Install Google Maps on Zebra TC75 without Google Play Store

M
mickee
Dahl Sverige AB

Hi,
My organization have Zebra TC 75 units that up until now have been maintained manually. I have installed Soti on them and created rules to install our applications. When we got a new unit I found out that the model that we have bouht is without Google Play Store and that we probably have installed a Google Maps apk on the units before. 
Is there a way to install app store apps on a unit without Google Play or do we need to install the firmware with google play on?

We have some Android Enterprise TC77. There we have created managed apps and they install fine on the TC77 but not on the TC75.

Best regards,

Mikael Eklund

6 years ago
Android
ANSWERS
C
Christophe
6 years ago

Hello Mikael,

If I well understand your request, you'd like to install google maps on device TC 75.

If yes, download the best apk google maps.

After installs package studio , it's an tool for create package.

This tool can be found on mobicontrol (tab package)

Create a project, add the apk google maps on it

build package

after, add the package (pcg) file into mobicontrol (upload)

last step, create a profile, go to tab package and click add and select your package

Apply this profile to your mobile and  google maps will be installed on your device.

have a nice day

M
mickee
6 years ago

Hello and thanks for the quick respons. 
I am familiar with app studio so that won't be a problem. If this is the only way. Where do I get the correct Google Maps Version and how do I maintain upgrades so that it mimics Google Play?

//Mike

MD
Matt Dermody Diamond Contributor
6 years ago

You would have to download the app from an app mirror site and then keep it manually updated. This approach is somewhat of a rogue approach that I cannot directly endorse but is technically possible. Honestly if you need Google Maps and potentially other GMS services you haven't realized that you're missing yet (eg. Chrome, Location, STT, TTS, etc) then you should consider converting the devices to a GMS version. Zebra provides the firmware updates directly on their website to you if you have the devices under software maintenance. Assuming you have that maintenance plan you should be able to convert them from AOSP to GMS without any major issues. Keep in mind that the transition to GMS will factory reset the device so you will have to re-enroll and re-configure them after the migration. This would also enable you to enroll and manage them as AE devices similar to the AE TC77 devices that you have. 

M
mickee
6 years ago

Hi,

Thanks fot the answer. Now we know what our options are. Since Google Maps is an optional app for out users we probably go for the manually update track. But testing and creating a transition to GMS will be done.