Launch Google Play from an app

john26

I'd like to have a button in the free version of my game which allows users to download the paid version. It should open Google Play and search for my paid app allowing user to buy immediately. I guess I could use IAP but want to avoid such complexity at the moment.

Same question for iOS app store.

Many thanks!

techdojo

All you need to do is have the onClicked event of your button call the Application:openURL() function with the unique app store URL for your app.

You can also point it to a bit.ly (other URL shorteners are available) link so you can actually update the link after the app has gone live.

john26

Thanks very much, that's much simpler than I thought! Can I use the "market://" format described here:

http://developer.android.com/distribute/googleplay/promote/linking.html

That would be slightly better as it opens the Google Play app directly. But not sure if Application:openURL() supports this?

Scouser

@john26: It would appear from my simple tests that this doesn't work.

ar2rsawseen

On all devices that I have tried, opening standard url:
http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=

Android will prompt user whether to open it in Google Play or in browser

Scouser

I should have said using "market://details?id=<package_name>" didn't work as descriibed in @john26's link.

ar2rsawseen

@Scouser I understood that, I was referring to @john26 text to open link in Google Play instead of a browser. Main point was that Android asks, where do you want to open it.

billydb

Hi sorry to dig up an old issue but I want to have a rate button and was just going to use the url loader. So for iOS:
application:openUrl("https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id12345678")

I tried using the Bitly thing to be able to update the url after launch but they no longer let you.
So am I worrying for no reason? Does the iTunes connect app id not change even after it's live? And would this be the same for Google Play (i haven't started that version yet).

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

ar2rsawseen

Yes, urls does not change, unless it is a new app
Apple has its id and google play uses package name

billydb

Awesome thanks