Setting up the Android SDK for the Android Export Module

[Jeff]

The Android Export Module allows you to build your application as an Android application.


What do you need to create an Android application?
You need to download and install 2 external packages :

• You need to install the Java Development Kit, version 6. Note: JDK 7 is not fully compatible with the Android SDK, especially for the signature of the applications, install JDK 6 instead. The first time you build an Android application, Multimedia Fusion 2 Developer will ask you for the pathname of the JDK directory, select it in the folder selector. For example C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.6.0_33. You can later change it in the preferences if necessary. Note for 64-bit machines : install at least the 32-bit version of the JDK, not only the 64-bit version. The 64-bit version may cause a conflict with the SWF exporter.
• You need to install the Android SDK. Do not install the ADT Bundle. Click "Use an existing IDE" and then download the "SDK Tools for Windows" (EXE installer). And then in the Android SDK Manager install at least the Android 4.0 platform package (API #14). When you build your first Android application Multimedia Fusion 2 or Multimedia Fusion 2 Developer will ask you for the pathname of the Android SDK directory. You can change it at any time in the preferences of Multimedia Fusion 2 or Multimedia Fusion 2 Developer.

And later when you want to release applications:

• You will need a certificate to sign your applications before being able to release them.
• If you want to publish applications on the Android Market, you will need to register a developer account on https://market.android.com/publish/signup ($25).

Where to find documentation about Android development ?
Although the export module makes it simple to develop an Android application, you will still need to read Google's documentation, especially and the sections that explain how to publish your application, test it, etc. The main page for Android development can be found at : http://developer.android.com/index.html


Minimum requirements for Android applications created with Multimedia Fusion 2 or Multimedia Fusion 2 Developer
Android applications created with the export module require Android 2.2 or above, and Android devices with a GPU (graphic processor). Applications created will run on Android devices without GPU but they will be very slow.

[Yves]

Update: apparently there is a mistake in the documentation, it seems you have to install the API #14 in the Android SDK Manager, not the API #15 (or you can install both if you want).

[Jeff]

I just did a test and I believe Java 7 (including 64 bit) now works with the Android SDK and MMF.

One issue people might encounter is if you make a new keystore with Java 7 and try to update your app you need to sign your app with the the old keystore. I am not sure what happens if you recreate your old Keystore that you made in Java 6 in Java 7.

But at least moving forward it will be easier for people to find the Java jdk as its the current version.

[Jeff]

http://confessionsofateenagegamedeve...lickteams.html

Great article/post about using MMF and getting your game running on an OUYA console.
Thanks Red Panda Games for writing this up.