Use a different Application ID for DS Loader

DS Loader uses the following application ID by default (also known as bundle ID):

net.targetr.stacks.central

For advertising that requires Google PAL it might be necessary to change the application ID. This is because Google PAL adds an encrypted string containing the application ID into ad requests that use the special macro [GIVN]. 

A different application ID is only required if using Google PAL and [GIVN]. In most cases using a custom User-Agent is a better way of being identified as a different app for advertisers.

Update Process

Updating the application ID is not simple. It requires uninstalling DS Loader and installing a new custom APK that is built using a different application ID.

The process of uninstalling DS Loader and installing a custom version is difficult because Android will lose all data, all settings, all permissions and all cache. 

Custom DS Loaders attempt to make the process easier, but success rate is not 100%, especially if DS Loader was installed as a system app or the device is not rooted. (also note that different Android versions behave differently)

Automated Update

Here is what the custom app will attempt to do when it is first launched:

1. Searches for important settings and preferences and import them into custom app. (e.g. MAC address. This is critical if it was randomly assigned and starts 0200).
2. Clears the data and cache used by the previous DS Loader. TargetR players use ALL the storage available for a cache. Without this step the new app will not function offline and will consume excessive bandwidth.
3. Disables the previous DS Loader. It is essential that if two DS Loaders remain on the same device they are not both operational. If they are both active, they will try to auto recover from failure and interrupt each other continuously.
4. Uninstall the previous DS Loader. This step is not always successful, which is why steps 2 and 3 occur first.
5. Adds important permissions. See below for commands executed to grant permissions. As with other commands, this will only work if the device is rooted.

Granting standard permissions:

pm grant com.appreachtv android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW
pm grant com.appreachtv android.permission.SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM
pm grant com.appreachtv android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION
pm grant com.appreachtv android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION
pm grant com.appreachtv android.permission.CAMERA
pm grant com.appreachtv android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO

Granting op permissions

cmd appops set com.appreachtv SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW allow
cmd appops set com.appreachtv SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM allow
cmd appops set com.appreachtv WRITE_SETTINGS allow

The problematic permission, which is required for automatic start and automatic recovery on newer versions of Android is SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW. This is also known as "Display over other apps".

If the custom version of DS Loader starts without the permission, it will pop up the permissions screen and ask for approval:

This must be manually toggled with mouse / keyboard or remote control software (if possible).

Notes for ReachTV only.

The new custom DS Loader is called ReachTV Loader SE and has the following application ID:

com.appreachtv

The APK is built and digitally signed by our servers when accessed from a special address. Please contact TargetR for this address.