Programatically trigger app update from google play

Question

1. Once an update to app is submitted in google play developer console and the app is visible to all users, how much time would it take for any device to pick the update ? (Assuming active internet wifi connection is throughout the day and auto-update is on for this app)

2. Can I programatically initiate a request to google play store regarding the update WITHOUT ANY USER PROMPT OR ANY INTERACTION? (Assuming no new permissions are requested while updating). If so, please suggest how.

Other information: My app is designed for digital signage using android boxes. App is launched on startup, occupies the screen. There will not be any sort of user interaction directly with the app during its lifetime.

Answer 1

1. Usually update is installed within 24 hours, provided the user maintains active connection with internet and sufficient battery. Android boxes do not have any battery, so automatic updates via google play (without any user interaction) are not reliable.

2. Use this code for issuing auto update without playstore.

Add this permission: <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_SUPERUSER" />

Use the following function:

public static void installAPK(String filename) {
    File file = new File(filename);
    if (file.exists()) {
            Runtime.getRuntime().exec("chmod 777 " + filename);
            String command;
            command = "pm install -r " + filename;
            Process proc = Runtime.getRuntime().exec(new String[]{"su", "-c", command});
            proc.waitFor();
        }
}

Note: This would work only if you are not requesting any extra permissions for the app since last install.

Answer 2

1. It depends on Google's back end replicating your new update, usually within 8-24 hours.
2. No, that would be a security vulnerability. Apps are not permitted to install or update themselves without user interaction.

Answer 3

I have been through this many times.

1> It usually took me for about 2 - 4hrs to get my app updated on google play.

2> I think you are talking about force update. What I did for this was that I made an api for checking the version of app. And according to it I redirected to update screen in google play . I hope it helps.

// Here min_supported_version is generated from api
    if (min_supported_version <= BuildConfig.VERSION_CODE) {
        startActivity(new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW, Uri.parse("market://details?id=yourpackagename")));
}