When Apps don't work on the N7, what is the reason?

[Mechinikel]

Hey guys, quick question. I've read that some Apps don't work on the Nexus 7, I am wondering what the reason is. For example, in another thread people mentioned that Square doesn't work on the N7. That's a payment app that I would like to use. Is the reason it doesn't work because it doesn't work with the version of Android OS that the N7 uses? Or does it just ot work with the N7 itself? Do the developers need to make apps work for specific devices?

 

[a1kemist]

Normally something just doesn't jive. You have to remember how many android devices are out there to this date. It's difficult to support all of them, including new devices.

 

[Mechinikel]

That's what I mean, when someone makes an app it has to be made to work with specific devices?

At first I figured it was kinda like Windows, any program that works with a version of Windows will work no matter what computer you install Windows on. But it's different with Android devices, apparently.

That must be a lot of work for developers. If someone makes an app but then isn't around to update it for newer devices, it seems like you are SOL.

 

[rootbrain]

Here's one example, my credit union has an app that works on my HTC Rezound, but won't on my N7 for the simple reason that the N7 doesn't have a rear facing camera and they have a "deposit check" function (take picture of check) that they figured couldn't be used on the frpmt facing camera very easily. So they won't update. Matters not, will use my phone for that. Most other things I need/want work fine.

 

[Mechinikel]

I wonder if they will ever make the Android OS like Windows in that any program that works with it will work on any machine it's installed on.

 

[Coco.ar]

One reason is that some apps that use the rear camera detects that the n7 doesn't have it and thus they do not install.

 

[MJKearney]

Repeated from a previous response I made to another topic:

Usually the app has a requirement that the Nexus 7 can't fulfill, most commonly a rear camera or non optimized screen resolution/DPI. I've found that such apps work and look just fine on my N7. This includes CNN, USA Today, American Express, and Discover Card.

To download apps marked as incompatible on Google Play, use a reputable, alternative app store. I use 1Mobile Market. Go to www.1mobile.com to download and install their app store app (ironically, the app is available on the Google Play Store, but it's marked as not compatible with the N7!). They only have free apps, including those that are listed as incompatible with the N7 on Google Play. Other reputable app stores I use are Amazon and SlideME Market.