Three app no longer works on my Huawei tablet. What to do?

br1anst0rm

I have a Three number and PAYG account.  The account gives me a data allowance every month.  I use the account on my Huawei MediaPad T3 10 (the model ref is AGS-L09), which runs on Android 7.0.   Until now I have been able to use the "My3" app installed on the tablet.  But today I was unable to login and use the app:  a message came up saying the app had been updated and I needed to install the new "Three" app from the PlayStore.

When I tried to do so, the app - or PlayStore - said that it was incompatible with my device.  So the old version is useless (I uninstalled it) and the new one doesn't work on my tablet.  What do I do?

I did try logging in to the three.co.uk website via the browser on my main computer, in order to seek advice from Three.  But the "contact us" facility is not available (I get a 'please try later' message.  And there is nothing in the device-support pages of the website which refers to the model of tablet that I have.

So I seem to be in a situation where I have a Three account which I cannot access and cannot use, with a network that I cannot contact.  Not a good look for a company that is in the communications business.  Any advice on what I can do to resolve this?

d123

br1anst0rm said:

I have a Three number and PAYG account.  The account gives me a data allowance every month.  I use the account on my Huawei MediaPad T3 10 (the model ref is AGS-L09), which runs on Android 7.0.   Until now I have been able to use the "My3" app installed on the tablet.  But today I was unable to login and use the app:  a message came up saying the app had been updated and I needed to install the new "Three" app from the PlayStore.

When I tried to do so, the app - or PlayStore - said that it was incompatible with my device.  So the old version is useless (I uninstalled it) and the new one doesn't work on my tablet.  What do I do?

I did try logging in to the three.co.uk website via the browser on my main computer, in order to seek advice from Three.  But the "contact us" facility is not available (I get a 'please try later' message.  And there is nothing in the device-support pages of the website which refers to the model of tablet that I have.

So I seem to be in a situation where I have a Three account which I cannot access and cannot use, with a network that I cannot contact.  Not a good look for a company that is in the communications business.  Any advice on what I can do to resolve this?

The My3 app in the PlayStore requires a minimum of Android 8.0.

Youll need to update to a more recent Android version or acquire a more modern tablet that can handle newer Android versions.

br1anst0rm

Thanks @d123 for that comment.  As far as I know the Android OS in my MediaPad cannot be updated.

But in any case this seems to be the tail wagging the dog:  because the software (the app) has been updated, I have to buy new hardware? 

It's a bit like saying .... your car tyres need replacing, you'll have to buy a new car.  Totally disproportionate. 

Why can't Three make their 'new' app backwards-compatible?  Or ensure that their 'old' app continues to function?

mrochester

br1anst0rm said:

Thanks @d123 for that comment.  As far as I know the Android OS in my MediaPad cannot be updated.

But in any case this seems to be the tail wagging the dog:  because the software (the app) has been updated, I have to buy new hardware? 

It's a bit like saying .... your car tyres need replacing, you'll have to buy a new car.  Totally disproportionate. 

Why can't Three make their 'new' app backwards-compatible?  Or ensure that their 'old' app continues to function?

Newer versions of the operating system will introduce new features for app developers to use.  If those app developers start to use those new features in their apps then that version of the operating system becomes the minimum supported version for the app, meaning anyone using an older OS is out of luck. 

You will need a new tablet to continue using the three app. Unfortunately, this is just the way these things work. 

Ayr_Rage

One word, Security.

Unsupported Android versions do not get security updates and the features in new apps are not compatible.

Android 7 is 7 years old and support ended in October 2019

Time for a new device, smartphones are generally better supported than tablets.

MDMD

br1anst0rm said:

Thanks @d123 for that comment.  As far as I know the Android OS in my MediaPad cannot be updated.

But in any case this seems to be the tail wagging the dog:  because the software (the app) has been updated, I have to buy new hardware? 

It's a bit like saying .... your car tyres need replacing, you'll have to buy a new car.  Totally disproportionate. 

Why can't Three make their 'new' app backwards-compatible?  Or ensure that their 'old' app continues to function?

To use your car analogy, the car tyres need replacing but the car axles have rusted away and there is a hole in the floor.

If they wee to make it backward compatible it would need to include all the code for the old versions in the download which just adds to app “bloat”

mrochester

MDMD said:

br1anst0rm said:

Thanks @d123 for that comment.  As far as I know the Android OS in my MediaPad cannot be updated.

But in any case this seems to be the tail wagging the dog:  because the software (the app) has been updated, I have to buy new hardware? 

It's a bit like saying .... your car tyres need replacing, you'll have to buy a new car.  Totally disproportionate. 

Why can't Three make their 'new' app backwards-compatible?  Or ensure that their 'old' app continues to function?

To use your car analogy, the car tyres need replacing but the car axles have rusted away and there is a hole in the floor.

If they wee to make it backward compatible it would need to include all the code for the old versions in the download which just adds to app “bloat”

Plus that becomes a maintenance and support nightmare. You’ve got to have a cut-off point somewhere. 

PHK

You can always use the My 3 section of the Three website. 

flaneurs_lobster

PHK said:

You can always use the My 3 section of the Three website. 

..or run the app on another device, the account/SIM doesn't have to be on/in the same device.

br1anst0rm

Thanks to all who have replied.  I do understand that technology evolves and I do "get" the point about security. 

But to use another comparison, when the DVD was invented and DVD players and drives were produced, they could still also play CDs,  And when USB3 came along, it was still possible to plug in and use USB and USB2 devices.

However I accept that I can't hold back the tides of progress.  I guess I shall simply have to rely on the suggestions of @PHK and @flaneurs_lobster and access the My3 account pages on the Three website.

elsien

You will find this over time with the majority of apps. It’s not just three - all phones and tablets go out of date over time for this reason. It is annoying, but can’t be helped.