Updating Android on Learnpads

[speckledegg]

Hi guys!

 

This is my first post, normally just browse [emoji6]

 

Has anyone ever managed to upgrade Android on their Learnpads before?

 

We're finding that more and more apps (like Mathletics) are not working properly because they require KitKat and above. We only have Jellybean at present and are currently using the first generation Learnpads.

 

It's really frustrating as this is seriously limiting what we can do with the tablets. Avantis say they cant be upgraded (but I personally think they can via custom roms!) [emoji53]

 

I have a spare tablet to test with so if anyone has any solutions to try it would be much appreciated! [emoji4]

[AntiThesis]

They can theoretically be upgraded using custom roms but doing so may break functionality of the learnpad app.

 

I'm currently building a custom rom for my bank of learnpads to see if I can get it going that way but I don't know if it'll work

[Joanne]

That's actually quite interesting... I wonder if they don't support the older models so you will buy the new ones? How old are these LearnPads that you have?

[jmak]

I've raised this query with them too - apparently tech support were going to look into it....(in February)

 

I pointed out that our Learnpads were only a year old, but running a version of android that was 3 years old and that by the time or devices were 3 years old, the android version would be 5+ years old which was likely to be problematic. No (useful) response yet.

 

My original problem was with Mathletics - I subsequently discovered that the version on the Learnpad store was an old one which is compatible with android 4.2* (haven't tested it with earlier, but it might work). That kept me going for the minute.

 

Edit: *Would have been useful if Learnpad support could have mentioned that, given that I'd phoned up specifically to ask about using Mathletics with Learnpads.

 

I have to say, I'm becoming less impressed with them as time goes on. The latest generation might be better, but on ours, the hardware lets down what is a fantastic system.

Edited May 24, 2016 by jmak

[AntiThesis]

I've raised this query with them too - apparently tech support were going to look into it....(in February)

 

I pointed out that our Learnpads were only a year old, but running a version of android that was 3 years old and that by the time or devices were 3 years old, the android version would be 5+ years old which was likely to be problematic. No (useful) response yet.

 

My original problem was with Mathletics - I subsequently discovered that the version on the Learnpad store was an old one which is compatible with android 4.2* (haven't tested it with earlier, but it might work). That kept me going for the minute.

 

Edit: *Would have been useful if Learnpad support could have mentioned that, given that I'd phoned up specifically to ask about using Mathletics with Learnpads.

 

I have to say, I'm becoming less impressed with them as time goes on. The latest generation might be better, but on ours, the hardware lets down what is a fantastic system.

 

Is the issue just specifically with Mathletics or with other software packages as well?

[jmak]

The app that originally identified the issue to me was Mathletics - I tried to install the current version from the Google play store and realised that it wasn't compatible with the old version of android that the Learnpads are stuck on. However, it's pretty standard for apps in the store to require at least 4.4 - not unreasonable for developers. To meet that standard, they'd have to test against 3 major releases of android now. On that basis, I'd expect that from this September, they'll require at least 5 (lollipop).

[speckledegg]

Thanks for all your replies, its nice to know that I'm not the only one having issues!

 

I totally agree on the hardware side, we're a small infant school and found the screens do not stand up well to young children. I've actually lost count of the Learnpad's we've had to sent back to Avantis to repair! We also had a couple of wright offs! Our Learnpads are currently in folio cases - I did contact Avantis to see if we could get stronger case annnnd they've discontinued them!

 

Performance is also very spongy at times with apps sometimes just completely freezing or going extremely laggy. They really need to add more RAM I think personally.....I'll be interested to know how you get on with the custom rom @AntiThesis as we're slowly running out of options

 

EDIT: the issue is with Mathletics currently, haven't seen problems with other apps yet.

Edited May 24, 2016 by anselmtech

[AntiThesis]

Thanks for all your replies, its nice to know that I'm not the only one having issues!

 

I totally agree on the hardware side, we're a small infant school and found the screens do not stand up well to young children. I've actually lost count of the Learnpad's we've had to sent back to Avantis to repair! We also had a couple of wright offs! Our Learnpads are currently in folio cases - I did contact Avantis to see if we could get stronger case annnnd they've discontinued them!

 

Performance is also very spongy at times with apps sometimes just completely freezing or going extremely laggy. They really need to add more RAM I think personally.....I'll be interested to know how you get on with the custom rom @AntiThesis as we're slowly running out of options

 

EDIT: the issue is with Mathletics currently, haven't seen problems with other apps yet.

 

Here's whay my learnpads look like - they're custom distributed by Parrot and the stats are:

Quad Core 1.3GHz Cortex-A7

10.1"

1G DDR3 RAM

16GB onboard

6000mAh battery

 

So far they've been pretty solid and very snappy. I'd be interested to see what you guys are running as well.

 

With regard to cases, I've been investigating some stuff as well and actually talking to a guy to custom manufacture cases like these: https://gripcase.com/index.php/ipad-cases/ipad-air2-gripcase-blue.html so if I get it right (or if you know anyone willing to custom make), we can see if we can get something going.

 

[JATSO]

Well its not just Mathletics, we bought Learnpads last year and we need to run the Lexia Core5 UK app.

Well it installs OK and is a bit slow but the biggest issue is that the backspace key does not work when the app starts up so that if you make a mistake you have to come out of the app to re-type.

Lexia only supports certain types of android tablets which is in itself frustrating as "Android support is limited to these devices: Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 and

Tab S2, and Google Nexus 7” (2012 and 2013) and 10”.

The device must be able to access the Google Play Store; for this reason,

Kindles cannot use the Core5 app for Android"

 

and you can't use the website as the browsers available to Learnpad will not do flash or will only run a earlier version of flash.

 

All very annoying and could be an expensive white elephant.

[AntiThesis]

Well its not just Mathletics, we bought Learnpads last year and we need to run the Lexia Core5 UK app.

Well it installs OK and is a bit slow but the biggest issue is that the backspace key does not work when the app starts up so that if you make a mistake you have to come out of the app to re-type.

Lexia only supports certain types of android tablets which is in itself frustrating as "Android support is limited to these devices: Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 and

Tab S2, and Google Nexus 7” (2012 and 2013) and 10”.

The device must be able to access the Google Play Store; for this reason,

Kindles cannot use the Core5 app for Android"

 

and you can't use the website as the browsers available to Learnpad will not do flash or will only run a earlier version of flash.

 

All very annoying and could be an expensive white elephant.

 

I don't suppose you have the APK that I can test on my tablets? Would be able to give you some diagnostic information at least.

From what I can see, that's basically the exact models that they've tested with and have played with. The requirement to reach the play store could be problematic since the version of android that s hips with the learnpads doesn't appear to support multiple users. Hmm. Is there a contact person there that I can talk to and see if I can figure out what the requirements are exactly?

[JATSO]

I don't suppose you have the APK that I can test on my tablets? Would be able to give you some diagnostic information at least.

From what I can see, that's basically the exact models that they've tested with and have played with. The requirement to reach the play store could be problematic since the version of android that s hips with the learnpads doesn't appear to support multiple users. Hmm. Is there a contact person there that I can talk to and see if I can figure out what the requirements are exactly?

 

I spoke to learnpad support this morning and also Lexia a few weeks ago, Lexialearning were not being very helpful and were sticking to the technical info on their website.

 

See link: Tech Guides | Lexia Learning

 

Learnpad support is looking into the issue so I await the outcome of that.

 

Their support address is: Support Articles - LearnPad UK

 

UK Learnpad Telephone Number: +44 0845 862 3390

 

We are using:

Learnpad Version: 4.2.1.433

Learnpad Config 3.0.1.432

Learnpad Browser: 1.3.1.429

 

Android Version: 4.2.2

Chrome

[TwistedHelixis]

We have some Learnpads but have not come across any apps that we can't use yet. I must say the Learnpad software and the amount it can do is amazing, what lets it all down is the fact the have picked cheap hardware to run it all on.

 

They used to sell the software for a select few other Android tablets separately but think they have stopped doing this now, which is a shame as I would love to get some Galaxy S2's or Nexus and put the learnpad software on them.

[speckledegg]

Here's whay my learnpads look like - they're custom distributed by Parrot and the stats are:

Quad Core 1.3GHz Cortex-A7

10.1"

1G DDR3 RAM

16GB onboard

6000mAh battery

 

So far they've been pretty solid and very snappy. I'd be interested to see what you guys are running as well.

 

With regard to cases, I've been investigating some stuff as well and actually talking to a guy to custom manufacture cases like these: https://gripcase.com/index.php/ipad-cases/ipad-air2-gripcase-blue.html so if I get it right (or if you know anyone willing to custom make), we can see if we can get something going.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]36982[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]36983[/ATTACH]

 

We currently have a class set of 30 Learnpad Quartos (see photos - apologies for dodgy handwriting!) which are divided up between each year group.

 

I've never considered custom made cases before - If we were to consider them they would have to be budget friendly as our bursar is very wary of spending more money on Learnpads.

 

Would be nice to get a prototype for testing if a company was willing!