Help Defective Unit? I REALLY hope not!

[Deleted User]

gTablet day 2, day one was mostly charging. So this morning I wanted to download from Amazon the one app I bought the gtab for but when I went to view the "Learn More" video for installing their app store it wouldn't run saying I needed flash and to 'click here'. the flash site says my unit doesn't support flash - WHAT?! the box says it does! calling viewsonics (long distance, no toll free) support they had me install of flash from their Favorites site. to test i was told to play a YouTube video. got the "sorry can't run this video" type of message. turning off and rebooting with the Volume+ pressed, another install of flash, still no YouTube. a couple more variations of these and I was told to send the gtab back to Amazon, it's a defective unit. /end of call Not so easily convinced I went back to the video on Amazon that sent me this way and lo and behold THAT one works but still no YouTube. Any ideas? It sounds like no one uses this machine as built and 15 years ago I was hacking with the best but now in my mid 40s I'm more cautious and kinda intimidated even with all the great compliments on how you all are so supportive. Anything I can try that doesn't involve rooting and ROMing (I'm really not even sure what these are!! )
blessings,
nance

 

[Pitamakan]

First off, I have to say it -- installing a custom ROM on the gTab is extremely easy, and there are very detailed, step-by-step instructions available. I really highly recommend it ... you'll notice an improvement in your Tab's usability that's nothing short of remarkable.

Short of that, though ... I'm wondering if you have the most recent version of the gTab's stock software on your device. Many or most of the gTabs that have been sold came with an older version of the standard ROM, and soon after you turned it on you should have gotten a notification to do an OTA (over the air) automatic update. Did that happen, and did you do it?

Go into the settings and check the software version of your device ... if it's not 3588 or higher, you need to get the OTA update. That may help the flash issue.

 

[xmr405o]

Are u sure u installed flash correctly? If you to applications, do you see flash installed?

Oh and btw, if you already know how to power up with volume +, I think ur already thru a quarter of the romming steps.

 

[Deleted User]

When I first powered on I didn't get the install prompt but he second time obsidian a full,power off hen on I did so I'm now on 3588. Likewise the first time Flash was already on, I alos noticed Angry Birds on the desktop too but then gone. I'm wondering if the YouTube app itself is defective. I downloaded another app from Amazon and that seems to work fine. Maybe once I'm satisfied the tablet is fine I'll probably give the upgrades a try. I assume there's a post with instructions I can search for?

 

[Pitamakan]

Maybe once I'm satisfied the tablet is fine I'll probably give the upgrades a try. I assume there's a post with instructions I can search for?

Yep ... kust go to the "All Things Root" sub-forum here, and the first post should have all the instructions you need ... and feel free to ask questions after reading that, if necessary.

As for your gTab, I really don't think you have to worry about it possibly being defective ... it definitely sounds like a software issue to me.

 

[Deleted User]

Totally agree esp. now.....I uninstalled the YouTube app I downloaded and really wasn't happy with anyway and the one it came with takes me to the website and I can access the full YouTube!?!? What-ev! as my kids say. Looks like I'll be digging my geek hat out of the closet this weekend and learning about rooting ;-)

 

[luvduchovny]

Don't worry harmonise, rooting a g-tab is ridiculously easy (as long as you read all the instructions). It's the first android device I've rooted. I have a phone, but I'm satisfied with it as is and haven't felt the need to root.