Methods for Building/Rebuilding Android App Deploys as Bundles

[OpenXTalkPaul]

I haven't ever built any apps for Android that I've deployed through Google's PlayStore, but I do happen to know that, as of August 31st (interesting date there), Google is no longer accepting NEW app uploads in the old commonly used APK format (which can still be used for testing or personal use deploys). The PlayStore's new requirement is .aab bundle files, which can have all the different components to support different types of cpus (ARM7,ARM64,etc.), screen sizes (hidpi screens), and regions (localization language resources)...However OpenXTalk being currently based on LCC 9.6.3, does not support aab bundle building!

So what can you do? Well so far I just use developer mode on Android along with Dropbox or USB transfer and install the APK on my phone or (old) tablet, but you can actually convert an APK file to AAB Bundle (and vice versa BTW)

One super simple method I just found, have not tested it and I cannot vouche for this service but here it is if anyone want to give it a shot (and reporting back here would be great)
http://apktoaabconverter.com/?i=1

You can convert apk to aab without source from apk but its long process:
1. Decompile apk with apktool
2. Copy res folder and AndroidManifest.xml to another folder
3. Use aapt2 compile command to compile each resources one by one and it will convert every .png .xml file to .flat file
4. Use aapt2 link to make apk that contain resources in protobuf format
5. Extract resources.pb from apk and AndroidManifest.xml and res folder
6. Make base.zip and use build-bundle command to create aab

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/578 ... apk-to-aab

More info here:
https://medium.com/mobile-app-developme ... 12c52e8641

https://developer.android.com/studio/co ... bundletool

Apparently Google as an online tool that still accepts apk
https://play.google.com/console/u/0/int ... p-sharing/

aab Format structure:
https://medium.com/mindorks/android-app ... de6dad8ba8