Hi all.
I have problems contacting google to get some info on Google Play service and obtaining license to use on specific device with firmware entirely build by me which is based on ICS 4.0.3 sources provided to me by chipset manufacturer..
I'll c/p last mail I sent to android-partnership [at] google.com for you guys to get the point:
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Hello,
If somebody told me that I will have to write same e-mail three times to Google withouth getting any response I would not belive him, but things happen...
Again:
I'm CEO of Croatian company. We have OEM hardware producer in China who produces for us Android ICS and GB based media players. Because theese media players are based on Amlogic chipset (AML8726-M3 platform which runs ICS and AML8726-M platform which runs GB 2.3.4) and on Amlogic ICS which is not prepared for targeted region (Central Europe), we obtained partnership with Amlogic to get access to their sources to be able to customize it and prepare it to be used in our region.
Based on that, we are building our own firmwares for these devices. According to our hardware manufacturer's firmware versions, they do have access to Google Play service. Because of different fingerprints and keys used for our firmware build, same device with our firmware is not recognized by Google Play service and actually we are not licensed to use it.
My question to you (for 3rd time) is what we have to do to get Google Play working on our firmware builds. Your FAQ seems to be confusing... By that I reffer to theese Q and A's:
What kinds of devices can be Android compatible?
The Android software can be ported to a lot of different kinds of devices, including some on which third-party apps won't run properly. The Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) spells out the specific device configurations that will be considered compatible.
For example, though the Android source code could be ported to run on a phone that doesn't have a camera, the CDD requires that in order to be compatible, all phones must have a camera. This allows developers to rely on a consistent set of capabilities when writing their apps.
The CDD will evolve over time to reflect market realities. For instance, the 1.6 CDD only allows cell phones, but the 2.1 CDD allows devices to omit telephony hardware, allowing for non-phone devices such as tablet-style music players to be compatible. As we make these changes, we will also augment Google Play to allow developers to retain control over where their apps are available. To continue the telephony example, an app that manages SMS text messages would not be useful on a media player, so Google Play allows the developer to restrict that app exclusively to phone devices.
If my device is compatible, does it automatically have access to Google Play and branding?
Google Play is a service operated by Google. Achieving compatibility is a prerequisite for obtaining access to the Google Play software and branding. Device manufacturers should contact Google to obtain access to Google Play.
And this one, which tells me to contact you which I am doing for 3rd time in last few days:
If I am not a manufacturer, how can I get Google Play?
Google Play is only licensed to handset manufacturers shipping devices. For questions about specific cases, contact [email protected].
Will you please be so kind and answer to my questions?
Best Regards,
Stanislav Vlasic
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That was 3rd mail sent to them. I also tried to contact them to compatibility [at] android.com, but no response at all.
So, my question.... Does anybody know who to contact to get ANY kind of answer?
Regards,
Stane
Related
This is my first post, so hope to get some good replies here .
Lots of Android users complain about a few issues related to Google Play.
a) country restrictions
b) access to paid apps
c) access to "device-specific" apps
For me, I'm really curious about how the Google Play app is creating these restrictions. I've noticed that Deeco7 and xinfinityoO have created mods to the stock APK in order to help people get around these restrictions and access more apps.
But how is Google Play specifically running its restrictions? I know one small part of device authentication comes from build.prop's ro.build.fingerprint. But does anybody have a good explanation for the overall restriction/authentication process? What is it about apps like MarketEnabler that allow (or not be able to allow) devices to circumvent Google Play restrictions?
Officially, manufacturer firmware builds need to pass Google CTS tests in order to get a "license" to use Google Play. Not sure if anyone knows whether or not an authentication key is signed for a particular device once it passes CTS, and if that plays a role in granting specific Google Play app access.
Look forward to any helpful facts.
My company is working on an in car device that is operating by Android Jelly Bean. I know android is open source but is there any reason fro me to believe I need Google's permission to install on such device the Google Play market?
Appreciate your responses.
Aaron
I don't think anyone has an answer to your question. You can try to read the open source details and license information on Google's open source.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
You don't need permission to use it, just that it should comply with Google's CTS guidelines. Those are a series of hardware and software checks to determine that the device is suitable to run the Google Apps (which are closed source). I don't think there should be any problem if you use any of the Google Apps from the respective Gapps package (http://goo.im/gapps).
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Google Play is NOT open source so it cannot legally be distributed with a device without Google's approval. Its not heavily enforced as I see many generic Android tablets and TV sticks shipping with Google Play, many of which probably haven't been approved.
From Android FAQ: http://source.android.com/faqs.html
If my device is compatible, does it automatically have access to Google Play and branding?
Google Play is a service operated by Google. Achieving compatibility is a prerequisite for obtaining access to the Google Play software and branding. Device manufacturers should contact Google to obtain access to Google Play.
If I am not a manufacturer, how can I get Google Play?
Google Play is only licensed to handset manufacturers shipping devices. For questions about specific cases, contact [email protected].
How can I get access to the Google apps for Android, such as Maps?
The Google apps for Android, such as YouTube, Google Maps and Navigation, Gmail, and so on are Google properties that are not part of Android, and are licensed separately. Contact [email protected] for inquiries related to those apps.
Is compatibility mandatory?
No. The Android Compatibility Program is optional. Since the Android source code is open, anyone can use it to build any kind of device. However, if a manufacturer wishes to use the Android name with their product, or wants access to Google Play, they must first demonstrate that the device is compatible.
How much does compatibility certification cost?
There is no cost to obtain Android compatibility for a device. The Compatibility Test Suite is open-source and available to anyone to use to test a device.
How long does compatibility take?
The process is automated. The Compatibility Test Suite generates a report that can be provided to Google to verify compatibility. Eventually we intend to provide self-service tools to upload these reports to a public database.
Who determines what will be part of the compatibility definition?
Since Google is responsible for the overall direction of Android as a platform and product, Google maintains the Compatibility Definition Document for each release. We draft the CDD for a new Android version in consultation with a number of OEMs, who provide input on its contents.
Click to expand...
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So i did a quick Google search, however, i didn't find anything answering my question.
So when we think about android we (at least the ones who knows their thing) we know it is related to google. However, so far i know that Android is open source, correct me if i'm wrong, but that means that anyone CAN "cook" their own rom of android. (As soon in the numerous threads in android development). So far so good.
A while back i recall reading Google forbidding Cyanogenmod of including their multi-window feature (the one that allows you to surf the web and watch a youtube video simultaneously as seen in Samsung devices(Note 1/2 probably S4 and S3(?)). Anyways, my guess is they came to terms where they can agree or did Samsung ignore what google had to say? So to make a long story short, what are google's rights when it comes to android?
Can google, for instance, if it doesn't like what a manufacturer is adding to their phone be it a feature or a skin say that they only want manufacturers to stick to the AOSP look and if they do add their own skin they will be taken to court? Can they do this?
Just curious to understand how things are running here. I wanna know the rights google has and if it could have went to court with samsung because of using the multi window feature.
I think that you are asking a good question, to which I have no answer, but would be interested in following this.
Personally, I would like to see an Android ROM devoid of Google.
____________________
Sent from my HD2 JB-CM10 with XDA Premium
shadehh said:
So i did a quick Google search, however, i didn't find anything answering my question.
So when we think about android we (at least the ones who knows their thing) we know it is related to google. However, so far i know that Android is open source, correct me if i'm wrong, but that means that anyone CAN "cook" their own rom of android. (As soon in the numerous threads in android development). So far so good.
A while back i recall reading Google forbidding Cyanogenmod of including their multi-window feature (the one that allows you to surf the web and watch a youtube video simultaneously as seen in Samsung devices(Note 1/2 probably S4 and S3(?)). Anyways, my guess is they came to terms where they can agree or did Samsung ignore what google had to say? So to make a long story short, what are google's rights when it comes to android?
Can google, for instance, if it doesn't like what a manufacturer is adding to their phone be it a feature or a skin say that they only want manufacturers to stick to the AOSP look and if they do add their own skin they will be taken to court? Can they do this?
Just curious to understand how things are running here. I wanna know the rights google has and if it could have went to court with samsung because of using the multi window feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is while 'Android' or rather the AOSP is completely open source and free to use as you like, there are parts that Google have restrictive licensing over, or example the 'Gapp' (gmail, google+, play store etc). Manufacturers then also hold rights over the parts they add into Android (skins, other apps etc.).
Google has no control over manufacturers sticking Android on a device and that manufacture changing Android in anyway (hence the many many random Chinese devices), however Google can prevent a manufacturer from having a license to include the play store etc if they are unhappy with whats being done.
Google didn't forbid the CM team from including it, they said they would restrict access to the Play Store for devices running CM. The Play services is the only thing Google has power over, since that's their proprietary service. They cannot prevent someone from making a device that runs Android, since that's open source.
And I so believe Samsung's method is different, because apps require some changes before you can run then in multi windows, so you can't just run any app (officially, that is).
Lesicnik1 said:
Google didn't forbid the CM team from including it, they said they would restrict access to the Play Store for devices running CM. The Play services is the only thing Google has power over, since that's their proprietary service. They cannot prevent someone from making a device that runs Android, since that's open source.
And I so believe Samsung's method is different, because apps require some changes before you can run then in multi windows, so you can't just run any app (officially, that is).
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Click to collapse
I see. Doesn't that in theory mean that Samsung could just take their sgs 3, remove all google services and smack their own play store onto it or am i missing something here?
shadehh said:
I see. Doesn't that in theory mean that Samsung could just take their sgs 3, remove all google services and smack their own play store onto it or am i missing something here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh they could. But then it would be blocked from other Google projects as well.
Wayne Tech S-III
Hi there folks,
I wondered if somebody could perhaps help me clarify something.
I am buying devices from China that are coming as Android handsets with Google Play installed and full use of the app store.
(They don't come with Google's other apps installed like Maps, Gmail etc)
I have done some searching online and cannot find the correct answer to my query in regards to Googles policy on the certification an Android build should have. Here is what i've been given from the manufacturers:
Level 1, free use of the Android operating system, but not embedded GMS on Android OS;
Level 2, embedded part of the GMS service on Android OS, but the phone can not be marked with Google trademarks;
Level 3, embedded all GMS services on Android OS, you can use Google trademarks. If in case the built-in Google GMS services in android phone, Brand holder should apply GMS from google.
From my understanding and reading online, Level 1 is a Developer Certificate and 2 and 3 would be a GMS signed certificate.
Can anybody help clarify what the letter of the law (or at least Google's policy) is on this please as I'm struggling to find solid information online.
Any information and links would be much appreciated.
Cheers,
Ben
GMS Certification
This seems a mysterious issue. I too seek GMS certification. I would welcome any assistance on even how to contact Google on this issue.
Hi,
Yo can find the proper partner when you search in Google for GMS licensed partner.
Hi friends,
I need advice on a pressing issue I am facing right now about an android app I got developed through a freelancer.
I am webmaster of a website for numerology enthusiasts. On this website, we were offering a numerology calculator (basically a combination of html pages with some javascript embeded - all compiled in an .exe format) Later, on some suggestions, we decided to prepare an Android version of this tiny program by hiring a programmer of South India. It was 2011 and the Gingerbread was the prevalent Android platform. The programmer created the App and we published it on Android Market where it is still available on playstore (search for com.namecalculator.lite on playstore and the first result 'Your Lucky Name' is the app in question.)
The problem is that this was an app which was not compatible with the later version of Android. As such, after sometimes, when the ICS version of Android was launched, the app stopped working for ICS devices. As of now, except for some old Android devices, this App is useless.
When I contacted the guy who originally developed this App, he told that the source file of the Apps were not saved by him and as such, he expressed his inability to do anything about it. He told me that if I again wanted him to develop the app for later versions of Android (like ICS, Jellybean etc), I will have to pay him the full development fee as he will have to start again from scratch.
Since my website is only a hobbyist website with negligible revenue, it was not possible for me to again hire this programmer just to develop an upgraded version of the app.
As of now, a very popular part of my website (the app) has become unavailable for its intended users. In this background, I want guidance on the following:-
(1) If an App is already built for an earlier Android version, does making it compatible with future/latest version of Android require the same amount of energy and effort which was needed when the app was developed the first time?
(2) Since the App in question is basically a compilation of html files with some javascript embeded in some pages, will it be really difficult to reconstruct the app if the source file of earlier app has been lost ?(I still have the raw html pages with me)
(3) I am not a programmer but have experience of web-designing, creating blogs etc. Can I self taught myself to create the above mentioned app by reading and following the online tutorials ? If yes, what in your opinion is the expected time an average learner (with no programming background) can do it? Also kindly point me to some good tutorials.
(4) Any other advice on the above issue some of you might be having ?
Regards
Eklavya