Google Android TV/Set-Top Box Certification for Android ATV

I. Importance of Google Certification for Android TV and Media Devices

For Android-based media devices such as Android TVs, TV boxes, movie projectors, and set-top boxes being sold overseas, obtaining Google certification is essential if they are to use Google applications and services such as YouTube, Gmail, and the Google Play Store.

The Google Android ATV certification is a full device certification, submitted by ODMs/OEMs to Google for testing. SoC manufacturers do not need to perform chip-level certification. Android TV, launched on June 26, 2014, at Google I/O, is a service package designed specifically for TVs and set-top boxes. It is based on the Android AOSP version, and by adding the GTVS package, manufacturers can compile the firmware for Android TV.

II. Android TV Google Certification Process

1. Project Approval: Project approval must be sought at the beginning of every project. This ensures that Google is aware of and supports the development and release of each product.

2. SoC Approval: Google approves certain chipset configurations for Android TV, significantly reducing the certification risk. This is based on prior device analysis and base testing results.

3. Device Approval: The entire system software build running on specific hardware configurations must be certified. Full compatibility testing is required before device approval.

4. Google Requirements: All developed devices must be registered with Google and correspond to the device model in the SDK. All modifications must follow the CDD (Compatibility Definition Document) guidelines.

5. Security Patches: Devices must join Google's security patch group and regularly apply updates, typically twice a month. Without these patches, testing tools will not pass.

6. Play Store Whitelisting: Google does not allow pre-installed apps that are not published on the Google Play Store. After applying for whitelisting, Google apps can be pre-installed without triggering warning pop-ups during testing.

7. Cast Provisioning: To enable the Chrome Cast feature (screen mirroring), whitelisting is required. This is a mandatory requirement for certification.

8. Google Keys: Each device must have a unique Google Key to identify its identity.

III. Google Android TV Certification Process

1. Provide detailed product information to our team for evaluation to ensure the product meets Android TV certification requirements.

2. Sign business cooperation contracts, NDAs, ACCs, and other agreements.

3. Fill out the certification application form and submit it to Google with our assistance.

4. We will apply for the whitelist, obtain the Google Key, and request relevant software packages such as GTVS.

5. Provide a sample device with the compiled Android TV firmware for our pre-testing.

6. After successful testing, submit the report to Google for approval. Once approved, the certification is complete.

 IV. Android TV Certification Testing and Key Points

1. Main Testing Contents

• CTS (Compatibility Test Suite): Compatibility testing for Android TV.

• GTS (GMS Test Suite): APK compatibility testing for the Google Play Store.

• VTS on GSI: Hardware compatibility testing for the Generic System Image.

• Smoke Test: Pre-testing to ensure compliance with ATV requirements, including launcher and system layout.

• CTS on GSI: Compatibility testing required after Android 8.0, mainly conducted on AOSP.

• YouTube Test: Specific testing for YouTube functionality, though it is generally not mandatory.

2. Key Considerations

2.1. BLE Voice Remote: Android TV certification requires devices to include a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) voice remote control, as Google Assistant is frequently used in ATV systems.

2.2. Signing Key: During ATV development, a release key must be used. Test keys or other signing keys are not allowed, as all apps need to be signed with the Android TV key to run on the system. Alternatively, devices can join GTVS to pass certification.

2.3. TIF Architecture: For devices running Android P and later, DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) must have TIF (TV Input Framework) architecture.

2.4. ATV Development Process: Typically, devices must have built-in DRM and GTVS. After compiling the firmware, a series of tests are performed. A third-party performs additional testing, and the source code is revised based on failed test items. Testing is repeated until all reports pass, after which the final submission is made to Google for approval and production.

2.5. Framework and System Modifications: Android TV generally does not allow modifications to most of the framework layer or the system partition. Unauthorized changes to permissions could cause the device to fail testing.

If you need to apply for Google GMS certification for your Android devices, feel free to contact us in advance. We will provide a detailed evaluation to ensure your product meets Google's requirements. We have extensive experience in handling various Google certifications for both domestic and international companies and look forward to assisting you with your certification needs.