Digital Artist Guide to Gspace and Drawing Apps on Huawei Devices

Back when I reviewed the Huawei MatePad 10.8 (2019), MatePad 10.8 (2021) and MatePad 11 (2021), I mentioned those tablets did not have Google Play Store and that was a significant downside to getting a Huawei Android tablet.

I've actually tried installing some Google virtual space apps but wasn't successful due to various reasons. And I just didn't have the time to troubleshoot, trial and error all the software issues that crop up. So I gave up.

There's now an easy way to install Google Play Store on Huawei Android phones and tablets that takes less than 1 minute.

Gspace, the virtual Google Space app, is now available (since 2021 actually) from the Huawei AppGallery. And since Gspace is available from Huawei AppGallery, it means the app at least passed Huawei security filters. The app is ad-supported and to remove the apps cost US $20. So you can at least try out Gspace before you decide to buy the ad-free version.

Gspace is a one stop solution. Press the Install button and you're all set up. After that, Gspace will handle all app installations through Google Play Store, and handle Google Mobile Services (GMS) so that you can restore all your past purchases with your Google account. It is also possible to purchase apps through Google Play Store.

On the Gspace homepage are shortcuts (links) to apps you can install from the Google Play Store. If the app you want is not available, you can just search for it on Google Play Store.

Most apps should install and run fine within Gspace but not all apps are going to work properly. I've read reports on certain games crashing.

Drawing apps

Below's my report of issues/glitches that I experience, if any, with the various drawing apps installed.

All installed apps via Gspace Google Play Store will have a small Gspace icon at the corner of the app.

Concepts
Wasn't able to restore past purchases initially. Had to restart the app the 2nd time to restore past purchases.

Infinite Painter
This app is not compatible with the Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2019) that I am using. This app will not show up when searching Google Play Store.

Tayasui Sketch
This app is not compatible with the Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2019) that I am using. This app will not show up when searching Google Play Store.

Krita
Krita v5.1 crashed upon startup within Gspace. Krita v5.1 installed via APK worked fine.

Clip Studio Paint, Sketchbook, Artflow, Medibang Paint
These drawing apps worked fine without issues. I was able to sign into my accounts with the various apps.

Other stuff

It's obviously impossible for me to find and install all drawing apps to test.

I've also installed Wacom Bamboo Paper and past purchases were restored. Microsoft Office apps worked fine.

The Google apps I've installed are Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Keep, Maps, Youtube, Photos and Chrome. They all worked fine.

The apps performed well with no lag.

Issues/glitches

If you're still unsure of Gspace, you and research the Huawei community page or Huawei subreddit.