How do we change our apps "Target API level"? It seems to be a new Google requirement that will soon be enforced.

[davefinney]

Hi, I've found this warning on Google:

"Target API level requirements from August 2018

Warning:

Your app currently targets API level 15 and must target at least API level 26 to ensure it is built on the latest APIs optimised for security and performance."

How can I find out what my apps Target API level is, and how can I change it?

[Steve Garman]

If you want to test how well your app works when targetting api26 you can add a build.json file to your project.

Build the apk and install it on your own device(s) to test.

I do not recommend uploading apps built with the current version of DS and targetting api26 to the Google play store unless you have tested the apk on the oldest and newest versions of Android your app allows.

I currently find that copies of my existing apps, when targetting api26 and run on Oreo need me to go into Android settings for the app and manually authorize some permissions.

While they work fine like that, it is clear there will need to be a way to request permissions are granted by the user from within the apps before they are ready to be published.

The minimum build.json to apply the target would be

{
"manifest": {
"targetSdkVersion": "26"
}
}

[davefinney]

Hi Steve,

   My app only needs access to:

GPS

Int SD

and stops screen going off.

It seems that this "Target API" is to allow permissions for the app to access stuff so I'll try adding:

{

"manifest":

{

"targetSdkVersion": "26"

}

}

in the opening function, and see what that does.

Since Google are going to require this on all apps, is there a plan to comply in DS?

[Steve Garman]

It's no good putting it in a function.

You need to create a file in the top level of your project called build.json to contain the manifest entry

[davefinney]

Hi Steve,

   Are there instructions on how to make the "manifest entry" anywhere?

   I'm clearly going to have to read up on what to do, and the Google linked page made no sense when I read it!

      Dave.

[Steve Garman]

Try searching this group for
build.json

[Dave]

Hi Guys, we will be dealing with the V26 issue in the next few weeks.  In the mean time just release as normal.

[davefinney]

Excellent, I'll look out for the V26 fix.

Thanks.

[ds expert A1]

how to join other group and get new version with level required 

[JAUREGUI]

I have an app ready to publish but when I tried I got the same message, I just found this post about this issue, I checked DroidScript app and Apk plugin in play store but seems to be updated.
Is any update comming? Or if someone have solved this issue already I will appreciate your help. Thanks in advanse... (sorry for my english)

[Steve Garman]

@JAUREGUI

There's a beta version available that targets api26 by default and deals with most of the changes.

Google Play is happy with the test apps I have posted.

If you need to post a new app on Play, I would recommend testing the apk on different devices first but more apps than not seem to be working with the beta.

I have sent you an invitation in case you want to join the beta group.

For anyone else who is not a member of the beta group you can ask to join by sending an email request to sup...@droidscript.org