Playground App: FAQ & Troubleshooting

Modified on Thu, 22 Feb 2024 at 12:55 PM

Change to minimum supported versions for Playground

What is the minimum supported Operating System (OS) version of a mobile app?
The minimum supported OS version of a mobile app refers to the oldest or lowest version of an operating system (such as iOS or Android) on which the app can run. It represents the baseline requirement for users to be able to install and use the app on their devices. By setting a minimum supported OS version, developers ensure that the app functions correctly and delivers a satisfactory user experience on devices running that particular operating system version or any newer versions.
Why do we need to increase the minimum supported OS version?
Increasing the minimum supported operating system (OS) version for an app is beneficial for several reasons. Newer OS versions often come with significant improvements in terms of features, performance and security. By increasing the minimum support OS version, developers can leverage these advancements and provide users with a more enhanced and secure app experience. Targeting a higher OS version allows developers to take advantage of the latest development tools, frameworks and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) provided by the OS, enabling them to create more innovative and efficient apps. Supporting newer OS versions reduces the need for backward compatibility testing and maintenance efforts, allowing developers to focus on implementing new features and addressing current user needs. Increasing the minimum support OS version ensures that the app remains compatible with the majority of active devices, as users tend to update their operating systems regularly. This wider compatibility improves market reach and user satisfaction while also reducing fragmentation in the app ecosystem. Overall, increasing the app's minimum supported OS version is a necessary strategic decision that promotes progress, a better user experience and streamlined development processes.
What are the new minimum supported versions (MSV) for the different operating systems (OS)?
App	MSV OS from 11 July 2023
Playground	iOS 14
Home	iOS 14
Playground	Android Marshmallow
Home	Android Marshmallow
What are the oldest devices compatible with iOS 14, released on 26 September 2020 (our minimum supported version for the Playground and Home apps)? *We suggest you use a newer device for optimal functioning with the apps, but these are the oldest devices still supported by Apple to have iOS 14.
Device name	Released on
iPhone 6S	9 September 2015
iPhone 6s Plus	9 September 2015
iPhone SE (1st generation)	18 March 2016
iPad Air 2	16 October 2014
iPad mini 4	9 September 2015
iPod touch (6th generation)	15 July 2015
What are the oldest devices compatible with the Android Marshmallow 6 operating system, released on 29 September 2015 (our minimum supported version for Playground and Home apps)? * We suggest you use a newer device for optimal functioning with the apps, but these are the oldest devices still supported by Android.
Samsung Galaxy S6 (2015) LG G4 (2015) HTC One M9 (2015) Sony Xperia Z5 (2015) Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2012) Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 (2012)
How do I update my phone or tablet’s operating system?
Android phones: check and update OS Apple devices: check my OS and update OS
I’m using an old device and cannot update my OS to the MSV. Will the Playground/Home app still work if it is already installed on my device before 11 July?
Yes, you can keep using the app. However, you will not be able to install future app updates.
What will happen if I do not upgrade my operating system before 11 July?
The software will continue to work but will not receive any new product releases or app improvements.
I am using an old device with lower than the MSV operating systems, and I had to uninstall the app. Can I re-install the app from AppStore/Google Play?
No, you will be unable to download the app from the AppStore/Google Play after 11 July if you do not have a device with the new MSV OS.
Why can’t I find the app in the iOS AppStore or Google Play store?
This means that your device and/or operating system is not compatible with this software. You will need to upgrade your operating system or obtain a newer device.
What if I cannot update it because it doesn’t allow me to update?
This means your device is not compatible with the required operating system. Please discuss this with your device tech store or device provider. It may mean you need to get a newer device as the one you are using is no longer compatible with the latest operating systems supported for your device type.

Playground App FAQ's

*My parents can't see any Observations - why aren't they receiving them?*	Have you made sure that child is tagged in the Observation? The 'Needs Review' tab in Playground Web. If you have set Educators up to require their posts reviewing before they are received by parents, their Observations will need to be approved. Have they received the Observation but not all the photos? Parents can view the first four photos through the App, and the rest through home.myxplor.com Has the Observation been uploaded in the Playground App or is it still in draft? It will need to be posted to be received.
*I am having login issues. It keeps saying 'invalid credentials' when I try to log in.*	There are two log-in stages for the Playground App, the Service Sign in and the Educators Sign in. The Service login details are only available to the Centre Manager, who will need to log into the device as the service, before Educators can start using the App. If this is not the case, and you are at the Educator log-in stage, please check the following: Is the email address spelt correctly, as it is in the Educator's profile? Try resetting the PIN/password
*Photos are not uploading to Observations*	First check your internet connection. Even with a strong internet connection, each photo can take thirty seconds to upload. If you are uploading high resolution images, these will take longer. Wait rather than trying to repost multiple times: this will put further strain on the server.
I want to come back later and work on my Observation, how can I do this in the app?	If you want to edit an Observation in Playground Web or other devices later, but don't want to send the Observation out to any parents, tag the demo child (there is one for every service under 'Other Children' and post. This will post the Observation to the cloud, without sending it to real parents. When you edit it later, you can untag the demo child, and tag the real child instead.
Will Educators be able to see sleep checks, nappy changes, etc. that they have recorded in a previous attendance? Where can they see this?	Educators can view past Attendances and Health Events under the child's profile in the Playground App. Click on the child's name or profile picture to open their profile Click on the drop-down box to select which kind of event you would like to view. It defaults to the event-type you entered the profile from (e.g. the Attendance tab) Select a date from the date selector, which defaults to 'Today'
*Can parents download photos?*	Parents can download individual photos their child is tagged in using the Home App or in bulk using the Learning Gallery Archive bulk download function.
How can I print Observations?	You cannot print directly from the App. However, you can print Observations from Playground Web. See this article for details.
What can parents see?	In Home App: Any Observations their child is tagged in: all the photos and content, only the first names of other children; Any Documents, Tables or Observations their child is tagged in. Note: If you include observations where the child has been tagged, you must still tag the child in the document/ table for the parent to see this. Any observations in the document/table where the child is not tagged, will not be viewable by the parent. Any health events recorded for their child In Home Web The entire Observation their child is tagged in, minus the surnames and profile photos of other children in the 'Tagged Children' section The entire published Document/Table/Canvas their child is tagged in, minus the surnames of other children. Please note this includes any Observations you have dropped into the Document/Tables/Canvas. If their child is tagged in a published Plan, the parent can view everything except for Observations, Tables and Documents they are not tagged in which have been included in the Plan. These will appear as blank shapes. They will also not be able to view profile photos of other children, or the surnames of other children.
*I can't sign in any children or log health events.* The room is faded out!	The room is closed! Room opening times are set in Office, in Room Settings . You cannot use Playground in a room until it is open.
*How can I tell if a child has photo permissions or not?*	If your centre has children without photo permissions, you can see this information in their Child Profile on Playground App. You can also upload profile photos in Office for children who do, and leave out those who don't. Educators will notice this straight away, without needing to click into the profile.