Install apps from Google Play on Chinese HiMedia Q5 4K3D

[Daigoro]

Hi,

I have a chinese version of HiMedia Q5 4K3D, which is working wonderfully, but with a few limitation.
I'd very much like to install a few apps from Google Play, but it seems like it's only possible to root and do so with the international hardware/firmware - at least I haven't been able to find a description on how to do so.

My devices data is is follows:
Model Q5xx.1000  (Where xx is chinese characters I couldn't type here).
Android 4.4.3
Kernal 3.10.0_s40
Build HMD-1.0.1 2014-07-24.215244

When attempting to upgrade, I'm told it has the latest version.
It seems there are newer custom firmwares for the international version, but does any exist for the chinese version - which maintains the apps and graphics of the original version?

In the filemanager I do have access to folders, also on usb devices that I attach. Could it be an option to manually upload apps?
If so, how can I get hold of the files to upload? Can I somehow pull them from Google Play?
An example of the apps I would like to install is from the Danish Public Broadcasting Service (DR) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dk.dr.webplayer&hl=en   

I'm eagerly looking forward to have (at least) some of these questions answered.

Best regards,
Daigoro

[futeko.com]

Latest firmware for Chinese Q5 4K3D is here: http://bbs.himedia.cn/thread-199025-1-1.html

You should be able to install .apk files manually by navigating to them using a file manager and running them (select with remote). apks can be found on lot's of websites, just google for the one you want.

[Daigoro]

Thank you for the link.
It looks like the latest software is very resent, despite the build-in updater claiming no updates exists.
Will try it out! :-)

Will also try to find a way to pull the .apk files off Google Play, as it appear to be the only location for the programs I need.

I will keep this thread updated, as I progress.

[futeko.com]

There are lots of apps available in Google play that will extract apks from a device.

So you could download the apk using a phone, extract it, and install it on Chinese Q5/Q10.

Of course, just buying the European/international version with Play Store installed would have been a lot easier.!