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Handle Google-Apps Updates

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Daniel
Hornbach Baumarkt AG

Hey Guys,

I just want to know how you handle Updates of Chrome, Playservices, ... in your environment? We're using many Zebra TC20 for internal use only. We have a few Apps which only needs internal access to our Servers, so the Zebras are configured with a Proxy for internet access, just for a quick view of prices, Information etc.

Unfortunately the Google-Apps don't use this Proxy (configured with Zebra MX) for updateing themselves. That means we're still using Chrome, Play, Mail, ... Versions from the Zebra OS a few Months ago. A newer OS-Update doesn't contains newer App Versions of e.g. Chrome so we're now got stuck. Is there any chance to Update all this Google-Stuff by apk or do I have to change the WIFI so the Devices get unlimited Internet-Access?

for example: The Chrome Version installed within the Nougat or Oreo OS of our Devices is 69.0.x. We just want to bring out an TWA Wrapper App which needs min. Chrome 74.x. I don't know at the moment how to Update Chrome to get this working. 

Many Thanks and kind regards

zebra chrome proy gapps google-apps
6 years ago
Android
ANSWERS
S
Scott
6 years ago (edited 6 years ago)

I've done this using rules to stage files and then profiles to execute the update.  Be aware that the MobiControl kiosk lockdown (and tons of other things) depends on Chrome/WebView so if it is running, any changes to Chrome or WebView will cause the MobiControl agent to restart and any remaining script commands and/or actions are aborted at that point, at least in my experience.  So, I use mxconfig to perform the Chrome/WebView update and follow it with a device restart.  Otherwise things get left in ugly states.  Good Luck.

Solution
MD
Matt Dermody Diamond Contributor
6 years ago
You wouldn’t need unlimited internet access, just access to play.google.com from the devices. Alternatively, there are APK mirrors out there that host the APKs but they are often considered shady for enterprise use because the source isn’t necessarily trusted.
MO
Marco Olberts
6 years ago

Hi Daniel,

actually, we install all apk without Playstore and download it from apkmirror.

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Daniel
6 years ago

Ok, you're right. If you have an IP based Firewall you have to accept all these Millions of Google-IPs behind Play.google.com.

Anyway, if you grant access to play.google.com you're completly out of control which Version of Chrome, Play-services and so on been installed. So if you have any dependencies to these Apps you could get roasted

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Daniel
6 years ago

It's not the "enterprise way" but still interesting. How do you update for example Chrome with an apk? I've tested this in our test-environment and after the installation of chrome with e.g. "install /sdcard/Chrome.apk" MobiControl-App stops working and never comes up again

MD
Matt Dermody Diamond Contributor
6 years ago
I usually put APKs in SOTI packages using MC Studio and then upload the packages to the console and deliver them with Profiles.
MD
Matt Dermody Diamond Contributor
6 years ago

That's a great tip Scott!

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Daniel
6 years ago

Hey Scott, thats the Case! Sorry my explanation was a bit short. We had exactly the Problem you mentioned. With a package or script MobiControl Agent stops working. Especially with Android Nougat and the Problem with that "deactivated" Webview.

Thank you! I will have a try 

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