Google apps not available...in my country ! WTF?

LateNiteMike · March 26th, 2012, 06:32 AM

I'm getting pretty pissed about getting an message that says 'Now available in your country' when trying to download GOOGLE APPS !!!......Like Google Earth, Google Voice, and now I'm finding with Google Chrome Beta browser !

This is real BS. If it works 'there' why can't it work 'HERE' ??? !!!

I mean....what the hell is the deal?......Server problem?...Security problem?...IP problem?...Marketing problem?...some kind of a Lazy...or perhaps Stupid problem?

C'mon Google,....just what in the HELL is the 'problem' ????????????? !!!!!!!!!!

JAy3001 · March 26th, 2012, 06:56 AM

None of the above, they just don't want or are not allowed their apps in your current country. You could I guess just download the APK's and install them. I think another way is to root and adjust your country details so you can place yourself in the U.K or U.S. I have heard of people doing this with cheap Chinese ripoff tablets/phones so their market works correctly.

LateNiteMike · March 27th, 2012, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAy3001

None of the above, they just don't want or are not allowed their apps in your current country. You could I guess just download the APK's and install them. I think another way is to root and adjust your country details so you can place yourself in the U.K or U.S. I have heard of people doing this with cheap Chinese ripoff tablets/phones so their market works correctly.

Well, I hear what you're saying,...but....that doesn't get to the root cause of the situation as I see it. I mean, saying 'they don't want the apps' or 'the apps are not allowed' doesn't provide an answer as to WHY/WHY NOT.
I can't imagine why the usage of the apps I mentioned being any kind of a problem, for anyone, and that includes myself, Google, my IP provider, or any government agency.
On top of that, it's like you stated, there are ways to get the apps anyway, so what's to be gained by restricting access and availability of these certain apps?

The whole issue just baffles me. I just don't get it. In my opinion it just doesn't make any sense.
I appreciate the feedback but I'm still left trying to get a satisfying reason as to WHY the apps are not available (here).
In other words, if they have decided 'they don't want to'....then WHY don't they want to?
If they say 'it's not allowed'...then WHY aren't they allowed?
See my reasoning?

Besides,.....I've always been the one to ask WHY?

It's just part of my nature. While some people are willing to accept....'That's our policy' or 'That's just the way it is'....I still want to know the reason why. Ha !

As we learned in the 60's (and I haven't forgot).....QUESTION AUTHORITY.

tools4fools · March 31st, 2012, 01:20 AM

In the same boat here.

Dunno who is the bad guy - google or Thailand (or Cambodia, not working there either). Is it google that doesn't allow it in those countries or are it the countries themselves?

However found a work around on the net:
Search the net for the relevant apk files, download them tp your PC and then move the apk manually on your phone and install it from there.

Had Earth on my phone, wouldn't update, so I stupidly deleted it to try new install with new version...
Now downloading several apk's from the net, then try one after the other (said on the net not all working, so try several).

Search version specific, like "google earth apk android 2.3.5" or somefink like that.
+++++

tools4fools · March 31st, 2012, 01:25 AM

Ah, you can do it within your phone as well, with its broweser:
Installing apps not available to your device's country.

albyone · June 12th, 2012, 09:01 PM

Market Enabler

BUT, you gotta be rooted

'nuff said. Go look for it on the web, manually transfer it to your phone, install the apk, run it, set it to a different carrier, open G market and see your not-allowed apps, suddenly show up.

When finished, switch to airplane mode, wait 15 seconds, switch back to normal mode, and all is OK

apater · September 4th, 2012, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LateNiteMike

just what in the HELL is the 'problem' ????????????? !!!!!!!!!!

IP, as in "intellectual property". Google is nervous about distributing technologies that involve encryption or 3rd party map data to countries that it thinks don't go far enough to protect its or its partners private property.

Ranger48 · October 11th, 2012, 11:06 AM

All pretty stupid, whatever the reason. I live in South Africa and I can install Google Earth on my PC, so why not on my tablet? Maybe I should sue Google for showing my house on GE, thereby invading my privacy?

8lackie · November 17th, 2012, 02:30 PM

just ran across this too while on vacation abroad. VPN works wonderfully for getting around this problem.

KouDy · December 6th, 2012, 01:46 AM

Well app not available in your country happened to me with SWTOR authenticator when i was trying to install it when i was in Malaysia. I remember i called customer support for Star Wars in Ireland (on different topic but since i had them on the line i asked them about this too) and they told me it's google problem. He said they do not put any restrictions what so ever on their application so that they cannot help me.

So i concluded it can be both. Google as well as application creator who can restrict regions in the google market.

Fortunately for me i simply tried in about 2 days and magically it installed like nothing happened. Maybe i just needed reset or something...