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What Are App Bundles and How to Use Them?
In the modern app development landscape, the concept of app bundles has emerged as a game-changer. App bundles are a publishing format that helps developers optimize their apps for different devices and user scenarios. Introduced by Google in 2018 for Android, app bundles (with the .aab file extension) offer a more efficient way to deliver apps than traditional APKs. Let’s delve into what app bundles are and how you can use them effectively.
What Is An App Bundle?
An app bundle is a container that holds all the resources and code of an application, but it’s not a deployable file like an APK. Instead, it allows Google Play to dynamically deliver the optimized APK for a specific user’s device. This optimization considers:
Device Configuration: Such as screen size, architecture (ARM vs. x86), and language preferences.
Dynamic Features: Developers can modularize their apps, delivering specific features only when needed.
With app bundles, users download only the components that are necessary for their devices, reducing the size of the app and improving installation times.
Key Benefits of App Bundles
Smaller App Sizes: By optimizing the delivery of resources and code, app bundles can significantly reduce app sizes. This improves user retention, as smaller apps are more likely to be downloaded and installed.
Faster Updates: Since only the required modules are updated, users enjoy faster downloads and installations for app updates.
On-Demand Features: Developers can enable on-demand delivery of features, allowing users to download specific parts of the app only when required.
Improved User Experience: By tailoring app delivery to individual devices, app bundles ensure users get an app that’s customized to their needs, enhancing overall performance and reliability.
How to Use App Bundles
If you’re an Android developer looking to implement app bundles, here are the steps to get started:
Migrate Your Project: Ensure your Android project is set up to use app bundles. This involves enabling ‘build.gradle’ files to support dynamic delivery and modularization.
2. Create Dynamic Feature Modules: Modularize your app to take advantage of on-demand features. These modules can be included only when a user needs a particular functionality.
Go to File > New > New Module
Select Dynamic Feature Module and configure it.
3. Build and Test Your App Bundle: Use Android Studio to build your app bundle and test it using the “BundleTool” provided by Google. This simulates the APKs that users will receive based on their devices.
4. Publish on Google Play: Upload your app bundle to the Google Play Console. The Play Store will handle the rest, delivering optimized APKs to users.
Challenges and Considerations
Backward Compatibility: Older devices that do not support app bundles may encounter issues. Ensure you’re testing thoroughly.
Third-Party Stores: If you distribute your app outside Google Play, you’ll still need to generate APKs.
Learning Curve: Developers new to app bundles may need to familiarize themselves with the new build process and tools.
App Bundles and Multi-Device Use
App bundles let you use the app on multiple devices in your home, all linked to your main device’s app license.
Key Points:
- Network Connection: All devices you want to bundle must be connected to the same network as your main licensed device.
- Separate Accounts: Each device requires its own account on the app’s Portal(s).
- Portal Management: Portals can only be changed from the main licensed device if it has a full, lite extra (paid add-on), or unlimited license.
Bundled Devices Limitations:
- Bundled devices inherit the Portals set up on the main licensed device.
- Portals cannot be changed directly from the bundled devices.
How to Create a Bundle:
- Prepare the Additional Device: Start the app on the device you want to add (e.g., TV, tablet, or smartphone) and wait for it to load completely.
- Link via the Main Device:
- Start the app on your main licensed device.
- Wait for the “Loading Portal” message to appear.
- When you see this message, press the Middle/Center key on your TV remote or tap the screen (on mobile devices) to open the “Select Portal” menu.
By following these steps, you can seamlessly link additional devices to your app bundle.
App Bundles and Multi-Device Use
App bundles let you use the app on multiple devices in your home, all linked to your main device’s app license.
Key Points:
- Network Connection: All devices you want to bundle must be connected to the same network as your main licensed device.
- Separate Accounts: Each device requires its own account on the app’s Portal(s).
- Portal Management: Portals can only be changed from the main licensed device if it has a full, lite extra (paid add-on), or unlimited license.
Bundled Devices Limitations:
- Bundled devices inherit the Portals set up on the main licensed device.
- Portals cannot be changed directly from the bundled devices.
How to Create a Bundle:
Prepare the Additional Device: Start the app on the device you want to add (e.g., TV, tablet, or smartphone) and wait for it to load completely.
Link via the Main Device:
- Start the app on your main licensed device.
- Wait for the “Loading Portal” message to appear.
- When you see this message, press the Middle/Center key on your TV remote or tap the screen (on mobile devices) to open the “Select Portal” menu.
Access the Bundle Page:
- In the “Select Portal” menu, navigate to System Settings and then to the Bundle page.
- If your devices are connected to the same network, your main licensed device (TV, smartphone, or tablet) will appear in the list on the Bundle page.
Follow these steps to successfully link your devices into an app bundle.
Here is an example screen of the devices available:
App bundles allow you to link multiple devices (e.g., Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets) to a single app license, enabling multi-screen use at home.
Key Points:
- License Options:
- Full/Unlimited App Licenses: Include up to 4 additional devices at no extra charge.
- Lite Lifetime Licenses: Can also bundle up to 4 additional devices when purchased as a paid add-on.
- Device Identification:
- Each device has its unique ID (e.g., Virtual MAC, serial number).
- All linked (bundled) devices share the same Portals as the main device.
Portal and Account Rules:
- Separate Accounts: Each device requires a separate account on the app’s Portal(s).
- Portal Changes: Portals can only be modified on the main licensed device if it has a Full, Lite Lifetime (paid add-on), or Unlimited license.
- Bundled Device Limitations:
- Bundled devices (slave devices) inherit Portals from the main licensed device.
- Bundled devices cannot change Portals independently.
How to Bundle Devices:
- Prepare the Additional Device: Start the app on the device you want to bundle (e.g., TV, tablet, smartphone) and wait for it to load completely.
- Link via the Main Device:
- Start the app on your main licensed device.
- Wait for the “Loading Portal” message to appear.
- When the message appears, press the Middle/Center key on your TV remote or tap the screen (on mobile devices) to open the “Select Portal” menu.
- Access the Bundle Page:
- Navigate to System Settings from the “Select Portal” menu.
- Go to the Bundle page. If your devices are on the same network, your main licensed device will appear in the list on the Bundle page.
Example (For Illustration Only):
The picture above shows an example of a setup, not a real device.
By following these steps, you can effectively link up to 4 additional devices to your main licensed device and share the same Portals.
Conclusion
App bundles are revolutionizing how apps are delivered and experienced. By adopting this modern publishing format, developers can reduce app sizes, improve user experience, and streamline updates. While the transition to app bundles requires some initial effort, the long-term benefits make it an indispensable tool for Android developers. Embrace app bundles today to optimize your app’s delivery and performance!
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