DCR Norway Audio Android App SDK: Difference between revisions

From Engineering Client Portal

(Created page with "{{Breadcrumb|}} {{Breadcrumb|Digital}} {{Breadcrumb|International DCR}} {{CurrentBreadcrumb}} Category:Digital == Overview == The Nielsen software development kit (SDK)...")
 
 
(14 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
The Nielsen software development kit (SDK) is one of multiple frameworks that Nielsen provides to enable measuring linear (live) and on-demand audio and video viewing using desktop computers, mobile devices, OTT devices, etc.
The Nielsen software development kit (SDK) is one of the multiple frameworks that Nielsen provides to enable measuring linear (live) and on-demand audio and video viewing using desktop computers, mobile devices, OTT devices, etc.
The App SDK is the framework for mobile application developers to integrate Nielsen Measurement into their media player applications. It supports a variety of Nielsen Measurement Products like Digital in TV Ratings, Digital Content Ratings ([[DCR & DTVR]]), and [[Digital Ad Ratings]] (DAR). Nielsen SDKs are also equipped to measure static content and can track key life cycle events of an application like:
The App SDK is the framework for mobile application developers to integrate Nielsen Measurement into their media player applications. It supports a variety of Nielsen Measurement Products like Digital in TV Ratings, Digital Content Ratings ([[DCR & DTVR]]), and [[Digital Ad Ratings]] (DAR). Nielsen SDKs are also equipped to measure static content and can track key life cycle events of an application like:
*Application launch events and how long app was running
*Application launch events and how long app was running
*Time of viewing a sub section / page in the application.
*Time of viewing a subsection/page in the application.


== Prerequisites ==
== Prerequisites ==
To start using the App SDK, the following details are required:
Before you start the integration, you will need:
* '''App ID (appid):''' Unique ID assigned to the player/site and configured by product.
{| class="wikitable"
* '''sfcode:''' Unique identifier for the environment that the SDK should point to.
|-
* '''Nielsen SDK:''' The Nielsen SDK package contains a variety of sample players for your reference.
! style="width: 15%;" | Item
! Description
! Source
|-
|| '''App ID (appid)''' || Unique ID assigned to the player/site and configured by product. || Provided by Nielsen
|-
|| '''Nielsen SDK''' || Includes SDK frameworks and '''sample implementation'''; ''See [[Android SDK Release Notes]]'' || [[Special:Downloads|Download]]
|}
 
If you do not have any of these prerequisites or if you have any questions, please contact our SDK sales support team.
If you do not have any of these prerequisites or if you have any questions, please contact our SDK sales support team.
Refer to [[Digital Measurement Onboarding]] guide for information on how to get a Nielsen App SDK and appid.
Refer to [[Digital Measurement Onboarding]] guide for information on how to get a Nielsen App SDK and appID.


==  Implementation ==
==  Implementation ==
This guide covers implementation steps for Android using Android Studio.
This guide covers implementation steps for Android Studio utilizing the Standard Nielsen SDK for DCR.
=== How to obtain the NielsenAppApi ===
The Nielsen AppSDK can either be downloaded directly or can be integrated directly within an application through the use of Gradle. We recommend using the Gradle-based integration whenever possible to ensure you maintain the most recent changes and enhancements to the Nielsen libraries.
* [[Digital_Measurement_Android_Artifactory_Guide|Select to obtain Gradle implementation guide]]
* [[Special:Downloads|Select to Download Directly]].


== Setting up your  Development Environment  ==
== Setting up your  Development Environment  ==
{{ExampleCode|


|Android =
=== Configuring Android Development Environment ===
<big>'''Configuring Android Development Environment'''</big>'
*The Nielsen App SDK (located in the [https://engineeringportal.nielsen.com/docs/Special:Downloads Downloads section] of the website) class is the primary application interface to the Nielsen App SDK on Android.
*The Nielsen App SDK (located in the ''com.nielsen.app.sdk'' package) class is the primary application interface to the Nielsen App SDK on Android.
*The Nielsen App SDK class is defined as the only public class belonging to the com.nielsen.app.sdk package.
*The Nielsen App SDK class is defined as the only public class belonging to the com.nielsen.app.sdk package.


'''Nielsen App SDK is compatible with Android OS versions 2.3+. Clients can control / configure the protocol to be used – HTTPS or HTTP to suit their needs.'''
'''Nielsen App SDK is compatible with Android OS versions 2.3+. Clients can control/configure the protocol to be used – HTTPS or HTTP to suit their needs.'''
 
The Nielsen App SDK 1.2 library is composed of two parts:
* The Java AppSdk.jar library that runs on the Android’s Dalvik Virtual Machine.
* The C/C++ libAppSdk.so native library that runs directly on the device’s hardware.
<blockquote>'''Note''': App SDK 4.0.0 contains AppSDK.jar component only and does not support C/C++ libAppSdk.so components.</blockquote>


The requirement for the Java ''AppSdk.jar'' library and the ''libAppSdk.so'' native library will depend on the type of host application that will make use of them.
The requirement for the Java ''AppSdk.jar'' library and the ''libAppSdk.so'' native library will depend on the type of host application that will make use of them.
Line 42: Line 43:
** The Android OS hosting the App SDK should use a media player supporting HLS streaming (Android 3.0 and later will support it natively).
** The Android OS hosting the App SDK should use a media player supporting HLS streaming (Android 3.0 and later will support it natively).
** If the player application uses a 3rd party media player implementing its own HLS, then the minimum Android version will be limited to version 2.3, since the SDK depends on Google Play support to work properly.
** If the player application uses a 3rd party media player implementing its own HLS, then the minimum Android version will be limited to version 2.3, since the SDK depends on Google Play support to work properly.
* '''For Audio player applications'''
 
** The Android OS hosting the App SDK should be at version 2.3 and later since the SDK depends on the Google Play support to work properly.
Once SDK is downloaded ensure to unzip the Nielsen SDK and copy the AppSdk.jar in your app (Android Studio) libs folder, then right-click the AppSdk.jar and select '''Add As Library'''.
Ensure to unzip the Nielsen App SDK sample app and copy the ''AppSdk.jar'' into the libs/ folder on the App’s Eclipse project. Copy the ''libAppSdk.so'' file under ''libs/armeabi/'' folder into the same Eclipse project.
Ensure the AppSdk.jar file is added in 'build.grade (App Level) file.
* App SDK 1.2 provides support for x86, mips, and armeabi-7a architecture; the respective ''libAppSdk.so'' can be found under the ''libs/x86/'', ''libs/mips/'', and ''libs/armeabi-7a/'' folders.
* App SDK 1.2 provides support for x86, mips, and armeabi-7a architecture.
Add the following permissions on the project’s ''AndroidManifest.xml'' file.
 
<syntaxhighlight lang="java"><uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION" android:required="false" />
==== Google Play Services ====
Add the Google Play Services in the project,
Steps: Android Studio -> File -> Project Structure ->(In module selection) select App -> Dependencies (tab) -> Click "+" button and select <code>"com.google.android.gms:play-services"</code>.
Ensure it is added in build.gradle (App level) file
 
==== Google AD ID Permissions ====
The following is required if target API level is set to 31 (Android 12) with the Ad Version of the Nielsen SDK.
 
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID"/>
</syntaxhighlight>
</br>
 
==== Manifest File ====
* Add the following permissions on the project’s ''AndroidManifest.xml'' file.
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE"/>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE"/>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET"/></syntaxhighlight>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET"/></syntaxhighlight>
For more details to handle runtime permissions in Android versions, please visit [https://developer.android.com/training/permissions/requesting.html].  Download the latest ''google-play-services_lib'' and include it in the App’s project in order to use the App SDK.
For more details to handle runtime permissions in Android versions, please visit [https://developer.android.com/training/permissions/requesting.html].   
* App SDK checks to see if there is a Google service available and updated.
* If not available or updated, App SDK will not use this service when executing its functions and will make reference to missing imports and the app will not be compiled.
To include the Google Play library in the media player project, copy the ''google-play-services_lib'' folder into the same location as the project
* Access '''File > Import'''.
* Select '''Existing Android Code into Workspace''' and click '''Next'''.
* Click '''Browse''' and navigate to the ''google-play-services_lib'' to include it into the projects.
* Select the exact '''Project Build Target''' for Eclipse to use from Android SDK.
** Android 4.4.2, etc. OR
** Edit ''project.properties'' file to point to Android target version e.g. target= android-19.
Once the google-play-services_lib is included into the App project, include the following code under the <code><application></code> node in the <code>AndroidManifest.xml</code>.


<syntaxhighlight lang="java"><meta-data android:name="com.google.android.gms.version" android:value="@integer/google_play_services_version"/></syntaxhighlight>
* In <code>AndroidManifest.xml </code>under <application> node add the following metadata


Also, include the ''version.xml'' file that comes with the ''google-play-services_lib'' under the res/values directory of the media player project.
<syntaxhighlight lang="java"><meta-data
* Once the files are in place, import com.nielsen.app.sdk to the java source code and start accessing the public interface.
android:name="com.google.android.gms.version"
android:value="@integer/google_play_services_version"/></syntaxhighlight>


* App SDK checks to see if there is a Google service available and updated.
* If not available or updated, App SDK will not use this service when executing its functions and will make reference to missing imports and the app will not be compiled.


<big>'''Library'''</big>
==== Library ====
 
Nielsen App SDK uses the following packages/classes from the Google Play service.
Nielsen App SDK uses the following packages/classes from the Google Play service.
* google-play-services_lib
* google-play-services_lib


'''<big>Classes/package</big>'''
==== Classes/package ====
 
* com.google.android.gms.ads.identifier.AdvertisingIdClient;
* com.google.android.gms.ads.identifier.AdvertisingIdClient;
* com.google.android.gms.ads.identifier.AdvertisingIdClient.Info;
* com.google.android.gms.ads.identifier.AdvertisingIdClient.Info;
Line 81: Line 88:
* com.google.android.gms.common.GooglePlayServicesRepairableException;
* com.google.android.gms.common.GooglePlayServicesRepairableException;
* com.google.android.gms.common.GooglePlayServicesNotAvailableException;
* com.google.android.gms.common.GooglePlayServicesNotAvailableException;
}}


== SDK Initialization ==
== SDK Initialization ==
Line 99: Line 105:
|-
|-
| appversion || Release version of the client app. Not needed anymore.|| custom ||  || 0.1.1
| appversion || Release version of the client app. Not needed anymore.|| custom ||  || 0.1.1
|-
| sfcode || Nielsen collection facility to which the SDK should connect.
'''Norway RAM integrations'''
* "nor"
|| Nielsen-specified || ✓ || "nor"
|-
|-
| nol_devDebug || Enables Nielsen console logging. Only required for testing
| nol_devDebug || Enables Nielsen console logging. Only required for testing
Line 110: Line 111:
<br />
<br />
==== Sample SDK Initialization Code ====
==== Sample SDK Initialization Code ====
{{ExampleCode|
|Android =


[[AppSDK()]] is no longer a singleton object and should be initialized as below.
[[AppSDK()]] is no longer a singleton object and should be initialized as below.
Line 117: Line 116:
'''Initialization of App SDK object through a JSON object'''
'''Initialization of App SDK object through a JSON object'''
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">   
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">   
try
try
{
{
Line 139: Line 137:
The integration of Nielsen App SDK will depend on the type of client app.<br />
The integration of Nielsen App SDK will depend on the type of client app.<br />
* Ensure that SDK files (AppSdk.jar and libAppSdk.so [App SDK 1.2 Only]) are included under the App’s project and the App SDK is linked to the App (the setting to link App SDK to the App can be found on the property page of the App’s project).
* Ensure that SDK files (AppSdk.jar and libAppSdk.so [App SDK 1.2 Only]) are included under the App’s project and the App SDK is linked to the App (the setting to link App SDK to the App can be found on the property page of the App’s project).
}}


== APP SDK Error & Event Codes ==
== APP SDK Error & Event Codes ==
Line 153: Line 150:
** All the Variable Names like appid, appname, sfcode, dataSrc, title, type, etc. are case-sensitive. Use the correct variable name as specified in the documentation.
** All the Variable Names like appid, appname, sfcode, dataSrc, title, type, etc. are case-sensitive. Use the correct variable name as specified in the documentation.
* JSON string can be prepared using either raw NSString or serialized NSDictionary.
* JSON string can be prepared using either raw NSString or serialized NSDictionary.
{{ExampleCode|
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
|Android = <syntaxhighlight lang="java">
JSONObject channelInfo = new JSONObject()
JSONObject channelInfo = new JSONObject()
     .put("channelname", "My Channel Name 1")
     .put("channelname", "My Channel Name 1")
Line 169: Line 165:
     .put("adloadtype", "2")
     .put("adloadtype", "2")
     .put("airdate", "20161013 20:00:00")
     .put("airdate", "20161013 20:00:00")
   </syntaxhighlight>  
   </syntaxhighlight>
}}


=== Configure metadata ===  
=== Configure metadata ===  
Line 203: Line 198:
| length || length of content in seconds || <code>seconds</code> ("0" for 24/7 Livestream if only one assetid is used for the whole stream. If reporting on program level, length of the program. For Event-Livestreams planned length. For on-demand stream length) || ✓
| length || length of content in seconds || <code>seconds</code> ("0" for 24/7 Livestream if only one assetid is used for the whole stream. If reporting on program level, length of the program. For Event-Livestreams planned length. For on-demand stream length) || ✓
|-
|-
| airdate || the airdate in the linear over-the-air broadcast || Supported formats are:
| airdate || the airdate in the linear over-the-air broadcast (publication date). <BR>This is required for both LIVE & VOD|| Supported formats are:




Line 218: Line 213:
MM-DD-YYYY
MM-DD-YYYY


MM/DD/YYYY  
MM/DD/YYYY
|| ✓
|| ✓
|-
|-
| scheduledEndDate || the airdate when this particular asset ended in the linear over-the-air broadcast || should be same format as airdate || ✓
| scheduledEndDate || the airdate when this particular asset ended in the linear over-the-air broadcast. <BR>This is required for both LIVE & VOD. In the case of VOD, this will be the airdate + length. || This should be the same format as airdate || ✓
|-
|-
| isfullepisode || full episode flag || <code>"y"</code>- full episode, <code>"n"</code>- non full episode || ✓
| isfullepisode || full episode flag || <code>"y"</code>- full episode, <code>"n"</code>- non full episode || ✓
Line 458: Line 453:
|Android = <syntaxhighlight lang="java">public void end();</syntaxhighlight>
|Android = <syntaxhighlight lang="java">public void end();</syntaxhighlight>
}}
}}
== Handling Foreground and Background states ==
There are a few approaches to managing the Foreground and Background states of an app available to use for state measurement.
* Utilizing the Androidx LifeCycleObserver (The recommended approach starting sdk version 7.1.0.0+)
* Utilizing the [[DCR_Video_Android_SDK#The_SdkBgFgDetectionUtility_class|SdkBgFgDetectionUtility]] class
* Adding a tag to the Manifest XML
* Manual Management
=== The LifeCycleObserver ===
AndroidX replaces the original support library APIs with packages in the androidx namespace, and Android Studio 3.2 and higher provides an automated migration tool. (Select '''Refactor> Migrate to AndroidX''' from the menu bar.)
Starting with version 7.1.0, with AndroidX support, an additional utility is provided in the AppSDK - application background/foreground state detection by the AppSdk leveraging the Android Architecture component "LifeCycleObserver".
The AppSdk is now capable of detecting the application UI visibility state transitions between background and foreground, without forcing the applications to register for AppSdk's AppSdkApplication class, which is responsible for handling the detection of application background/foreground state transitions at present.
<blockquote>Please note, that if you already have an app designed that utilizes the depreciated SdkBgFgDetectionUtility Class, the AppSDK will ignore any calls to these methods if it can utilize the LifeCycleObserver.  LifeCycleObserver based auto detection will take precedence. </blockquote>
==== Adding the AndroidX dependency ====
In order to make use of the app background/foreground state transition auto detection feature of AndroidX AppSdk, the app gradle file needs the androidx dependency. The AppSdk API calls - <code>appInForeground()</code> and <code>appInBackground()</code>  will still be respected by AppSdk by executing the old AppSdk flow of handling "app in foreground" and "app in background" states as is.
==== Using the LifeCycle Extension ====
The following androidx dependency is required in the app gradle file:
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
implementation "androidx.lifecycle:lifecycle-extensions:2.1.0"
</syntaxhighlight>
<blockquote>
If you would like to take advantage of this auto detection feature of AppSdk at the very initial stage (e.g. splash screen or at of app launch time), before the AppSdk is initialized, can do so by calling the following newly introduced AppSdk public api, passing the application context :
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
public static void registerLifeCycleObserver(Context applicationContext)
</syntaxhighlight>
</blockquote>
==== Log messages for the new auto detection ====
When the AppSdk app successfully registers for the LifeCycleObserver : <code>Registered LifeCycleObserver for App Background/Foreground auto-detection</code>
* When the app enters the foreground state :<code>App is in foreground, auto detected by AppSDK</code>
* When the app enters the background state :<code>App is in background, auto detected by AppSDK</code>
* If the client app doesn't have the "androidx" gradle dependency and AppSdk fails to register LifeCycleObserver :<code>AndroidX LifecycleObserver can not be observed. Please use androidx dependency to activate SDK auto-detection of app background/foreground state.</code>
* When the appInForeground() is explicitly called while LifeCycleObserver auto detection is active :<code>Ignoring the appInBackground() call, as the App Background/Foreground auto-detection is active. The current state is - foreground</code>
* When the appInBackground() is explicitly called while LifeCycleObserver auto detection is active :<code>Ignoring the appInBackground() call, as the App Background/Foreground auto-detection is active. The current state is - background</code>
=== The SdkBgFgDetectionUtility class ===
Foreground/Background state measurement is a requirement of Nielsen AppSDK implementation which is especially crucial for static measurement. It may be implemented in multiple ways for Android. This includes
* Enable the Nielsen SDK to measure background/foreground state by makingthe relevant update to the AndroidManifest.
* Integrate Nielsen’s SdkBgFgDetectionUtility class within your Custom Application Class.
* Custom implementation of the required methods within your application.
==== ForeGround/Background Measurement via AndroidManifest ====
The simplest way to measure the app background/foreground state is to add the following application tag to the Manifest XML. Integrating this into the Manifest XML will enable the SDK to measure app state directly. This approach is supported for Android 4.0 and up only; it requires that the application class is not in use for some other purpose.
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
<application android:name="com.nielsen.app.sdk.AppSdkApplication">
</syntaxhighlight>
==== Using the Android SdkBgFbDetectionUtility Class ====
For developers who are already using the application class, it is recommended that background/foreground state is implemented using the  [https://engineeringportal.nielsen.com/docs/Android_Background_Foreground SdkBgFgDetectionUtility class].  The  [https://engineeringportal.nielsen.com/docs/Android_Background_Foreground SdkBgFgDetectionUtility class] is compatible with Android 4+ and has been made available to Nielsen clients. (You will need to copy/paste the code provided into a file).
==== Manual Background/ForeGround State Management ====
In cases where the developer is not able to use the AndroidManifest.xml solution nor the Nielsen provided  [https://engineeringportal.nielsen.com/docs/Android_Background_Foreground SdkBgFgDetectionUtility class] the developer will need to manually identify the change of state through the application and call the respective API (appInForeground() or appInBackground()) to inform the SDK regarding the change of state from background to foreground or foreground to background.
The SDK is informed about app state using the below methods.
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
AppLaunchMeasurementManager.appInForeground(getApplicationContext());
AppLaunchMeasurementManager.appInBackground(getApplicationContext());
</syntaxhighlight>
Within the lifecycle of individual activities, onResume() and onPause() are best suited to providing indication of the app state.
Correct measurement of the foreground/background state is crucial to Static App measurement within Nielsen Digital Content Ratings (DCR).


== Interruptions during playback ==
== Interruptions during playback ==
Line 477: Line 540:


== Privacy and Opt-Out ==
== Privacy and Opt-Out ==
{{ExampleCode|
There are two primary methods for implementing user Opt-out preferences:
|Android =
# '''[[#OS-level_Opt-out|OS-level Opt-out]]''' - managed by ''Opt out of Ads Personalization'' setting on device ('''preferred approach''').
== Android Opt-Out Implementation ==
# '''[[#Legacy_Opt-out|Legacy Opt-out]]''' - Direct call to SDK; used only for older versions of Nielsen Android SDK versions (< 5.1.1.18)
To opt-out, users must have access to the page referenced by the opt-out URL provided by the SDK. Users can click this page from the app settings screen.


Include '''About Nielsen Measurement and Your Choices''' link in the Privacy Policy / EULA or as a button near the link to the app's Privacy Policy.
=== OS-level Opt-out ===
*URL to this web page should be called from SDK by invoking <code>userOptOutURLString()</code> and opened in 'WebView' / External browser.
''OS-level Opt-out'' method available on Nielsen Android '''SDK Versions 5.1.1.18 and above'''.
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
public String userOptOutURLString()
</syntaxhighlight>


*If the App SDK returns NULL as Opt-Out URL, handle the exception gracefully and retry later.
The Nielsen SDK automatically leverages the Android's ''Opt out of Ads Personalization'' setting. The user is opted out of demographic measurement if the OS-level ''"Opt out of Ads Personalization"'' ("Limit Ad Tracking" for iOS) setting is ''enabled''. As a publisher, you cannot override this setting.
*To retrieve the current Opt-Out status of a device, use the <code> getOptOutStatus() </code> method.
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
public boolean getOptOutStatus()
</syntaxhighlight>


=== Displaying Opt-Out in a WebView ===
=== Legacy Opt-out ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
The ''Legacy opt-out'' method is only necessary for Nielsen Android '''SDK versions less than 5.1.1.18'''.
optOutUrl = mAppSdk.userOptOutURLString();
if(optOutUrl !=null)
{
  mWebView = (WebView) findViewById(R.id.webView);
  mWebView.getSettings().setJavaScriptEnabled(true);
  mWebView.getSettings().setBuiltInZoomControls(true);
  mWebView.getSettings().setDisplayZoomControls(false);
  mWebView.getSettings().setLoadWithOverviewMode(true);
  mWebView.getSettings().setUseWideViewPort(true);
  mWebView.setWebViewClient(new MonitorWebView());
  mWebView.setWebChromeClient(new WebChromeClient());
  mWebView.loadUrl(optOutUrl);
}
else
{
  //Handle it gracefully and Retry later
}
</syntaxhighlight>


Nielsen Android SDK 5.1.1.18 and above will check for ''OS-level opt-out'' first, if available. The user will be opted out if indicated at the OS-level '''OR''' the App-level.


The app must provide access to "About Nielsen Measurement" page for the users. Include "About Nielsen Measurement" and Your Choices link in the Privacy Policy / EULA or as a button near the link to the app's Privacy Policy.
==== The legacy opt-out method works as follows: ====
* Get the current Nielsen opt-out URL via [[userOptOutURLString()]]
* Display a WebView element whose loadUrl is set to the value obtained from [[userOptOutURLString()]]
* Detect if the WebView URL changes to a special URL that indicates Opt-in, or Opt-out and close the WebView
** Opt-out if the WebView URL = <code>nielsenappsdk://1</code>
** Opt-in if the WebView URL = <code>nielsenappsdk://0</code>
* Pass the detected URL to the [[userOptOut()]] function
** Example: <syntaxhighlight lang=java>appSdk.userOptOut("nielsenappsdk://1");  // User opt-out</syntaxhighlight>


[[File:Screenshot 2019-05-02 at 11.05.07.png|thumb|Audio Measurement]]
==== Legacy Opt Out example code ====
[[File:Privacy policy App.png|link=]]
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
public class OptOutActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements IAppNotifier {


<blockquote>'''Note:''' When ‘WebView’ / External browser is closed, do not pass the status returned from ‘WebView’ / External browser to the SDK within the app, as the new Opt-Out page will not return any response.</blockquote>
WebView webView;
AppSdk appSdk;


<blockquote>'''Note:''' App SDK manages the user’s choice (Opt-Out / Opt-In), the app does not need to manage this status.</blockquote>
  private static final String NIELSEN_URL_OPT_OUT = "nielsenappsdk://1";
  private static final String NIELSEN_URL_OPT_IN = "nielsenappsdk://0";
//  Within your app you would provide your User the option to Opt Out.
//  Perhaps via a toggle or button
// This is separate from Limit Ad Tracking


Note:
      let urlStr = navigationAction.request.url?.absoluteString
*SDK will be sending the data pings to census even though the user opted out. However, all the outgoing pings will have the parameter uoo=true using which backend can ignore this data.
*Current Opt-Out page is now updated to have no hyperlinks for Opt-Out / Opt-In operations. SDK Opt-Out has to be done via
'''Google Settings → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization'''.
<blockquote>'''Note:''' For Amazon devices, see [[#Opt-Out Implementation for Amazon Devices|Opt-Out Implementation for Amazon Devices]] below.</blockquote>


[[File:andr-ads.jpg|link=]]
        if(urlStr == NIELSEN_URL_OPT_OUT || urlStr == NIELSEN_URL_OPT_IN){
            let appApi = self.nielsenApi
            appApi?.userOptOut(urlStr)
}
</syntaxhighlight>


<blockquote>'''Note:''' The App SDK will fire data pings and continue measurement even after the user has opted out from Nielsen measurement on a device. The data ping will be marked as an opted-out ping.</blockquote>
=== Retrieve current Opt-Out preference ===
Whether the user is opted out viaOS-level Opt-out or via App-level Opt-out, the current Opt-Out status as detected by the SDK is available via the [[getOptOutStatus()]] property in the Nielsen Android SDK API,


== Opt-Out Implementation for Amazon Devices ==
=== Required Privacy Links ===
Amazon device users can opt-out or opt back into Nielsen Measurement, any time using the device’s setting – 'Limit Ad Tracking' (Interest-based ads).
Users must either have access to the "About Nielsen Measurement" page, or have similar text available within the native app. Include "About Nielsen Measurement" and "Your Choices" link in the Privacy Policy / EULA or as a button near the link to the app's Privacy Policy.


The user is opted out of Nielsen Online Measurement when ‘Limit Ad Tracking’ is enabled.
In addition, the following text must be included in your app store description.
<blockquote>
'''"Please note: This app features Nielsen’s proprietary measurement software which contributes to market research, like Nielsen’s TV Ratings. Please see https://nielsen.com/legal/privacy-principles/digital-measurement-privacy-statement/?lang=en-no for more information"'''</blockquote>
==== Webview Example  ====
The below code is an example of displaying the Nielsen Privacy page to the user.
<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
public class OptOutActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements IAppNotifier {


    WebView webView;
    AppSdk appSdk;


'''For devices running on Fire OS 5.1 and above, retrieve the Ad tracking value.'''
    @Override
=== Retrieving Ad tracking Value ===
    public void onCreate(@Nullable Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_optout);
        webView = (WebView) findViewById(R.id.webView);


<syntaxhighlight lang="java">
        webView.getSettings().setJavaScriptEnabled(true);
ContentResolver cr = getContentResolver();
int limitAdTracking = Secure.getInt(cr, "limit_ad_tracking", 2);
</syntaxhighlight>
*Returns limit_ad_tracking value "0" if enabled
*Returns limit_ad_tracking value "1" if disabled
*Returns limit_ad_tracking value "2" if ad tracking is not supported (below Fire OS 5.1).


<blockquote>'''Note:''' Google Play Services are not needed to retrieve ad tracking state on Amazon devices. Limit Ad Tracking can be accessed through '''Settings → Apps & Games → Advertising ID'''.</blockquote>
        webView.setWebViewClient(new WebViewClient() {
            @SuppressWarnings("deprecation")
            @Override
            public void onReceivedError(WebView view, int errorCode, String description, String failingUrl) {
                Toast.makeText(OptOutActivity.this, description, Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show();
            }
            @TargetApi(android.os.Build.VERSION_CODES.M)
            @Override
            public void onReceivedError(WebView view, WebResourceRequest req, WebResourceError rerr) {
                // Redirect to deprecated method, so you can use it in all SDK versions
                onReceivedError(view, rerr.getErrorCode(), rerr.getDescription().toString(), req.getUrl().toString());
            }
        });


}}
        NielsenInit nielsenInit = new NielsenInit();
        appSdk = nielsenInit.initAppSdk(getApplicationContext(), this);
        //Getting the optPut URL from eventTracker
        String url = appSdk.userOptOutURLString();
        webView.loadUrl(url);
    }
</syntaxhighlight>
<br>


== Going Live ==
== Going Live ==

Latest revision as of 09:09, 4 August 2022

Engineering Portal / Digital / International DCR / DCR Norway Audio Android App SDK

Overview

The Nielsen software development kit (SDK) is one of the multiple frameworks that Nielsen provides to enable measuring linear (live) and on-demand audio and video viewing using desktop computers, mobile devices, OTT devices, etc. The App SDK is the framework for mobile application developers to integrate Nielsen Measurement into their media player applications. It supports a variety of Nielsen Measurement Products like Digital in TV Ratings, Digital Content Ratings (DCR & DTVR), and Digital Ad Ratings (DAR). Nielsen SDKs are also equipped to measure static content and can track key life cycle events of an application like:

  • Application launch events and how long app was running
  • Time of viewing a subsection/page in the application.

Prerequisites

Before you start the integration, you will need:

Item Description Source
App ID (appid) Unique ID assigned to the player/site and configured by product. Provided by Nielsen
Nielsen SDK Includes SDK frameworks and sample implementation; See Android SDK Release Notes Download

If you do not have any of these prerequisites or if you have any questions, please contact our SDK sales support team. Refer to Digital Measurement Onboarding guide for information on how to get a Nielsen App SDK and appID.

Implementation

This guide covers implementation steps for Android Studio utilizing the Standard Nielsen SDK for DCR.

How to obtain the NielsenAppApi

The Nielsen AppSDK can either be downloaded directly or can be integrated directly within an application through the use of Gradle. We recommend using the Gradle-based integration whenever possible to ensure you maintain the most recent changes and enhancements to the Nielsen libraries.

Setting up your Development Environment

Configuring Android Development Environment

  • The Nielsen App SDK (located in the Downloads section of the website) class is the primary application interface to the Nielsen App SDK on Android.
  • The Nielsen App SDK class is defined as the only public class belonging to the com.nielsen.app.sdk package.

Nielsen App SDK is compatible with Android OS versions 2.3+. Clients can control/configure the protocol to be used – HTTPS or HTTP to suit their needs.

The requirement for the Java AppSdk.jar library and the libAppSdk.so native library will depend on the type of host application that will make use of them.

  • For Video player applications
    • The Android OS hosting the App SDK should use a media player supporting HLS streaming (Android 3.0 and later will support it natively).
    • If the player application uses a 3rd party media player implementing its own HLS, then the minimum Android version will be limited to version 2.3, since the SDK depends on Google Play support to work properly.

Once SDK is downloaded ensure to unzip the Nielsen SDK and copy the AppSdk.jar in your app (Android Studio) libs folder, then right-click the AppSdk.jar and select Add As Library. Ensure the AppSdk.jar file is added in 'build.grade (App Level) file.

  • App SDK 1.2 provides support for x86, mips, and armeabi-7a architecture.

Google Play Services

Add the Google Play Services in the project, Steps: Android Studio -> File -> Project Structure ->(In module selection) select App -> Dependencies (tab) -> Click "+" button and select "com.google.android.gms:play-services". Ensure it is added in build.gradle (App level) file

The following is required if target API level is set to 31 (Android 12) with the Ad Version of the Nielsen SDK.

<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID"/>


Manifest File

  • Add the following permissions on the project’s AndroidManifest.xml file.
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE"/>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET"/>

For more details to handle runtime permissions in Android versions, please visit [1].

  • In AndroidManifest.xml under <application> node add the following metadata
<meta-data 
android:name="com.google.android.gms.version" 
android:value="@integer/google_play_services_version"/>
  • App SDK checks to see if there is a Google service available and updated.
  • If not available or updated, App SDK will not use this service when executing its functions and will make reference to missing imports and the app will not be compiled.

Library

Nielsen App SDK uses the following packages/classes from the Google Play service.

  • google-play-services_lib

Classes/package

  • com.google.android.gms.ads.identifier.AdvertisingIdClient;
  • com.google.android.gms.ads.identifier.AdvertisingIdClient.Info;
  • com.google.android.gms.common.ConnectionResult;
  • com.google.android.gms.common.GooglePlayServicesUtil;
  • com.google.android.gms.common.GooglePlayServicesRepairableException;
  • com.google.android.gms.common.GooglePlayServicesNotAvailableException;

SDK Initialization

The latest version of the Nielsen App SDK allows instantiating multiple instances of the SDK object, which can be used simultaneously without any issue. The sharedInstance API that creates a singleton object was deprecated prior to version 5.1.1. (Version 4.0 for Android)

  • A maximum of four SDK instances per appid are supported. When a fifth SDK instance is launched, the SDK will return “nil” from initWithAppInfo:delegate:
  • When four SDK instances exist, you must destroy an old instance before creating a new one.

The following table contains the list of arguments that can be passed via the AppInfo JSON schema.

  • The appid is provided by the Nielsen Technical Account Manager (TAM). The appid is a GUID data type and is specific to the application.
Parameter / Argument Description Source Required/Obligatory? Example
appid Unique id for the application assigned by Nielsen. It is GUID data type. Nielsen-specified PXXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX
appversion Release version of the client app. Not needed anymore. custom 0.1.1
nol_devDebug Enables Nielsen console logging. Only required for testing Nielsen-specified required until cretification/going live "DEBUG"


Sample SDK Initialization Code

AppSDK() is no longer a singleton object and should be initialized as below.

Initialization of App SDK object through a JSON object

  
try
{
  // Prepare AppSdk configuration object (JSONObject)
  JSONObject appSdkConfig = new JSONObject()
          .put("appid", "PDA7D5EE6-B1B8-XXXX-XXXX-2A788BCXXXCA")
          .put("sfcode", "nor")
          .put("nol_devDebug", "DEBUG"); // only for debug builds

// Pass appSdkConfig to the AppSdk constructor
mAppSdk = new AppSdk(appContext, appSdkConfig, appSdkListener);
}
catch (JSONException e)
{
  Log.e(TAG, "Couldn’t prepare JSONObject for appSdkConfig", e);
}

Here, appContext is the App context object and appSdkConfig is JSON object for holding the parameters (appid, sfcode) the App passes to the Nielsen App SDK via a JSON string. The appid is obtained from Nielsen operational support and is unique to the app.


The integration of Nielsen App SDK will depend on the type of client app.

  • Ensure that SDK files (AppSdk.jar and libAppSdk.so [App SDK 1.2 Only]) are included under the App’s project and the App SDK is linked to the App (the setting to link App SDK to the App can be found on the property page of the App’s project).

APP SDK Error & Event Codes

To view the Error and Event codes for iOS and Android, please review the App SDK Event Code Reference page.

Configure Payload

Handling JSON Metadata

All the SDK methods handle only two types of objects: NSString, NSDictionary. The parameters passed must be either a JSON formatted string or a NSDictionary object. The JSON passed in the SDK must be well-formed.

  • NSDictionary object
    • If an object of the unexpected type is passed to the method, the error message will be logged.
    • If the string has invalid JSON format, the error message will be logged.
  • JSON value must be a string value.
    • This includes boolean and numeric values. For example, a value of true should be represented with "true", number value 123 should be "123".
    • All the Variable Names like appid, appname, sfcode, dataSrc, title, type, etc. are case-sensitive. Use the correct variable name as specified in the documentation.
  • JSON string can be prepared using either raw NSString or serialized NSDictionary.
JSONObject channelInfo = new JSONObject()
    .put("channelname", "My Channel Name 1")

JSONObject contentMetadata = new JSONObject()
//SDK Metadata
    .put("type", "content")
    .put("isAudio", "true")
    .put("assetid", "vid345-67483")
    .put("program", "Program Name")
    .put("title", "Program S3, EP1")
    .put("length", "3600")
    .put("isfullepisode", "y")
    .put("adloadtype", "2")
    .put("airdate", "20161013 20:00:00")

Configure metadata

When starting a streaming session a channel info metadata object needs to be passed to the SDK containing a channelName. The name should remain constant throughout the completion of an episode or live stream.

Key Description Values Required
channelName Any string representing the channel/stream custom


Content metadata

Content metadata should remain constant throughout the entirety of an episode/clip including when ads play.

Keys Description Values Required/Obligatory
type type of asset "content"
isAudio indicate measurement of audio ads or audio content "true"
assetid unique ID assigned to asset (64 character limit) custom
(no Special Characters)
program (string) name of program (254 character limit) custom
title (string) episode title (max 254 characters) custom
length length of content in seconds seconds ("0" for 24/7 Livestream if only one assetid is used for the whole stream. If reporting on program level, length of the program. For Event-Livestreams planned length. For on-demand stream length)
airdate the airdate in the linear over-the-air broadcast (publication date).
This is required for both LIVE & VOD
Supported formats are:


YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MI:SS

YYYY-MM-DDHH:MI:SS

YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MI:SS+xx:xx

YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MI:SS-xx:xx

YYYYMMDDHH:MI:SS

MM-DD-YYYY

MM/DD/YYYY

scheduledEndDate the airdate when this particular asset ended in the linear over-the-air broadcast.
This is required for both LIVE & VOD. In the case of VOD, this will be the airdate + length.
This should be the same format as airdate
isfullepisode full episode flag "y"- full episode, "n"- non full episode
adloadtype type of ad load:

"1" Linear – matches over-the-air ad load

"2" Dynamic – Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI)

"2" - DCR measures content with dynamic ads
stationType OTA station flag and/or OTA station type

"0" Custom station built per user

"1" OTA streaming station with the same adload

"2" OTA station with a different ad load

"3" Multicast eRadio or online station

"4" On Demand Audio(podcasting)

stationId (string) name of the channel custom
clientid

parent ID – value is automatically populated through provided App ID.
In order to override the brand configured to the App ID, pass parent
the value here and the sub-brand ID associated to that brand in the subbrand
key (e.g. multiple brands in App)

provided by Nielsen

subbrand vcid/sub-brand ID – value is automatically populated through provided

App ID. In order to override the sub-brand configured to the App ID, value can
be passed here (e.g. multiple sub-brands in App). clientId does not need to be provided.

provided by Nielsen

progen (string) genre information (max 254 characters)

custom


Ad Metadata

The ad metadata (if applicable) should be passed for each individual ad, if ads are available during or before the stream begins.

Keys Description Values Required
type type of ad 'preroll', 'midroll', or 'postroll'
assetid unique ID assigned to ad custom

Configure API Calls

Sample API Sequence

A Sample API sequence could follow this flow:

Type Sample code Description
On App Start [nielsenMeter loadMetadata: contentMetadata]; // contentMetadata Object contains the JSON metadata for the impression
Start of stream [nielsenMeter play: channelInfo]; // channelInfo contains JSON metadata of channel name being played
[nielsenMeter loadMetadata: contentMetadataObject]; // contentMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the content being played
Content [nielsenMeter playheadPosition: position]; // playheadPosition is position of the playhead while the content is being played
End of Stream [nielsenMeter end]; // Content playback is completed.

Life cycle of SDK instance

Life cycle of SDK instance includes four general states:

  1. Initial state – The SDK is not initialized and hence, not ready to process playing information. Once the SDK is moved out of this state, it needs instantiation of the new SDK instance in order to get the instance in the Initial state.
  2. Idle state – The SDK is initialized and is ready to process playing information. Once Initialized, the SDK instance is not processing any data, but is listening for the play event to occur.
  3. Processing state – The SDK instance is processing playing information. play and loadMetadata calls move the SDK instance into this state. In this state, the SDK instance will be able to process the following calls.
    1. playheadPosition – Call this API every one second when playhead position timer is fired.
    2. stop – Call this API when the playback is paused, switches between content and ad (within the same content playback) or encounters interruptions.
    3. end – SDK instance exits from Processing state when this API is called.
  4. Disabled state – The SDK instance is disabled and is not processing playing information. SDK instance moves into this state in one of the following scenarios.
    1. Initialization fails
    2. appDisableApi is called
@property (assign) BOOL appDisableApi;

Note: The App SDK will fire data pings and continue measurement even after the user has opted out from Nielsen measurement on a device. The data ping will be marked as opted-out ping.

Note: In case of any interruptions during playback due to alarm, calendar, call, flight mode, Wi-Fi toggle, channel change, etc., call stop to stop the measurement.

API Call sequence

Use Case 1: Content has no Advertisements

Call play() with channelName JSON as below.

{
   "channelName": "My Channel Name 1"
}


Call loadMetadata() with JSON metadata for content as below.

{
  "type": "content",
  "isAudio": "true",
  "assetid": "stream345-67483",
  "program": "ProgramName",
  "title": "Program S3, EP1",
  "length": "3600",
  ...
}


Call setPlayheadPosition() every one second until a pause / stop. Use the sample API sequence below as a reference to identify the specific events that need to be called during content playback without ads.

Type Sample code Description
Start of stream mAppSdk.play(channelInfo); // channelInfo contains JSON metadata of channel name being played
mAppSdk.loadMetadata(contentMetaDataObject); // contentMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the content being played
Content mAppSdk.setPlayheadPosition(playheadPosition); // position is position of the playhead while the content is being played
End of Stream mAppSdk.end(); // Content playback is completed.

Use Case 2: Content has Advertisements

Call play() with channelName JSON as below.

{
   "channelName": "My Channel Name 1"
}


Call loadMetadata() with JSON metadata for ad as below.

{
   "type": "preroll",
   "assetid": "ad=123"
}


Note: In case the individual ad details are not available, send ad pod (presence) details through the loadMetadata and playhead position through playheadPosition.

Call setPlayheadPosition() every one second until a pause / stop / another loadMetadata() is called. Playhead should be passed for the entire duration of ad pod, if the ad pod details are passed as part of loadMetadata().

The sample API sequence can be used as a reference to identify the specific events that need to be called during content and ad playback.

Type Sample code Description
Start of stream mAppSdk.play(channelInfo); // channelName contains JSON metadata of channel name being played
mAppSdk.loadMetadata(contentMetaDataObject); // contentMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the content being played
Preroll mAppSdk.loadMetadata(prerollMetadataObject); // prerollMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the preroll ad
mAppSdk.setPlayheadPosition(playheadPosition); // position is position of the playhead while the preroll ad is being played
mAppSdk.stop(); // Call stop after preroll occurs
Content mAppSdk.loadMetadata(contentMetaDataObject); // contentMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the content being played
mAppSdk.setPlayheadPosition(playheadPosition); // position is position of the playhead while the content is being played
mAppSdk.stop(); // Call stop after the content is paused (ad starts)
Midroll mAppSdk.loadMetadata(midrollMetaDataObject); // midrollMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the midroll ad
mAppSdk.setPlayheadPosition(playheadPosition); // position is position of the playhead while the midroll ad is being played
mAppSdk.stop(); // App moves to background(midroll pauses)
mAppSdk.loadMetadata(midrollMetaDataObject); // App moves to foreground (midroll resumes)
mAppSdk.setPlayheadPosition(playheadPosition); // playheadPosition is position of the playhead while the midroll ad is being played
mAppSdk.stop(); // Call stop after midroll occurs
Content (End of stream) mAppSdk.loadMetadata(contentMetaDataObject); // contentMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the content being played
mAppSdk.setPlayheadPosition(playheadPosition); // position is position of the playhead while the content is being played
mAppSdk.stop(); // Always call stop irrespective of postroll is followed or not
End of Stream mAppSdk.end(); // Call end() at the end of content
Postroll mAppSdk.loadMetadata(postrollMetaDataObject); // postrollMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the postroll ad
mAppSdk.setPlayheadPosition(playheadPosition); // position is position of the playhead while the postroll ad is being played
mAppSdk.stop(); // Call stop after postroll occurs

Note: Each Ad playhead should reset or begin from 0 at ad start. When content has resumed following an ad break, playhead position must continue from where previous content segment was left off.

Sequence of Calls

play

Use play to pass the channel information containing the channelName parameter when the streaming session starts.


Java

public void play(JSONObject channelInfo);

loadMetadata

The loadMetadata function is used to inform the SDK about new content. The contentMetadata object passed in should contain the values as described above.


Java

public void loadMetadata(JSONObject contentMetadata);

playheadPosition

Use playheadPosition to tell the SDK about the current position in the stream. For live content, this should be the Unix timestamp (seconds since Jan-1-1970 UTC). For on-demand content, simply the position in seconds in the stream.


Java

public void setPlayheadPosition(long position);

stop

Tell the SDK that content playback has stopped.


Java

public void stop();

end

When the content stop is initiated and content cannot be resumed from the same position. For example when the stream has reached its end or in situations where it can only be restarted from the beginning.


Java

public void end();

Handling Foreground and Background states

There are a few approaches to managing the Foreground and Background states of an app available to use for state measurement.

  • Utilizing the Androidx LifeCycleObserver (The recommended approach starting sdk version 7.1.0.0+)
  • Utilizing the SdkBgFgDetectionUtility class
  • Adding a tag to the Manifest XML
  • Manual Management

The LifeCycleObserver

AndroidX replaces the original support library APIs with packages in the androidx namespace, and Android Studio 3.2 and higher provides an automated migration tool. (Select Refactor> Migrate to AndroidX from the menu bar.)

Starting with version 7.1.0, with AndroidX support, an additional utility is provided in the AppSDK - application background/foreground state detection by the AppSdk leveraging the Android Architecture component "LifeCycleObserver".

The AppSdk is now capable of detecting the application UI visibility state transitions between background and foreground, without forcing the applications to register for AppSdk's AppSdkApplication class, which is responsible for handling the detection of application background/foreground state transitions at present.

Please note, that if you already have an app designed that utilizes the depreciated SdkBgFgDetectionUtility Class, the AppSDK will ignore any calls to these methods if it can utilize the LifeCycleObserver. LifeCycleObserver based auto detection will take precedence.

Adding the AndroidX dependency

In order to make use of the app background/foreground state transition auto detection feature of AndroidX AppSdk, the app gradle file needs the androidx dependency. The AppSdk API calls - appInForeground() and appInBackground() will still be respected by AppSdk by executing the old AppSdk flow of handling "app in foreground" and "app in background" states as is.

Using the LifeCycle Extension

The following androidx dependency is required in the app gradle file:

implementation "androidx.lifecycle:lifecycle-extensions:2.1.0"

If you would like to take advantage of this auto detection feature of AppSdk at the very initial stage (e.g. splash screen or at of app launch time), before the AppSdk is initialized, can do so by calling the following newly introduced AppSdk public api, passing the application context :

public static void registerLifeCycleObserver(Context applicationContext)

Log messages for the new auto detection

When the AppSdk app successfully registers for the LifeCycleObserver : Registered LifeCycleObserver for App Background/Foreground auto-detection

  • When the app enters the foreground state :App is in foreground, auto detected by AppSDK
  • When the app enters the background state :App is in background, auto detected by AppSDK
  • If the client app doesn't have the "androidx" gradle dependency and AppSdk fails to register LifeCycleObserver :AndroidX LifecycleObserver can not be observed. Please use androidx dependency to activate SDK auto-detection of app background/foreground state.
  • When the appInForeground() is explicitly called while LifeCycleObserver auto detection is active :Ignoring the appInBackground() call, as the App Background/Foreground auto-detection is active. The current state is - foreground
  • When the appInBackground() is explicitly called while LifeCycleObserver auto detection is active :Ignoring the appInBackground() call, as the App Background/Foreground auto-detection is active. The current state is - background

The SdkBgFgDetectionUtility class

Foreground/Background state measurement is a requirement of Nielsen AppSDK implementation which is especially crucial for static measurement. It may be implemented in multiple ways for Android. This includes

  • Enable the Nielsen SDK to measure background/foreground state by makingthe relevant update to the AndroidManifest.
  • Integrate Nielsen’s SdkBgFgDetectionUtility class within your Custom Application Class.
  • Custom implementation of the required methods within your application.

ForeGround/Background Measurement via AndroidManifest

The simplest way to measure the app background/foreground state is to add the following application tag to the Manifest XML. Integrating this into the Manifest XML will enable the SDK to measure app state directly. This approach is supported for Android 4.0 and up only; it requires that the application class is not in use for some other purpose.

<application android:name="com.nielsen.app.sdk.AppSdkApplication">

Using the Android SdkBgFbDetectionUtility Class

For developers who are already using the application class, it is recommended that background/foreground state is implemented using the SdkBgFgDetectionUtility class. The SdkBgFgDetectionUtility class is compatible with Android 4+ and has been made available to Nielsen clients. (You will need to copy/paste the code provided into a file).

Manual Background/ForeGround State Management

In cases where the developer is not able to use the AndroidManifest.xml solution nor the Nielsen provided SdkBgFgDetectionUtility class the developer will need to manually identify the change of state through the application and call the respective API (appInForeground() or appInBackground()) to inform the SDK regarding the change of state from background to foreground or foreground to background.

The SDK is informed about app state using the below methods.

AppLaunchMeasurementManager.appInForeground(getApplicationContext());
AppLaunchMeasurementManager.appInBackground(getApplicationContext());

Within the lifecycle of individual activities, onResume() and onPause() are best suited to providing indication of the app state.


Correct measurement of the foreground/background state is crucial to Static App measurement within Nielsen Digital Content Ratings (DCR).

Interruptions during playback

As part of integrating Nielsen App SDK with the player application, the Audio / Video app developer needs to handle the following possible interruption scenarios:

  • Pause / Play
  • Network Loss (Wi-Fi / Airplane / Cellular)
  • Call Interrupt (SIM or Third-party Skype / Hangout call)
  • Alarm Interrupt
  • Content Buffering
  • Device Lock / Unlock (For Audio players only if audio stops playing)
  • App going in the Background/Foreground (For Audio players only if audio stops playing)
  • Channel / Station Change Scenario
  • Unplugging of headphone

In the case of encountering one of the above interruptions, the player application needs to

  • Call stop immediately (except when content is buffering) and withhold sending playhead position.
  • If it is Channel/station change scenario, call stop immediately followed by end
  • Start sending pings – loadMetadata and playheadPosition for the new viewing session, once the playback resumes.

Please see the Digital Measurement FAQ for more details

Privacy and Opt-Out

There are two primary methods for implementing user Opt-out preferences:

  1. OS-level Opt-out - managed by Opt out of Ads Personalization setting on device (preferred approach).
  2. Legacy Opt-out - Direct call to SDK; used only for older versions of Nielsen Android SDK versions (< 5.1.1.18)

OS-level Opt-out

OS-level Opt-out method available on Nielsen Android SDK Versions 5.1.1.18 and above.

The Nielsen SDK automatically leverages the Android's Opt out of Ads Personalization setting. The user is opted out of demographic measurement if the OS-level "Opt out of Ads Personalization" ("Limit Ad Tracking" for iOS) setting is enabled. As a publisher, you cannot override this setting.

Legacy Opt-out

The Legacy opt-out method is only necessary for Nielsen Android SDK versions less than 5.1.1.18.

Nielsen Android SDK 5.1.1.18 and above will check for OS-level opt-out first, if available. The user will be opted out if indicated at the OS-level OR the App-level.

The legacy opt-out method works as follows:

  • Get the current Nielsen opt-out URL via userOptOutURLString()
  • Display a WebView element whose loadUrl is set to the value obtained from userOptOutURLString()
  • Detect if the WebView URL changes to a special URL that indicates Opt-in, or Opt-out and close the WebView
    • Opt-out if the WebView URL = nielsenappsdk://1
    • Opt-in if the WebView URL = nielsenappsdk://0
  • Pass the detected URL to the userOptOut() function
    • Example:
      appSdk.userOptOut("nielsenappsdk://1");  // User opt-out
      

Legacy Opt Out example code

public class OptOutActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements IAppNotifier {

WebView webView;
AppSdk appSdk;

  private static final String NIELSEN_URL_OPT_OUT = "nielsenappsdk://1";
  private static final String NIELSEN_URL_OPT_IN = "nielsenappsdk://0";
 
//  Within your app you would provide your User the option to Opt Out.
//  Perhaps via a toggle or button
//  This is separate from Limit Ad Tracking 

      let urlStr = navigationAction.request.url?.absoluteString

        if(urlStr == NIELSEN_URL_OPT_OUT || urlStr == NIELSEN_URL_OPT_IN){
            let appApi = self.nielsenApi
            appApi?.userOptOut(urlStr)
}

Retrieve current Opt-Out preference

Whether the user is opted out viaOS-level Opt-out or via App-level Opt-out, the current Opt-Out status as detected by the SDK is available via the getOptOutStatus() property in the Nielsen Android SDK API,

Required Privacy Links

Users must either have access to the "About Nielsen Measurement" page, or have similar text available within the native app. Include "About Nielsen Measurement" and "Your Choices" link in the Privacy Policy / EULA or as a button near the link to the app's Privacy Policy.

In addition, the following text must be included in your app store description.

"Please note: This app features Nielsen’s proprietary measurement software which contributes to market research, like Nielsen’s TV Ratings. Please see https://nielsen.com/legal/privacy-principles/digital-measurement-privacy-statement/?lang=en-no for more information"

Webview Example

The below code is an example of displaying the Nielsen Privacy page to the user.

public class OptOutActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements IAppNotifier {

    WebView webView;
    AppSdk appSdk;

    @Override
    public void onCreate(@Nullable Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_optout);
        webView = (WebView) findViewById(R.id.webView);

        webView.getSettings().setJavaScriptEnabled(true);

        webView.setWebViewClient(new WebViewClient() {
            @SuppressWarnings("deprecation")
            @Override
            public void onReceivedError(WebView view, int errorCode, String description, String failingUrl) {
                Toast.makeText(OptOutActivity.this, description, Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show();
            }
            @TargetApi(android.os.Build.VERSION_CODES.M)
            @Override
            public void onReceivedError(WebView view, WebResourceRequest req, WebResourceError rerr) {
                // Redirect to deprecated method, so you can use it in all SDK versions
                onReceivedError(view, rerr.getErrorCode(), rerr.getDescription().toString(), req.getUrl().toString());
            }
        });

        NielsenInit nielsenInit = new NielsenInit();
        appSdk = nielsenInit.initAppSdk(getApplicationContext(), this);
        //Getting the optPut URL from eventTracker
        String url = appSdk.userOptOutURLString();
        webView.loadUrl(url);
    }


Going Live

Following Nielsen testing, users need to make one update to the initialization call to ensure that the site is being measured properly.

  1. Debug Logging: Disable logging by deleting {nol_devDebug: 'DEBUG'} from initialization call.
    • Example Production Initialization Call - Refer to the production initialization call below:



Android Example:

  
try
{
  // Prepare AppSdk configuration object (JSONObject)
  JSONObject appSdkConfig = new JSONObject()
          .put("appid", "PXXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX")
          .put("sfcode", "nor")
            // Remove Flag:   "nol_devDebug": "DEBUG"

// Pass appSdkConfig to the AppSdk constructor
mAppSdk = new AppSdk(appContext, appSdkConfig, appSdkListener);
}
catch (JSONException e)
{
  Log.e(TAG, "Couldn’t prepare JSONObject for appSdkConfig", e);
}


Note: before going live you have to inform Nielsen team - this is necessary, because Nielsen team has to adjust internal configuration parameter to enable data collection. Without that notification no data will be collected and no data will be reported.