Android are updating their Market this Friday, and have scheduled a 6-hour outage for developers (not consumers, though).
Questions have been raised on what the update will bring (especially with Gingerbread looming around the corner), but today, Android have sent out an email to all registered developers outlining some of the new features/requirements for app listings in the Market.
Follow us through the jump for the full email, but the new requirements now include a “feature graphic” of 1024 x 500 resolution, a 512 x 512 high-res icon, two screenshots (increasing to 8 in the future), and a link to a promotional YouTube video.
One of the best parts of all (in my opinion) is a “recent changes” section in the app description, which finally brings a consistent method of viewing what an app update brings. Few things cheese me off more than having to jump out to the developer’s website to find a changelog, just because they didn’t write about the update in the app description.
The emphasis on high-res images likely signals the much-needed web-based version of the Android Market that was teased back at Google I/O.
We’ll just have to wait for the official launch for confirmation, though.
Anyhooo, here’s the email that was sent out to developers earlier:
Hello,
We’re writing to inform you about some changes to Android Market that require your attention.
First, we have added support for a recent changes feature, which allows you to add notes about changes specific to the newest version of your application. You are able to submit these from the Developer Console, similar to descriptions. In the Market app, these notes will appear under the app description as “Recent changes.”
Second, there is now a ‘draft upload’ capability for application updates. This feature enables you to edit your app listing and upload a new version without affecting the version live in Market. Your app listing edits will not change your live listing until you select “Publish.”
Finally, we are adding support for larger promotional graphics to showcase your application. In addition to the currently required app screenshot, you will be required to upload one “feature” graphic. Supported promotional assets will now include:
– A “feature” graphic, landscape aspect ratio, 1024 x 500 (required).
– A high-res icon, 512 x 512 (required).. The Android icon design guidelines located at http://developer.android.com/guide/practices/ui_guidelines/icon_design.html apply.
– 2 screen shots, 320w x 480h, 480w x 854h, or 480w x 800h, increasing to 8 screen shots in the future (1 required).
– A link for a promotional video hosted on YouTube (optional).
Thanks, and we look forward to continue working with you on Android Market.
Regards,
The Android Market Team
[via Droid Life]