app bundles

AppWizard
December 17, 2024
Android developers are preparing for a transition to a 16 KB memory page size, expected to improve performance by 5–10% across applications and games. Google has introduced developer options for testing on Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 devices, with support from other OEMs like Samsung and Xiaomi anticipated. Developers using native code must assess and rebuild their apps, ensuring compatibility with the new page size by upgrading to Android Gradle Plugin version 8.5.1 or later and using NDK version r28 or later. Applications without native code will remain compatible without modification. Testing for compatibility can be done using emulators or physical devices like the Pixel 8/8 Pro and future Pixel 9 models. Developers are advised to avoid hardcoding assumptions about memory page sizes to prevent compatibility issues.
AppWizard
November 12, 2024
A bug in the beta version 2.24.24.5 of WhatsApp has caused a green screen glitch that affects users, rendering the app inoperable when accessing chats. This issue primarily impacts beta testers and results in a complete transformation of the display into a solid green hue. Reports of the glitch have been shared across online platforms, with some users experiencing additional related issues, such as the app force-closing upon startup. The bug is confined to the beta version, and stable release users are unaffected. A suggested workaround for those impacted is to revert to an earlier app version, although this process can be complicated. WhatsApp's development team is expected to be working on a patch to resolve the issue.
AppWizard
October 16, 2024
Google has launched the Android 15 update for Pixel devices, introducing an app archiving feature that optimizes storage by allowing users to remove an app's installation and temporary files while keeping its data. This feature supports all app distribution formats, including traditional APKs, unlike the previous version limited to Android App Bundles. When an app is archived, its installation files are removed, but the app remains visible on the home screen and in device settings, with its original icon preserved in a private data directory. This enhancement aims to improve app management and encourage third-party app stores to adopt similar features.
AppWizard
August 7, 2024
The Google Play Store is the main source for Android applications, but alternatives like the Amazon Appstore and Samsung’s Galaxy Store exist. Sideloading, which involves manually installing APK files, offers both benefits and risks. It allows developers to bypass Play Store restrictions and users to install older app versions, but it also exposes them to potential malware. Google’s Play Protect feature scans sideloaded apps for security threats, and users can control app permissions. The future of sideloading is uncertain due to Google's push for Android App Bundles, which complicate offline sideloading. User engagement in sideloading varies, with some preferring to avoid it altogether.
AppWizard
August 5, 2024
Google is introducing new policies that complicate the sideloading of Android apps, requiring users to enable developer settings, which are disabled by default for security reasons. Google has stopped generating "fat APKs" for many applications, meaning only app bundles will be available for download. Users will now need tools like APKMirror Installer or Split APKs Installer (SAI) to install third-party apps, adding complexity to the sideloading process. However, developers can still provide "fat" APKs, keeping the fundamental sideloading process unchanged for users seeking alternatives.
AppWizard
August 5, 2024
Google has refined the packaging and delivery of Android applications by introducing the Android App Bundle (AAB) format, which became the default for new applications in 2021. Developers are encouraged to create applications as bundles that contain files for different screen sizes, languages, CPU architectures, and Android versions, allowing Google Play to download only the necessary components for optimal app functionality on specific devices. Google has stopped generating "fat APKs" for many apps, which previously included all necessary files in a single release. This change affects users who sideload applications, as they now need additional tools to install bundles. While users downloading apps from the Play Store will see little impact, sideloaded apps may fail to install if they are missing required components. Developers can still provide fat APKs for apps distributed outside the Play Store.
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