WANTED: Google Play Testers

[PhilKes]

In order to be able to publish NotallyX on the Google Play Store, I have to do a Closed Test with at least 20 People opted-in for 14 days (see App testing requirements for new personal developer accounts)

I have setup the Closed Testing for the upcoming v6.1 via a public Google Group NotallyX App, that means anyone who has joined this group (no further actions needed) can opt-in into the closed test.
It works like this:

1. Join the NotallyX App group with your Google account that you use on your Android device for the Google Play Store
2. Install the test version of NotallyX via https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.philkes.notallyx and opt-in to the test
3. Now as far as I understand, you dont actually have to use the App for the 14 days period all the time, as long as you dont uninstall and opt-out of the test again and use it here and there it should be fine
4. Feel free to give feedback in the Google Play Store
5. I will continously release new versions of the app immediately on Google Play closed testing
6. If after 14 days at least 20 people have been opted-in I can finish the closed test and actually publish the App on Google Play Store
7. Of course after the closed test is done you can just leave the Google Group again and opt out of the test

So it would be great if as many people as possible could use this opportunity to a) help me get the app ready to publish and obviously b) to get further feedback on the current version.

FYI: I cannot see any information about you or what you do in the app if you opt into the test.

[PhilKes]

Update: Play Console shows me that there are already more than the needed 20 users, so thanks for everyone who opted-in :)
It seems that Google will evaluate the test period, not sure with what metrics or whatever, but I will publish another patch version during the next 14 days, since that seems to be important too. I think by default it is enabled that you get notified automatically if I publish a new version during a Closed Test, but I will keep you posted on that.

[PhilKes]

FYI: I released v6.1.1 in the Closed Test, so if you read this please update the app :)
If you cant find NotallyX in the Play Store directly just use this link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.philkes.notallyx

[PhilKes]

FYI: I released v6.1.2 with fixes for #124 and #125 (some checks are still running, should be availalbe in ~1 hour)

This will be the last release in the Closed Testing, 3 days to go, thanks to everyone who participated so far 🙂

[PhilKes]

Closed Testing has now been finished, just some more application forms to go for the release on Google Play.
Unfortunately I got sick, but I will keep you posted when I can get back to it

[ippocratis]

Unfortunately I got sick, but I will keep you posted when I can get back to it

Get well soon.

[rafnov]

Awesome. I had no idea of this app until discovered it accidentally few days ago, so I couldn't have any idea of your way to Google Store. I'm glad you have found enough testers.
As far haven't found better replacement for Google Keep (or any other spying note apps), than NotallyX.
Thank you and wish you good health.

[PhilKes]

Unfortunately, Google rejected my application for production access, I have no idea why exactly. This seems to happen to many developer, the requirements are very vague and arbitrary. This means we will have to do another Closed Test (which automatically starts if there are 20 testers opted-in, currently since 2 days) for another 14 days, after which I can apply again, but I dont know if I am going to have more luck then. So for anyone who wants to continue testing it via Google Play, it would be great if you do, I will release any new versions immediately to the closed testing as well as F-Droid and Github. Other than that I dont think there is much I can do other than hope that after the next Closed Testing Google will accept the 2nd application

[rafnov]

I'm in. Should I avoid references to Google apps (Keep in this case) when testing? ;)

[PhilKes]

I'm in. Should I avoid references to Google apps (Keep in this case) when testing? ;)

Who knows, maybe they dont want another competitor 😂

I guess one thing that would be good if you guys leave a review on google play in the next 14 days, maybe they want to see the testers actually provide feedback, since I dont think they will have a look into the Github issues here

[rafnov]

Done. Without reffering to any them particular apps.

[ippocratis]

Unfortunately, Google rejected my application for production access, I have no idea why exactly. This seems to happen to many developer, the requirements are very vague and arbitrary.

Didn't they include a rejection reason?

Often ui elements or something hard to imagine is the reason?

I never left the testing program .
Dropped a review and my 5 stars .

[PhilKes]

Unfortunately, Google rejected my application for production access, I have no idea why exactly. This seems to happen to many developer, the requirements are very vague and arbitrary.

Didn't they include a rejection reason?

Often ui elements or something hard to imagine is the reason?

I never left the testing program . Dropped a review and my 5 stars .

You get a very generic feedback:

(link to: https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/14151465)

And in the Play Console:

I have no idea, maybe they want me to do much more updates in those 14 days or whatever.

[PhilKes]

FYI: I released v6.2.0 on Google Play as well (may take ~1 hour to be released)

[PhilKes]

FYI: I re-applied for production access on Google Play today 🙂

[rafnov]

Good luck! 🫡

[PhilKes]

Update: Unfortunately, my 2nd application was also declined, with the same "reasoning" as before. I guess its just too few people with too little app usage and feedback via Google Play Store reviews.

[ippocratis]

Oh god what a nightmare

What the hell do they want?

I reviewed the app on play store and send my sample feedback over the testers app

I mean it can't just be that

Makes no sense

How a Dev could gather audience is there app is not on store in the first place

20 testers gathered and used the app what else?

[PhilKes]

Oh god what a nightmare

What the hell do they want?

I reviewed the app on play store and send my sample feedback over the testers app

I mean it can't just be that

Makes no sense

How a Dev could gather audience is there app is not on store in the first place

20 testers gathered and used the app what else?

I have no idea. The funny thing is about a week ago I saw this:
https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/thread/312771181/reduced-testing-requirements-for-personal-developer-accounts?hl=en#:~:text=We've%20also%20heard%20feedback,apply%20for%20access%20to%20production.

So at least the number of minimum testers is now decreased to 12.

I also found some reddit threads from other developers who have no idea why their applications get rejected, seems to be a quite frustrating process. My best guess is they wanna see more tester engagement/feedback of some sort, but its not obvious to me what kind of metrics they use.

For now I guess theres not much we can do about it, the internal testing will go automatically, in theory I can re-apply in 14 days if enough testers stay opted-in, but with christmas and new year coming up there wont be much developing from my part the next few weeks.

If I release new versions I will continue to release them in the internal testing track on Google Play as well.

[PhilKes]

I just deployed v6.3.0 to Google Play internal testing track, should be released in ~1 hour.

Merry Christmas 🎄

[rafnov]

Just installed and using. I can't believe they rejected your apply for such a nice app. In the same time they (Google store) have another simple notepad from a guy of my country, app called Notatnik (by atomczak) but it has 4 trackers, which I don't want.
Yours has none, checked by Exodus Privacy.

For now I can see only 1 small "cosmetic" issue in the search bar:

You have my support and Merry Christmas to you and family.
Good luck!

[andiandi13]

I have this message when trying to join the google group

Excluded Content Warning
Testers Community - 20 Testers has been reported as containing spam, malware, or malicious content.

For more information about Google Groups' content policies, 
see this Help Center article on abuse and our Terms of Service.

[PhilKes]

I have this message when trying to join the google group

Excluded Content Warning
Testers Community - 20 Testers has been reported as containing spam, malware, or malicious content.

For more information about Google Groups' content policies, 
see this Help Center article on abuse and our Terms of Service.

Oh interesting, this group was created from the https://www.testerscommunity.com/, but I guess they violated some google policy.
I created my own google group solely for NotallyX, which you can join: https://groups.google.com/u/2/g/notallyx-app
Since I had to change the configured google group in the Google Play Console, maybe it takes about 1 hour to be able to join the closed testing via the new group.

@ippocratis @rafnov I am not sure if you have to join the new group, since you already signed into the closed testing before.

FYI I just release a v6.4.0-BETA on the Google Play internal testing, should be available for download in the next hour

[ippocratis]

Who the h$ll reported the app as spam for f@ck shake?

What's wrong with people?

[rafnov]

Found an update in google store via aurora store. 😁 It gives me good thoughts. 2 apps corresponding 😂
Good luck again!
I've chosen Notallyx after some long research about notes, while I've found Gooogle Keep notes on the web I've deleted it immediately and Im unistalling it on every device I can use.

[PhilKes]

I just deployed v6.4.0 to Google Play internal testing track, should be released in ~1 hour

Happy Weekend 🙂

[PhilKes]

I just deployed v6.4.0 to Google Play internal testing track, should be released in ~1 hour

Happy Weekend 🙂

Since v6.4.0 included a major bug #255, I just now released v6.4.1 to fix it immediately

[rafnov]

No another reaction here but I would show: 😯😲😯

[rafnov]

Omigod. I forgot to backup notes, but Droid-ify told me to uninstall newer version before installing older that was working fine.
By uninstalling it means removing yout data notes, so... I lost them.
Not by they meant something important lifesaver to me, but to warn anyone interested.
Btw. Phil, what about autobackup right after adding new note?

[PhilKes]

Omigod. I forgot to backup notes, but Droid-ify told me to uninstall newer version before installing older that was working fine. By uninstalling it means removing yout data notes, so... I lost them. Not by they meant something important lifesaver to me, but to warn anyone interested. Btw. Phil, what about autobackup right after adding new note?

Automatic backups on saving note was suggested in #203, which I am working on

[PhilKes]

FYI I released v7.0.0 in Google Play's internal track, should be released in ~1 hour
I also re-submitted the app for production access, but to be honest I dont think it's going to get approved this time either

[PhilKes]

FYI I released v7.0.0 in Google Play's internal track, should be released in ~1 hour I also re-submitted the app for production access, but to be honest I dont think it's going to get approved this time either

I just got an email from Google Play Support, NotallyX has been granted production access to Google Play 😳🎉