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�������������������������������������UNIT 5 �Monetizing Promoting & Distributing Applications

Prepared By : Milan V. Doshi

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Once we have completed developing our application , the next step is to share it with the world. We would like to earn from our application.

There are several ways of sharing our application. As the users of mobile phone are in a large number , scope of development and developers are also in large number

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  • Signing Applications
  • Publishing Applications
  • Distributing Applications
  • Monetizing Applications

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Signing Applications

NJSMTI

Prepared By : Milan V. Doshi

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Android applications are distributed as Android package files(.APK). In order to be installed on a device or emulator, Android packages need to be signed.

During development our applications will be signed using a debug key that is automatically generated by ADT tools. Before distributing our application we must compile it as a release build and sign it using a private release key.

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Signing Applications

The export android application wizard simplifies the process of creating and signing a release build of our application package. Once the wizard is complete, our signed package will be ready for distribution.

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We can launch the wizard by selecting

file->Export, open the Android folder select Export Android Application and then click next.

We can also use manifest GUI where we can select Use the Export Wizard. It will prompt to either select a new keystore or create one.

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To apply an upgrade to an installed application, it must be signed with the same key, so we must always sign an application using the same release key.

After creating or selecting keystore , next step is to sign certificate. If we have created a new key, we will be asked for new certificate.

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Certificate is required for upgrades and Google play requires a certificate with a validity period ending after October 22, 2033.

Finally , we need to select the output destination for our package. It is always a good idea to back up our keystore.

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DISTRIBUTING

NJSMTI

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Introduction

One of the best thing in developing for Android is the freedom to publish and distribute our application how and where we choose.

The most common and famous distribution channel is Google play. In addition to this there are other alternatives also available such as carrier specific stores, Amazon app store, etc.

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Distributing using Google Play

The Google play is the largest and most popular distribution point. It acts as a mechanism for us to sell and distribute our application.

Unlike Apple app store and Windows marketplace, there is no review process for applications to be listed on Google play store.

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Getting Started with Google

To publish our application on Google, we need to create developer account with Google play store.

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Publishing

Once we have created developer account, we can publish our application with Google.

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  • It is important to supply all the details asked as it will be listed on Google Play Store.
  • The title, description and category determine how and where our application will be displayed.
  • We can also provide title and description in multiple languages.

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  • We can also specify the availability of our application, providing mechanisms to set its maturity level and countries in which we want to make it available.
  • We can also supply application-specific contact details for users of our applications.
  • These details are displayed alongside our application’s listing in Google play.

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  • Finally we can click on publish button to publish the application.

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Application Reports

The publisher page on the Google play list each of our application, along with number of users and installs, average rating, and total number of ratings.

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We can also get

  • Readers comments
  • Direct feedback
  • Statistics(graph based)
  • Comparison with other applications by analytical users depending on
  • Platform Release
  • Hardware Device
  • Country and Language

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Accessing application error reports

The Android Developer Console provides anonymous error reports and stack traces received from users who experience crashes and freezes while running our application.

On clicking the errors link it will show a summary

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MONETIZING APPLICATION

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Monetizing

Android enables us to monetize our applications using whatever mechanism we choose. If we choose Google Play to distribute and monetize our application, it provides three options

  • Paid applications, Charge users an upfront fee before they download and install our application.

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  • Free applications with In-App Billing, make the download and installation of the application free, but charge within the application for virtual goods , upgrades and other value –adds.
  • Advertising-supported applications, distribute the application for free, and monetize it by displaying advertising.

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If we wish to charge for our application on Google play, the revenue is split between us and Google play in form of transaction fee.

In order to use this approach, we need to create a Google merchant account.

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In add-based system, the process to set up advertising within application depends on ads provider we chose.

It is important to ensure that any ads included within our application are unobtrusive as possible. Also the user interaction model don’t encourage accidental clicks on the ad banner.