HTC Tattoo’s #Android Market will not list apps that don’t support QVGA display option [UPDATE]
October 11, 2009 | by Andrew Kameka
![HTC Tattoo’s #Android Market will not list apps that don’t support QVGA display option [UPDATE]](http://androinica-serve.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/htc_tattoo.png)
When HTC Tattoo owners open the Android Market for the first time, they will discover a Market that is a bit lighter than what’s seen on other devices. That’s because the Market will not list any Android app that doesn’t expressly state in its manifest that the app will display and function correctly on a QVGA resolution.
The issue centers on the HTC Tattoo and its 2.8 inch screen using QVGA (240 x 320). Developers have previously designed their apps for devices like the HTC Dream and Samsung Galaxy, which have HVGA resolutions (320 x 480), so the Tattoo will have trouble displaying apps correctly.
That means unless a developer is willing to spend extra time testing his/her app and adjusting it to fit on smaller screens using the new sizing tools available in Donut, the Android Market on Tattoo devices will not list the app. We highlighted this problem last month, and the Google Developer blog has provided additional clarity on how developers can avoid the problem.
Android supports three classes of screen size: Small (Tattoo), Normal (Dream), and Large (tablets like Archos). While large devices have a compatibility mode to display Normal class apps, Small screen sizes will not be able to squeeze the content in.
Romain Guy wrote:
Devices with small-class screens, however, will only be shown apps which explicitly declare (via the AndroidManifest) that they will run properly on small screens. In our studies, we found that “squeezing” an app designed for a larger screen onto a smaller screen often produces a bad result. To prevent users with small screens from getting a bad impression of your app (and reviewing it negatively!), Android Market makes sure that they can’t see it until you upload a new version that declares itself compatible.
Guy provides tips to help developers address the issue of screen size differences. He also states that QVGA devices will be available this holiday season, so let’s hope most Android developers choose to support the smaller screens before then.
Please correct:
HVGA resolutions (320 x 240)
should read
HVGA resolutions (320 x 480)
Check Market icon and you put TasKiller on search. You'll find it…
Why this magic disappearing trick? Let users decide if the app displays correctly and just give a warning. I am new to Android and the HTC tattoo.
Barcode Scanner, Listen, My Tracks, Skype all do not show up. Romain Guy is worried I will get a “bad impression of your app”. Now I have a bad impression of the Android market and with it the Android platform. Smart move! Isn’t it a good thing if users complain that an app does not display correctly on their smaller screens? How does a developer learn that users out there would like to use their app on a smaller screen device if those users don’t get access to the app?
Marvelous post, love this blog
so this means that… maybe someday, we will have the best apps in our tattoo???
otherwise I don't understand it…
please answer me!! thanks
You can try to find the apps over net (.apk) then install in with HTC Sync or try install APKator in your device to download the unlisted apps in the martket. I try install Google Goggles in my Tatto, and it working just fine.
Jordi, there's no telling. Most of the "big" apps from large companies are likely to make the adjustment because they want to be available to everyone. But smaller developers who may not want to go back and fix their app may decide it's not worth it.
The switch basically puts the onus on developers, so unless they decide to go and make some adjustments, you may not have some of the best apps on your Tattoo.
It's hilarious that especially Google apps like "Listen" and "Sky Map" are not available for the Tattoo…
or depressing if you have one
Sky map works, try to install it on the Market
Ooh gosh i just wrote a big comment and as soon as i hit reply it come up blank! Please please tell me it worked properly? I do not want to write it again if i do not have to! Either the blog glitced out or i am just stuipd, the second option doesnt surprise me lol.
Hi,I bought a new HTC TATTOO just a couple of days ago!
Anyone knows if there is a navigator like Sygic or Copilot 8 live that work on Htc Tattoo??
I am not able to find also Astro file manager and applications manager on the market
I have Astro file manager. It's on the Market
The Sygic works just fine, but not through the market, but directly from sygic.
Yeah, it really suckz.. I want a barcode scanner and I also want skype and maybe wifiscanner… I almost feels like I was fooled to buy the tattoo… I can't use it for all my needs. I hope they really fix this soon.
The barcode wont work very well with the camera in the Tattoo, as it lacks the autofocus.
I don't know what are you talking about.I have Tattoo and all these programs are working fine. Scanner, skype via nimbuzz, etc….
Yes, me too.
Yeah,the market still be poor!!!Anyone knows about if a Skype version will arrive soon??
Hi all,
I once “just” had a normal, boring Windows phone … the HTC Polaris.
This device is known to work via HaRET with Android i.e. you can run Android on that originally Windows Mobile phone … I was amazed by that new operating system though things were not absolutely perfect on that hardware.
I browsed through the Market and found some cool very applications… some of those needed a digital compass and sensors … which the Polaris didn’t have at that time of course.
As time evolved I once bought a genuine Android device. The HTC Tattoo. I opened the Market and … was ….. quite disappointed. Coolest application (Google Sky Map) was just missing !!
So what I did then was: Extract the .apk – package-file from my tweaked Polaris/Android OS and copied it over to the Tattoo…. with a FileManager on the Tattoo I installed the package and … it worked!! The application runs quite well…
Maybe that helps a few people here…
Anyone knows how to get the .apk-files via Internet and PC ?
Regarding barcode scanning … yeah, camera lacks autofocus *sigh* …
(( very bad.
cheers,
Marcel
try to install APKator from the market.
What about update to android 2.0
I am trying to find the same! Somebody knows how we can do it?????
Dear all,
I've read the comments here and many of them are complaints about Market not offering apps for the Tattoo and that the people at Android should fix them or give user the choise to use apps not designed for the screensize and etc
I have the Tattoo but i did not buy it for all this functionality. I wanted a cheap smartphone with some good basics and that is exactly what i got. I am very satisfied with the Tattoo considering the price. If I (or anybody else out there) wants better apps, better quality etc then just go ahead and by a higher spec phone!
my2cents
Yeah, same here. I've never owned a android phone previous, just an iPhone. Personally I love the Tattoo way more then the iPhone. It's nice a small and isn't that flashy. It has a decent selection of apps regardless, the android market is a lot better then the app store. The app store has 60,000+ apps, but 55,000 are crApps.
I have just bought a tattoo and it dies not have Market in a program list! Anyone can advise on this?
You must've purchased a branded tattoo like a Malaysian version. You'll have to go through a tedious process if you want to fix it.
If you want to spend a while trying to get the market on your phone go here – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=...
I had to do it myself, heres some tips though: Install HTC Sync, install all the drivers needed.
Good luck.
There is some unbelievable problem for our HTC Tattoo!?!?!? First, you install Bluetooth File Transfer program on the Market, but when you do it you ll find the following problem!
I think our android needs to be version 2.0 instead of 1.6. When you install Bluetooth File Transfer program it's saying the same. I don't know how to get android 2.0 for HTC Tattoo???
It’s kind of crazy to have all those options without using of Bluetooth file sharing etc?!?!?!?!?
Big minus!
"I have just bought a tattoo and it dies not have Market in a program list! Anyone can advise on this?
You need to change the firmware (OS) from the Malaysian or whatever specific region to the World Wide version. Instructions are provided below:
http://androidforums.com/htc-tattoo/20498-unlocki...
I have just got a tattoo and was assured it had bluetooth file sharing… it doesnt! What apps can i get? or as im in my 7 days shall i take it back and get the Touch? ne1? HELP!!!! i use my phone for work alot and already will have to download a app to edit word etc… grr not a happy bunny
Nadine
The bluetooth problem is because of the version of android installed.. First supported in 2.0+
Yes, the bluetooh doesn't connect to any device but my stereo headset! How about transferring files?
i just bought HTC Tattoo and it said it had bluetooth ? How do i get bluetooth? And anyone know any good game apps?
I also have the htc tattoo and i called orange about bluetooth and they said the htc tattoo doesn't let you send or receive files… : (
We have long been trying my rtx dualphone 3088 for quite some time now and We have to reveal it truly is a totally chief bit of kit. see … this page
iv been told u can root ur tattoo and it will show all the apps on market but do not no how to root my tattoo help
help which type i will download application & game in my htc tattoo???????????????????????
plz
Hi.
I have a motorola dext and im planning to switch to htc tattoo as i wanted a cute small phone.
But, after seeing all this, i have 2nd thoughts.
I just wanna know.
Does imobsters runs fine in tattoo?
My wife bought a used one for my house. But I am having some trouble and I could use some help.
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