Gametize app compatibility with Huawei devices

Despite new findings from our functionality tests, the Gametize app remains unsupported on Huawei devices. We recommend using the Gametize Lite app or the Web for a better experience. Read on to learn more.

1. The lack of Android and Google Mobile Services for Huawei devices released after September 2019 

All Huawei mobile devices released after September 2019 no longer come without Google Mobile Services, and that includes the Google Play Store.

Without the Google Play Store, you can no longer download the Gametize Android app like you used to be able to. There are several workarounds available: 

• You can still access the Gametize using our Player web
• If you still like the native app experience, you can do a direct download of the Android APK - available for both Gametize and Gametize Lite (take a look at the Gametize App Store for more) 
• If you prefer quick transfer, you can try the Phone Clone app (not tested by Gametize)

But, the lack of a platform for easy app download is not the only challenge here. Currently, the Gametize Android app also uses the following Google Services:

• Firebase - for push notifications, crash reports, and analytics
• Single-Sign-On
• Analytics
• Maps
• Drive/PDF - for content embedding 

Therefore,  even if you are able to get hold of the Gametize app on your Huawei devices using the workarounds, many parts/functions of the Gametize app may not work as well.

2. Functionality tests on Huawei devices, as of 5 April 2021

Here are the test results on the core functionalities of the Gametize app:

• Able to install the Gametize app via direct download
• Able to login using email address
• Able to complete a Standard Challenge (therefore by extension, any text-based Challenges)
• Able to complete a Challenge by selecting an image from the gallery (this applies to Standard, Photo, Video, and Custom Form Challenges)
• Able to complete a Challenge by using the camera function (this applies to Standard, Photo, Video, and Custom Form Challenges)
• Uncertain if embed content (e.g. embedded URLs, videos, documents) is affected
• Uncertain if location tagged for Challenges is affected

3. Insufficient tests on Huawei devices

To date, we've yet conducted sufficient tests on Huawei devices to be able to identify other potential problem areas. 

Therefore, with the above limitations, though unfortunate, the Gametize app is not supported on Huawei devices. 

Our next steps

1. Exploring Huawei AppGallery

We are looking at the possibility of developing a version of the Gametize app that can be released on the Huawei AppGallery. Right now, we are assessing the feasibility of such a plan and if we have the resource capacity to do so. 

2. Doing more tests on Huawei mobile devices

We currently do not have the resources to get hold of multiple Huawei mobile devices. Any tests done will be based on the few encounters we have with such devices.