Incompatible apps

[Jimimac71]

I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab A from 2019 (SM-T510).
At least 5 apps I want are not compatible from the Google Play Store.

 

[ocnbrze]

I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab A from 2019 (SM-T510).
At least 5 apps I want are not compatible from the Google Play Store.

Not much you can do other than contact the developers.

 

[Jimimac71]

Not much you can do other than contact the developers.

I can't get any help from the app owners and nothing from developers found on the Play Store.
Got a welcome message from Android Forums (Rob), who claims most of the site is devoted to phones.
My tablet is not on your list of devices, only the 2017 model.
I don't see well enough to use a smartphone.
I have 10 inch tablets, nothing smaller.
Don't really want an iPad.

 

[Unforgiven]

I can't get any help from the app owners and nothing from developers found on the Play Store.
Got a welcome message from Android Forums (Rob), who claims most of the site is devoted to phones.
My tablet is not on your list of devices, only the 2017 model.
I don't see well enough to use a smartphone.
I have 10 inch tablets, nothing smaller.
Don't really want an iPad.

Rob is the site owner, but that is an automated response. It is really the members helping members here that make this place go. And don't be fooled by us few mods, we are volunteer members like anyone else, we just help keep the place organized. So let me be the first real person to say Welcome to Android Forums!!

While we can't fix your tablet or fix the apps, may let us know which apps they are. It is possible we know alternative apps that will work on your tablet and accomplish what you want.

 

[ocnbrze]

I can't get any help from the app owners and nothing from developers found on the Play Store.
Got a welcome message from Android Forums (Rob), who claims most of the site is devoted to phones.
My tablet is not on your list of devices, only the 2017 model.
I don't see well enough to use a smartphone.
I have 10 inch tablets, nothing smaller.
Don't really want an iPad.

Not sure what you want from us forum members. If an app is not compatible, there is nothing that you can do to change that..... other than have the developers make it so.

The only thing that we can do is suggest something equivalent like @Unforgiven had mentioned.

Which apps are we talking about?

 

[Jimimac71]

Rob is the site owner, but that is an automated response. It is really the members helping members here that make this place go. And don't be fooled by us few mods, we are volunteer members like anyone else, we just help keep the place organized. So let me be the first real person to say Welcome to Android Forums!!

While we can't fix your tablet or fix the apps, may let us know which apps they are. It is possible we know alternative apps that will work on your tablet and accomplish what you want.

Thanks! I followed the link to the app for this site and it isn't on the Play Store.
All the apps I want to use are just for convenience versus the website.
Unfortunately, there is no replacement for a couple of apps by Jacquie Lawson.
They can't help me, as if to say, Oh Well.
If I search the Play Store for one of these incompatible apps, I don't get any replies. Have to go to the website and click on their Play Store link. This is an odd coincidence.
Some apps only orient in portrait mode (phone mode).
I think Android concentrates on phones and not on tablets.
So if I go iPad, bye~bye Android, which would be unfortunate.
I would hate to invest in a Chromebook only to find apps are no better than on tablets.
Just so you know, this site was recommended to me by the MacRumors forum!

 

[Jimimac71]

Not sure what you want from us forum members. If an app is not compatible, there is nothing that you can do to change that..... other than have the developers make it so.

The only thing that we can do is suggest something equivalent like @Unforgiven had mentioned.

Which apps are we talking about?

I am not expecting magic from this forum. I have searched for answers and cleared cache and such from the Play Store App on my tablet. I expect apps to lack compatibility on my Amazon tablet. They don't endorse or support using the Play Store, but I do so anyway.
None of the apps I can't use have replacements. My banking app for example. So I use their website.
I briefly owned a Lenovo tablet, but returned it. The FM radio tuner was not there and was supposed to be. Their version of Android is pretty plain. Same issue with incompatible apps.
Guess I don't understand how an app can't be compatible.
If an app is not compatible with my Samsung tablet, one of the most popular behind Apple, why is that?
Is it not Google's Problem? It's their store.
I understand Android by now. An iPad would be like starting over.
These are the requirements for the Jacquie Lawson app I can't use:
Android (API Version 22+)
Android Phones and Tablets with Lollipop 5.1 and above
Don't know what API version means.

 

[Hadron]

Unfortunately, there is no replacement for a couple of apps by Jacquie Lawson.
They can't help me, as if to say, Oh Well.

Are these old apps? If so it's quite possible that the developers have stopped developing them. And if they've decided it costs them more to maintain them than they bring in, or they've just got bored and moved on, I'm afraid they aren't likely to restart support for one person. Sooner or later this happens to most apps, no matter what platform you are on, but happens quicker with small, independent developers.

If I search the Play Store for one of these incompatible apps, I don't get any replies. Have to go to the website and click on their Play Store link. This is an odd coincidence.

It's not a coincidence. If you visit the Play Store from your tablet it knows what device you are using and so only shows apps that are compatible with that device. If you visit from a browser it doesn't know what is compatible so shows you other apps as well - but when you try to install them and tell them what device you want to install on then it will tell you they are incompatible.

Some apps only orient in portrait mode (phone mode).
I think Android concentrates on phones and not on tablets.
So if I go iPad, bye~bye Android, which would be unfortunate.

Actually I know a few apps that are portrait-only on an iPad as well. Heck, I can think of one bank app that only shows a portrait-format box with big black bars either side when used on an iPad.

But you have to understand this isn't a matter of "Android concentrates on" anything: it's what the developer of the individual app chooses to do. If they are lazy and just code for phones, the app won't work well on tablets. My advice is don't reward poor developers by giving them their business (on Android or Apple platforms).

 

[Jimimac71]

Hey! Thanks!
Nice to know apps don't show up on the Play Store based on my device. I have 2 tablets using the same Google account.
One app by Jacquie Lawson is brand new.
I can only think of one app that works on my Samsung tablet but not my Amazon Fire tablet.
Zillow works on both but Trulia only on my Samsung. Same owners.
Maybe Amazon will improve their app store now that it will be compatible with Windows 11.
Lots of great help on my first day on Android Forums!

 

[Jimimac71]

Just for giggles I booted my original 2017 Amazon Fire 10.
Did a day one restore and installed the Play Store.
An additional six apps were not compatible.
I use one Google account for all devices.
Kind of annoying that it is what it is and I either live with it or go Apple.

 

[mikedt]

Just for giggles I booted my original 2017 Amazon Fire 10.
Did a day one restore and installed the Play Store.
An additional six apps were not compatible.
I use one Google account for all devices.
Kind of annoying that it is what it is and I either live with it or go Apple.

Can't see how that's going to help you, because then non of your Android apps will be compatible.

 

[Jimimac71]

Can't see how that's going to help you, because then non of your Android apps will be compatible.

I use to complain about Apple's vertical integration, but now it's a plus.
All iPads run iPad OS. If an app doesn't work on one iPad, it probably doesn't work on any of them
I've never seen where there is an Android app and not an Apple app.
If I knew the issues with Android that I know now, it would have never happened.

 

[mikedt]

I use to complain about Apple's vertical integration, but now it's a plus.
All iPads run iPad OS. If an app doesn't work on one iPad, it probably doesn't work on any of them
I've never seen where there is an Android app and not an Apple app.

I have, where I am.
https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/29/apple-removes-vpn-apps-from-the-app-store-in-china/
"Apple removes VPN apps from the App Store in China."

And that makes iPhones and iPads effectively useless for me. Apple's vertical integration and walled garden sounds more like a prison, and the term "jailbreak" for iOS devices is very appropriate IMO. Hence I like the freedom of Android. I do use Apple MacBooks though. I used to have an iPhone years ago, and I did jailbreak it of course.

 

[James_Watson]

I am not expecting magic from this forum. I have searched for answers and cleared cache and such from the Play Store App on my tablet. I expect apps to lack compatibility on my Amazon tablet. They don't endorse or support using the Play Store, but I do so anyway.
None of the apps I can't use have replacements. My banking app for example. So I use their website.
I briefly owned a Lenovo tablet, but returned it. The FM radio tuner was not there and was supposed to be. Their version of Android is pretty plain. Same issue with incompatible apps.
Guess I don't understand how an app can't be compatible.
If an app is not compatible with my Samsung tablet, one of the most popular behind Apple, why is that?
Is it not Google's Problem? It's their store.
I understand Android by now. An iPad would be like starting over.
These are the requirements for the Jacquie Lawson app I can't use:
Android (API Version 22+)
Android Phones and Tablets with Lollipop 5.1 and above
Don't know what API version means.

API version is something like Android system software version.
So, I wonder what the version of your Android system is. Is it too low? If yes, upgrade your Android system software at first, please.

 

[James_Watson]

In addition to the Google Play Store, you can get some apps from the Amazon Appstore for your Amazon devices.

 

[Jimimac71]

API version is something like Android system software version.
So, I wonder what the version of your Android system is. Is it too low? If yes, upgrade your Android system software at first, please.

Have no idea how that works.

 

[Jimimac71]

In addition to the Google Play Store, you can get some apps from the Amazon Appstore for your Amazon devices.

The Amazon Appstore is limited.

 

[Jimimac71]

I have, where I am.
https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/29/apple-removes-vpn-apps-from-the-app-store-in-china/
"Apple removes VPN apps from the App Store in China."

And that makes iPhones and iPads effectively useless for me. Apple's vertical integration and walled garden sounds more like a prison, and the term "jailbreak" for iOS devices is very appropriate IMO. Hence I like the freedom of Android. I do use Apple MacBooks though. I used to have an iPhone years ago, and I did jailbreak it of course.

Well, I live in the USA and don't see the need for a VPN.
Just today, Jacquie Lawson released another app that is iPhone/iPad only. That will change, but some apps make it to Apple first, a bit like Roku.

 

[mikedt]

Well, I live in the USA and don't see the need for a VPN.

P&CA.
Well I live in a country with a communist govt. And I don't need an American company(Apple) imposing their communism on the devices I own, dictating what apps I can and can't have...

I did actually come close to buying an iPad at one time, but didn't after due consideration.

As for uses of a VPN: Say you travel outside of the USA, but still want to access USA only websites and services, e.g. Roku. Or using open public WiFi, and you're concerned about your security and privacy.

Just today, Jacquie Lawson released another app that is iPhone/iPad only. That will change, but some apps make it to Apple first, a bit like Roku.

Never heard of him/her. But I know for a fact I'd need a VPN to use Roku.

 

[Jimimac71]

can you play please share the name of these apps?

1. KSRO Radio
2. Neilmed
3. Apple TV
4. Jacquie Lawson County Cottage
5. Direct Express
I don't use Apple TV. I just know the app is not compatible.
I could use the Windows 10 version of the Jacquie Lawson app, but would rather use my tablet.
The KSRO app would be convenient, as would Neilmed and Direct Express. I use my web browser instead.
It seems really stupid that some apps just don't work.

 

[Jimimac71]

P&CA.
Well I live in a country with a communist govt. And I don't need an American company(Apple) imposing their communism on the devices I own, dictating what apps I can and can't have...
View attachment 159644



I did actually come close to buying an iPad at one time, but didn't after due consideration.

As for uses of a VPN: Say you travel outside of the USA, but still want to access USA only websites and services, e.g. Roku. Or using open public WiFi, and you're concerned about your security and privacy.



Never heard of him/her. But I know for a fact I'd need a VPN to use Roku.

Jacquie Lawson is one of the finest ecard companies and is located in England.
I know there are people in Canada, for example, who use a VPN to make it look like they are in the United States and use our streaming services.

 

[Jimimac71]

I have, where I am.
https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/29/apple-removes-vpn-apps-from-the-app-store-in-china/
"Apple removes VPN apps from the App Store in China."

And that makes iPhones and iPads effectively useless for me. Apple's vertical integration and walled garden sounds more like a prison, and the term "jailbreak" for iOS devices is very appropriate IMO. Hence I like the freedom of Android. I do use Apple MacBooks though. I used to have an iPhone years ago, and I did jailbreak it of course.

According to the link, the VPN apps are illegal in China.
How would you suggest Apple handle it differently?

 

[mikedt]

According to the link, the VPN apps are illegal in China.
How would you suggest Apple handle it differently?

As I see it there's two options:

1) Apple opens the iOS walled garden to user installed apps, and third-party app stores. Which is never likely to happen. macOS is open, that's why I use MacBooks, and NOT iPhones or iPads.

1) Apple quits China, but that would cost them too much $$$ in lost profit. Google left China about 10 years ago because they didn't want to comply with the laws, but Android is doing very well here without Google, thank you very much!

When Apple removed VPNs from iOS in the PRC, a few of my expat friends and colleagues who had iPhones were not happy that they couldn't use WhatsApp, YouTube, Netflix, Roku, etc. on them. So they went out and bought Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, etc.

 

[mikedt]

Jacquie Lawson is one of the finest ecard companies and is located in England.

I'm originally from England, but I moved to China just after the Beijing Olympics at the end of 2008.

I know there are people in Canada, for example, who use a VPN to make it look like they are in the United States and use our streaming services.

That's exactly what a couple of my American expat friends do here, so they can stream their Hulu, Netflix, ESPN, Roku, etc. while in China. It's just they can't do it on iOS. With Windows, macOS, and Android, it's no problem.

 

[mikedt]

1. KSRO Radio
2. Neilmed
3. Apple TV
4. Jacquie Lawson County Cottage
5. Direct Express
I don't use Apple TV. I just know the app is not compatible.
I could use the Windows 10 version of the Jacquie Lawson app, but would rather use my tablet.
The KSRO app would be convenient, as would Neilmed and Direct Express. I use my web browser instead.
It seems really stupid that some apps just don't work.

FWIW I found all those on the Google Play Store, and they're all "This app is available for all of your devices" except for Apple TV, which is "This app is not available for any of your devices". Don't know why the Apple TV app is incompatible with everything, I have and do use Apple Music on my Android phone, as well as my Mac.

My current Android devices registered to my Google Play account, are Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Huawei Mate10, Google Mbox(which is an Android box plugged into the TV), and Bluestacks I have running on my MacBook.