Do the SDK and white label apps work without Google Play Services?

This article clarifies whether devices not running Google Play Services are able to use the Futurae app, white label apps or mobile SDK.

Mobile apps distribution

The Futurae authenticator app is available for Android on Google Play Store, and for iOS on App Store. These are the only official and trusted platforms to download the Futurae app from.

A Futurae white label app, although developed by Futurae, is owned by the customer, who is also responsible for the app branding, therefore the app distribution channels are decided by the customer. The same applies to apps that integrate the Futurae Mobile SDK.

We are aware that there are unofficial 3rd party sources/stores on which the Futurae app may be downloaded from, however these sources are not endorsed by Futurae, thus the user assumes any linked risks when the app is installed by resorting to this alternative.

Google Play Services

Google Play Services is a core software package included by default on Android certified devices, which provides key features when it comes to security, device functional APIs and device services. A full description on the provided functionalities is provided in the Google’s help center article here.

The vast majority of Android apps rely on Google Play Services functionalities. The Futurae Android app is no exception and depends on certain functionalities provided by Google Play Services and Firebase, in particular, the push notification and root detection mechanisms. As a result of that, the Futurae app only supports official Android OS distributions that come with the relevant Google Play Services support.

Alternative operating systems

Non standard operating systems may be used as alternatives to Android, such as the e OS, which is an open source operating system based on Android but without most of Google services and applications like Google Play Services, in other words deGoogled. Since most of the Android apps rely on Google ecosystem and libraries, which might not be available when running alternative operating systems. One can address this issue by using a clone of Google’s core libraries and services called MicroG. Some MicroG components are not complete yet, hence unexpected behaviors may occur during its use.

Baseline, although most of the Futurae Android app and Android SDK use cases may work on a device running an alternative operating system, some features and security standards may be compromised, therefore the users shall proceed with this setup at their own risk.

For any technical support do not hesitate to contact support@futurae.com.