the official android marketplace says everything is incompatible... there aren't a lot of options for getting apps.

Do search with "Market" keyword, you will see about 10 threads with many responses and instructions how to fix this.

votinh said:
Do search with "Market" keyword, you will see about 10 threads with many responses and instructions how to fix this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are quite a few threads found that way, but none of the ones I read helped. I did the "stop/restart Framework/Google and reload" and nothing changed. Most of the others seem to be related to problems with the new market, which was working perfectly for me up until today, or problems run into right after rooting. I've been rooted for about 5 months with no market problems of any kind, and I haven't changed anything on my NC for over a month.
I also tried clearing the settings for the Amazon market and also deregistered the device from my amazon account, forcing it to re-register. Still no luck.
Anyone else seeing this, or have another suggestion?

My old market and new market were working fine too, just like yours, until a few days ago. If you try the 160 dpi/reboot/clear-data-from-market procedure below and that doesn't work, then you may have a totally unique problem that just happens to have the same variety of symptoms everyone else is having. (I'm doubtful.) This procedure seems to be fixing the problem for almost everyone else. Did you try it? It fixed mine.
1) set dpi to 160 in build.prop
2) reboot
3) clear market app data (force close first may help?)
4) restart market, accept terms, let it rebuild data at 160 dpi
5) profit
the above we all seem to agree on now. Next steps are more speculative
6) set dpi back to 161 (or whatever you had)
7) reboot
8) profit indefinitely (unknown how long this lasts; I rebooted >5 times including flashing a nightly w/o issue)
9) do NOT clear data again as this rebuilds data at the wrong dpi again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks, I had tried the first half, but not the second. I used manual nooter, so my dpi entries originally looked like:
ro.sf.lcd_density.xdpi=169.3333
ro.sf.lcd_density.ydpi=169.3333
I don't know if that makes a difference.
Anyway, I just tried the second half of the above process but I'm still showing as incompatible. I wonder if I need to re-noot.

Everyone trying to be helpful here seems to miss the poster's dilemma. He is talking about the Amazon Market, not the Android Market. Hopefully someone familiar with the workings of the Amazon Market will chime in with some suggestions.

My original problem was with Amazon's market, but it looks like that's just a symptom of the bigger problem that I noticed first because I use it every day, as opposed to much less frequent use of the android market.
But the Android market suffers the same problem and from what I've read online it sounds like the problem was started with changes by Google that Amazon also adopted.

Interestingly I noticed this for the first time last night on the Android market and this morning with the Amazon market. Ebook downloads presently are unaffected to my rooted NC. Amazon recognizes my device as an Android but when I tried to make an app purchase this morning it suddenly tried to download it to a BN Nook. Amazon emailed me this morning saying that unless I have their market preloaded by the manufacturer they do not support it. Collusion?

I got the "not compatible" message after installing the most recent update from the Amazon App Store. Fortunately, I have the very first app store apk. I uninstalled the updated app store, then installed the old apk, logged in and then updated it and for some reason that worked for me. You might try not updating also to see if that works. I am not using CM7 though and I'm not manualnootered. I'm minirooted meaning I can side load apps and have superuser access, but no Android Market access and some other things.
I have attached the apk I used. I hope it works for you.

unibroker said:
Interestingly I noticed this for the first time last night on the Android market and this morning with the Amazon market. Ebook downloads presently are unaffected to my rooted NC. Amazon recognizes my device as an Android but when I tried to make an app purchase this morning it suddenly tried to download it to a BN Nook. Amazon emailed me this morning saying that unless I have their market preloaded by the manufacturer they do not support it. Collusion?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A better question would be is Amazon trying to bork the Nook Color with their app?

Anyone else have a suggestion for getting the Android Market working again for me?
thanks for the APK, I'll try it when I have a chance... But since the Android market from Google doesn't work either I'm hoping for a fix to that.

If you make the change in your build.prop “ro.product.manufacturer=BarnesAndNoble” to “ro.product.manufacturer=samsung” then reboot the device. This seems to fix most of the device compatibility problems in the Amazon appstore. I went down the top 100 paid and free app list, and the only apps that came up with the compatibility problems after doing this are,
Soundhound
Peggle
Thumb keyboard
Trainz simulator THD
Chuzzle
Talking Tom Cat
flexT9
GrooVe IP
Ultra Voice Changer
TV.com
Compass
Also attached is the amazon appstore v.1.14, it has the double click buying fix, but does not give all the compatibility issues. With installing this version does fix the compatibility problem, but you will be constantly hounded with the update reminder.

I don't use Facebook, but I was able to find, install and open the Facebook app with the new market. Do the density change using 240. Its more stable than 160 for whatever reason.

GMPOWER said:
If you make the change in your build.prop “ro.product.manufacturer=BarnesAndNoble” to “ro.product.manufacturer=samsung” then reboot the device. This seems to fix most of the device compatibility problems in the Amazon appstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately it had no effect. The first four apps i tried not on your list all came up incompatible, as did stuff on the google market.
I'll try your attachment to see if it helps. Thx!

kayak and tripit does not install
Running MN4.5 on NC. Kayak and Tripit are visible in Market and downloads - but I get a window that just says "error".
Any suggestions?

GMPOWER said:
Also attached is the amazon appstore v.1.14, it has the double click buying fix, but does not give all the compatibility issues. With installing this version does fix the compatibility problem, but you will be constantly hounded with the update reminder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The old version of the market is working! I was able to install a number of apps that didn't previously work.
Now if I could just get the Google market to work!

Thanks for that link!
I was having the same problem with the AMAZON appstore (but not the android marketplace, for some reason) but I couldn't find the old amazon appstore apk. Going back to it totally fixed the problem. But you're right, the constant reminders to update the apk are a pain in the whatsus.

Also try going into application management and goto market and tap uninstall updates. Also use titanium backup or similar program to freeze market updater.
By what I read, I bet amazon is trying to block the competition because they are fixing to come out with their own tablets and by horning something like the nook you might be enticed to buy their tablet.
I voided my warranty and your mum.

My markets all seem to do whatever the f*ck they want the moment i need an application that was perfectly available minutes before. What i've done to get around the issue if neither the market or the amazon store have what i'm looking for is: (i know its tedious but hey it works)
1) install astro
2) using your android phone assuming you have one, download the applications you want regardless of them being compatible with the nook color according to the android market.
3) once your files are installed on your phone use astro to create a backup of the .apk files you want (open astro > menu > tools > application manager/backup)
4) i then take my sd card out of my phone and pop it into my nook color and install my apps through w.e file manager it is i have on the nook color
all the games that i cant normally download onto my nook through the official methods i've been able to install and play through the method i've been using. not ALL apps will allow you to back them up though =/

Open Source Apps

Hi guys,
Being OmniRom an open source oriented ROM, probably most of us try to use Open Source apps as possible. So what about share our preferred ones?
Here goes mines
Mail: aosp or K-9
Calendar: aosp
Keyboard: aosp
Chat: Whattsapp, Hangouts. Telegram too but not many of my friends use it unfortunately
Cloud: Owncloud. Thinking in creating my own cloud with it also.
Social: Twidere, G+.
Search engine: DDG (Google sometimes when I don't find something)
To do: ?? haven't found a good one for my needs yet, I want sync.... MyOwnNotes is too much basic yet but hoping it gets upgraded. Testing Mirakel also.
File Manager: CM File Manager
News: Feedly; still trying to learn how to use ownCloud News Reader. Pocket; in the way to learn how In the Poche exactly works...
Browser: Firefox
Video player: VLC
Music player: Apollo
Navigator: OsmAnd
Reading: CoolReader or FBReader. Amazon one also sometimes, I got some books there.
Others
Github official client, aLogcat or Catlog, AdAway, DavDroid and some others that I dont remember...
What about your preferred open source apps?? Any better option than mine?
Greetings!

Some of those aren't open source, although they're at least freely available from the Play Store.
I always have OsmAnd installed for when I'm in a place with no network coverage (gmaps will fail here).
While OsmAnd is GPL, updating from the Play Store requires a paid version of the app for full functionality. (This is perfectly legal under the GPL as complete source for the paid version is available. I consider the Play Store builds to be a "support service" myself and YES - I do pay for OsmAnd+ to facilitate my laziness. )
There are a number of opensource apps we'd like to include with Omni, but the nature of package signing in Android makes it difficult to do this except by grabbing prebuilts which we'd prefer not to do. (this is what CM does with Terminal Emulator.) I believe our inclusion of DashClock has caused some issues, which is why I'm considering putting in a patch that changes the package name to allow people to install the Play Store version without conflicts. (Similar to the patches I have in place to deconflict Google Camera with AOSP Camera.)

Entropy512 said:
Some of those aren't open source, although they're at least freely available from the Play Store.
I always have OsmAnd installed for when I'm in a place with no network coverage (gmaps will fail here).
While OsmAnd is GPL, updating from the Play Store requires a paid version of the app for full functionality. (This is perfectly legal under the GPL as complete source for the paid version is available. I consider the Play Store builds to be a "support service" myself and YES - I do pay for OsmAnd+ to facilitate my laziness. )
There are a number of opensource apps we'd like to include with Omni, but the nature of package signing in Android makes it difficult to do this except by grabbing prebuilts which we'd prefer not to do. (this is what CM does with Terminal Emulator.) I believe our inclusion of DashClock has caused some issues, which is why I'm considering putting in a patch that changes the package name to allow people to install the Play Store version without conflicts. (Similar to the patches I have in place to deconflict Google Camera with AOSP Camera.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I know some of them aren't Open Source, in some cases it's hard to find a OS apps that work as desired.
You're right, DashClock gives some problems when you try to actualize, it may be a better option letting it work trough Play Store.
Thanks 4 your time @Entropy512! :good:
Greetings

If you are interested in open source software for Android click the button in my signature
F-Droid might be what you are looking for

k-kuchen said:
If you are interested in open source software for Android click the button in my signature
F-Droid might be what you are looking for
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup what he said. Tons of open source apps on there
Sent from my SGH-T499 using XDA Free mobile app

k-kuchen said:
If you are interested in open source software for Android click the button in my signature
F-Droid might be what you are looking for
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup I know, I downloaded most of them from there

[Q] Network issue with installed apps

My nook Simple Touch is rooted used NookManager however I do not get network connectivity on third party apps.
The built in B&N apps and the browser work but the Amazon appstore and any sideloaded apps cannot connect to the internet.
I have even tried installing these apps to the system but that makes no difference.
Any help fixing this problem would be appreciated.
Thanks.

I've since installed the stock android 2.1 email application and that works fine. Confused as to why only these applications have a data connection but other third party ones don't.

tomb20 said:
I've since installed the stock android 2.1 email application and that works fine. Confused as to why only these applications have a data connection but other third party ones don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems kind of bizarre. If you don't have too much installed at this point I think maybe you should use NookManager to restore to factory and try the rooting process again after re-registering the device. Some subtle but vital piece of information is missing.

I have developed the same problem earlier this month. The Amazon Appstore only allows me to see apps I have previously installed. App searches on Amazon fail with a network connectivity problem.
I understand that postcode or phone number security questions have been recently introduced to the appstore login. Can anyone confirm that they can still access the appstore on a NookManager-rooted Nook?
I've just used NookManager's rescue option to successfully restore a year-old Nook image but the problem remains. The Opera Mobile browser opens but fails with an "Internal Service Failure" because the Amazon Appstore is inaccessible. ColorNotes does the same. Several other Amazon apps continue to work fine. Can I, perhaps, find a compatible browser and note app from Google Play and ignore Amazon altogether?
I guess I may have to do a factory rest, but I'll loose all my apps customization. Does a reset ensure the problem will cease?

I began to have trouble with the version of the Amazon App Store that comes with NookManager in short order after rooting some years back. Apps from the store (like Opera Mobile) were cranky and I would get random error messages about the App Store and its problems while reading or doing something else. I finally got rid of it and searched for app sources elsewhere.
I've attached a generic copy of Opera Mobile below. Works great for me although I found that altering the UAString gives better discrimination of sites that offer simpler mobile versions.
I suspect other connectivity issues are due to the Amazon App Store problems as you describe them.

nmyshkin said:
I've attached a generic copy of Opera Mobile below. Works great for me although I found that altering the UAString gives better discrimination of sites that offer simpler mobile versions.
I suspect other connectivity issues are due to the Amazon App Store problems as you describe them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your generic Opera Mobile works fine once I realized that, for installation, apps like this need to be moved to /system/app and run! I now realize that my early attempts to replace the Amazon version had failed for the same reason. Amazon appstore is no longer a problem, so I thank you.
As for the UAString, I generally prefer desktop view to mobile view, because it's more comprehensive. I'm still hunting for a generic ColorNotes but that matters little.

Joydeck said:
Your generic Opera Mobile works fine once I realized that, for installation, apps like this need to be moved to /system/app and run! I now realize that my early attempts to replace the Amazon version had failed for the same reason. Amazon appstore is no longer a problem, so I thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why your Opera needs to be in the /system/app folder to run properly. Mine is in /data/app and works just fine, but the main thing is that you got it working for you!

Regain Market access on your NST/G

I ran across this "solution" while investigating ways to avoid installing GApps on low-RAM tablets. It is not a perfect solution but if you want to be able to search, browse, etc., and download/install PlayStore apps right on your device, this may serve that purpose.
The app is called the Yalp Store and is available on F-Droid: https://f-droid.org/packages/com.github.yeriomin.yalpstore/
It runs just fine on the NST/G. Options are accessed via the menu "button". As default configured, it uses a generic shared login to access the PlayStore. You could substitute your own credentials, but I would advise against this as using this app would probably make the big G very angry. Search works fine, apps that are not compatible are listed as such and you can set the app to instantly download/install, just like the real thing. The app keeps track of your on-board apps, and can even be set to check for updates (probably unwise, as updates are likely to break functionality for our old devices).
Does this mean I don't need GApps?
Maybe, but probably not. One of the other things I discovered while pursuing this issue is that an increasing number of PlayStore apps which have nothing to do with Google sync or logins, incorporate a Google Framework Services API. So you may be able to download and install them but they will either refuse to run or else whine constantly about needing said Services to be installed. While GApps on the NST/G is not good for much these days except maybe Google Books sync, its hidden system files--which include the Services--may be needed to run PlayStore apps (like even the NPR app--go figure).
There are a few Xposed modules I tried that appear to be able to circumvent this issue (though not for apps requiring Google sync), but you're not going to get Xposed on the NST/G!
Anyway, there are a lot of other places to get apps (like the F-Droid store itself) but even if you get a "PlayStore" app from one of these sources, it may refuse to run if you don't have the GApps package installed. The Yalp Store app indicates which apps rely on GFS.
Edit: oh, and quickest way to exit the app is Settings > More > Log Out
Edit-Edit: no need for GApps except for Google Books. See https://forum.xda-developers.com/nook-touch/general/gapps-install-tested-confirmed-t3782459

the yalp apk installed but it isn't opening ...

aiamuzz said:
the yalp apk installed but it isn't opening ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow...something majorly funky going on there with the packages at F-Doid and the GitHub. Version 0.32 is as you describe. Versions 0.31-0.30 install with a lot of Chinese characters in the title bar and then do not run. Version 0.29 from the GitHub gives a package parsing error like it's for the wrong Android version.
Version 0.28 from the GitHub is the newest that functions for me (although the anonymous login is broken). I've attached a copy below and I've made an issue report to the developer via the GitHub.
Edit: here is the response I received to my report of the issue to the developer: "Apparently, new build-tools (specifically aapt2) generate apks which are unusable on old androids.". So....it's not clear whether this will be addressed or not. One of the intents of the simplicity of the Yalp Store was to keep it available to Android systems as old as 2.0. Version 0.28 functions fine except for the anonymous login. If you use your own Google login you should be good, although you might want to open a separate account just for that purpose--to be safe.

update
Just a heads-up on the Yalp Store. The issues with installation, etc., seem to have been resolved with version 0.33 (available via the developer GitHub as of this writing, but not yet on F-Droid).
I had an issue or two at first with search but after exiting and reopening the app everything seemed to work fine. Categories are a little slow, but they do work.

[Guide] Installing Google Play Service on Non-Rooted Firestick 2

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.
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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...
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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
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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: