14 DAY TRIAL // The Android Market, the software solutions portal from where the owners of devices running under Google's Android operating system can download and install applications on their devices, has suffered a series of changes, affecting the app publishing experience for developers.
Google already informed developers on the changes, and now some info on what was modified emerged, including details on a new publishing interface, with elements that point towards the near arrival of Android Gingerbread, the next flavor of the mobile operating system.
Among these changes, we can count a new required field, High Resolution Application Icon, 512w x 512h, 24 bit PNG or JPEG (no alpha).
Feature Graphic is also there (1024w x 500h, 24 bit PNG or JPEG), which will be downsized to mini or micro, as well as a Promotional Video field, where devs can enter YouTube URL to promote their apps.
As stated above, Google already announced developers on the introduction of these changes, so that they won't be taken by surprise when accessing the publishing page.
“First, we have added support for a recent changes feature, which allows you to add notes about changes specific to the newest version of your application,” an email Google sent to developers reads.
“You are able to submit these from the Developer Console, similar to descriptions. In the Market app, these notes will appear under the app description as 'Recent changes'.”
According to the Internet giant, a ‘draft upload’ capability was included for application updates. With this feature, devs should have the possibility to edit the app listing and upload a new version without affecting the version that is available for download on the Market until one hits “Publish.”
And there are also the aforementioned changes, which are aimed at larger promotional graphics for the showcasing of applications.
“In addition to the currently required app screenshot, you will be required to upload one “feature” graphic,” Google stated (via Android Police).