We would like to inform you of a change concerning the distribution of our Android applications. From now on, Yoctopuce does no longer publish its applications on Google Play. This decision is the result of new conditions imposed by Google, and we'd like to explain why and how you can continue using our applications.
Recently, Google introduced new requirements for app developers wishing to publish on its Google Play Store. One of these new requirements is that companies must provide a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number. This number is a unique identifier managed by Dun & Bradstreet, used to verify companies' business information.
The DUNS number is used to identify and profile companies and their business information worldwide. As a small private company based in Switzerland, we have no desire to entrust a private company abroad with the control of our public information: all public information concerning us can already be obtained from the Swiss Trade Register. For these reasons, we have concluded that this new Google Play Store requirement does not meet our company's needs.
Yoctopuce Applications
All our Android applications that were published on Google Play are small example programs that only serve to illustrate the use of our Android programming library. The sources of these tools are all available on our website. The applications concerned are :
- Doc Example
- Yocto-Firmware
- Yocto-Meteo
- Yocto-Graph
Alternatives to get Yoctopuce applications
To continue using our Android applications, we'll make the APK files available directly via our website. In addition, the source code of our applications is available on GitHub and on our website. This means you'll still be able to benefit from our tools and solutions, but you'll have to install the applications manually. Here's how to do it.
Enabling unknown sources
Before you can install an application outside Google Play, you need to enable installation from unknown sources. Here's how to do it:
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Select Security or Privacy (depending on your Android version).
- Enable the Unknown sources option or select the browser from the Installation Source. A notification will warn you of the potential risks, so please confirm your choice.
Depending on your phone model, the settings tree may differ. The most universal solution we've found is to open the device settings and search for "Source". In the results there will be a link to the Installation Sources option.
Here is the option that you must enable
Note that on most modern phones, when you try to install an application from a source other than Google Play, a link to this setting is displayed. At this point, you can directly authorize the installation source concerned.
The warning points directly to the parameter to be modified
Once you have completed these steps, your phone/tablet can install an application directly, without having to go through Google Play. Unfortunately, it's not possible to limit this option to specific applications or domains, so you need to be careful about the source of the applications you install. For our applications, make sure you always download them from our website or from a reliable source.
Download APK
Go to the Yoctopuce website and download the APK file of the application you want to install.
Once the download is complete, open the APK file from your file manager or notification bar. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Once the installation is complete, you'll be able to open the application and use it as usual.
And voilà, the application is installed
Conclusion
We understand that this change may be a source of confusion, but we are convinced that this new distribution method will enable us to meet your needs without the constraints imposed by Google Play.
If you have any questions or need assistance installing our applications, please don't hesitate to contact our support team (support@yoctopuce.com).
