Re: Google Play says my device is Not Compatible

[Mark G]

Hi

I don't think it as simple as having the accepted hardware and android version..

I have both SGS3 and SGS4 which were both on 4.3 or above, and I had to get the beta to install.

I moved to custom ROMs to give me developer control and ensure I could setup with Dalvik and not ART.

The Play Store didn't recognise my Phones were on the correct version, after Beta install they still show as incompatible even though they work.

I think your checking on the Play Store is incorrect.

[Sharon Rylander (ANKI)]

In order for us to enable a device for download, we have to know how Google Play lists that particular model in its admin panel. This admin panel commonly has multiple listings per device model. For example, the S3 has ~25 listings. To complicate matters, these listings sometimes can be quite obscure, often leaving us with a "needle in the haystack" search. 

I'll send you some instructions offline to see if we can deduce what your devices' listings might be, so that you don't always have to get the beta download. However, if they're impossible to find, then beta will still be your backup method of getting the app.

p.s. For all who might be reading this: The only S3 & S4 models that are clearly not supported are the Neo and Mini versions (as stated on our supported devices page).

[Sharon Rylander (ANKI)]

By the way, we do support ART now. Also, there's a chance that Google's identifier changed with the ROM upgrade. (I'm not saying this happened in your case, but mentioning it for others who might be experimenting.) 

 

[Sharon Rylander]

This post has been updated for Anki OVERDRIVE. If you have a question about Drive (our Gen 1 product), please see below or email me directly.

If your Android device can't download our app from Google Play, it means it's not compatible with our app. (Why not ?!)

However, you might still be able to use it under certain circumstances. Here's how:

1. Sideload the app onto your device*
2. Grab a friend or neighbor with a compatible Android or Apple device (ideally a preferred one). 
3. Make sure both devices are on the same wifi network.
4. Launch the Overdrive app on both devices. 
5. From the home screen, select "Join" (Your friend should pick "Start".)

*NOTE: This usually only works if your device meets some basic requirements--read the support article above carefully!

Why does this work?

In most cases, the reason our app might not work well is because the incompatible Android device is struggling to communicate to the cars over Bluetooth. When you let your friend host from a compatible device, your friend's device will manage all Bluetooth communications for both of you. (In fact, you can keep adding devices/players, up to 4 per game--the host device will manage them all.)

Questions? Comments? 

See welcome instructions at top for our email address or contact Customer Care.

[Brent R.]

The download links in the article still point to Version 1.2.3 and not the latest 1.3.0.  Someone should make a note to update that page whenever a new version is released.

Also, the link in the sentence that begins, "When you let your friend host from a compatible device..." toward the end of the first post is not working.

[Highlighter]

Version 1.3 still reported as incompatible by the Play Store for my 2014 Moto X running Marshmellow.  

Nothing like dumping $200 on a toy and finding out the developers couldn't figure out how to get it in the Play store correctly.

[Highlighter]

Please don't whine about how hard your job is.  Just get your app to work.

[Sharon Rylander (ANKI)]

Sounds like you're pretty upset--so upset that you've resorted to flaming, which won't be tolerated on these forums. In this particular case, I won't ban you, but your posts from now on will be moderated. 

And thank you: I should have posted clear guidelines sooner. They're now here.

To address the underlying concern, and to reiterate other posts such as this one:

• The Moto X does not have the necessary hardware components to adequately run the Overdrive app on its own. I wish I had better news. 
  
• However, if you have access to another (compatible) device, read the instructions at the top of this post. 
  

Best of luck. 

[jtrops]

I had this message this morning when I tried to install the app from the gPlay store onto my Moto X Pure.  I went to the Amazon App Store, and it installed fine, and it seems to work in every way.  I have used it to set up a new race, to scan the track, and it controls the car with no problem.  It also works as a second device.  So, maybe there is more to this.  It is too bad the Play store shuts you down without even giving you the option to try it.  At least the Amazon store is an easy alternative.  

2015 Moto X Pure

Running Android 6.0