I'm trying to add Google Analytics to an app (yes, I know firebase is also recommended, but google's analytics seems to offer some things firebase doesn't), and anyway I want to understand this whole play services thing...
So, I know at least that I need to have google play services to use analytics.
But, there seems to be conflicting info on how to include Google Play Services in your app:
1) The below thread from 2014 seems to indicate that if you are using B4A v6+ you no longer need to use the SDK manager to download the required file "google-play-services.jar".
https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/google-play-services-installation-tips.45843/
So it gives me the impression that Google Play Services is managed by B4A 6+ in some way.
2) Then this 2016 thread seems to indicate that the required google play services for analytics can be loaded using this line of code:
(on this page: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/firebase-the-old-analyticsv4-lib.68110/#post-431625)
So, I then think that this must be the new way to add play services to my app using B4A 6+.
3) But, then this thread from 2017 seems to indicate that the "User" needs to have a separate play services APK installed on their device:
https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/check-and-install-google-play-services.84813/
So, can someone shed some light on what's going on?
A) Do I need google-play-services.jar?
B) If I set my minsdk to android 4.x, is it safe to assume that the user's device has play services on it?
Any help would be appreciated!
So, I know at least that I need to have google play services to use analytics.
But, there seems to be conflicting info on how to include Google Play Services in your app:
1) The below thread from 2014 seems to indicate that if you are using B4A v6+ you no longer need to use the SDK manager to download the required file "google-play-services.jar".
https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/google-play-services-installation-tips.45843/
So it gives me the impression that Google Play Services is managed by B4A 6+ in some way.
2) Then this 2016 thread seems to indicate that the required google play services for analytics can be loaded using this line of code:
B4X:
#AdditionalJar: com.google.android.gms:play-services-analytics
(on this page: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/firebase-the-old-analyticsv4-lib.68110/#post-431625)
So, I then think that this must be the new way to add play services to my app using B4A 6+.
3) But, then this thread from 2017 seems to indicate that the "User" needs to have a separate play services APK installed on their device:
https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/check-and-install-google-play-services.84813/
So, can someone shed some light on what's going on?
A) Do I need google-play-services.jar?
B) If I set my minsdk to android 4.x, is it safe to assume that the user's device has play services on it?
Any help would be appreciated!