How to install GOOGLE PLAYSTORE on ST16

[Tuna]

Can we just be clear on this:

The Play Store is installed on the ST-16, but does not work. This is 'intentional' by Yuneec, and trying to fix it risks breaking other software on the ST-16.

I really wouldn't recommend trying to install or update the Play Store on the ST-16. It's part of the firmware that Yuneec installs and has always been there and 'broken'. This isn't so unusual, as getting a fully licensed and validated Play Store installation is a lengthy and expensive process. It is possible that Yuneec may fix it in later firmware releases.

Note also that any changes you make are likely to be overwritten by Yuneec firmware releases. In the case of Play Store that will break the store itself, but will often also break apps installed with the play store.

 

[Panther6834]

Like all...and I do mean ALL...Typhoon H owners, I'd like to have a working version of the Google Play Store, if for no other reason that to update the severely-outdated Google Maps. While we are forced into using the 2-year-old v8.3.1, other Android devices are running v9.45.0, which was recently released. There's no reason why we can't have a more recent version, as even v9.44.2 runs on Android 4.3+ (I'm assuming the newer 9.45.0 also runs on Android 4.3+).

At the same time, while I don't know the exact hardware specs of the tablet portion of the ST16, I'm equally certain there's no reason why we can't be running a newer version of Android (the v4.4.4 installed on the ST16 is seriously outdated). I'm not saying the ST16 needs to be running Android 7.x (Nougat), but Android 6.x (Marshmallow) would be nice. Heck, even Android 5.x (Lollipop) would be an improvement.

Anyway, not that I expect any truly helpful information, I have reached out to Yuneec Support for any information they can provide...or, to be more accurate, and information they are willing to share with "the people". In comparing Google Maps v8.3.1 to 9.x, there are now streets/freeways/etc that didn't exist then, and there are those which existed then which are now gone.

The point in all of this is, we NEED an updated version of Google Maps. Maybe, instead of people trying to get the Google Play Store to be functional, people could figure out if side-loading a newer version of Google Maps is possible. If so, what's the most recent version of Google Maps that we can install on our ST16s, and still have full functionality of everything, without causing problems.

 

[Guest22]

I downloaded and installed UAVToolbox onto my controller (If you don't have it, GET IT! Sorry for the shouting..). I just downloaded the .apk file and installed it that way. I did find a link to where you can download Google Maps .apk. Granted I haven't done this myself, but it's worth a shot.

Download link with all versions

 

[Panther6834]

I downloaded and installed UAVToolbox onto my controller. I just downloaded the .apk file and installed it that way. I did find a link to where you can download Google Maps .apk. Granted I haven't done this myself, but it's worth a shot.

It's not a matter of downloading an APK file, copying file to device, and manually installing said file...all that I've done countless times on handsets & tablets (it's part of any rooting process). In regards to Google Maps, I don't know what, if any, processes it needs access to, and, considering Yuneec has purposely removed certain components of the OS, Google Play Sore, and who-knows-what-else, I don't know if a side-loaded version of Google Maps will work...and I'm not willing (ie. I can't afford to take any chances) to use my ST16 to test it out. Where computers are concerned, I've done more than my fair share of Beta (and even Alpha) testing, as any "problems" are easy to fix, even if "fixing" requires formatting & reinstalling everything.

As far as I'm aware, if the ST16 gets "screwed up", it would probably require being shipped to Yuneec for repair...and that's what I can't afford, financially, or time-wise. I know there are those in these forums who have two (or more) ST16s, where the extra controllers are their "testing" units. As such, I'm hoping those one (or more) of them are willing to test different 9more recent) versions of Google Maps, to see whether side-loading the APK works, and, if so, what's the most recent version that works without problems.

 

[Guest22]

I haven't seen anyone else ask to update Google Maps, so you may be the only one... If I really wanted an updated map, then I would try it, but I don't.. Since you are really wanting this, then you have a decision to make..

 

[Panther6834]

I haven't seen anyone else ask to update Google Maps, so you may be the only one... If I really wanted an updated map, then I would try it, but I don't.. Since you are really wanting this, then you have a decision to make..

I took the plunge...but, before I did, I side-loaded 'Android System Info'. While there are several reasons why ASI would be a good app to have, in the matter of Google Maps, it helps determine the correct variant. With Google Maps 9.45, there's 10 variants, and with 9.44.3, there's 18 variants. The variants relate to what Android version is required, the architecture of the CPU, and the dpi of the screen. For each version of Google Maps, there is usually a "universal" variant, but a specific variant usually provides better performance, plus they are a smaller download than the "universal" variant.

Anyway, once the correct variant was determined, I downloaded it to my computer, copied it to the ST16, and installed it. Under the 'tablet' side of the ST16, it functions without any problems. As for how it functions under the 'FlightMode', that I will have an answer for within the next few days, job & weather permitting.

 

[Guest22]

I am glad you took the plunge and nothing has happened.

 

[Panther6834]

I am glad you took the plunge and nothing has happened.

Well, yesterday, it finally stopped raining long enough for me to calibrate the compass. Last night, I calibrated the accelerometer & gimbal. Today, in-between "rain sessions" (the SF Bay Area has been getting hit with a LOT of rain the past few weeks), after dropping clients off in Carmel, I headed to the beach for a short 20-minute test flight. While I didn't actually fly around, I did, at least, have enough time to elevate to 50 feet, and film while the gimbal rotated slowly clockwise. Next, I increased to approximately 175 feet, and filmed with the gimbal rotated slowly counter-clockwise. I haven't viewed the recorded video, but, from viewing the on-screen image, as well as looking up into the sky, my Typhoon H appeared to not be moving...this in approximately 10mph winds. Will take it for a full "test flight" on Thursday, as I have an appointment at Google headquarters (I just have to remember to call the Moffett Field air tower ahead of time, to inform them I'll be flying close by).

 

[BillyTexas]

So you installed a version of google maps? Or playstore? And it is holding position better? Not sure if I follow.

Bill W.

 

[Panther6834]

So you installed a version of google maps? Or playstore? And it is holding position better? Not sure if I follow.

I don't think any one has anything to do with any other, but, for clarification, I installed a (much) newer version of Google Maps (v9.45). Yuneec added the Google Play Store to the firmware in the recent past, although I'm not certain what version, as I've skipped the last few firmware updates. Unfortunately...at least at this point in time (it could change down the road)...it is non-functional, meaning you can't download/install apps from within the Google Play Store (and, honestly, you probably don't want to, as too many additional apps could cause problems with the ST16's primary function - controlling the Typhoon H). As for the "H" being stable (ie. "holding position better"), that would be attributed to proper calibration of the compass, accelerometer, & gimbal (ok, so the gimbal has nothing to do with it, but you still need to properly calibrate it), after updating the firmware - and you should calibrate all three EVERY time you install new firmware, after re-binding the drone & CGO3+ to the ST16.

 

[gr8wing]

Has anyone actually heard from yuneec about the play store? My ST16 came with it installed, but I get the same as everyone else. It's not just the play store, you can't sync the calendar or contacts or any other apps that google communicates with. If we are not supposed to use this stuff, why is it there? and why hasn't yuneec given some instruction on it? I know I could pull a lot of I would or wouldn'ts out of my ***, but it's all speculation unless it comes from yuneec. I would figure if we are not supposed to use it, it wouldn't be visible. Are there any yuneec people that frequent this site and offer tidbits of information?

 

[Tuna]

Has anyone actually heard from yuneec about the play store? My ST16 came with it installed, but I get the same as everyone else. It's not just the play store, you can't sync the calendar or contacts or any other apps that google communicates with. If we are not supposed to use this stuff, why is it there? and why hasn't yuneec given some instruction on it? I know I could pull a lot of I would or wouldn'ts out of my ***, but it's all speculation unless it comes from yuneec. I would figure if we are not supposed to use it, it wouldn't be visible. Are there any yuneec people that frequent this site and offer tidbits of information?

I spoke to Yuneec about it a number of times last year as I'm developing apps for the ST-16 and don't want to break their tools in unexpected ways - so this isn't being pulled out of anywhere . Google Play comes with Google Play Services, which is a set of tools that provide all sorts of APIs for Android apps. Yuneec use some of those APIs in their apps on the ST-16, so they need Play Services (and hence Google Play) installed on the device. Because of the way Google manage these things, there isn't an easy way to 'hide' Play - it all comes as a big blob. The install is broken and I've not yet found an easy way to fix that, though since the latest firmware upgrade I'm hearing some people report that a factory reset will do the job. That's new behaviour though, and I'm unwilling to clear my ST-16 out, so I've not had a chance to test it yet.

 

[THoff]

Tuna, just FYI, the Factory Reset didn't work for me. I can sign into my Google account using the ST-16, but Google Play still doesn't work.

 

[gr8wing]

Thanks,

Tuna, just FYI, the Factory Reset didn't work for me. I can sign into my Google account using the ST-16, but Google Play still doesn't work.

I can sign in also, but it does not appear that anything works. Google Play, and any of the sync features fail to work.

After updating my ST16, if I was to do a reset, would I have to update it again?

 

[THoff]

No, the reset preserves the software on the ST-16, it just gets rid of all the data and configuration settings.

 

[etarran]

Can we just be clear on this:

The Play Store is installed on the ST-16, but does not work. This is 'intentional' by Yuneec, and trying to fix it risks breaking other software on the ST-16.

I really wouldn't recommend trying to install or update the Play Store on the ST-16. It's part of the firmware that Yuneec installs and has always been there and 'broken'. This isn't so unusual, as getting a fully licensed and validated Play Store installation is a lengthy and expensive process. It is possible that Yuneec may fix it in later firmware releases.

Note also that any changes you make are likely to be overwritten by Yuneec firmware releases. In the case of Play Store that will break the store itself, but will often also break apps installed with the play store.

Hey, sounds like you know what you are talking about.... I bought my H used and I have had problems with the "pad" since I bought it. I was not aware that Yuneec had done anything to the andriod operating system and now I am having serious problems. Pretty much anything I do in "pad" mode results in "Unfortunately, ******** has stopped" with "OK" as the only option. This wasn't a huge deal but I can't do anything. I can't clear the flight log data after the update, I would really like to install UAV toolbox, and just be able to go into settings... I can't even do a factory reset. I can use the browser so I was wondering if you (or someone) knows if(and how) I can sideload or update/restore the tablet operating system to factory settings? Or sideload an apk file to fix the corrupted system files? When I try to sideload an app I get "Unfortunately, package installer has stopped". Really bummed. Maybe I should start a separate thread?

 

[Torres]

Hi

If you wish to install APPS on your ST16 or you wish to download FIRMWARE updates from the Yuneec website, you'll need:

- WIFI
- Google Account (for PLAYSTORE only)

On your ST16, select "PAD" - located on lower left of screen. Then select the circle at the bottom of the screen with the 6 dots in it. This takes you to your install APPS screen in Android.

Go to the SETTINGS gear icon and fill in all the info for your WiFi.

Go to the GOOGLE SETTINGS icon and fill in your Google Account Info.

Next use a PC or MAC and download the GOOGLE PLAY STORE (APK FILE) located here:
[APK][20-MAY-2016] Google Play Store v6.7.12.E-all ~ Newest version, unmodded

There is an UNCOMPRESS program that comes with the ST16, but it is not very good. You need WINZIP. Go to this address (using a PC or MAC) and download the following WINZIP (APK FILE):
WinZip (Android)

Copy both files from your PC or MAC to a MICRO SD Card.

Next, place the MICRO SD card in the bottom of your ST16.

Make certain that you have selected "PAD" and are now looking at the GREEN desktop of ANDROID. Again click on that circle at the bottom center of your screen.

Select FILE MANAGER

The are two tabs at the top of FILE MANAGER "Category & Directory". Select "Category".

Select "APKs". The APK files you copied to the MICRO SD, which is now in the bottom of your ST16 will show up. Select them and they will install (accept all the screens).

That's it!!!! You're all done. Now you can go to the Google Play store and you can also download ZIPPED files from the YUNEEC website and UNZIP them.

NOTE: If ever you wish to copy files, lets say from your ST16 to a MICRO SD, or from a MICRO SD to your ST16, use the FILEMANAGER App, but select "DIRECTORY".... then find your files and copy and paste them.

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR TYPHOON (and ST16)!

View attachment 626

Hi friend,

I must unistall before old play stor,
In my st16 no run, continues whit same "mesage " google play has stopet

How i must do??
Thanks

 

[skyking]

You don't really need Google Play. Use the Browser and link to one of the many apk download sites and search for the app you want. Download, pull down top left and tap on downloaded apk file and it will install.

 

[GroneOld]

Has anyone actually heard from yuneec about the play store?

Response to my question to Yuneec about Google Play Store not working:

Unfortunately you are not able to download apps from the Google Play Store the ST16. Even though the ST16 is an Android tablet, the operating system is a heavily modified version of Android, meaning the space within the ST16 and tablet are reserved for the Flight Control. This will not allow you to download anything from the Play Store to the tablet. Hope this helps and if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you

Andrew M
Customer Service Lead |Yuneec USA
5555 Ontario Mills Parkway
Ontario, CA 91764
T: 844 898 6332
www.yuneec.com

 

[billmogan]

Thank you for sharing. I also successfully installed google play store at this address: Google Play Store Download free - Play store apk update