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Post by Mitzy on Nov 5, 2013 4:50:25 GMT -5
I've heard bluestacks mentioned a few times now. What is it? How do you get it? And what are the benifits? Sounds interesting so I would love to know if it's worth me doing it  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2013 4:56:12 GMT -5
Good point, Mitzy! I wanna know if it's helpful for re-design (because of the zoom)? |
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Post by G0THAMGIRL on Nov 5, 2013 5:14:34 GMT -5
Bluestacks is a computer software that allows you to play device apps on your PC. Its free and easy to use. Some people think because it is on your Pc you will be able to view more of your town in one shot. This is not true. (at least in my experience) It is very much exactly like playing on your device, but on a computer instead. Downside: I have heard reports that because Bluestacks is not really an EA approved app type device, that if something occurs to your town while on Bluestacks there is clause in your app agreement which permits them not to have to help you. This is just hearsay, but I thought I would give you the data I had on it. I use Bluestacks when my town is trying to be overwritten by another because it gets my town back. (That is how I first found out about it, as a solution to get my town back.) Other than that I actually prefer to play on my iPad. However, if I didn't have an iPad and only could play on my phone, then I would use Bluestacks to have a bigger screen as a phone screen would drive me crazy being so small. Edit: As an additional note, Bluestacks could also be a solution for those who have device that can no longer handle their town. Meaning, some devices lack the RAM to handle towns that get really big with lots of decorations. So if your device is having issues like kicking you out every few minutes, terrible lag, white patches.. you can first try reinstalling the game, also clearing out apps you don't use to make more memory room, deleting pending requests and if all that doesn't help... Well that would be another reason I would turn to Bluestacks because most PCs are going to have a lot more memory than our devices.  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2013 5:31:53 GMT -5
Downside: I have heard reports that because Bluestacks is not really an EA approved app type device, that if something occurs to your town while on Bluestacks there is clause in your app agreement which permits them not to have to help you. This is just hearsay, but I thought I would give you the data I had on it. Bluestacks works by pretending to be another device, I think I saw Nokia somewhere on it at some point, so EA wouldn't know that you are using Bluestacks as it would show as a Nokia device. Also, using Bluestacks would have nothing to do with EA as it's just a device/emulator, they would still get all the money from the game purchases. I think the real downside is the work you have to put in to get it working. After installing, uninstalling, reinstalling Bluestacks, I then couldn't find Tapped Out in the app stores, had to go online and find an .apk, found one, installed it, uninstalled it, found a new .apk, installed it, uninstalled it, installed it again, updated the app, closed the app, uninstalled it, reinstalled it, updated the app, got in, glitched up majorly, uninstalled the app, uninstalled Bluestacks from computer. Yeah, I just gave up on it in the end. |
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Post by G0THAMGIRL on Nov 5, 2013 5:35:49 GMT -5
Downside: I have heard reports that because Bluestacks is not really an EA approved app type device, that if something occurs to your town while on Bluestacks there is clause in your app agreement which permits them not to have to help you. This is just hearsay, but I thought I would give you the data I had on it. Bluestacks works by pretending to be another device, I think I saw Nokia somewhere on it at some point, so EA wouldn't know that you are using Bluestacks as it would show as a Nokia device. Also, using Bluestacks would have nothing to do with EA as it's just a device/emulator, they would still get all the money from the game purchases. I think the real downside is the work you have to put in to get it working. After installing, uninstalling, reinstalling Bluestacks, I then couldn't find Tapped Out in the app stores, had to go online and find an .apk, found one, installed it, uninstalled it, found a new .apk, installed it, uninstalled it, installed it again, updated the app, closed the app, uninstalled it, reinstalled it, updated the app, got in, glitched up majorly, uninstalled the app, uninstalled Bluestacks from computer. Yeah, I just gave up on it in the end. Wow, I haven't used it in months, but for me what I remember was 1. Download Bluestacks 2. search Tapped out and select. 3. Wait for TSTO to load. 4. Play TSTO |
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Post by Mitzy on Nov 5, 2013 6:08:47 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies. Sounds like way too much effort for no real reward  |
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Post by G0THAMGIRL on Nov 5, 2013 6:21:34 GMT -5
Downside: I have heard reports that because Bluestacks is not really an EA approved app type device, that if something occurs to your town while on Bluestacks there is clause in your app agreement which permits them not to have to help you. This is just hearsay, but I thought I would give you the data I had on it. Bluestacks works by pretending to be another device, I think I saw Nokia somewhere on it at some point, so EA wouldn't know that you are using Bluestacks as it would show as a Nokia device. Also, using Bluestacks would have nothing to do with EA as it's just a device/emulator, they would still get all the money from the game purchases. I think the real downside is the work you have to put in to get it working. After installing, uninstalling, reinstalling Bluestacks, I then couldn't find Tapped Out in the app stores, had to go online and find an .apk, found one, installed it, uninstalled it, found a new .apk, installed it, uninstalled it, installed it again, updated the app, closed the app, uninstalled it, reinstalled it, updated the app, got in, glitched up majorly, uninstalled the app, uninstalled Bluestacks from computer. Yeah, I just gave up on it in the end. After I read this, I went and walked my dog. While on this walk I reflected on your post here. Upon returning home I decided to load Bluestacks on my new laptop to see if something has change. I was able to load it and TSTO fine. After loading Bluestacks you can start an account and the account will allow you to access TSTO via the Google Play store. |
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Post by Mitzy on Nov 5, 2013 7:26:43 GMT -5
G0THAMGIRL you say google play store. I have a MacBook so would I be able to use it? X
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Post by A Bad Example on Nov 5, 2013 8:05:22 GMT -5
G0THAMGIRL you say google play store. I have a MacBook so would I be able to use it? X Yes Blue stacks is an Android emulator. Runs on Mac and PC. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2013 8:31:09 GMT -5
I've tried playing the game on Bluestacks but it won't work
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Post by brettolmsted on Nov 5, 2013 9:00:50 GMT -5
Mitzy and G0THAMGIRL - I downloaded blue stacks on my iMac and my Macbook Pro. I had no problem finding TSTO though I did have to register for a Google Play account to get the app (I have only ever had iOS for gaming). Cons: - Originally the sound was off and horrible, but that seems to be fixed - At times I will be trying to move a decoration and the game will read that I am trying to zoom in - At times it will crash (more frequently than on my iDevice Pros: - It is easier to click and select an item for redesigning an area or for artwork - Since I have a 27" iMac it is a whole lot bigger of a screen to see what and where I am placing (despite that you cannot zoom out more) Overall, I have tried it and found it lacking severely. I wish it would work as it is a lot easier when designing, but the software just is not up to par yet, IMHO
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2013 9:51:30 GMT -5
Bluestacks works by pretending to be another device, I think I saw Nokia somewhere on it at some point, so EA wouldn't know that you are using Bluestacks as it would show as a Nokia device. Also, using Bluestacks would have nothing to do with EA as it's just a device/emulator, they would still get all the money from the game purchases. I think the real downside is the work you have to put in to get it working. After installing, uninstalling, reinstalling Bluestacks, I then couldn't find Tapped Out in the app stores, had to go online and find an .apk, found one, installed it, uninstalled it, found a new .apk, installed it, uninstalled it, installed it again, updated the app, closed the app, uninstalled it, reinstalled it, updated the app, got in, glitched up majorly, uninstalled the app, uninstalled Bluestacks from computer. Yeah, I just gave up on it in the end. After I read this, I went and walked my dog. While on this walk I reflected on your post here. Upon returning home I decided to load Bluestacks on my new laptop to see if something has change. I was able to load it and TSTO fine. After loading Bluestacks you can start an account and the account will allow you to access TSTO via the Google Play store. I had no problems with it at first. It worked great. Then, it wanted an update. It took be to the Play store where it said that it wasn't available in this country. For some reason, Bluestacks seemed to think I was in a country that Tapped Out wasn't available in. It still does to this day... |
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Post by D'oh-tastrophe Inc. on Nov 5, 2013 10:09:48 GMT -5
I have used Blue Stacks to help with rebuilding Forumfield as a 19" screen as opposed to an iPhone 4 or 7" screen definitely is better in these situations. However, my computer tower is older and has trouble handling such a memory hog. My MacBook Pro (mid2012 model) can't handle it at all. It has it's Pros and Cons, but I'd like to point out on both computers I had no trouble at all installing Blue Stacks and TSTO. I think it's worth giving BlueStacks a try of you are truly interested, as individual experience seem to vary.
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Post by Laughing Luigi on Nov 5, 2013 10:23:26 GMT -5
Mitzy and G0THAMGIRL - I downloaded blue stacks on my iMac and my Macbook Pro. I had no problem finding TSTO though I did have to register for a Google Play account to get the app (I have only ever had iOS for gaming). Cons: - Originally the sound was off and horrible, but that seems to be fixed - At times I will be trying to move a decoration and the game will read that I am trying to zoom in- At times it will crash (more frequently than on my iDevice Pros: - It is easier to click and select an item for redesigning an area or for artwork - Since I have a 27" iMac it is a whole lot bigger of a screen to see what and where I am placing (despite that you cannot zoom out more) Overall, I have tried it and found it lacking severely. I wish it would work as it is a lot easier when designing, but the software just is not up to par yet, IMHO I use it on a Windows 8 laptop (to save switching between accounts on my iPhone, which is tedious), but one thing I've never figured out is how to zoom in or out with Blue Stacks, so would be interested to know how you do that! PS Mitzy; I find it OK, not as easy to use as my iPhone, especially clicking with the mouse instead on tapping, it can be frustrating, but not as bad as having to swap accounts 2-4 times a day on the phone!! |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2013 10:26:01 GMT -5
I use it on a Windows 8 laptop (to save switching between accounts on my iPhone, which is tedious), but one thing I've never figured out is how to zoom in or out with Blue Stacks, so would be interested to know how you do that! You just scroll with a mouse wheel so you will need an external mouse. However, once you zoom in, you can't move around... |
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Post by brettolmsted on Nov 5, 2013 10:26:25 GMT -5
Mitzy and G0THAMGIRL - I downloaded blue stacks on my iMac and my Macbook Pro. I had no problem finding TSTO though I did have to register for a Google Play account to get the app (I have only ever had iOS for gaming). Cons: - Originally the sound was off and horrible, but that seems to be fixed - At times I will be trying to move a decoration and the game will read that I am trying to zoom in- At times it will crash (more frequently than on my iDevice Pros: - It is easier to click and select an item for redesigning an area or for artwork - Since I have a 27" iMac it is a whole lot bigger of a screen to see what and where I am placing (despite that you cannot zoom out more) Overall, I have tried it and found it lacking severely. I wish it would work as it is a lot easier when designing, but the software just is not up to par yet, IMHO I use it on a Windows 8 laptop (to save switching between accounts on my iPhone, which is tedious), but one thing I've never figured out is how to zoom in or out with Blue Stacks, so would be interested to know how you do that! PS Mitzy; I find it OK, not as easy to use as my iPhone, especially clicking with the mouse instead on tapping, it can be frustrating, but not as bad as having to swap accounts 2-4 times a day on the phone!! My Magic mouse just zooms in and out randomly. I do not remember how it worked on the trackpad |
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Post by Laughing Luigi on Nov 5, 2013 10:33:23 GMT -5
Thanks Solar Dragon and brettolmsted, but rolling my mouse scroll button just seems to move me around the screen like a click and drag, not zoom  oh, not to worry. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2013 10:37:31 GMT -5
Thanks Solar Dragon and brettolmsted, but rolling my mouse scroll button just seems to move me around the screen like a click and drag, not zoom oh, not to worry. Huh. That was how I did it... Anyway, zooming on Bluestacks is terrible. Whenever I used it to take screenshots for Wikisimpsons, I had to zoom in, screenshot, close down the app, reopen the app, repeat. It wouldn't let me move about or zoom out... And then Bluestacks broke for me... |
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Post by Mitzy on Nov 5, 2013 10:46:51 GMT -5
After some consideration this all sounds like a major tantrum maker. I love my MacBook way too much to be driven to chucking it out the window because it fails to work properly  Thank you all for adding your thoughts |
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Post by A Bad Example on Nov 5, 2013 12:26:14 GMT -5
After some consideration this all sounds like a major tantrum maker. I love my MacBook way too much to be driven to chucking it out the window because it fails to work properly Thank you all for adding your thoughts Nobody would ever toss a computer due to crappy software. Wait, I did that. Of course it was Microsoft, so I'm not sure you can call it software. |
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Post by Spider Pig on Nov 5, 2013 12:55:29 GMT -5
After I read this, I went and walked my dog. While on this walk I reflected on your post here. Upon returning home I decided to load Bluestacks on my new laptop to see if something has change. I was able to load it and TSTO fine. After loading Bluestacks you can start an account and the account will allow you to access TSTO via the Google Play store. I had no problems with it at first. It worked great. Then, it wanted an update. It took be to the Play store where it said that it wasn't available in this country. For some reason, Bluestacks seemed to think I was in a country that Tapped Out wasn't available in. It still does to this day... Did you have a proxy enabled or something? I think bluestacks is still a beta, so this may be why there's a lot of bugs |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2013 13:02:02 GMT -5
I had no problems with it at first. It worked great. Then, it wanted an update. It took be to the Play store where it said that it wasn't available in this country. For some reason, Bluestacks seemed to think I was in a country that Tapped Out wasn't available in. It still does to this day... Did you have a proxy enabled or something? I think bluestacks is still a beta, so this may be why there's a lot of bugs Nope, no proxy. Never use one. |
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Post by Tara on Nov 5, 2013 15:16:38 GMT -5
It sounds like Mitzy has already made up her mind...but for anyone else curious...I play 95% on bluestacks and I love it. I have no problems at all, at least none other than anyone playing on any other device might have (such as freezing in a heavily deco'd town sometimes or "cannot connect to server" notices right after a highly anticipated update comes out). I play on a newer Win8 laptop and I have heard that because it is a beta app player, older pc's may not be as compatible. But I've been playing on my pc since I got it, about 6 mos or so, and I can't stand to play any other way now. Just my two cents...I'm a fan. |
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Post by OuterHaven on Nov 5, 2013 15:39:58 GMT -5
I use it on a Windows 8 laptop (to save switching between accounts on my iPhone, which is tedious), but one thing I've never figured out is how to zoom in or out with Blue Stacks, so would be interested to know how you do that! You just scroll with a mouse wheel so you will need an external mouse. However, once you zoom in, you can't move around... Try installing the latest version of Bluestacks... But on the zoom you can use CTRL and the + and - keys on your keyboard, you can also use CTRL and the arrow buttons to move around your Springfield however, they are inverted I think, most likely to mimic mouse movements so CTRL and UP move the screen down, CTRL and DOWN moves the screen right, you get the deal. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2013 15:56:56 GMT -5
You just scroll with a mouse wheel so you will need an external mouse. However, once you zoom in, you can't move around... Try installing the latest version of Bluestacks... But on the zoom you can use CTRL and the + and - keys on your keyboard, you can also use CTRL and the arrow buttons to move around your Springfield however, they are inverted I think, most likely to mimic mouse movements so CTRL and UP move the screen down, CTRL and DOWN moves the screen right, you get the deal. Okay, so I uninstalled BlueStacks and went to install it again. Apparently, the graphics driver in my 9 month old laptop needs an upgrade to use BlueStacks. Bullshit. |
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