The Twilight Store (S3:E7)
Many days have passed since the previous episode.
Not because Google decided to improve the app check process and the problem was fixed and as a result I didn’t have something to write about.
No, of course not, Google and its new Play store manager have not improved developer support at all. After all, why should they do so if they are left free to do as they please even if their gatekeeper position brings with it obligations that in my very humble opinion they do not fulfill.
I simply got caught up in the development of the new macOS app and didn’t have time to publish a new post. Perhaps in another post I will let you know my impressions about SwiftUI and its declarative UI. It is certainly different from imperative UI programming, but it has many pros and some cons.
Where were we? I had removed the link to the video to see if this would somehow trigger a new and better process of verification of the app by Play store staff.
google: “During our review of your app, a message of “Security Warning” appeared upon launch. This prevents us from verifying the core functionality.”
me: “Could you show me the screenshot with the “Security warning”?
Note that this is a paid app and it checks if the user bought it regularly from Play store and installed it to a device using Play store. If you need a promo code to buy the app I can provide one. Do you need a promo code?”
google: “When you submitted your app, you specified your app’s core functionality as follows: Cross-device synchronization or transfer of SMS or calls. However, we couldn’t find evidence that the app offers the declared core functionality during our review.
We noticed that you have not submitted a video URL on the video link section of the Permissions Declaration Form.
Regarding your question, we are unable to provide further information. If portions of your app are restricted, please share a link to a demonstration video of your app via Permissions Declaration Form of your Play Console to help us verify the core functionalities that you’ve declared.
To continue using SMS and Call Log permissions, please update your Developer Permission Declaration with a valid video link along with a compliant version of your app in the Play Console for approval.”
So basically the link to the video is not optional at all since they can’t use the app as any user who buys it from the Play store would have done.
I have re-posted the link to the video and republished it. I didn’t expect anything different but at least upon its rejection I will be able to appeal again hoping that the new Play store staff member who will verify the app will be able to give me some more information to create a video to their liking.
Don’t miss S3:E8
