Is HP Prime Pro on Play Store? (hit and miss)

[goosnarrggh]

(06-28-2023 08:39 AM)RandySims Wrote:  Hey StephenG1CMZ! That's strange. Maybe the app isn't compatible with the newer Android version?

Google has a policy requiring app publishers to make regular updates to their apps to ensure that they will remain visible to as wide a range of users as possible. These rules apply regardless of whether or not any individual app has been tested and demonstrated to have any real incompatibilities with any particular newer version of Android; rather, it is primarily meant as an incentive to ensure that developers are always following the latest software design guidelines as they are expressed in the evolving Android API.

Essentially, after a major version of Android ships, app developers have a grace period of approximately 1 year to start releasing apps which target that major version; after that deadline, no new apps can be added to the Play Store which target any older major version, and no updates can be published to existing apps unless those updates also bring the app up to begin targeting that new major version. For example, right now it is permissible to publish new apps and app updates targeting both Android 12 and 13; we are reaching the end of the grace period for Android 13, and so soon it will no longer be permissible to create new apps or app updates targeting Android 12.

Simultaneously, existing apps already listed on the Play Store are contextually de-listed under certain circumstances:
1. If the user's current OS version is equal to the latest major release, then they are only able to search for apps that target a supported API level that is within the current grace period.
2. If the user's current OS is older than the latest major release, then they are only able to search for apps that simultaneously satisfy two requirements:
2a. The targeted API level must be equal to or newer than the major OS version currently running on their device.
2b. The minimum API level must be equal to or older than the major OS version currently running on their device.

Certain limited exceptions apply for user accounts which have previously installed an older version of the same app on the same or another device.

Right now, the current version of the HP Prime Lite apk which is available for distribution has a targeted API level of 29 (Android 10), and a minimum API level of 16 (Android 4.1 aka Jelly Bean).

In light of Google's current rules, it would be searchable in the Play Store for any device running Android 4.1 through 10, but would be invisible to devices running Android 11 or newer.