Legal to use Google Play - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

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.
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Related

[Q] How Does the Google Play Store Package Create Restrictions??

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.

[Q] Google play services

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:
****
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
****
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

[Q] Android GMS Certification - Do's & Don'ts?

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.

Does Google have a trial/test version of Google Play Services for developers?

I'm trying to download Google Play Services/Google Mobile Services to an Android development kit. However, it's doesn't have the license from Google because it is unregistered. It takes one being an established manufacturer planning to sell several devices to get the Google Mobile Services license. However, I'm not at that stage yet. I've also tried just downloading the apk's and installing them on the device, but they keep crashing. I also tried using OpenGapps, but they don't seem to load on my Snapdragon 820 Development Kit from Intrinsyc.
Does anyone know if Google has a trial/test version of Google Play Services/Google Mobile Services for developers to test on devices they're making?

General Download Any Apk Off The Playstore Without installing Google, AMAZON, or Any other APP Store

EDIT-- This post is super old (but still works).
Another method (maybe better for your use case?) is the Aurora store. Please see the COMMENTS SECTION.
How To Download any app on the playstore, Without installing GMS, GAPPS, AMAZON, Or any other App Store
EVOZI:
https://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
GOOGLE PLAY STORE:
Android Apps on Google Play
Enjoy millions of the latest Android apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, magazines & more. Anytime, anywhere, across your devices.
play.google.com
Simply paste the playstore link to evozi, of the app you want to download!
This is not warez, you Can Not Download Paid apps.
This site just caches and backs up all our favorite apps.
Rarely, if you're looking for something too obscure, it will not be able to locate it.
Have Fun
Google Play Store lets you download and install Android apps on an Android-powered phone or tablet or emulator if GMS Core already are installed thereon.
Sometimes evozi will say something about "you're being rate limited" and it won't work. I think this is bc they are getting too much traffic. I use Evozi in this example, as it is the cleanest (adless) experience, but do bare in mind you can always use other Mirrors~! sites like APKpure.com are mostly safe
any idea how does https://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/ work as am trying to automate some work and i dont want to depend on apk-downloader or any other mirror
@synackers sorry I just now had the time to research what I wanted to share. There's a "store" that has access to the playstore repositories, that is open source, and gives the user the freedom to choose to enable google features or not. This works on windows phones too and I would guess WSA too?
It is called the "aurora store" it's website is here:
auroraoss.com
This is still new to me so I can not explain it personally but the knowledge is available
This article explains a little about it and shows pictures
Maybe they have a github repo somewhere you can obtain the code you need to dl things
Hope it helps!
Hi Jeneh , to be honest am not interested in any open source apk mirroring available in internet
am seeking to understand how auroraoss or evozi actually works behind the screen ... how do they give you apk to be downloadable is also fetched from other mirror or do they have google developer and google offer any api to play store ..etc
more deep technical details is of my interest . i do appreciate your feedback
@synackers The Aurora Store is different from evozi or other sites like evozi, in that it actually accesses the repositories, ie the link to the android app in question.
For instance: to download the app "Termux" a call is made to get the app from com.termux and it goes on to install and build from there, the latest software.
When using evozi or apk mirror, they save actual hard copies of the apps to their servers to share to users, which could be any older version of the app.
Evozi regularly redownloads the more popular apps from the play store and they take requests. However there is No version choice available. The downloaded apks hash signatures will match the playstore app sigs for that app version.
Sites like apk mirror and others tend to keep all the older app versions and provide a choice which version to download. This is my only use case for these as they are more risky and you should vet the sigs on them.
Here is aurora's gitlab https://gitlab.com/AuroraOSS/AuroraStore
This link has all the code to be able to go through and find exactly what you need.
Some info on the code
"Aurora Store was originally based on Sergei Yeriomin's Yalp store. Aurora Store v4.0 is a rewrite of version 3 in Kotlin"
The developer of the store has made a page here on xda that maybe they would be willing to give better insight to a specific question you have in the installation process to provide the technicals.
Outside of Aurora, it may be beneficial to learn about PackageInstaller to be able to manually install and or uninstall apps with code. Or Package Manager, if you open that spoiler and select the "PM" option you can see all the code for using it.
Hi Jenneh ,
much appreciate your response and cooperation |
https://www.codevoila.com/post/77/how-to-install-or-uninstall-an-android-apk-file-programmatically this is definitely valuable and its crystal clear for me on how aurora works.. i had a glance at the code in github .
now my challenge or use case which i want to achieve is as following ;
1. need to take APK directly from play store ( i dont mind if google offer paid API which am not aware or seen )
this should be automated off android physical phone / or emulator
working in other project ^^ and stuck in this point
what i have noticed indeed evozi take package from playstore cause i checked an APK which recently was published and not available in any other mirror site
Aruroa still need mobile phone or emulator to work
Thanks again and appreciate your cooperation
With regards to thread's title "Download Any Apk Off The Playstore Without installing Google, AMAZON, or Any other APP Store" take note that you of course need an app store to get APKs from.​
Never make use of Aptoide: it's Large, Decentralized, Dangerous.
Aptoide is one of the most sophisticated app sources. The store works with a distributed network of different store providers and combines them on a unified platform. However, this poses significant security risks.
Truely not what am seeking , any mirror is not an enterprise grade options cause security risk is high so if there is any way to download directly apk from play store without the need for emulator or device would be much appreciated
The app store with least security risks is Google Play Store.
Apps from outside of the Google Play Store are also scan using Google Play protect on the device, it is a security risk to install apps outside of the Play Store but as long as you trust the app developer you should be fine.
well, what is the case if i need to automate a way for MDM solutions
IDK.
Probably MDM isn't not applicable if the managed devices differ in Android version and ARM architecture.

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