Android Application Update Notification

Question

I uploaded my app to android market a month ago. Now I have uploaded its new version. I have old version installed on my device. But I have got NO update notification. Is there any option available to send update notifications to users when I update my application to Android Market?

Solution

Not by default: the market notifications are not something exposed to app developers in any way. If you want to notify your users you'll need to build that into your app: set up a server that exposes an HTTP url that reports the latest version, then use an AlarmManager to call that URL and see if the version on the device is the same as the latest version. If it isn't pop up a message or notification and send them to the market to upgrade. Same thing described here.

Comments

[Heinrisch]

I think he is talking about the notification that the Market app sends out, and those should be automatic when uploading a new apk.

[Femi]

Understood. The Market generates those all by itself using a process that is completely opaque to the developer: there are no controls exposed to allow a dev to trigger those on demand, so you're stuck implementing your own checks in your app (as an example, I currently have a nag message from WhatsApp telling me to upgrade).

[Heinrisch]

Completely agree, just made the comment to point that out. I learned something new from your answer so I am glad that you posted it, thanks!