App Bundles for Google TV and Android TV

Posted by Josh Wentz, Product Administration, Google TV

TLDR: Google TV and Android TV will probably be requiring Android App Bundles which are archivable beginning in Could 2023 to save lots of storage for customers.

Over the previous few a long time, TV has reworked from linear channel browsing to on-demand content material with multi-app experiences. As we speak, over 10,000 apps can be found on Android TV OS. Whereas software program has grown exponentially, TV {hardware} has remained restricted in capability in comparison with its cellphone counterparts. In 2022, smartphones typically have a minimal storage dimension of 64GB, however good TVs have a mean of simply 8GB. Much less storage ends in customers having to uninstall apps, hindering their general TV expertise. To assist with this drawback and others, Android launched App Bundles in Nov 2020.

What are Android App Bundles?

“Android App Bundles” (AABs) are the usual publishing format on Google Play (telephones, tablets, TVs, and many others) which have changed “Android Package deal Kits” (APKs). App Bundles are smaller, sooner, more energizing, and higher than its precursor. Key advantages embrace:

1. Smaller Obtain/Storage Measurement – App Bundles create a mean of 20% complete dimension financial savings in comparison with its equal APK counterpart by optimizing for every system.
2. Much less More likely to Uninstall – Since App Bundles permits customers with the choice to archive (which reclaims ~60% of app storage), customers can preserve these and extra apps on their TV regardless of restricted storage. A fast archive/unarchive consumer interface is built-in to the TV. Builders may also preserve state for a frictionless later return.
3. Relevant to All Android Surfaces – App Bundles are useful for all Android surfaces utilizing the Google Play retailer together with TV, cellphone, pill, watch, auto, & extra.
4. Streamlined Supply & Safety – For simpler supply, a single artifact with your whole app’s code & sources permits Play retailer to dynamically serve an optimized app for every system configuration. For better safety, builders may also reset the add key if it’s misplaced or compromised.

What’s new for TV?

With TV storage confined and customers having an growing urge for food for extra apps, Google TV and Android TV will probably be requiring App Bundles beginning in Could 2023. Whereas this gives about 6-months to transition, we estimate that generally it should take one engineer about 3-days emigrate an present TV app from Android Package deal Package (APK) to Android App Bundle (AAB). Whereas builders can configure archiving for his or her cellular apps, TV apps are required to be archivable so that each one customers and builders can profit on storage-constrained TVs.

For TV apps not transitioned in time, Google might conceal such apps from the TV floor. For those who’re engaged on a model new TV app, make sure to use Android App Bundles from the beginning!

How can TV apps transition?

Go to our Developer Information to be taught extra about the way to migrate to an Android App Bundle (AAB).

All informed, App Bundles convey a pleasant expertise to each you as builders and your customers, particularly in the lounge. Thanks in your partnership in creating immersive content material and leisure experiences for the way forward for TV.