Instant Apps patch for Android 8.0

[JAWjr]

How soon will my XZ2 Compact get Android's patch for 8.0(APK 26) that will enable Instant Apps? I bought it to test development and then learned Sony has to distribute the patch. Till then I'm dead in the water. 

[Uliwooly]

@JAWjr

All the info available will be 

https://developer.sony.com/develop/android-p-developer-preview/

keep in mind that this is a user based forum. 

[JAWjr · Accepted solution]

I got a 248MB download that I had hoped would fix the problem, but no. I had no choice but to return the phone before my exchange period expired.

I had waited anxiously for the XZ2 Compact, and I wish it had worked out. Someday Sony will patch Android. But in the meantime I will have to make do with a Motorola E - a big step down.

[najodleglejszy]

@JAWjr I'm fairly sure that Instant apps depend on either Google app or Google Play Services, not on the phone manufacturer. 

[JAWjr]

Yes, except for the need for an update to Android 8.0 that must be distributed by the OEMs. That is why testing Instant Apps on the XZ2 is stymied until Sony distributes it. Great phone, wanted to use it, but there is no information about when I can use it for my purposes; it could be months.

[najodleglejszy]

@JAWjr huh? the XZ2 Compact has been released with Android 8.0. it's never even had an earlier version of Android.

[lukas321]

Have you checked in your google play store settings that instant apps are active for your google account? i have disabled them when once in the past n news article was loading an app that i did not installed manually from play store. 

somewhere else is also a instant apps setting but i do not remember where. maybe in the general google settings.

[JAWjr]

I just received notice of a software update availability V 51.1.A.4.225. Can someone from Sony verify that this update was the one that enabled Google to turn on Instant Apps in the Play Store for the XZ Compact?

Failing a direct confirmation, can anyone verify that Instant Apps now works after this update? I had to return my Sony, so I can't test directly. And I am not re-purchasing until I know it works.

How to test:

1. Settings>Google>Instant Apps: Turn the toggle on

2. Browser: Search "buzzfeed tasty"

3. Scroll down to find SERP entry w/ Buzzfeed icon and "Install" button

4. Press the title (Buzzfeed: News ...) DO NOT press the Install button - that installs the full app

5. The BuzzFeed Play store entry displays with a "Try Now" button to the left of "Install"

6. Press "Try Now" and you will get the Instant App download which will display a long scroll of dishes

7. If you go back to Settings>Google>Instant Apps, you will now see BuzzFeed in the list of Recents