The Project Process and Testing Contents for Google's Android TV Testing and Certification

I. What Does Android TV Testing and Certification Involve?

Android TV is a service package developed by Google specifically for TVs and set-top boxes, allowing users to watch videos, play music and games, and cast content from other devices using their favorite apps.

Compared to AOSP (Android Open Source Project), Android TV provides the following features:

1. Leanback Launcher (TV interface)

2. Google Services (such as Google Play, YouTube, Play Movies & TV, Play Games, etc.)

3. Search and Assistant (Google Search and Google Assistant)

4. Google Cast (screen casting)

5. GOTA (Google's OTA update platform)

II. Android TV Testing and Certification Process

1. Select a Hardware Solution: Choose a hardware platform that is technically feasible for Android TV.

2. Choose the Appropriate Android Development System: Ensure it meets the requirements of Android TV.

3. Submit Product Information for Google Review: Apply through Google's sublicense process and wait for approval.

4. Apply for Whitelist and Software Packages: Obtain necessary keys and software packages for the device.

5. Provide a Prototype for Testing: Start testing with the provided hardware and address any bugs.

6. Pass Tests and Submit Report: Once testing is successful, upload the test report and await Google's approval to complete certification.

III. Android TV Certification Testing Contents

1. CTS (Compatibility Test Suite): Ensures platform compatibility according to CDD (Compatibility Definition Document) and Android SDK/NDK/APIs.

2. GTS (Google Mobile Services Test Suite): Verifies the proper integration of GMS applications, including streaming services.

3. STS (Security Test Suite): Tests the integration of security patches.

4. VTS (Vendor Test Suite): Tests hardware abstraction layer (HAL), drivers, and the kernel after replacing GSI (Generic System Image).

5. CTS-ON-GSI: Tests compatibility after replacing GSI.

6. TVTS (TV Test Suite): Verifies the performance of GMS applications on Android TV.

7. Smoke Test: Manually tests to ensure functionality and layout meet the required standards.

8. CtsVerifier: A supplemental test to CTS, which requires manual verification.

9. BTS (Build Test Suite): Verifies the integration of patches and checks for harmful pre-installed apps.

IV. Common Issues in Android TV Testing

1. Smoke Test: The subjective nature of smoke tests may cause discrepancies with certification requirements. It is important to meet the certification standards or compare results with Google’s own products and promptly apply for a waiver if needed.

2. YouTube HD Video and Google Cast: These features depend on successful certification and require a Google whitelist account to function properly.

3. Testing Failures: If certain test cases fail, retry with isolated test cases to pass the remaining ones.

4. BTS Scanning: This depends on Google's servers and cannot be tested locally. It's necessary to complete pre-testing one version ahead.

V. Agreements Required for Android TV Certification with Google

1. NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement): Grants access to Google's Help Center.

2. ACC (Application Certification Contract): Google will establish a project tracker for certification.

3. WV IDA (Widevine Information and Delivery Agreement): Allows downloading of Google-encrypted copyright files from a Google-specified server.

4. TADA (Technical Assistance and Development Agreement): Provides access to download the GTVS package from Google and grants access to APFE (Android Partner Front-End) resources. This also includes permissions for Google partner websites.

Feel free to contact us for inquiries about Google Android TV certification. We can also handle certifications for Google EDLA, Google MADA, Google Auto, Google Lens, Google ARCore, Google TADA, Google Android Watch, Google Android GTV, Google Fast Pair certification and Spatial Audio certification testing for earphone,and other related projects.