Technical Integration for use Virtual Preload
An efficient and assisted process from the beginning to the end
To be able to start uploading applications on mobile devices, it is necessary to perform a technical integration. This integration is done by following our strict step-by-step process that guarantee the security that the system will work and be efficient, both for operators and for application owners.
Technical integration of Virtual Preload
We carefully carry out the following steps:
- DigitalReef Engineering Team performs sanity checks with preload apk to make it ready to the carrier
- Installation package download link is generated to be shared with the carrier
- The apps to be included in the catalog are defined in order to build what we call the Virtual Preload Profile (where we can upload the apps to be downloded on the phones)
- Carrier need to contact manufacturers to preload the APK according to installation instructions
- Pre homologation process (for each model) and certification tests are carried out together with DigitalReef, manufacturer and operator
On this last point, the following processes are part of the tests between operator, manufacturers (also called OEM - responsible for developing the devices) and DigitalReef:
- Display of permissions
- Data disclosure
- Server registration
- App Installation
- Push ads from server
- Call to action related to web, phone and Playstore
What the client development team needs to do in order to integrate Virtual Preload
During the entire integration process, we have a series of documents that detail for the technology teams how each process should occur. Everything is done with great security and greatly assisted by the DigitalReef team!
About this entire technical process, it is only important to highlight two main points:
- Carrier needs to ask Google to whitelist our apk
- Our apk needs to be installed on a specific part of the operating system, not working depending on the part placed.
With that in mind, everything is ready for the integration to be carried out without major problems!
Preload APK Size
The Preload APK file is usually between 5 and 5.5 MB depending on the version. It is important to consider that this size increases once installed, to 10 to 12 MB installed.
Google Requirements
In order to install other application from your app, the app must be preloaded from factory and it need to have the "INSTALL_PACKAGES" permission". Recently Google stopped accepting Google Play Store apps that use the "INSTALL_PACKAGES" permission. So, to use it you should receive a special permission from Google to run Virtual Preload.
How the Virtual Preload integration for brands that have apps works
The process for brands that want to have their apps installed on mobile devices is much simpler. After the commercial negotiations, they just need to send to DigitalReef the correct version of the application and we will take care of arranging its installation later according to the agreed parameters.
What happens to devices that already have an old version of the DigitalReef apk installed
Phones that have an older version of the preload apk should work as well, but users of these phones should be impacted by an older version of the install flow, with a few extra screens and approval requests.
Therefore, it is recommended that, as possible, manufacturers always contain with the most up-to-date version of preload apk on their phone devices, so that users have the best experience possible!
Updated 10 months ago