New "Mars" device from Likebook? - Page 10

DarkCookie · 10-04-2018, 09:03 AM

Better to ask them about flashing tools and image files (for example onyx company released it for sellers and ereader-store re-released it for the users) then you won't have to send your device away.
Now when Boyue developing their rom you should ask them about each feature you're lacking because later they will abandon updates like they did with likebook plus.

Sonofrobot · 10-04-2018, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkCookie

Better to ask them about flashing tools and image files (for example onyx company released it for sellers and ereader-store re-released it for the users) then you won't have to send your device away.
Now when Boyue developing their rom you should ask them about each feature you're lacking because later they will abandon updates like they did with likebook plus.

I did ask for all that but the seller claimed it was proprietary etc etc and wouldn't release it.

downeaster59 · 10-04-2018, 12:51 PM

I've emailed the Amazon seller. I'll see if I get the same response.

Edit: The seller has responded. (I give them credit for responding relatively quickly.) Here is the response: I'm so sorry that the first batch of items cannot support Google play. It's still needs a manual upgrade. Then can support Google play. Can you send the item to our US office this week? We will send you back after the upgrade.

Sounds - more or less - like the response that Sonofrobot had.

I've responded, asking them if "the first batch of devices" can support the promised auto-refresh fix. I'll let you know what response I get.

If I could root the Mars, I could install Google Play if I wanted.

I wish that Boyue would share flashing tools and image files like Onyx does.

romevi · 10-04-2018, 04:36 PM

Wait, what?
What constitutes the first batch?

Sorry, I haven't checked this thread in a week and shocked to see some won't be able to support it.

downeaster59 · 10-04-2018, 05:07 PM

We'll have to ask the seller what "the first batch" is!

Sylph · 10-04-2018, 05:41 PM

I bought a Mars from the only seller on UK Amazon marketplace (for the Amazon purchase protection). It doesn't have Google Play despite running the latest software installed OTA. You might all be interested in this: https://twitter.com/BoyueTechnology/...98353748430848. On my reader that framework option simply isn't there. Seem's like we're screwed.

I've put in a refund request and will likely buy either here or here.

Regarding that last link, does anyone know whether that's Boyue's official store? Also what's the difference between the two "versions"? Google translate calls them "Standard version" and "Package A" which is delightful opaque.

downeaster59 · 10-04-2018, 07:18 PM

Well, I requested that the US seller send me a link to this "manual upgrade" with instructions so that I can install it without sending the device in. I've done firmware upgrades on my own before. They said they would get back to me on that request. So, we might not be SOL just yet...

I'm guessing that the hardware is the same in both 'versions'; it's the firmware that is different. I'm guessing again that Boyue began production before they had authorization from Google to include Google Play, etc. in the Mars. Thus, the first batch is without GP. Then, Boyue got authorization to include it, but in such a way that the end user must activate it. Makes things confusing on our end - not to mention discouraging!

But, Boyue, if you're reading this, it's not too late to fix it!

fduniho · 10-05-2018, 01:22 PM

I also contacted the Amazon seller, and so far, I have been told, "I still need to ask the R&D engineer to see if you can get the upgrade firmware and instructions later.
If there is the latest news, I will let you know the first time."

downeaster59 · 10-05-2018, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fduniho

I also contacted the Amazon seller, and so far, I have been told, "I still need to ask the R&D engineer to see if you can get the upgrade firmware and instructions later.
If there is the latest news, I will let you know the first time."

That's almost word-for-word what I was told! Hmmm....

fduniho · 10-05-2018, 04:42 PM

I have a couple questions for other people with a Likebook Mars.

1) What CPU speed is reported for yours by system info apps? Mine is reporting that it is 1.2 Ghz, whereas it is advertised as 1.5 Ghz.

2) If Google Play is working on yours, are you able to get the Nook app to work? I don't have Google Play yet, and I'm hoping that getting it will enable this app to work. Apart from not being able to access paid versions of apps, not being able to use the Nook app is the main problem I'm having with the Likebook Mars.

downeaster59 · 10-05-2018, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fduniho

I have a couple questions for other people with a Likebook Mars.

1) What CPU speed is reported for yours by system info apps? Mine is reporting that it is 1.2 Ghz, whereas it is advertised as 1.5 Ghz.

2) If Google Play is working on yours, are you able to get the Nook app to work? I don't have Google Play yet, and I'm hoping that getting it will enable this app to work. Apart from not being able to access paid versions of apps, not being able to use the Nook app is the main problem I'm having with the Likebook Mars.

Having Google Play won't make the Nook app work, as far as I can see. I tried installing and running the Nook app on my Mars, which does not have Google Play. Once I tap the Nook icon, I get a popup that says "Can't play this video". Then the app freezes on the "nook" screen - just a gray screen with the work "nook" near the center.

I installed Nova Launcher, and tried running Nook from that. Same result.

Looks to me like the inability to play the video makes the app freeze. Google Play won't fix that.

The Kindle app works, but that's no help to you!

I installed my paid version of Calibre Companion (got it from my Android tablet) and it works fine on the Mars so far.

Edit: Looks like you may be right about the link between the Nook problem and the lack of Google Play. In some cases, videos on Android apps have some link to Google+, or need it in some way. No Google Play, no other Google apps, and therefore we have video problems! So, anyone with Google Play have a working Nook app?

romevi · 10-05-2018, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by downeaster59

Well, I requested that the US seller send me a link to this "manual upgrade" with instructions so that I can install it without sending the device in. I've done firmware upgrades on my own before. They said they would get back to me on that request. So, we might not be SOL just yet...

I'm guessing that the hardware is the same in both 'versions'; it's the firmware that is different. I'm guessing again that Boyue began production before they had authorization from Google to include Google Play, etc. in the Mars. Thus, the first batch is without GP. Then, Boyue got authorization to include it, but in such a way that the end user must activate it. Makes things confusing on our end - not to mention discouraging!

But, Boyue, if you're reading this, it's not too late to fix it!

I've installed Arch Linux on a MBP with zero CLI experience. How hard can manual firmware installation be?!

downeaster59 · 10-05-2018, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by romevi

I've installed Arch Linux on a MBP with zero CLI experience. How hard can manual firmware installation be?!

See, good people of Boyue? We can do it!

FastFingers · 10-06-2018, 03:05 AM

A pretty good comparison with the Amazon Oasis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHat2omvR1U

I think I'll wait until 11/11, a popular sale day. Seems like there's still remaining software issues and that'll reduce the chance I'll get a first batch by accident.

Sylph · 10-07-2018, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkCookie

Better to ask them about flashing tools and image files (for example onyx company released it for sellers and ereader-store re-released it for the users) then you won't have to send your device away.
Now when Boyue developing their rom you should ask them about each feature you're lacking because later they will abandon updates like they did with likebook plus.

You got your Mars from Boyue's official store, right? Can you please give me the URL.

10-04-2018, 12:51 PM	#138
downeaster59 Wizard Posts: 1,215 Karma: 2957301 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Rochester, NY Device: iPad mini 6, Onyx Leaf 2, Onyx Tab Mini C, Nook Glowlight 4 Plus	I've emailed the Amazon seller. I'll see if I get the same response. Edit: The seller has responded. (I give them credit for responding relatively quickly.) Here is the response: I'm so sorry that the first batch of items cannot support Google play. It's still needs a manual upgrade. Then can support Google play. Can you send the item to our US office this week? We will send you back after the upgrade. Sounds - more or less - like the response that Sonofrobot had. I've responded, asking them if "the first batch of devices" can support the promised auto-refresh fix. I'll let you know what response I get. If I could root the Mars, I could install Google Play if I wanted. I wish that Boyue would share flashing tools and image files like Onyx does. Last edited by downeaster59; 10-04-2018 at 02:02 PM. Reason: Updated info

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
BOYUE Likebook Plus (Carta 7.8''- 4core processor)	viceant	Boyue	278	04-02-2024 04:11 PM
Boyue LikeBook Plus (T80s): Technical Stuff	fernsruben	Boyue	250	03-21-2023 09:03 PM
BOYUE Likebook Note	fernsruben	Boyue	107	04-12-2020 09:30 PM
Boyue Likebook Air T65s 1GB/16GB firmware	raoulw	Boyue	4	09-05-2018 10:47 AM
Boyue T65s JDREAD Venus 512M + 8G Likebook Air	W0lf	Boyue	0	02-05-2018 11:36 PM

10-04-2018, 09:03 AM	#136
DarkCookie Developer Posts: 71 Karma: 249456 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Poland Device: Various	Better to ask them about flashing tools and image files (for example onyx company released it for sellers and ereader-store re-released it for the users) then you won't have to send your device away. Now when Boyue developing their rom you should ask them about each feature you're lacking because later they will abandon updates like they did with likebook plus.

10-04-2018, 04:36 PM	#139
romevi Enthusiast Posts: 35 Karma: 468 Join Date: Sep 2018 Device: Likebook Mars	Wait, what? What constitutes the first batch? Sorry, I haven't checked this thread in a week and shocked to see some won't be able to support it.

10-04-2018, 05:07 PM	#140
downeaster59 Wizard Posts: 1,215 Karma: 2957301 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Rochester, NY Device: iPad mini 6, Onyx Leaf 2, Onyx Tab Mini C, Nook Glowlight 4 Plus	We'll have to ask the seller what "the first batch" is!

10-04-2018, 05:41 PM	#141
Sylph Member Posts: 10 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: EU, but my citizenship is being stolen Device: Likebook Mars	I bought a Mars from the only seller on UK Amazon marketplace (for the Amazon purchase protection). It doesn't have Google Play despite running the latest software installed OTA. You might all be interested in this: https://twitter.com/BoyueTechnology/...98353748430848. On my reader that framework option simply isn't there. Seem's like we're screwed. I've put in a refund request and will likely buy either here or here. Regarding that last link, does anyone know whether that's Boyue's official store? Also what's the difference between the two "versions"? Google translate calls them "Standard version" and "Package A" which is delightful opaque.

10-04-2018, 07:18 PM	#142
downeaster59 Wizard Posts: 1,215 Karma: 2957301 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Rochester, NY Device: iPad mini 6, Onyx Leaf 2, Onyx Tab Mini C, Nook Glowlight 4 Plus	Well, I requested that the US seller send me a link to this "manual upgrade" with instructions so that I can install it without sending the device in. I've done firmware upgrades on my own before. They said they would get back to me on that request. So, we might not be SOL just yet... I'm guessing that the hardware is the same in both 'versions'; it's the firmware that is different. I'm guessing again that Boyue began production before they had authorization from Google to include Google Play, etc. in the Mars. Thus, the first batch is without GP. Then, Boyue got authorization to include it, but in such a way that the end user must activate it. Makes things confusing on our end - not to mention discouraging! But, Boyue, if you're reading this, it's not too late to fix it!

10-05-2018, 01:22 PM	#143
fduniho Addict Posts: 200 Karma: 9146378 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: New York State, USA Device: Kindle Touch, DX, PW4, PW5, Scribe; Likebook Mars; Fire HD 8; iPad	I also contacted the Amazon seller, and so far, I have been told, "I still need to ask the R&D engineer to see if you can get the upgrade firmware and instructions later. If there is the latest news, I will let you know the first time."

10-05-2018, 04:42 PM	#145
fduniho Addict Posts: 200 Karma: 9146378 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: New York State, USA Device: Kindle Touch, DX, PW4, PW5, Scribe; Likebook Mars; Fire HD 8; iPad	I have a couple questions for other people with a Likebook Mars. 1) What CPU speed is reported for yours by system info apps? Mine is reporting that it is 1.2 Ghz, whereas it is advertised as 1.5 Ghz. 2) If Google Play is working on yours, are you able to get the Nook app to work? I don't have Google Play yet, and I'm hoping that getting it will enable this app to work. Apart from not being able to access paid versions of apps, not being able to use the Nook app is the main problem I'm having with the Likebook Mars.

10-06-2018, 03:05 AM	#149
FastFingers Member Posts: 13 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2018 Device: C67ML Carta 2	A pretty good comparison with the Amazon Oasis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHat2omvR1U I think I'll wait until 11/11, a popular sale day. Seems like there's still remaining software issues and that'll reduce the chance I'll get a first batch by accident.

Advert

Advert