Android Go User Interface (source: https://www.android.com/versions/oreo-8-0/go-edition/)
Flame Group SE ready to share the latest information about the Google Mobile Services (Google GMS) Certification. Right now, more and more companies finishing preparation of the mobile devices based on an Android 8/Android O or Android Go Edition Operation system. Moreover, the GMS Certification of the latest version of OS Android is definitely more complicated compared to GMS of Android 7/N and previous Android releases.
Google Mobile Services Certification Mandatory Tests
GMS Certification process of Android 8/ O /Go Edition devices still have mandatory Android Compatibility Tests (CTS Tests). With the help of CTS tests, developers are able to validate the device’s software and hardware components. All tests should be done with the help of CTS test suite - free of charge suite, which is available for download on a public Compatibility Test Suite page: https://source.android.com/compatibility/cts/
In additional to CTS Tests, the device should pass the Compatibility Test Suite Verifier (CTS Verifier) tests. CTS Verifier provides tests for functions and APIs that require manual input on a stationary device (as speaker quality, sensors, network tests, etc).
CTS Verifier tool for manual testing and its detailed description can be downloaded from the same public page of Android Open Source Project: https://source.android.com/compatibility/cts/
The third mandatory test suite is GMS Test Suite (GTS). GTS ensure that the Google Mobile applications are compatible with the device. During GTS tests, suite play multimedia files from Google sources and examine resolutions and bitrates. GTS test suite is not available for public download and only available for Google Authorized partners.
In addition, for Android 8/ O /Go Edition based devices all brands should pass Vendor Test (VTS Tests) which consists of a set of testing frameworks and test cases, designed to help enhance the robustness, reliability, and compliance of the Android system and low-level system software. VTS suite is not available for public download as well.
Of course, the operating system with built-in Google apps should contain the latest version of Google Mobile Services Package (GMS Package) and Security Patches, which regularly updated by Google. Account managers of Flame Group will be ready immediately share the latest version of any test utility, GMS package or any file/document related to GMS Certification after our customers’ request.
GMS Certification of Android 6 Marshmallow, Android 7 Nougat, and earlier versions.
Google LLC interested to support modern technologies, improve user experience and Android OS development. That is why old Android-based versions devices as Android 7 Nougat, Android 6 Marshmallow, and all previous versions are not available for the GMS Certification. Right now Google only accepts GMS certification for Android 8 / O or Android Go Edition based devices.
Android 6, Android 7 (and earlier versions) also available for Google certification but these devices can only be certified as “none-GMS devices”. That means all mobile services (as Play Store, Play Music, Maps, Gmail and other) should be removed.
Old Android 6, Android 7 (and earlier OS versions) devices that were certified earlier now available for updates. During updates, developers should upload the latest version of GMS package and security patches, which are valid during the firmware verification time.
Device Certification Status in Google Play Store
Certified and Not Certified Android Devices
As we already informed, Google’s policy towards uncertified devices is much stricter than before. Google try to disable Mobile Applications (as Play Store, Maps, and all other) for all devices, which has no GMS Certification and use all these services illegally.
This policy valid for most of Android 7 (Nougat) based devices and, of course, for newest Android 8/ O /Go Edition based. Devices based on Android 6 (Marshmallow) and lower OS versions blocked partly.
Some uncertified devices still workable but nobody can guarantee that mobile applications support for such devices will not be stopped. It can happen unexpectedly and without additional notifications.
Google interested that all newest devices will be developed according to the latest hardware requirements and will ensure Android OS stability and performance. Everything connected with the reputation of the Android and satisfaction of the end customers.
To check if your device certified or not you should open Play Store application go to Settings Menu and check the GMS certification status in the bottom line.
GMS Certification and Mobile Applications Distribution Agreement (MADA)
There are some ways to pass the official GMS Certification.
The fastest and easiest way available for Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA) holders. Companies, who got an official MADA from Google, are able to develop GMS software by themselves and verify it via 3rd party laboratories recommended by Google. In this case, MADA holders only need prepare GMS software, pass all tests and got an official permission for future distribution of the GMS device. Some MADA holders (especially for their first projects) need assistance and advice connected with all bugs detected during GTS, GTS and other tests described above. Professional engineers of Flame Group are able to provide such kind of recommendations and advice.
The second-way possibility of GMS certification is the usage of MADA of the motherboard manufacturer. In this case, motherboard developer is able to provide their hardware and software solution and will manage all certification process by themselves. The disadvantage of this way is that certification process is out of control by the customer and that tests results and related issues are not available for the device manufacturer.
Companies that have no their own MADA and that cannot use MADA of their device manufacturer also able to get an official GMS certification. Specialists of Flame Group are ready to propose some solutions to finish this process. First solution based on a deep hardware analysis and proposal to use key components from the supplier authorized by Google. Such projects run under strict control by the engineer and developers of Flame Group. Second solution based on the authorized permission to use existing licensee’s MADA. This process mainly based on a paperwork and connected with the permissions for the brand usage. Every such project requires an individual solution and our customers can discuss details with our account managers.
Example of the official GMS Confirmation by Google (software build covered according to NDA)
Flame Group expertise in GMS Certification
Many companies have already passed through the GMS procedure with the help of Flame Group specialist and satisfied with terms and quality.
Flame Group have a Multilanguage team of hardware and software engineers located in different regions. Our engineers are able to advise the best configuration for your hardware solution which will help to pass GMS Certification in the short time.
During CTS/GTS and other reports analysis, our specialist will give their comments how to fix existing bugs, will provide latest patches and will advise how to develop GMS software according to the latest regulations of Google.
If you interested to get the information about the latest GMS Certification regulations for Android 8/Android O /Android Go Edition based devices or you need any help with GMS certification process, specialists of Flame Group SE will be ready to help you. Please send your inquiry to us by e-mail: sales@flamegroup.eu