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    Android Dev - Let the evil corporation die

    December 17, 2019

    Android Dev - Let the evil corporation die

    Let the evil corporation die

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 01:33 AM PST

    I am an Android developer since version 1.0. And I regret having my life connected with Google. Over the course of my career, I have come across many times the absurd suspends and rejects of my applications, communicating with bots, endless Android bugs and related Google services, sent dozens of reports to make their system better.

    The past couple of years have gone better. There were only a few suspends and rejects generated by their bots, but I successfully appealed them and already believed that Google began to appreciate its developers. So I found the strength to remain an Android developer.

    But a week ago my AdMob account was banned for invalid traffic. Another bullshit from Google bots. The account was created since the creation of my first applications, never violated their rules and did not receive reasonable warnings. At one point, the account was gone, along with the monthly income on it. Of course, I filled an appeal, which is still unanswered. But I do not believe in an optimistic outcome, judging by the reports of those who found themselves in a similar situation. And even if this happens, who will compensate me for the lost income for these days or weeks while my app is without ads? Google never pleads guilty and always believes that they are right, even if they cause you damage. This can be lost downloads, loss of charts and loss of income, at the time of appeal. Why do developers still not have their own international union that could defend their rights? An independent developer does not have an army of lawyers to sue such a large corporation for the damage.

    If honestly, this is the last straw. I no longer see myself as an Android developer, but it's hard to do something. Experience has always stopped me. How can you be a professional developer, know so many things and drop everything in one moment. I'm afraid of competition on other platforms due to lack of experience. But I understand that something needs to be changed and I am going to end all my affairs with Google forever. I will find the strength to develop on another platform. They should be punished for everything they did to their developers so I urge everyone who is in a similar situation to do the same. Let the evil corporation die.

    submitted by /u/springmeds
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    Important of mediation and why everyone should implement it

    Posted: 16 Dec 2019 11:34 PM PST

    Important of mediation and why everyone should implement it

    EDIT: I know I messed up the title.

    Just saw a post on how Admob is banning people because they think "Your account possesses risk of generating invalid traffic".

    Well, here's my take on that, Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

    Number 1 thing in anything, always have a backup plan. And that's what mediation offers you in your app business.

    Lot of people don't know what mediation is, so I'll try explaining what it is:

    1. You have to create your account on all of the ad networks (Admob, FAN, etc) that you want to show ads from in your app.
    2. Then there is one platform, like MoPub, which is responsible for providing you with tools necessary for mediating other ad networks (Facebook Audience Network, Admob, AdColony etc).
    3. There are certain steps that you need to follow in order to connect MoPub with other ad networks to pull ads (and for automated optimization). Look at the screenshot from MoPub below

    Ad Networks supported by MoPub

    1. You just select what network you want to add, and follow the steps (in my case, I've added Facebook and Admob).

    2. After setting up the above part, you need to add "Adapters" for these networks in your app, along with MoPub SDK. They have "Mediation Integration tool", where you select which networks you've added in your MoPub console, and they'll give you something like this:

    Mediation Integration tool

    1. You add the above dependencies in your Android app.

    2. Now, you just initialize the MoPub as shown in their documentation, change your ad code, and you're good to go!

    What I've written above isn't supposed to be a full fledged guide on mediation, there's a few more steps that you need to take in order to set up everything, but this just gives you general idea of how things are.

    ​

    • Benefits of mediation
    1. Whenever you fall prey to Google's shitty bots, there's still other ad networks that keep filling your ad units so your revenue doesn't come to halt as it would if you depended on Admob and if it got blocked.
    2. You get more fill rate, and with that, more revenue.
    3. Only the ad with best CPM for that particular impression is shown, and with that, more revenue.
    4. You get more control over ad networks, and can enable/disable any ad networks at will.
    5. Then there's automated optimization with which the ad network which gives you best overall eCPM is given priority.
    6. As the planchatangas comment here says:

    one key feature is that you can create segments by country with different waterfalls. That way you can use different ad networks per country or prioritize them based on performance in that country.

    There's a lot more things that I don't want to write here since you get the point, it's beneficial for you.

    DON'T MAKE MISTAKE OF USING ADMOB MEDIATION! I ALREADY USED THEIR MEDIATION, AND TRUST ME, YOU'LL REGRET USING IT BECAUSE IT'S NOT EFFECTIVE. THEIR AUTOMATED OPTIMIZATION DOESN'T WORK, IT'LL ALWAYS PRIORITIZE ADMOB OVER OTHER AD NETWORKS EVEN IF OTHER NETWORKS ARE PROVIDING YOU WITH BETTER ECPM! THERE'S NO OPTION TO REMOVE ADMOB FROM MEDIATION CHAIN IF IT'S PROVIDING YOU WITH BAD ECPM, WHICH DEFEATS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING MEDIATION IN THE FIRST PLACE!

    Drop me a DM if you still face any problems with mediation, I'll help you out (IF I GET TIME).

    Another EDIT: People don't seem to get the idea of mediation. So, you have to link YOUR Admob/Facebook account to MoPub through Step 3 that I mentioned above. Mediation platforms act as a mediator/middleman who manage the ads that are shown to users. Ads are fetched from YOUR Admob and FAN and AdColony etc accounts, through MoPub, and then, the ad which has the best price for that impression is shown to users by Mopub, and money for that impression goes to the ad network whose ad was shown. So, 1 request is made by user, 3 ad networks filled it, but Facebook provided best eCPM for that impression, so facebooks ad was shown, so the money for that impression/click goes to your Facebook account.

    Another edit: Thanks to the anonymous person who gave me Santa Nice award. :D I'll maybe write the full detailed article about adding MoPub mediation in your app. Maybe YT tutorial or something since it's a lot easier.

    submitted by /u/AwkwardShake
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    MotionLayout: A new way to create animations on Android

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 06:33 AM PST

    Kotlin vs Java

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 03:32 AM PST

    Avoid memory leaks when using Disposables in RxJava2!

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 12:37 AM PST

    Cannot create new file on SD card on Android 10

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 06:56 AM PST

    Cannot create new file on SD card on Android 10

    Yeah, it is another DocumentFile related issue. I just created a post about it on StackOverflow too, it is at https://stackoverflow.com/questions/59376609/cannot-create-new-file-on-android-10-sd-card so I won't copypaste it. I'm just asking here too, maybe I can get to some solution quicker. Basically on some devices `documentFile.createFile()` returns null, `DocumentsContract.createDocument()` throws an exception that I just cannot find mentioned anywhere around the internet. I'm attaching an image of it, has it happened to anyone? All other SD card file operations are working well, that additional write permission is handled properly too. The partition seems to be "storage/0123-4567", not sure where does the "/mnt/media_rw" come from. For now it is happening on Huawei, stock EMUI 10. My code works just fine on my Android 10 and all other Android versions, so it must be something device or SD card specific. Thanks

    https://preview.redd.it/nkltuho4j7541.png?width=387&format=png&auto=webp&s=9fc709fe5c39015d3a51358a046548e875ee21ed

    submitted by /u/tibbbi
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    Index issue, Admob bans, Developer Account Bans,Apps crashing more for no reason, What other issues are you experiencing? Links to posts inside!!

    Posted: 16 Dec 2019 09:35 PM PST

    Several issues have taken place recently effecting a large number of developers.

    1) (Developer) Index issue https://amp.reddit.com/r/androiddev/comments/e94wkq/google_play_indexing_round_2_after_a_fix_the/

    2) (Developer) Admob ban issue https://www.reddit.com/r/androiddev/comments/ebhgya/google_terminated_my_5_years_old_admob_account/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/androiddev/comments/e8s7qk/admob_account_terminated_with_still_to_be_paid/

    3) ( Developer and User) Developer account closing https://amp.reddit.com/r/androiddev/comments/d418bw/google_banned_my_developer_account_by_mistake_ill/

    4) (Developer and user) Rating system glitch https://www.reddit.com/r/androiddev/comments/e9lh3j/google_play_rating_calculations_a_lie/

    5) (User Related) apps crashing more without any update to apps. https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/14079818?hl=en https://amp.reddit.com/r/android_beta/comments/b4agih/apps_with_known_issues_in_android_q/

    What other issues have you notice occurring?

    submitted by /u/IAPhero
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    Google Terminated My 5 Years Old AdMob Account

    Posted: 16 Dec 2019 08:39 AM PST

    Android Intern Salary

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 08:30 AM PST

    What's the typical salary like an Android intern? What's your desired salary?

    submitted by /u/murray1029
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    Suspension, Appeal and Playstore Mistake

    Posted: 16 Dec 2019 10:10 AM PST

    First I'd like to start by stating that this is not a troll post.
    I recently had the bad surprise of having my app suspended and I'd like to share my experience.
    I'mnot hoping anyone from Google will read this ( I know they don't care, it was made very clear during the appeal exchange of automatic replies ) but if it can help one developer in here it's worth my time to write about it.

    1. The Suspension : My app got suspended with no warning what so ever, it had been published for about 2 months I had published at least 20-30 updates and the latest few were only cosmetic changes ( so nothing that could trigger this sudden suspension). My app was suspended for " providing information to hack third party software". I won't go into details but my app gives tips on how to improve at a famous video game, NO HACKING and NO CHEATING. So of course I wasn't only surprised but I completely disagree with the suspension.

    2. The Appeal : As stated I was surprised and couldn't believe the suspension so of course I submitted an appeal, explaining that I didn't understand what caused this suspension and explaining that my app was really a tip and tricks / coaching app, no hacking or cheating.
      The first answer I received was to confirm that my app had been classified as a hack or providing information to hack
      So I sent a long and detailed email explaining, with screenshots and examples of similar approved apps, why I thought it had to be a misunderstanding and stating that I would really like to be able to talk to someone and discuss the matter (even just to understand their reasoning for future apps).
      The Second answer was "I can't comment and don't have access to details regarding the suspension"...
      ( What's the point of an appeal if the only "person" you can reach can't comment or have access to details about the issue..... Seriously!!!)
      So I sent one more email, again pleading my case and asking ( if not begging ) for information on what exactly triggered this sudden suspension... I'mnot a hacker, I designed plenty of apps always trying my best to follow all the policies, making required changes when needed and I made that very clear. If indeed Google decided I crossed a line I thought I'd deserve to know which one so it would never happen again.
      Last Answer I received was " I cannot comment on future development, this suspension count as a strike to your account.If you think your app or changes you can make to it are compliant with Google policies feel free to re-submit it as a new app"
      Seriously!!
      I'm asking why my app got suspended so I can may be fix it and all I got is basically, I can't tell you why you got suspended cause I don't know but guess what, why don't you chance it again....
      Why don't you invest time, money, grow a user base again, have people trust you, by in-app purchases just so we can suspend you with no warning a second time....
      What kind of an appeal is that... I didn't get to plead my case, didn't any answer regarding details of the suspension so how can I possible make sure a new version would be compliant with Google Policy if they don't tell me what I did wrong... and the advice to just resubmit is borderline disrespectful... if the app gets approve it means this suspension was unjustified and if they are consistent with their review process I'm going to get suspended again and likely banned....
      What a brilliant advice..... I of course will not follow it, I've submitted a second appeal today ( 2 weeks after the first one ) hoping may be I can talk to someone else, but I'm guessing I'll either get no answer or the same automatic useless message.
      As a developer I'm a paying customer I thought that would at least give me the right to talk to have an explanation but I guess not.....

    3. The mistakes : If you made it this far you probably understand my frustration.... I have invested time into development, money into advertising and build a user base of over 15k just to have everything taken away, with no explanation and no way to discuss the issue.
      And what does a "suspension" really means , well it means you lose all access to your app, your users, you reviews .... everything with no warning at all. On top of that I had integrated Admob into my app as a monetization tools but since it was linked to my Playstore account, although users are still using my app I get no revenue from it.
      Users who had also trusted me ( not Google ME ) and bought in-app purchases lost everything since I can't update my app for them anymore or even tell them I can't update my app... I'm sure some of them thinks I cashed the in-app purchases and shutdown the operation which as a professional I would never do...

    4. What did I learn from this :
      - Don't think because your app is getting great reviews and awesome downloads that Google can't shut you down with no explanation or warning
      - NEVER link your Admob to the Playstore listing, Google makes it the "default" option but it's not necessary. Just implement your app as you would normally and on the Admob side configure it as being published elsewhere.
      Don't link it to your account as ads stop being served if there is anything wrong with your Dev account
      - Be careful about your reputation, Google makes it mandatory to publish your name and address as a developer but they can unilaterally decide to shutdown your access, making you personally look really bad to all the users who trusted you.
      - ALWAYS manage to have an outside way of reaching your users, either using account creation (collecting emails ) or just by having the app query your server for "news announcement". This way you can inform your users that the current app has been disabled and what to do next ( download a new version from your website or a new app from the Playstore )
      - Have a backup plan, publish the app in other stores, make sure you don't just advertise your Playstore listing but your website and other listings as well. Keep in mind that you have no control over your app despite your best efforts to comply and communicate with Google

    That's about it, I would love to be able to discuss with anyone from Google about the appeal process or the lack of process regarding the appeal but I know this will never happen so I hope it will at least help some of you.
    Make sure you don't invest all you have into the Playstore listing, make sure you have safeties in place so you can pivot if Google decide to shut you down.
    Again I'm not arguing the reasons of my suspension ( although I believe it was unjustified and unfair ) but I'm strongly arguing that the appeal is completely broken and really just disrespectful to developers who put their reputation on the line, take the time to develop apps, document their work and try to have explanations.

    On the bright side, I have managed to reach out to some of my users side social media to explain the situation. I've relaunched my app in other android store and on my website and redirected advertising somewhere else.

    I did lose a lot of my user base, most of my revenue and almost decided to shut everything down but support from my users actually pushed me to keep on going.

    Again if by any miracle anyone from Google wanted to discuss the matter, I'd be happy to chat but I know this will not happen

    Thanks for reading, hope this somewhat helped

    Ben

    PS: I'mnot a hacker I have been developing apps and software for over 2 decades, I work with R&D firms, Medical research companies, surgery software, start-ups... so being treated with such disrespect by Google Development Support was extremely hard to take. Lesson learned...

    submitted by /u/blewd2019
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    Configuring in-app subscriptions for Android

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 06:58 AM PST

    Setting up Koin for Android UI testing

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 02:57 AM PST

    ConstraintLayout 2.0.0 beta 4

    Posted: 16 Dec 2019 10:56 AM PST

    Input required on youtube videos regarding mobile development using flutter.

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 06:03 AM PST

    Hi,

    I would appreciate it if people here can have a look at my youtube channel and give me input on my content. Furthermore, I would appreciate if you guys/girls decide to subscribe. Help me reach 1000+ subs.

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6TVfaRzASw0NkqfMkUZmg

    Regards,

    Hussain Mustafa

    submitted by /u/hussain880
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    Have you wondered how to build a browser without WebView?

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 01:31 AM PST

    How to Prepare a Game for Localization? Basic Rules

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 12:55 AM PST

    Uploading apps to Huawei's App Gallery

    Posted: 16 Dec 2019 03:46 PM PST

    Do you upload your apps on Huawei's App Gallery? What is your experience? I want to use them but I don't know if this can make a problem with my Google Play or AdMob account. For example can AdMob detect it as invalid traffic? Do you think this is against Google's rules? With the removal of Google Play and Google Services from new Huawei devices this is whole new market for us but what do you think?

    submitted by /u/yo_asakura
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    Can I buy a play store developer account with a credit card that uses other curency than dollars ?

    Posted: 16 Dec 2019 11:41 PM PST

    I tired buying but I keeped getting an error, I have 25$ on card, but in other curency.

    submitted by /u/12IFA
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    Gmail ignoring ACTION_SENDTO intent extras. Blank subject and email body.

    Posted: 16 Dec 2019 11:34 PM PST

    Nothing has changed in my code, but lately I'm getting emails without the auto-generated subject and email body from my app users. I have filters set up based on the subject lines to give auto responses, so this is a bit frustrating.
    I'm not seeing anything in any google documentation indicating why this was changed and the extras are now ignored...

    submitted by /u/iBleedWhenIpoop
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    Uploading contacts to server

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 03:01 AM PST

    Hey i have taken contacts permission in my app, on the basis of this can I fetch and upload all contacts to my server, will it cause any issue.

    submitted by /u/jjjj55556666
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    Best settings/practices for detekt on android

    Posted: 16 Dec 2019 10:53 PM PST

    I use detekt in all my projects, I know the check rules fine tuning is per-project (sometimes insanely per-developer), I would create an android configuration template with the "best" (note the quotes) values for android projects and I would know your habits (specific for android projects) especially in two areas but any hints is welcomed

    - TooManyFunctions

    The default value is reached very quickly when you start to override fragment/activity methods, for me it's really hard to respect the "Single responsibility principle" and set the value to 25 and you?

    - ReturnCount

    The default value is 2 but this is too low for android so I added exclusion for onOptionsItemSelected and onPreferenceTreeClick, what do you think?

    submitted by /u/ternaryop
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    GitHub - BuildAPKs/buildAPKs: Really quickly build APKs on handheld device (smartphone or tablet) in Amazon, Android, Chromebook, PRoot and Windows

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 02:19 AM PST

    Question: How to have only beta on Google Play Store

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 12:39 AM PST

    I don't know if this is the right place to post this, but I already looked everywhere... so it's not really easily searchable. Basically, I have an app that I published a while back, but then unpublished because it had many problems. Now I worked on it but want to do some beta testing on Google Play beta. I uploaded the new build to Google Play beta, but it said it must be PUBLISHED to be able to see the beta link. However, I want to keep the original app off of the play store (because it's wrong). Is there a way to keep the old version off of the play store, but keep the beta version working via the beta link?

    submitted by /u/jacolack
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    Top 10 Android Libraries and Tools for Android Development.

    Posted: 17 Dec 2019 04:25 AM PST
    Read more
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