Android & Android TV

To go live into Google Play Store, first create an account at https://store.google.com/account. Then invite RedBee's gmail account rbmott.apps@gmail.com as admin so we can handle upload keys and pushing of the app, and also help resolve any issues tht might occur.

Going forward Google no longer allows APK files to be published, instead they want the files to be in the "bundle" format (.aab). A required step in migrating to bundles is to hand over app signing to Play Store. If you have already opted in for app signing with Play Store you will need to supply RedBee with your upload keystore as we need it to build the bundles. If you have NOT already opted in for app signing with Play Store (or if you have any questions at all) please contact your representative at RedBee and we will be happy to help with that process.

Creating an app

First go to the console here: https://play.google.com/console. On the main page click "Create app" and fill in the form. Then, on the "Dashboard" page of your newly created app, you'll see a section called "Set up your app" which contains a list of tasks that need to be completed before the app is considered ready for release. Please do them to the best of your ability and contact us if enything's unclear.

To set up your app and configure store pages etc please follow Google's guide.. Or if you prefer, the Play console itself is also pretty good at letting you know exactly what is left to be done before an app can be published.

Testing

Before publishing new versions to production it is a good idea to test them, so we always push the bundles to Play Store's internal test track first. Anyone with their email on the tester's list will then be able to download the new version directly from Play Store with their phone.

Publishing

When everyone feels the new version meets their expectations the app in the test track can be promoted to production (by using a special button in the console) where it will become available to the public. Please note that the review time for the first version of the app can be very long (1-2 weeks even).

Data safety form

Google requires all app owners to submit a Data Safety form (https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/10787469?hl=en). Here you can download a csv template that describes the default behaviour of the android app. This file can be uploaded to play store.

Android TV

Even though bundles for both mobile and Android TV are upploaded, one still has to specify that an Android TV version should be available for download. This is done in the Play console by going to Setup -> Advanced settings -> Release types and selecting "Add release type". As with anything else, please ask us for help if you encounter problems or are not sure exactly what to do.

Copyrighted material

Before greenlighting the apps for release, Google will most likely want to see some evidence that you have rights to stream your assets and channels. For information on this matter please visit this page: Intellectual property