Monthly newsletter April 2021 | Developer newsletter

What’s new on Android and Google Play

April 2021

Google I/O is almost here

From May 18-20, connect with developers, learn from Google experts, and get a first look at our latest developer products. Google I/O is online and free for everyone, but space in the workshops and ask me anything sessions is limited. Register now to be notified when it’s time to reserve your space.

GOOGLE I/O

What’s new on Google Play

New store listing requirements: review our pre-announcement for metadata policy changes and our updated asset guidelines to ensure your apps remain in good standing and are eligible for featuring.

Play Console KPI customization: pin the metrics that matter to you in a personalized KPIs section at the top of your app dashboard.

Android vitals by device type: analyze your app’s performance on various device types with the new filter and device-type table.

Buyer support in 19 new markets: developers can now distribute paid apps or in-app products in 11 French territories and 8 other countries and territories.

PLAY CONSOLE

Indie Games Accelerator and Festival are back in 2021

We’re getting ready to launch the Indie Games Accelerator and Festival. Get your games ready and look out for more news in the coming months.

EXPRESS INTEREST

What’s new on Android

Android 12 Developer Preview 3 is now available: provide your feedback to help shape the final product.

APIs to help build safer user experiences: discover tools to help reduce toxic conversations, increase child safety, and prevent links to unsafe content in your apps.

New Google Play services resources: get the latest on the features and technologies that can help you build powerful and reliable Android apps for Google Play.

ANDROID STUDIO

Google Play policy update

We've recently announced policy updates to make Google Play a safer experience for everyone.

New policy updates: get an overview of new and notable policy changes.

PolicyBytes video: watch to learn more about the changes and see screenshot examples of compliant and non-compliant apps.

POLICY CENTER

Upcoming Google Play and Android deadlines

May 2021:

Apps must comply with the March 2021 updates.

Apps targeting Android 11+ that need to access external storage must comply with the All Files Access Permission policy.

August 2021:

New apps must target at least Android 11 (API level 30).

New apps and games must publish with the Android App Bundle.

New apps using Play Billing must use Billing Library version 3 or newer.

September 2021:

Existing apps must comply with Payments policy update.

UPCOMING DEADLINES

Featured Medium articles

How to transition from PC to mobile gaming

Seamless multi-platform app development with Flutter

Featured case studies & videos

Headspace invests in app quality to drive business growth

Learn about the app quality best practices Headspace leveraged in their recent Android app redesign that led to improvements across various business KPIs like user acquisition, engagement, and revenue.

Conversations with game dev leaders

See how NetEase, Niantic, Nexon, and Rovio improve player experiences, launch games, test monetization strategies, and more.

Unlocking Successful Retention course on Play Academy: Keep people invested in your app

What happens after people download your app is the key to success.To make sure your acquisition spend is effective, you need to meaningfully retain users and prevent churn.

This course teaches you how to make using your app a habit, steer users towards profitable, long-term behaviors, and reduce the risk of churn.

LAUNCH PLAY ACADEMY

Thanks for tuning in,

The Google Play team

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