Instant apps - Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers

I was just watching a video and noticed the download icon was doing something in the notification area. I swiped down and it said it was installing "Instant Apps" then it went away. I can't find the app in the the drawer and it doesn't show up in the Apps section of settings. I don't have auto update on anything. I googled it and got the info on Google rolling out an app that allows you to use an app inside home without downloading the app but it is really limited. My question, did Google just push this to my phone or do I have some sort of Malware?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

You're right, it Looks like a beta Google product.
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/7240211?hl=en
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www....ins-limited-testing/?client=ms-android-google
I would go into your account in the first link, and see what's going on.
I've never heard of it personally.

Thanks, that was it, it was located under settings - Google.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Related

Missing APK

Something weird happened to me, i was going through the home screens and notices that there was a missing shortcut for videos.apk
i go through the launcher looking for it and it wasn't there !! i was pretty sure i had it and i even used it. it was a red icon with 2 tabs when you start it, for movies rented from the market and the local ones on the phone
It might have failed updating for some reason and uninstalled. Try finding it in the market.
One weird thing I see is that Google+ shows up as one of my not installed apps in the "my apps" list. It comes pre-installed and seems to work, so I'm not sure what that other one is and how it differs.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Yeah I've checked the Market, it shows it as installed. but when you go inside you can't find the option to open or uninstall. but it's not there
[hfm] said:
It might have failed updating for some reason and uninstalled. Try finding it in the market.
One weird thing I see is that Google+ shows up as one of my not installed apps in the "my apps" list. It comes pre-installed and seems to work, so I'm not sure what that other one is and how it differs.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
quite a few apps do. it's because those apps you see "not installed" are the older versions of the ones that are installed that were updated on the phone to work with ICS.

[SOLVED] [Q] Testapps ... in market/play

One fine day noticed this sitting at the top of the apps list in market.
Clicking open launches Tetris. Tried freezing tetris and it disappeared, unfroze and it came back. Does this mean it's really a mislabeled entry for tetris and not malware of some sort? But why now all of a sudden?
Solution: See this post.
julianpaul said:
One fine day noticed this sitting at the top of the apps list in market.
Clicking open launches Tetris. Tried freezing tetris and it disappeared, unfroze and it came back. Does this mean it's really a mislabeled entry for tetris and not malware of some sort? But why now all of a sudden?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. I think it's safe though-read some reviews
Sent from my R800i using XDA
Yea it seems to be just us play users have it. pretty crazy.
Looks like it even has an official market link TestApps, how weird
In market on the phone, there are 337 comments (as of now), but nothing on the web market.
Also, all those reviewing it as safe are simply doing so because hitting open on the app launches tetris. I may be wrong but it could also simply be linking to tetris while actually being more malicious underneath. Kinda like how even a simple batch file can launch two apps (or more) and one app may be a background process, while the other is the visible smokescreen...
I would assume that this app is malicious, as the developers website link, links to a dead domain. I'd suggest removing it asap.
Sent from my HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio X315e using Tapatalk
Can't really remove it, even with a system utility, because we simply don't know what to remove!
And freezing/removing tetris seems to remove the entry from the app list in market. If it's trojan-like, it's very well integrated.
I think we're entering a new era of android malware, and it's pretty scary...
julianpaul said:
Can't really remove it, even with a system utility, because we simply don't know what to remove!
And freezing/removing tetris seems to remove the entry from the app list in market. If it's trojan-like, it's very well integrated.
I think we're entering a new era of android malware, and it's pretty scary...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in /data/app or /sd/android.secure for any .apk with that apps icon, delete the .apk then format dalvik cache and it's gone
Sent from my HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio X315e using Tapatalk
LOL, it has no icon either.
So I deleted cache/cleared data for google play, uninstalled it back to the market version and then let it reinstall the google play update and the entry seems to have disappeared. Time will tell...
I looked at it now the icon is yellow and it has a blue and a green picture as the app preview. I uninstalled tetris a long time ago so it has the download option on mine.I'm not going to attempt to download.
Sent from my R800x using XDA
So it's definitely tetris then? Just with a buggy market entry?
Dang, there goes my whole malware conspiracy theory...
julianpaul said:
So it's definitely tetris then? Just with a buggy market entry?
Dang, there goes my whole malware conspiracy theory...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure. When I look up tetris, it shows up normally. When i look up testapps it shows the glitchy thing.maybe it's something that came with tetris? Anyway doesn't google recently for malware apps?
Sent from my R800x using XDA
Wait, where do you see tetris normally? It doesn't show in the market app list anyway...
It's only appeared since the lasted market update, which made some of our other bloatware appear in that list too. I'd say it's just a bloatware version of Tetris, instead of just using the normal download of it.
Updated OP with the solution.

[Q] YouTube Widget Disappeared?

I just updated my YouTube app and noticed it removed the YouTube widget. Anyone else notice this?
Gone!
Yes, same here. YouTube Widget is gone on my Nexus 5 running stock 4.4.4. It's not even listed in the list of widgets anymore.
@Maris_ just updated the app on my phone to check and yeah your right it has vanished.
I ain't ganna update my Tablet Youtube App until they fix that. I dont get what they get by getting rid of it - Stupid decision.
Same here. I've been looking for a solution on Google but no luck...
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
BTW for everyone wondering whats happened ... @ChuckeeDroid @Maris_
I found out that Google have removed the Widget for the foreseable future. Reason behind it was Google claim less than 1% of youtube hits were via the widget so they have decided to get rid of it completley with no intention of returning it. Shame.
[No Widget] , Uninstall updates in settings/apps/YouTube or here is last version apk.
Guys, everybody who wants the widget back can do this 2 ways..
1. Go to settings, then app manager or applications, then click YouTube, then click uninstall updates.... Voila, you will get an older version of YouTube with the widget for your home screen.
2. If you want a more recent version, here is the apk. ver. 5.9.0.10
I attached it here, just make sure in developer settings, third party apps is checked off.. hope this helps..... Im using it.

OS 4.6.1 vs 3.6.8(unlocked GSM 32gig)

Fire OS 4.6.1 on unlocked GSM 32gig Fire Phone
Notable changes,
Finally we have native wallpaper support
Different slightly improved lock screen notifications
Smart dialer
Ability to switch default SMS/MMS and Keyboard apps
New Dev. Options
Ability to force quit and(or) Disable bloatware apps
Widgets seem to be working well
More detailed settings for Low Motion/Dynamic perspective(specifically for lockscreen, homescreen, and maps)
Google maps is now seemingly 100% functional
Ability to toggle switch cellular data(2g,3g,LTE)
Google Play and GAPPs still working well
Also we now have a bluetooth keyboard config. in our settings
New Emoticons
Status bar is semi-transparent and looks really nice despite lack of persistent icon notifications
Addition of print services pack(HP, Canon, Epson)
Updated Sounds and Notifications settings(
Things that sadly remained the same
No status bar notifications
Cannot individually clear calls or messages from carousel
Still not native android
Notifications seem hit and miss as usual
No Graphical updates or graphical setting in stock message or dialer apps
Camera seems to be the same and I'm still having having better luck with the google camera
App drawer functions the same(new options in app info though)
Overall function of the O.S. seems to improve a lot. Smooth scrolling through the carousel, less if not no lag at all on sleep/wake, and just all in all more pleasing to look at.
I updated manually by downloading the .bin and moving it to the home folder and searching for update with wifi/data off, and because of that I am unsure if the new att bloatware apps were part of the update due to my carrier or if they were packaged inside the update bin which was a shocking 1.3gb. Even though I am fairly certain that those apps are my fault in the first place I feel the need to warn that the U.S. att .bin file could have that affect and unlocked users may want to wait for the OTA just to play it safe. There is however a great guide on here explaining the process and linking quite a few files(for those who can't wait).
**This did work for me however if it does not work for you I am not at fault, sideload at your own risk**
Feel free to add what you find I know I missed a few things but since there is no apparent changelog from amazon I figured I'd try to compile a small unofficial changelog of sorts.
Tried Towelroot Its been hung at the towelroot screen with a highlighted "make it rain" button for about ten mins... I'm going to leave it running for a while and see if anything happens but I'm assuming its still a no go.
I've seen issues regarding call audio, google services and a few other things but I personally haven't been able to recreate them and fortunately haven't had them in the first place.
Camera seems faster in taking photos for me. Also there is an auto HDR setting, before it was either on or off.
buhloon said:
Camera seems faster in taking photos for me. Also there is an auto HDR setting, before it was either on or off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt notice that but in my opinion so far the google cam seems to just take better pictures in general
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
matsnackson said:
I didnt notice that but in my opinion so far the google cam seems to just take better pictures in general
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, matsnackson do you think that is better to install (sideload) the Google-Camera APP, and used it instead of the default Amazon Camera APP?
Could you please, let us know what differences or improvements do you have noticed, if you use the Google Camara APP instead of the Amazon one?
Notable changes
- Chooseable colors for mail accounts and calendars, but there aren't too much colors to choose to.
Things that sadly remained the same
- Shared Google calendars won't show up in the/any calendar app, that's very very annoying
Still can't connect to my LG g Watch
Android Wear or Google now not working
hungrymr2 said:
Still can't connect to my LG g Watch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second your opinion as I have not been able to conect my LG G watch to Fire phone with 4.6.1.
Also sideloding Google play services and play store worked fine for few minutes after which the play services auto updates when I install google search and now from Playstore.
After this any sideloaded google apps start hanging with white screen and circle clock running. Uninstall and install after factory resets also did not help.
ulises.rodriguez said:
So, matsnackson do you think that is better to install (sideload) the Google-Camera APP, and used it instead of the default Amazon Camera APP?
Could you please, let us know what differences or improvements do you have noticed, if you use the Google Camara APP instead of the Amazon one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
s.raghuveer said:
I second your opinion as I have not been able to conect my LG G watch to Fire phone with 4.6.1.
Also sideloding Google play services and play store worked fine for few minutes after which the play services auto updates when I install google search and now from Playstore.
After this any sideloaded google apps start hanging with white screen and circle clock running. Uninstall and install after factory resets also did not help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using the stock camera app for a few days and it seems to be better than I first thought but I still prefer the google camera app, but at this point it seems to be my personal preference... I really just feel more comfortable with the google camera app.(long time nexus user)
I have seen quite a few people with the google play issues and I tried removing then reloading google services and google play but i havent had any issues the only advice i can give is to remove and try again making sure to pay close attention to the order you install the packages(there is a specific order, and a few great guides on here)
The LG watch seems to be common issue as well but I don’t have one to test with, I'll look into buying one and see what I can do. Until then the only advice I have is to unpair the watch and your phone and reboot before attemting to repair the two. Good luck and sorry.
s.raghuveer said:
I second your opinion as I have not been able to conect my LG G watch to Fire phone with 4.6.1.
Also sideloding Google play services and play store worked fine for few minutes after which the play services auto updates when I install google search and now from Playstore.
After this any sideloaded google apps start hanging with white screen and circle clock running. Uninstall and install after factory resets also did not help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll third this. I feel like Amazon is intentionally crippling Google services, and I've already ordered a replacement phone.
These are services that run fine on what, 99% of Android phones?
tzenrick said:
I'll third this. I feel like Amazon is intentionally crippling Google services, and I've already ordered a replacement phone.
These are services that run fine on what, 99% of Android phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly I don't think this is intentionally being done by either side, we run an outdated version of android so naturally were going to see at least a few compatibility issues, have you tried a factory reset and full reload of play services in order? Also be patient with 4.6.1 from everything I've read its not technically official on the unlocked phones yet.
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Download Notification
Download in Notification bar now shows Pause/Resume & Cancel options.
TansDeva said:
Download in Notification bar now shows Pause/Resume & Cancel options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't download too much on here so I hadn't even noticed thanks for adding in though
I did want to add in as well that my battery life seems much better than before I actually forgot to charge this for two days and still had 30%( I disabled low motion setting and don't use auto brightness, but none the less that's a great battery life)
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I'm looking forward to the update. I feel changing your keyboard is a few months late, but I'd be happy to finally have swiftkey back. I'm running an unlocked Fire Phone with 3.6.8. Amazon doesn't even acknowledge a new update on their Fire Phone update page. Perhaps it's in some sort of beta as they harvest data before making it official?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201531560
LilLowEK said:
I'm looking forward to the update. I feel changing your keyboard is a few months late, but I'd be happy to finally have swiftkey back. I'm running an unlocked Fire Phone with 3.6.8. Amazon doesn't even acknowledge a new update on their Fire Phone update page. Perhaps it's in some sort of beta as they harvest data before making it official?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201531560
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was cleared up in the OTA thread this is unofficial at this point those who have it either got lucky or manually installed it, I personally used the at&t bin file even though I have the unlocked 32gig.
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Working Widgets?
matsnackson said:
Fire OS 4.6.1 on unlocked GSM 32gig Fire Phone
Notable changes,
...
Widgets seem to be working well
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which launcher did you use? I tried it on Nova Launcher and Aviate and it still gives me the same error message as before
Smart Dialer? I don't see it.
matsnackson said:
Fire OS 4.6.1 on unlocked GSM 32gig Fire Phone
Notable changes,
Finally we have native wallpaper support
Different slightly improved lock screen notifications
Smart dialer
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see smart dialer. I had one in my MOTO-X.
downloaded the us version of 4.6 and guess what? Andriod wear is back. Now I can finally put my lg watch to use.
Guys,
I got my Fire Phone unlocked updated to new 4.6.1 but after the update I am unable to see the Maps icon. I am currently in Australia but the phone is an unlocked US version. Do I reset or is it something Amazon has done?

How Can I Turn Off Lock Screen Ads?

Hello,
Every once in a while I get the Yelp! sponsored ad on the lock screen. I've tried turning it off from the Settings of the Blinkfeed (as I saw it supposedly worked with previous HTCs) but it doesn't on the 10. Anyone know the answer to my question?
Thanks,
Marius
I've never once had ads on my lockscreen. You must have some bad app that's sending you ads via notifications.
mariuscm said:
Hello,
Every once in a while I get the Yelp! sponsored ad on the lock screen. I've tried turning it off from the Settings of the Blinkfeed (as I saw it supposedly worked with previous HTCs) but it doesn't on the 10. Anyone know the answer to my question?
Thanks,
Marius
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Setting / personalize / manage adds.
Sent from my 2PS64 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Not sure if you have it but es file explorer will cause ads on the lock screen with its own quick charge screen. Haven't had any since I uninstalled it.
I already turned off 'interest based ads' from Settings>Personalize>Manage Ads. By the way, I use the Google Now Launcher, so the Manage Ads option only shows when I have Sense Home selected as the default launcher. I'm still getting yelp ads in the lock screen.
mariuscm said:
I already turned off 'interest based ads' from Settings>Personalize>Manage Ads. By the way, I use the Google Now Launcher, so the Manage Ads option only shows when I have Sense Home selected as the default launcher. I'm still getting yelp ads in the lock screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe, because I'm not using the Sense Home launcher, the OFF setting for the Interest based ads is not sticking?
It drives me nuts and I don't see that on the Verizon version. Something Verizon probably removed so you can't turn it off... So annoying
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
tylerw1369 said:
It drives me nuts and I don't see that on the Verizon version. Something Verizon probably removed so you can't turn it off... So annoying
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its in the Verizon version not 100% sure exactly where but I know I saw it. I'm on it and never once had a ad on my lockscreen.
afuller42 said:
its in the Verizon version not 100% sure exactly where but I know I saw it. I'm on it and never once had a ad on my lockscreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are lucky because it always asks if in hungry and places to eat. I haven't added any new app from my other phones. I haven't been able to find it.
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
mariuscm said:
Hello,
Every once in a while I get the Yelp! sponsored ad on the lock screen. I've tried turning it off from the Settings of the Blinkfeed (as I saw it supposedly worked with previous HTCs) but it doesn't on the 10. Anyone know the answer to my question?
Thanks,
Marius
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have es file explorer installed by chance?
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
dottat said:
Have es file explorer installed by chance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, why?
mariuscm said:
No, why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That app recently had an update that had some lock screen bs included. Had a battery icon on it and all.
There's another app I had a couple months back that did the same thing too. If you have sense apps ads disabled , it's likely an app that turned spammy.
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
Its definitely not from the stock software. My wife had the same thing happen last week on her note. It took a while but found out it was PIP software for taking selfies. Here is a great article that should help get rid of them. http://www.slashgear.com/android-ads-on-your-lockscreen-and-how-to-destroy-them-05438921/. It lists some common sources for these ads:
• Amber Weather Widget
• ES App Locker
• GO apps (of note: GO Weather, GO SMS, GO Keyboard, Next Browser)
• Kingo Root
• KittyPlay Wallpapers, Ringtones
• TouchPal apps (TouchPal makes multiple keyboard apps)
• Xender (file transfer app)
• Zero Team apps (of note: Z Camera)
The yelp and restaurant ads are because you enabled personalization in sense home. It's tracking your location and usually offering restaurants nearby.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
check on blinkfeed settings>manage adds>turn off internet based ads. thought i read somewhere that caused lock screen ads too.
I figured it out, no thanks to Verizon IT. It's a google ad. Go to your chrome browser. Click on the three dots, Settings, Site Settings, Cookies, uncheck "allow third-party cookies" box. BOOM!
I just started getting the exact same kind of ads! Cannot find any information on the Internet about how to eliminate them.
Some flashlight apps throw ads like that, have you got a flashlight app?
Tbrown009 said:
I just started getting the exact same kind of ads! Cannot find any information on the Internet about how to eliminate them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the posts above your how to turn off interest based ads.
App like ES file explorer added that crap also, the another post above yours with more known apps
afuller42 said:
Read the posts above your how to turn off interest based ads.
App like ES file explorer added that crap also, the another post above yours with more known apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using Solid Explorer since ES started with all of that junk, maybe a year ago or so...? I did try the Chrome suggestion from above (the third party cookies tick box) and so far so good. Thanks to all for all of the posts! Much appreciated!

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