From 957cddd71bf4389a59ecc9c7d2995205525ed974 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Joe Fernandez Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 21:36:46 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] docs: Android TV App Quality Requirements v2 Change-Id: I54c53d90faf1605945bb8397278b9057a9c687f4 --- docs/html/design/tv/patterns.jd | 2 +- docs/html/design/tv/style.jd | 2 +- .../distribute/essentials/essentials_toc.cs | 6 + docs/html/distribute/essentials/quality/tv.jd | 513 ++++++++++++++++++ docs/html/distribute/images/gp-tv-quality.png | Bin 0 -> 6658 bytes docs/html/jd_collections.js | 20 +- docs/html/preview/tv/publish/index.jd | 205 ------- 7 files changed, 538 insertions(+), 210 deletions(-) create mode 100644 docs/html/distribute/essentials/quality/tv.jd create mode 100644 docs/html/distribute/images/gp-tv-quality.png delete mode 100644 docs/html/preview/tv/publish/index.jd diff --git a/docs/html/design/tv/patterns.jd b/docs/html/design/tv/patterns.jd index 51bb699eec345..768dcfcab703c 100644 --- a/docs/html/design/tv/patterns.jd +++ b/docs/html/design/tv/patterns.jd @@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ page.title=UI Patterns for TV The visual specifications for these icons are shown below.

-

Banners

+

App Banners represent your app on the home screen of TV devices and serve and as a way for users to launch your app. Here are specific requirements for a banner image: diff --git a/docs/html/design/tv/style.jd b/docs/html/design/tv/style.jd index 6e2704b29f6fc..dd10a8a606b01 100644 --- a/docs/html/design/tv/style.jd +++ b/docs/html/design/tv/style.jd @@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ page.title=Style for TV exaggerated contrast, causing them to be indistinguishable.

-

Typography

+

Typography

The text and controls in a TV application's UI should be easily visible and navigable from a distance. The minimum recommended font size for TV is 12sp. The default text size setting should diff --git a/docs/html/distribute/essentials/essentials_toc.cs b/docs/html/distribute/essentials/essentials_toc.cs index d0a11141dbde7..4e53468b51944 100644 --- a/docs/html/distribute/essentials/essentials_toc.cs +++ b/docs/html/distribute/essentials/essentials_toc.cs @@ -10,6 +10,12 @@ +

  • +
    + TV App Quality + +
    +
  • Optimize Your App diff --git a/docs/html/distribute/essentials/quality/tv.jd b/docs/html/distribute/essentials/quality/tv.jd new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000..8e1715763b180 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/html/distribute/essentials/quality/tv.jd @@ -0,0 +1,513 @@ +page.title=TV App Quality +page.metaDescription=TV is a growing segment of Android devices that requires specific attention to app design and functionality in order to create a great experience. +page.image=/distribute/images/gp-tv-quality.png +@jd:body + + + +
    + +
    + +

    + Users have a different set of expectations when watching TV, compared to using a phone or tablet. + A typical TV user sits about 10 feet away from the screen, so small details are less noticeable + and small text is hard to read. Since users sit away from a TV, they must use a remote + control device to navigate and make selections rather than touching elements on screen. These + differences significantly change the requirements for what makes a good TV user experience. +

    + +

    + The first step toward creating a great experience for TV users is to review and follow the + Android TV design guidelines, which provides + instructions on how to build the best user experience for TV apps. You should also review the + Building TV Apps training, to understand the + basic implementation requirements for a TV app. +

    + +

    + Important: To ensure a great user experience, apps for TV devices must meet some + specific requirements for usability. Only apps that meet the following quality criteria will + qualify as an Android TV app on Google Play. +

    + +

    + Note: You will be able to submit TV apps to Google Play with the public release + of Android 5.0 on November 3. Stay tuned for more information about how to submit your TV apps + through the Google Play Developer Console. +

    + + +
    +

    + Visual Design and User Interaction +

    + + +
    + +

    + These criteria ensure that your app follows critical design and interaction patterns + to ensure a consistent, intuitive, and enjoyable user experience on TV devices. +

    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Type + + Test + + Description +
    + Launcher + + TV-LM + +

    + App displays a launcher icon in the Android TV Launcher after installation. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-LB + +

    + App displays a 320px x 180px full-size banner as its launcher icon in the Android TV Launcher. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-BN + +

    + App launch banner contains the name of the app. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-LG + +

    + If the app is a game, it appears in the Games row in the Android TV Launcher.
    + (Learn how) +

    +
    + Layout + + TV-LO + +

    + All app interfaces are presented in landscape orientation. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-TC + +

    + App displays core text at 16sp or higher in size. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-TA + +

    + App displays all text at 12sp or higher in size. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-OV + +

    + App does not display any text or functionality that is partially cut off by the + edges of the screen. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-TR + +

    + App does not partially obscure other apps. App fills the entire screen and has a + non-transparent background. +

    +
    + TV-DP + +

    + App functionality is navigable using 5-way D-pad controls, unless the app + requires a gamepad controller as specified in TV-GP. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-DK + +

    + If the app requires a game controller, as specified in TV-GP, all + functionality is navigable using standard Android game controller keys. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-DM + +

    + App does not depend on a remote controller having a menu button to access user interface + controls. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + + +

    Related resources

    + +
    +
    + + + +
    +

    + Functionality +

    + + +
    + +

    + These criteria ensure that your app is configured correctly and provides expected + functional behavior. +

    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Type + + Test + + Description +
    + Manifest + + TV-ML + +

    + App manifest sets an intent type of {@code ACTION_MAIN} with category + {@code CATEGORY_LEANBACK_LAUNCHER}. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-MT + +

    + App manifest sets the hardware feature {@code android.hardware.touchscreen} to not required. + (Learn + how) +

    +
    + Game Controllers + + TV-GP + +

    + If the app requires a game controller, the app manifest sets the {@code uses-feature} setting + {@code android.hardware.gamepad} to {@code required="true"}. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-GC + +

    + If the app provides user instructions for use of game controllers, the instructions + do not include a controller with any branding. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + Advertising + + TV-AP + +

    + App enables interaction with any advertising using D-pad controls. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-AD + +

    + For advertising that uses full-screen, non-video ads, the app allows the user to + immediately dismiss the ad with D-pad controls. +

    +
    + TV-AU + +

    + For advertising that uses clickable, non-full screen, non-video ads, the app does not allow + ads to link to a web URL. +

    +
    + TV-AA + +

    + For advertising that uses clickable, non-full screen, non-video ads, the app does not allow + ads to link to another app that is not available on TV devices. +

    +
    + Web Content + + TV-WB + +

    + For web content, the app uses {@link android.webkit.WebView} components and does not attempt + to launch a web browser app. +

    +
    + Media Playback + + TV-NP + +

    + If the app continues to play sound after the user has left, the app provides a Now + Playing card on the home screen recommendation row so users can return to the app to + control playback. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-PA + +

    + If the app provides a Now Playing card, selecting this card takes the user to + a screen that allows playback to be paused. + (Learn how) +

    +
    + TV-PP + +

    + If the app plays video or music content, the app toggles between play and pause of media + playback when a play or pause key event is sent during playback.
    + (Learn + how) +

    +
    + + +

    Related resources

    + +
    +
    + + +
    +

    + Frequently Asked Questions +

    +
    + +

    + After I submit my app, how will find out if my app does not meet all the requirements for + TV devices? +

    +

    + If your app does not meet the usability requirements described on this page, the Play Store team + will contact you through the email address specified in main Google Play Developer Console account associated with + the app. +

    +

    + Caution: Make sure your app includes the required manifest entries for TV devices, + otherwise your app will not be considered a TV app and will not be reviewed for TV usability + requirements. +

    + + +

    + My app targets more than just TV devices. If my app does not meet the TV device + requirements, will my new or updated app still appear on Google Play for phones and + tablets? +

    +

    + Yes. The requirements described above only restrict distribution to the Google Play Store on TV + devices. Distribution to other device types, such as phones, tablets and other devices, is not + affected. +

    + + +

    + If my app meets the publishing requirements, when will it be available in the Google + Play Store on TV devices? +

    + +

    + Apps that meet the requirements for TV will appear in the Google Play Store on TV devices + after the official release of Android 5.0. +

    \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/docs/html/distribute/images/gp-tv-quality.png b/docs/html/distribute/images/gp-tv-quality.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..44da11b536310fc87826dbd9446133af43a346d8 GIT binary patch literal 6658 zcmaJ_c_5Ts+rJrW5k-o!O=T%#3?_Sa5h7&I5)%_<7-JcOCe`DKN(e_r33T|1opUeXi@A>s;seyUump_suU~X0NU>8>j*I;A6E~A1;W)G=l2<*4ger8 zq?Ik!*3?AR4ecZAx-TOe?BmPO1^{)G~q(f}{iHh{&D?iyelxT&0} zuP(w9X&8b*ScY7-atrZtQ*j4tUJz3cR%J}!gTT6q1^alT{8fWBz(40zWwiHSL&0J{ zMX+8P;6IJBH8mI0MPm?Ra9KFSO%A3grlcYZgToY+VKQR!axev`oB|Z40D;M?%BiTr z;9`G0V8&_~_ZzAfdIo>3#pr2(J+W9{RVXwlC`dL)K^BeifWlN%RG@P5PLjvND zLt$NmAt?V-zh=-w_`6|{zE~t0CAL4K>vePhRs+ni^v^B$_?nvjJu%AvFGn$41`T%g zg~DXzpgunP`}!&EkF`Mj%Z&dh?QeziML;bO{^$UV8{<4~ocg8A@ZJBv(7qtU8dWn4 zl5r@m-g;=a03QSjYow5)74YalULML)P}+I6_w9x8|cB5_4HxNa7AS$xnH_QD1WRg$_?>r zZRF3jf9k^iUtLvQ48j$Q##o`z-oH>_?uo{t{XNmXV!FCwQl_qMNYs8`djE|6+_D}5 zgA7Et8(`2rVn3a%iu{iTD9R}-!j$z5RCE}|E9mGd>gZ|fDCx*4=qbRJ4Zwfty8lPV z{nSnp5uH-;3 z*;i>D(WGS?GEIC&Ln7*q`dMT$S**TYz8VMl9Cs$J#^Po0HK(<{mDc%==3dzf#}{L5 zv)i{wx8Iz@+-Q3?u#&2vHu1b8&oZZ!nG|Js8eD}QNxXNDl{4}kKL?>SR~!Ju01&{- z)%jgXXP`hvKQoRi@(h3fjr+(X8JXW@pef9pehDsoNtbOc@}5+CUm&7r6TQ7xpQWWu zR4Vey+3{JXq@0JH!$fBv zOe@doLV6$)UI?qXW3fFOf&i0kQrKbKyh?0QIK1lj+iVV|s<5474N}Xy>|o7}`%SGU zz*Z-VJyEFn+u8Ng8Tt9mb|G@^Q>gaQ)fvq0HqJvo+xu;5w%V&J_+FMVUG_swFEsGB zjSqT->#TRveN*os-AK$Ci&D$~%NFghhKH@Gvl~p#;W^`I8A>*xfgdDS}CJ$wO zXue%rHPwl%Jp7x4;qL26XC1h;GHVs! zXS%z)kH88y9$uhs-YQd2z>v4=kIe%>|2*&<##UX zjat4Isi)tJ*%-d|krjlPymOUORyg|Y5OMXS0ymZ8-4+30b0M0p4R3*?qZ4-OcZbJf zI7wQ9!otE`eSOxQ^csrs{LD=L&EqUU1G`JNeUkG|Ow+>?JbOd;SYwsKT|-(Fo?I~h zNF@>YtdxYDvWY*e&W>?ucP)JaA}FAGziXp8nnyR*FKswlXA%dGN`SkSg!9{UApC9(Ue)z5dO6QSB+EKw1 z3KhTS@i&Ucx?ge+v>v4)WB1n0VzFn*UTiX7yuW8;+xvmCxQRp}W_#VQI(X@&$wp%nG$xp7qYj7I2sarYMYQoy10Z8Ab?*m?~KJ#aHSGv2purP5t9*jXo1bdHjM~@CYOHC=OL^C{M)o+Z6PnbiBK`Dv#9$s5sg9Qi?tl9@$@td8BupVWei~}pw zy7r4qTCD3w`2Xc8^HXc}AQU>OBj(m~{1M8`yI5Lnt-FP&-54WUuB!tx@ztWC)U*Vh9le4JiCnuvye!7l-il z(T0&wOUmG&5)lH4KB0svFikK9*r=QowWc1w(Yy1ta>3O>;&sQh6gz5eKU&TwHj3o0 zg~Hb>ufi|}%{q6`d1^-kLB+_7`)Sq@NJ2CVKbQTL4i3}U(qn&;?oo*el|5TXWEpw3r@FV~Q zW_-@X=`=saAsDxqFav}J=3+J{W+4DL`c3UGGW^>m*3XPL)1E1Qk&y89tZsPvCx`M% z2>{qVNU9N7JQXu}pmUg~Q7CjZxXAJI4i`W`gBHKPbZ=Nm)q-Ap+IoW=#{iPou?ouw?d>-k24<{vS2IPhTzbQU*8UEUH`de{oQQx~)K_b#m zWfk0=suYz{&fgg_(9M&fhB_I&><{*WOJ9ky8B$yTCdCP0fh+K``nu!XL!0G>{jxn z?5u_c=gq)5j1x53$GIBwVKaync}T=@s~#H~>NtK(V0KJAHE}pq4dLrT`pHUB=X!6t z8r8($kccw%tB`d(xv06N_eCRL}XC6d_>`Gy19+&$_ti7KyKE^rNjR%<8dyj6B8oceq=n*b03ICNv?fX34V4ay?YbOM7MXxe7 zW<2&caZ;1b&iB0+Eh3b?ee+3-q5IJFa~Yv_Hu2DFaERl$t23TSStO~0UY~@|l}?{w z0y)Hb-;7I06u5tW@sH~@R&J%$I7oV3*!Y989=F`fnTN4?pEX0r1(9u{-5;WljcsqN zbWOh%kE(e;J~^5DTpbs;oL^F1ts*EQ6bE8Iq+GNx(g58H+APNg23q$v^#pt$TK(e1 zM_6Tk`fQ0DLXt^7#DiO&*gKPV@Yreh2;U!-@^MFoi4Lbl^%Qe^)Cl|-a@^W=p35=D zWDaO}%yO9-c}up%L83vRcHCzr17@{$a$t`6w~b4Jxz<~=1x-Z!Lk;Z*Y>#cduZ_9m z!zNp;A7u|8#QBC39`+~=O8`taQ6|um|%1FRCTTV!%zeUM}l{ewgf#=sB(_n1K32PJo~ZDt;6b@}1K|=a93^#oTw|!y(aQ98CMc*w{EO zY)L=y6ie~_K>UtmT$6x_$a}q$4;{i&AT!_ZE7LU4X78DR6ghc$3o`KXs8^PYBj(nv z1{oQd0@K3DGeV*4?CjDFKIu5A=Ygd};t&n;DJwJ6t$VO*xie1&>Ri7~!aiYfA)PCI z^&$0hj=|N(nuSlDLZ;4`2@m_XYfPlP%-XJO-`&|78%uJ2y}8i-T;)_z-E!1yf5{zy zE7(FtwhM6~o%_PEax50}nrViqKWzQ%+>$`uu)I-@%GP4yt!>FKjO*Jbqs&r=qEGL( z{E#S0>WV!4)g6JSq)RjIv!seQ-=Fx`RkYkeW2b+M)w-&_Uz z&MXu-olSE(w<-2v$?emZ@~M|yf-#!KCMSTN^8kCOiBHzY{5ntG-}{35`EmUrB8@W5 zoau3GocfH+V+2oP3fkEWuye92IWJ*`cAKA_iWQ0P>FSCzNe=6u{Wdi>-r0HO{wUr@ z2|X0|;e);xQMpw&D5z?7dM?1JsNnUN_4PNs>XWv5!aM^{77~W*{V$GBOcai3SBb`a z%5ErX$EBKNk5VeU&QujORJoLFGqRj3Ou}_OWy`&{=_PAx6=Z3?7OYm#lFNJ{o6Cf2 z(KZa4tlrYnW`FRps*#rQ+hQT^CItlrYqajndHU=?*_vvsVN=*pWTE=gxnqfuZ0@bP zdGcLuM$c9%dky+~dY<^dJ{90p=d_aPc8pP9j41+=5)#wlCLyiUtC`#v16HSdYc3mH z2^FrasPNlWzU76*Gb%}0yNSaD$bppjY{?e;_GZW2j0m5pF+rGQXCTj;#m1ohU|+N2 zyC0Vtd~3aMa$C{%!xyu09dvK2)08`8p2F6T))f!63YE*5$!X}JnyYlXN3`TFjNiG% z+Mos1Pu2?u9CM^k9zX7T*0D`=qCH#qadmZdoZoE*xE`}%3Y9YhUgSHTGp@?WIGSZ` z=%oCr(XAsb`b6BSsx1Au@~!8ZNr|}X%g=_!I85`kEu{BkF7|(Zpbii=i;od(to7CkF|tU;+(p-EGYZBY)=u_+W=?@=5l)UR z8V|BRceg(BoxeXvXurk{c-{q0#u!i5j)b{PshH)jh~XH;Wq()SQ!>G8 zu@_fkwKM-mL&HcODJd~=G&AM`Cd6VjYor-j{r-nvPU-e&yxH@Gndu$jmuzp|Me?Y9 zVpQ;F7`5rXHRX(4vNc7ClSFXV%e<2FvLJ}{wFbd6Jj$+6tU^AI4nwlO{xoXcKflyd z%S3%Nv*6YKHo_KR&sd8C>coOn(LH^cmBRsaOowO=d6KvAENfpRLf( z|47_heyh7AsB$gCvI%~4{OxSMqhR#{I^al<@SR-$b&5K{Li@>IpK(>-|s3$IMYX%MJ!3rmJc>cOl>9y;#9 zwplrn(r`C`tAj<`vmrvrdQ<;56XsZ<>A9v%dzn*f^^- zztLUib>YhxzIF;W8IZ57pTku^KcI=SL#j+oBrrUDZdMtYs-&T@qm{XHdr<_=?l*W+ zPh#W<$7u-dnINpfbAG~<9}AH^K>v;fJ@C2r@HhL}%;1d@`zP@>%jrba&Z59>1Kah~ zgKI-UBZcd4XbZX`NT8NmQbPpVa>_BdZMENf*tF!TH3J3COA~f8x4-}P5yYgN!qfQu zwt&&KDgAF52SMT0-e4Xp4C+j`z^DO)*Ec(4L;Wr*pe6jP8r=WJ^KZ2xpK7$$ zj+L{IH`2YjyYq*Ul4l*$jQet0-uT%)CrwMEcpZKOf!S9gUeIplP-LDZ=z2?5^VQus zyZG>E@YnQv@oDh<(XU0~(`2^5k6G*n42w+63i1m{Fnz{Q9z_C8sAH5vl6g zHIhPOmuOYe3a3Rs7>8`{9FA{G;YU6$edE?;9Jhs1dpA}Op^1~?C3aGb9+ob?dF`ND zd9Pvb-l&K#ZA+KA=6lni#7?wPPIV6_$>FflRJ&;iY%k<7`0zFTtxmQt?HQqB>orDI zD#XF>PmT6aT^#x)H=IFZ2($Xwy&wrX6ORP!#RJ6okAlGe*M-t_|!#~ zk>BWu_}%wevQZI$rUpWJL@P?Vvl`^4kWpY>MPN_*gBCDca3y}X zD{F^e-(@lgy(iNf^W*)yW;)$;(<=%rM_J~6jke%tp|-C579Mk*<2lo34Ry@jm&KPQ z(VdZkDN<2dokc>lnN&%s1I)f>Xt(o=4q7&{_Qr3p9q0KvQ09PXw>X(8#XMED^04Rv z!=k#_lF%_VlPfF~QRDe3`i-c@DD;<{Q=Gge?N4buSZ@x}*yKCwy_;QrQOt38HY#hB zYjeHCgVO{FMtT<7W};^}M^7+V|YrTHncSDeEUE{?G~ zi%YFm0$>%34!T0}}^}1x~R33#D44d#uNSdwF9~s56vZfbkgVU)FoA H;}Y>d1Q7?t literal 0 HcmV?d00001 diff --git a/docs/html/jd_collections.js b/docs/html/jd_collections.js index e2a7f1c1e8aea..c49f8cc931234 100644 --- a/docs/html/jd_collections.js +++ b/docs/html/jd_collections.js @@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ var RESOURCE_COLLECTIONS = { "resources": [ "training/building-wearables.html", "training/material/index.html", - "sdk/installing/studio.html" + "sdk/installing/studio.html" ] }, "distribute/edu/videos/stories": { @@ -66,9 +66,9 @@ var RESOURCE_COLLECTIONS = { "resources": [ "distribute/essentials/quality/core.html", "distribute/essentials/quality/tablets.html", + "distribute/essentials/quality/tv.html", "https://developers.google.com/edu/guidelines", "distribute/essentials/optimizing-your-app.html", - "distribute/essentials/best-practices/apps.html", "distribute/essentials/best-practices/games.html" ] }, @@ -318,6 +318,20 @@ var RESOURCE_COLLECTIONS = { "training/basics/activity-lifecycle/recreating.html" ] }, + "distribute/essentials/tvqualityguidelines/visualdesign": { + "title": "", + "resources": [ + "design/tv/index.html", + "training/tv/start/index.html" + ] + }, + "distribute/essentials/tvqualityguidelines/functionality": { + "title": "", + "resources": [ + "training/tv/start/hardware.html", + "training/tv/games/index.html" + ] + }, "distribute/essentials/core/performance": { "title": "", "resources": [ @@ -705,7 +719,7 @@ var RESOURCE_COLLECTIONS = { "google/play/billing/index.html", "https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/4407611" ] - }, + }, "distribute/monetize/freemium": { "title": "", "resources": [ diff --git a/docs/html/preview/tv/publish/index.jd b/docs/html/preview/tv/publish/index.jd deleted file mode 100644 index f834493f0725a..0000000000000 --- a/docs/html/preview/tv/publish/index.jd +++ /dev/null @@ -1,205 +0,0 @@ -page.title=Publishing TV Apps -page.tags="requirements","usability" - -@jd:body - - - -

    - Apps for TV devices can be published like other Android apps. You must prepare your app for - release and then you can publish it through Google Play. In order for your app to be - accepted as a TV app in Google Play, it must meet some additional requirements, which are covered - in this document. -

    - -

    - Note: You will not be able to publish apps to TV devices through Google Play until Android L SDK is released. -

    - - -

    Publishing Requirements for TV Apps

    - -

    - Your app must provide specific manifest declarations and meet some minimum usability requirements - before it can qualify as TV app on Google Play. Make sure your app meets these requirements to - get your app ready for TV devices. -

    - -

    - Caution: Your app must meet all of the requirements described in this section in - order to qualify as a TV app on Google Play. If your app does not meet the usability requirements - described below, the Google Play team will contact you through the email address specified in main - Google Play Developer Console account - associated with the app. -

    - -

    Manifest Requirements

    - -

    - Developers who want their apps to be considered for publishing on TV devices must - include a manifest entry that declares an activity which handles the {@code - android.intent.category.LEANBACK_LAUNCHER} intent filter. For more information about including - the required manifest entries, see Get Started with TV Apps. -

    - -

    - Caution: If you do not include the required manifest entries for TV devices, - your app is not considered as a TV app. The app will not be reviewed for the TV app usability - requirements and will not be able to qualify as a TV app on Google Play. -

    - - -

    Usability Requirements

    - -

    - Users bring a different set of expectations when watching TV. Apps for Android TV devices have a - different interaction, look and feel from Android apps on the phone or tablet. How users interact - with TVs (with a remote control device) and how they view them (sitting about 10 feet away), - significantly changes the requirements for what makes a good user experience in an app. -

    - -

    - The first step toward creating a great experience for users on TV is to review and follow the - Design for TV guidelines. These guidelines - provide general directions for designing a TV app as well as some specific implementation - instructions. -

    - -

    - Apps for TV devices must meet some specific requirements for usability. Only apps that meet the - following usability criteria will qualify as an TV app on Google Play: -

    - -
      -
    • App functionality must be navigable using 5-way D-pad controls, unless the app requires a - game controller. - (details) -
        -
      • If the app requires a game controller, all functionality must be navigable using - standard Android game controller keys. - (details) -
        • -
      -
      • - -
    • Layouts used on TV devices must be designed for landscape orientation. - (details)
      • - -
    • Core text used in TV layouts must be at least 16sp in size and all text must be at least - 12sp.
      • - -
    • Text and functionality should be placed inside an overscan margin of at least 27dp from the - top and bottom edges and 48dp from the left and right edges of the TV screen. - (details)
      • - -
    • Apps that uses full-screen, non-video ads, must ensure that the ads are immediately - dismissible by the user with D-pad controls.
      • - -
    • Apps must not depend on having a web browser app on TV devices. Apps can use WebView components to - show web content where needed.
      • - -
    • Apps that uses clickable, non-full screen, non-video ads must ensure that the ads do not link - to a web URL. These ads must also not link to an app or game that is not available on TV devices - and, therefore, not available in the Google Play store for TV.
      • - -
    • Apps must display correctly on the Android TV launcher by doing the following: -
        -
      • Include in the app manifest an intent filter of type {@code ACTION_MAIN} with an intent - category {@code CATEGORY_LEANBACK_LAUNCHER}. - (details) -
        • - -
      • Provide a 320x180px banner image resource and declare it in the manifest.
        • - -
      • If the app is a game, it must set the {@code isGame} property to {@code true} in the - manifest. (details) -
        • -
      -
      • - -
    • App must not partially obscure other apps. Apps must fill the entire screen and have a - non-transparent background. -
      • - -
    • Music and audio apps that continue to play sound after a user has left the app must provide - a Now Playing card on the home screen recommendation row so users can easily - control playback. Developers should use the {@code android.media.session.MediaSession} API - to enable this card and link playback to a specific activity. -
      • - -
    • Media apps that play video or music content must toggle between play and pause of media - playback when a - play or pause key event is sent during playback. -
      • - -
    • Games that use a gamepad in order to play must define gamepad use in the app manifest. - (details) -
      • - -
    • Games that provide in-game instructions for game controllers must show a generic controller - layout that does not include any branding. You can download generic controller artwork from - here: - android_tv_gamepad_template_2014-10.zip. -
      • -
    - - -

    Frequently Asked Questions

    - -

    - After I submit my app, how will find out if my app does not meet all the requirements for - TV devices? -

    -

    - If your app does not meet the usability requirements described on this page, the Play Store team - will contact you through the email address specified in main Google Play Developer Console account associated with - the app. -

    -

    - Caution: Make sure your app includes the required manifest entries for TV devices, - otherwise your app will not be considered a TV app and will not be reviewed for TV usability - requirements. -

    - - -

    - My app targets more than just TV devices. If my app does not meet the TV device - requirements, will my new or updated app still appear on Google Play for phones and - tablets? -

    -

    - Yes. The requirements described above only restrict distribution to the Google Play Store on TV - devices. Distribution to other device types, such as phones, tablets and other devices, is not - affected. -

    - - -

    - If my app meets the publishing requirements, when will it be available in the Google - Play Store on TV devices? -

    - -

    - Apps that meet the requirements for TV will appear in the Google Play Store on TV devices - after the official release of Android L. -

    \ No newline at end of file