Android app developers usually deal with a lot of aggravation when it comes to application piracy. This is why Google Android has created a way to combat against unauthorized usage, which has brought some relief to quite a few Android developers. The newly released Google Licensing Service has quickly become an invaluable protection tool to application developers everywhere.
What It Does and Who Can Use It
The way this service works is by pinging the application attached to the Licensing Service and sending it to Google’s main server in order to check if users have paid for it. However, this app is only available to other applications that come at a cost; the Licensing Service can be utilized by Android 1.5 and newer versions.
With this free service by Google, Android developers are able to access the paid applications on Android Market. Unfortunately, this app can only be installed on devices that are compatible and and have highly-secure internal storage. With the exception of certain Google libraries, this Android app can access the licensing server of Android Market’s to find the users’ licensing status. Based on the sales records from the store, the user can determine whether or not users have the proper authorization.
All in Real-Time
Google’s Licensing Service runs in real-time in order to give the Android developer more flexibility when selecting their strategy for enforcing licensing. This method is considered to be more secure than copy protection in regards to protecting apps from unauthorized users.
Customized Constraints
If the developer finds it necessary, they may use customized constraints that are based on the app’s licensing status in Android Market; this only adds to the security of Google’s Licensing Service. When this app searches for an application’s licensing status, Android Market’s server will sign off on the results of the query by using a unique key pair linked to the developer’s account.
Although it is too soon to tell how it will perform, if Google’s Licensing Service is effective in keeping unauthorized usage at bay, this may be the answer to every developer’s worst nightmare. So even though they must deal with a parallel rise in Droid popularity and pirating challenges, the ever-developing technology and strategies will help the entire Android developing community continue to thrive in the marketplace. Anyone who needs a paid Android app should use one created by a developing company that provides not only a great deal of expertise, but also uses the latest security measures to support the hard-working creators that develop the many wonderful Android apps consumers love.