How to Update the Companion on the MIT AIStarter (Connect->Emulator) emulator

ABG · March 28, 2024, 6:32pm

I did some experimenting with AIStarter, and made a couple of videos on how to replace the Companion on the MIT emulator with the current version.

To check the Companion version on the MIT emulator:
AIStarter Companion Version Check

To get the latest Companion onto your hard drive:

I like to keep them by version:

This assumes you have already downloaded the latest MITAI2Companion.apk to your hard drive's Downloads folder, to shorten the videos to fit this board's upload size limits.

Deinstalling the old Companion:
AIStarter Companion DeInstall

After deinstalling the old Companion, leave the MIT emulator running at its home screen for the next step, installing the new Companion.

Installing the new Companion:
AIStarter Companion ReInstall

sjwon0368 · March 29, 2024, 5:15am

It still crashes with an error saying:
Cannot copy requested file to emulator.

Should I send a video/screenshot?

palaiologouiason · March 29, 2024, 5:57am

From what I saw in tests I did.
It depends on which application you connect the emulator with.
In some it works fine, in some it shows nothing but a white screen.
I'm guessing some extensions these apps have, are causing this white screen problem.

ABG · March 29, 2024, 10:34am

Yes, please

ABG · March 29, 2024, 10:37am

I see from your screen shot you are using the old emulator, which has an old Android version unable to support more modern features.

Get a more recent emulator.

palaiologouiason · March 29, 2024, 12:20pm

Is there a link to do this?
I upgraded as the instructions say and lo and behold... success

Patryk_F · March 29, 2024, 5:56pm

https://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/ai2/setup-emulator

sjwon0368 · March 30, 2024, 5:21am

Thats not my screenshot by the way

sjwon0368 · March 30, 2024, 5:22am

Looks like you're not using the latest version of aiStarter.
When did you install it?

palaiologouiason · March 30, 2024, 5:29am

I installed it yesterday and the problem is still here.

sjwon0368 · March 30, 2024, 5:47am

how about using Android Studio's emulator? I use that and it works faster.
Create an AVD there and choose android version 12 or 13 with Play Store or not if you want to install it manually.

Start the AVD first and then start aiStarter. Then try to connect with the Emulator option in AI2. If aiStarter shows:

Found emulator at emulator:5554

After 3 lines(Approximate)
Then it should be connected.
If not, restart aiStarter until it finds it.