app-updater_skill

Overview

This skill implements a self-hosted APK update flow for Android TV apps, enabling updates from a private server or GitHub Releases without Google Play. It focuses on safe version checks, secure APK download, and invoking the Android install intent via a native plugin. The goal is reliable, user-consented updates for sideloaded or private-distribution apps.

How this skill works

On launch the app fetches a version manifest (version.json) from your server and compares remoteVersion to localVersion. If an update is available the app prompts the user, downloads the APK via a native HTTP client, and uses a native plugin to trigger the Android install intent. A FileProvider is required to expose the APK URI safely, and Android enforces signature and permission checks during installation.

When to use it

• You distribute an Android TV app outside Google Play (side-loaded or private APK).
• You want OTA updates from GitHub Releases or a private CDN/server.
• You need forced updates for critical fixes using minVersion.
• You must avoid Google Play for regional or licensing reasons.
• You require an integrated update prompt and install flow in the app.

Best practices

• Host version.json over HTTPS and include version, minVersion, url, and notes.
• Always prompt users before downloading and before invoking installation.
• Use a native plugin (Java) to download and start the install intent; web APIs cannot install APKs.
• Configure FileProvider with proper paths and grantUriPermissions to avoid file:// issues on Android 7+.
• Sign every build with the same key; Android will reject different signatures.

Example use cases

• Private media center app for Android TV updates delivered from a home NAS or GitHub.
• Corporate or kiosk deployments where Play Store is not available or allowed.
• Beta distribution channel using GitHub Releases and a manifest for testers.
• Emergency security fix that requires forcing a minimum supported version.