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How to Install Android Market on Skytex SkyPad Alpha 2

So I was playing with my new Polaroid tablet today when I had a brainstorm. I’d just installed a hacked version of Android Market (with apps that I didn’t know would work). The process went off without a hitch, and that got me thinking about my other Android tablets.

I have the apps to install Android Market and I have tablets that I wouldn’t miss if I killed them. I decided to put the 2 together and see what happened. It seemed highly unlikely that I would be able to wake up Skynet again, so I thought that this was worth a shot.

Note that this isn’t  a set of instructions on how to hack the tablet; I’m only interested in achieving a certain minimum level of ability with the least work required.

So I grabbed the first tablet within reach, and that was the SkyPad Alpha 2. The installation went off without a hitch, and it was quite simple.

All I did was repeat the steps listed in this post. It didn’t go quite the same way but the process achieved the goal.

  1. Download this ZIP file to your computer.
  2. Open it and copy the contents to your Skytex tablet over USB. Then unplug your tablet.
  3. Once you’ve done that, open the file manager on your tablet and go to the folder where you put the files. Try to install the following apps in this order (double click on the files in order to run them):
  • OneTimeInitializer-signed.apk
  • GoogleServicesFramework-signed.apk
  • SetupWizard.apk
  • vending-3.1.3-signed.apk

As a 4th step you might want to press the home button, select the checkmark which says "open always with", and then select Launcher. This will guarantee that whenever you press the home button you will see the home screen and not be prompted with a menu.

You might also need to reboot the tablet before you can set up your account on the tablet. I did.

All 4 apps installed okay, and I now have the Android Market working. I’ve downloaded and installed a couple apps, including Aldiko and Angry Birds. Everything seems to be working just fine.

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Comments


New Update for the Skytex SkyPad Alpha 2 Adds Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich – The Digital Reader April 25, 2012 um 5:18 pm

[…] could take it or leave it.And after you’ve installed the firmware, you might want to consider installing Android Market. It will just take a second and it will give you access to the best source of Android apps. That […]

Tim May 6, 2012 um 5:21 pm

I copied the files to my Polaroid PMID701i’s Download folder and then went to the Download app. Nothing is showing. What is wrong please ?

Nate Hoffelder May 27, 2012 um 5:24 pm

The download app on some tablets only shows a list of things you’ve downloaded, not the contents of the folder. Try to find that folder via the file manager.


Bobby July 27, 2012 um 3:49 pm

I also have an Alpha 2 and everything installed as advertised. The problem I am having is the Alpha 2 is wifi only and Play is trying to connect over a celluar signal. I tried changing the wireless setting but it does not give me an option to use wifi. btw, internet is working fine.


shelles December 30, 2012 um 2:47 am

ok tried as you mentioned it and each time i try and open it, it says 'unfortunately, google play store has stopped. this is all i get. constantly now. i can see that behind the messege that its stopped, it looks like its trying to ask permission. help plz.

Nate Hoffelder December 30, 2012 um 7:51 am

Reboot the tablet and see if the app works now. If that doesn’t help, do a factory reset and try the process again.


teresa January 6, 2013 um 8:18 pm

We want to buy minecraft on my son’s tablet..We have already downloaded the app and he is playing the demo..Can we buy this?? I bought him a google gift card will that work?


cameron January 7, 2013 um 9:54 pm

Great instructions! Do you know if there is also a way to get Android 4.2 on the skytex as well?

Nate Hoffelder January 8, 2013 um 12:12 am

No.


ssr February 21, 2013 um 11:56 pm

On Skypad Alpha2, games like Temple Run which require tilting to collect coins are not working. Are there any techniques to improve the touch response? For example, it is very difficult to close a tab in the internet browser.


OSVALDO SALAZAR February 22, 2013 um 5:55 pm

I CAN NOT FIX TOUCH SCREEN ON SKAYPAD SP712, CAN ANYBODY HELP ME, I UPGRADE THE FIRMWARE, BUT WHEN THE SKYPAD RESTAR CLIBRATION IS NO GOOD, HELP ME PLEASSE

Scott March 6, 2013 um 2:33 pm

Reflash it back to version B….I had the same problem when I flashed to C.
Just reflash it to B and it solved the problem

adrian April 29, 2013 um 11:30 am

Hi scott, i have the same problem wuth the calibration and i did the reflash and still not working, can you help me??


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