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Integration of Samsung IAP Services in Android Apps


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Selling digital content is a popular business all over the world. If you are interested in selling your digital items in the Samsung ecosystem, then you need to learn about the Samsung In-App Purchase (IAP) SDK. You can implement Samsung IAP in your Android, Unity, and Unreal Applications.

Since server to server communication is more secure and reliable, payment transaction should be verified from the IAP server. This is the second of two blogs on this topic. In the first part, we discussed how to integrate Samsung’s IAP server API into your app’s server. In this blog, we will learn how to communicate with your server through an Android app.

Please go through the documentation of Samsung IAP SDK to integrate Samsung IAP SDK in your app. Then build your own app server for server verification which is covered in the first part of this blog. To know about server API, read Samsung IAP Server API.

Get Started

Let’s learn through a simple Android game. This game has an item which can only be used for a certain period of time. So, it is a subscription type item. If a user buys this item, then the item will be available after purchase verification.

When the app is launched, the app checks if this item is already subscribed or not. There can be one of two results:

  • The item is not subscribed, then the app offers to subscribe this item.
  • The item is subscribed then the app gets the current status of this subscription through getSubscriptionStatus Server API. The subscription status can be active or cancel. Subscription can be canceled for various reasons. If the IAP server returns the subscription status as ‘cancel’ then the app notifies it to the user.

Implementation of these two cases are discussed in the next sections.


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Implement Android IAP

At first, integrate Samsung IAP SDK in your Android app and register it in the seller office to test In-App items. When the app is launched, call getOwnedList() API. It returns a list of in-app items that the app user currently has from previous purchases. If the item is not in this list, then the app offers to purchase the item.

To purchase any item, call startPayment(). This API notifies the end user if the purchase succeeded or failed. If the purchase is successful, then do the server verification. If your app’s server validates the purchase, then make the item available to the user, otherwise request user to purchase it again.

public void onPayment(ErrorVo _errorVo, PurchaseVo _purchaseVo) {
    if (_errorVo != null) {
        if (_errorVo.getErrorCode() == IapHelper.IAP_ERROR_NONE) {
            if (_purchaseVo != null) {
                if (mPassThroughParam != null && _purchaseVo.getPassThroughParam() != null) {
                    if (mPassThroughParam.equals(_purchaseVo.getPassThroughParam())) {
                        if (_purchaseVo.getItemId().equals(ITEM_ID_SUBSCRIPTION)) {
                            mMainActivity.setBackgroundPurchaseId(_purchaseVo.getPurchaseId());
                            new PurchaseVerification(mMainActivity).execute(_purchaseVo.getPurchaseId());
                        }
                    } 
                }
            } 
         }
     }
}

If the item is available in this list, then detailed information of this item such as purchase ID will be available in the OwnedProductVo type ArrayList. To call getSubscriptionStatus Server API, we need the purchase ID of the item. So, send this ID to your app’s server to get the status of the subscribed item.

public void onGetOwnedProducts(ErrorVo _errorVo, ArrayList<OwnedProductVo> _ownedList) {
        if (_errorVo != null) {
            if (_errorVo.getErrorCode() == IapHelper.IAP_ERROR_NONE) {
                if (_ownedList != null) {
                    for (OwnedProductVo item : _ownedList) {
                        if (item.getItemId().compareTo(ItemName.ITEM_ID_SUBSCRIPTION) == 0) {
                            // Check whether subscription is canceled or not.
                            new SubscriptionDetails(mMainActivity).execute(item.getPurchaseId());
                        }
                    }
                }
            } else {
                Log.e(TAG, "onGetOwnedProducts ErrorCode [" + _errorVo.getErrorCode() +"]");
            }
        }
    }

Connect Your App with Your App Server

Create an asynchronous task for communicating with the server. This task has two parts. One is to send purchase ID to your app server and the other is to receive the result from the app server. Use doInBackground() method for these two tasks. Return this result to your main UI through onPostExecute() method.

Create a class which extends AsyncTask<String,Void,String> for server verification. Then write the following code in doInBackground() method to send the purchase ID:

CookieHandler.setDefault( new CookieManager( null, CookiePolicy.ACCEPT_ALL ) );
try{
   URL url = new URL("http:// "); //URL of your app’ server
   URLConnection connection = url.openConnection();
   connection.setDoOutput(true);
   connection.setDoInput(true);
   OutputStreamWriter out = new OutputStreamWriter(connection.getOutputStream(); 
   String y = "";
   for(int i = 0;i < x.length;i++)
   {
        y = y + x[i];
   }
   out.write(y);
   out.close();
   }catch(Exception e){ 
   }

Receive to the server verification result using the following code:

String output = "";
BufferedReader in = new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(connection.getInputStream()));
String s = "";
while((s = in.readLine())!= null)
{
       output = output + s;
       in.close();
}
return output;    

Now, create an Interface called ServerResponse and implement it in an Activity where you want to show the result from your app’s server.

public interface ServerResponse {
    void processFinish(String output);
}

After receiving the result from the server, return the result to your main UI through onPostExecute() method.

protected void onPostExecute(String result) {
    serverresponse.processFinish(result);
}

Test your app

Let’s test the app. Upload your web app onto a server. Then use that URL in your app to check server verification in doInBackground() method. Keep in mind that Samsung In-App Purchase can’t be tested in an emulator of Android Studio. So use a Samsung device to test your app. Read the Test Guide before starting to test your app. A simple Android game is attached at the end of this article where app to server communication is implemented.

This game has a blue background image which can be subscribed. If this item is not in an active subscription period, then the app offers to subscribe the background. If the user purchases the item, then the game verifies the purchase through the server. If the purchase is verified, then it shows that the subscription status is activated and the app makes the item available. If the user unsubscribes the item from the Galaxy Store, subscription status becomes ‘cancel’. However, as the active subscription period has not ended yet, the item is still available in the app.


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Wrapping Up

In these two blogs, we have covered the full communication between your app, server and IAP server. Now you will be able to implement purchase verification through your server. If your app is free but has some premium contents, then you can monetize your app. Samsung In-App Purchase provides many ways to earn money from your app. Go to Galaxy Store Games to find out more details about it.

Follow Up

This site has many resources for developers looking to build for and integrate with Samsung devices and services. Stay in touch with the latest news by creating a free account or by subscribing to our monthly newsletter. Visit the Marketing Resources page for information on promoting and distributing your apps. Finally, our developer forum is an excellent way to stay up-to-date on all things related to the Galaxy ecosystem.

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      ▲ An extra-large scale OOH(out-of-home) advertisement created by RABBIT WALKS
       
       
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      ▲ A 263-inch The Wall All-in-One plays demo content created by RABBIT WALKS at the entrance of Samsung Electronics’ booth at InfoComm 2023
       
       
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      Thunderbolt 4 enables ViewFinity S9 charge devices and plug various devices into the back of the monitor. We can connect important devices such as external drives, which was reassuring.
       
      ▲ Supporting various inputs, Viewfinity S9 allows for multi-tasking across a number of devices
       
      ▲ The Viewfinity S9 has Thunderbolt 4(90W), Mini DisplayPort and USB-C connectivity.
       
       
      Q: How did ViewFinity S9 change your work environment?
       
      In creating 3D content, CG renders often take a significant amount of time, making it challenging to do anything else at the same time. However, ViewFinity S9 offers the flexibility to engage in other activities, like watching streaming content,2 regardless of ongoing tasks on the PC.
       
      I used to have different monitors for graphic works and watching streaming content. With ViewFinity S9, I can streamline and have one monitor that can be utilized for different purposes. Like me, for those who spend extended hours working on monitors, its versatility is a great advantage.
       
      ▲ Kim editing 3D graphics on a Viewfinity S9
       
       
      Q: Are there any other features you enjoyed using?
       
      Few 5K or higher-resolution monitors can pivot. ViewFinity, on the other hand, can be used both horizontally and vertically, which is very convenient. I recently create a vertical video and the ViewFinity S9’s pivot feature was really helpful. Now, I can see easily view and edit vertical and horizontal content by simply rotating the monitor.  These ergonomic features, including height-adjustable stand and tilt capabilities, really help maximize productivity.
       
      ▲ Many graphic designers including Seungmo Kim, CEO and VFX Supervisor of RABBIT WALKS, say the pivot feature is very useful for their work
       
       
      Q: As an expert in picture quality demo videos, what are your thoughts on the monitor?
       
      Having used the ViewFinity monitor, I can safely say I like everything about the monitor. From its brightness and resolution to its vibrant colors. It’s an exceptional choice for creative professionals. A versatile monitor with great specs. I highly recommend it.
       
      ▲ “Once you upgrade, it’s hard to step back down. Honestly, it wouldn’t be easy going back to just 4K,” says Seungmo Kim, CEO and VFX Supervisor of RABBIT WALKS
       
       
       
      1 Only Mac computers with Apple silicon introduced after 2020 are supported.
      2 App availability may vary by country and separate subscriptions may be required. Requires internet connection and TV tuner is not included. You will need a Samsung Account to access the full range of smart features available through your device, including network-based smart services, applications such as games and streaming services, smart home functionality and many more.
      View the full article
    • By Samsung Newsroom
      In a world where the boundaries between art and technology are increasingly blurred, artists must showcase their pieces across new mediums. To demonstrate how innovative technologies can transform the artistic experience, Samsung Electronics has unveiled a teaser for its collaboration with 0010×0010 — a renowned Dutch-American audiovisual artist.
       
      ▲ Samsung Electronics and audiovisual artist 0010×0010 collaborated for the “Algorithmic Organisms” exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA) in Bangkok
       
      Visitors to the Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA) in Bangkok, Thailand, will have the opportunity to embark on a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind visual journey and experience the evolution of art beginning October 17, 2023. Curated under the theme of “Algorithmic Organisms,” the exhibit seeks to redefine the boundaries of modern art and meticulously explores the convergence of the digital and physical worlds.
       
       ▲ Teaser for “Algorithmic Organisms,” to be exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA) in Bangkok
       
      The artistic brilliance of 0010×0010 displayed on Samsung’s The Wall elevates the exhibition space into a realm of innovation and creativity. By seamlessly transforming three-dimensional exhibits into millions of pixels on a high-definition display, Samsung’s The Wall captures the essence of artistic masterpieces and stunningly presents them for viewers to enjoy.
       
      The Wall has already been commissioned to display pieces by Korean contemporary artist Park Seo-Bo at the Rockefeller Center in New York City, and bring a legendary car back to life at the Porsche Center Santa Fe in Mexico City. Leveraging the remarkable precision and vibrancy its display products offer, Samsung seeks to continue to expand its role in fine commercial display.
      View the full article
    • By Samsung Newsroom
      Art enthusiasts and everyday consumers alike are constantly searching for new ways to connect with their favorite artist and art collections. The reverse is also true, with art institutions and museums around the world looking for new avenues to engage with art afficionados around the world.
       
      With the rise of digital platforms, the art world has become more accessible than ever before. Samsung Art Store is at the forefront of this revolution, providing a platform for art lovers to enjoy an extensive library of stunning artwork in the comfort of their own homes.
       
      Samsung Newsroom sat down with Cristina Alovisetti, General Manager of Museo Nacional Del Prado Difusion (Museo del Prado’s commercial company), to explore the relationship between in-person art experiences and digital displays. The Prado Museum is one of the most renowned art galleries and the longest standing partners of the Art Store.
       
      In this Q&A, we will dive into how art enthusiasts and institutions can benefit from digital art platforms and ultimately, how a combination of in-person art experiences and new technologies can inspire and offer new avenues of approach for artist and creatives.
       
      ▲ Museo Nacional Del Prado
       
       
      Samsung Art Store X Prado Museum: An Enduring Partnership
      Q: For those who are not familiar with the partnership, can you tell us a bit about Museo Nacional Del Prado and your role at the museum?
       
      The Prado Museum is one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world. Its permanent collection is essential in comprehending the evolution of European art and its most notable artists such as Velázquez, Bosch, Rubens and Titian. The museum’s international presence is also evident via its collaborations with other international institutions as well as its global digital footprint — including its website, social media channels and apps.
       
      As the general manager of the museum’s commercial company, I am proud to be a part of this institution since its creation in 2006. Our company’s primary goal is to promote the Museo del Prado brand, its collection and intellectual property rights while also contributing to the museum’s funding. We strive to establish a consistent and robust identity while creating partnerships that help us reach broader audiences.
       
       
      Q: Can you tell us more about how the partnership with Samsung Art Store came about and what benefits you see in the collaboration?
       
      We began collaborating with Samsung Art Store at the start of our gallery project upon the invitation from the Samsung Electronics Spain team. We were lucky enough to have participated in the 2017 inaugural presentation of the Frame’s partnerships in Berlin. Since then, we have continued to work together, updating and enriching our partnership.
       
      I believe the Art Store is an intelligent and respectful concept that values the artwork and the institution responsible for it. It represents a digital advancement that seamlessly harmonizes with our daily lives and habits. With this platform, I can discover and appreciate art in a convenient and accessible way. I can learn about the artists and their work and share my discoveries with others, which is a great benefit to the end users.
       
       
      Assessing the Current State of Digital Art Platforms
      Q: Digital art platforms have been gaining popularity as they provide accessible and enjoyable ways for users to own and appreciate artwork in their own homes. What direction do you see this trend taking and how do you think it will impact the art industry?
       
      The Samsung Art Store is an innovative platform that offers users a unique way to enjoy and access works of art from the comfort of their own homes. By providing a platform to view images of artwork, paintings, photography and more, the Art Store has made it easier for collectors to own and appreciate art.
       
      This technology could potentially have a significant impact on the art industry by providing new avenues for individuals to access and engage with art. The Art Store has the potential to integrate with personal environments and provide new opportunities for art collectors to showcase their collections.
       
      Overall, the increasing popularity of digital art platforms like the Samsung Art Store is likely to have a positive impact on the art industry by making art more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.
       
       
      Q: What differences do you see between showcasing the artwork in-person vs. digitally on the Frame?
       
      That is a great question. First, I think it’s important to note that we are talking about displaying images of artwork, not the artworks themselves. The way in which the viewer experiences the artwork will depend on whether it can evoke the same emotions as the original piece. While digital displays cannot replace the experience of seeing a Velázquez painting in person, it does offer the convenience of accessing and displaying high-quality images of these artworks in our own homes.
       
      Furthermore, being able to integrate digital artwork into our living spaces, just as we do with furniture or decorative objects, adds a new dimension to the way we experience and appreciate art. It offers new possibilities for enjoying and sharing art in our everyday lives and this is a great thing.
       
       
      Q: Have you observed any noteworthy trends or patterns in the way people engage with the museum’s online collections?
       
      It is fascinating to see how the public responds to the images displayed in the Art Store. The audience seems to be drawn towards decorative aesthetic and current trends influenced by other media, mirroring the purchasing patterns observed in our museum shops.
       
       
      Q: Can you share with us some of the most memorable pieces from your collection that are currently featured in the Art Store?
       
      Here are some carefully selected works from a diverse range of works from various painters, styles and themes spanning across different decades. These pieces showcase a range of subjects, from powerful portraits and mythological dances to exquisite details of flower catalogues, offering a glimpse into the beauty and richness of art history.
       
      ▲ Las Meninas (1656) by Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (cropped for detail)
       
      Las Meninas is undoubtedly the best-known painting in the Museo del Prado and Velázquez’s most famous work. It is also the one which best sums up the characteristics of his art. In a large room of the Alcázar in Madrid, we see the Infanta Margarita, whose detail we can see in this image, flanked by two maids of honor or meninas.
       
      The picture has been interpreted in several ways. The centrality of the infanta Margarita and the reflection of the king and queen in the mirror appear to point to a political and dynastic significance. The presence of Velázquez in the same environment as the king, queen and infanta, and bearing the cross of the Order of Santiago and the chamberlain’s key as attributes of his social status, presumably constitutes a validation of his nobility and that of painting itself.
       
      ▲ The Garden of Earthly Delights Triptych (1490-1500) by Hieronymus Bosch
       
      The Central panel, with the four rivers of the world on the horizon, situates the scene on Earth. Carnal desire, represented by beautiful naked women and symbolized by an array of red fruit, becomes mankind’s driving force. The various earthly pleasures to which mankind yields instinctively and unconsciously are illustrated symbolically or specifically. The central panel depicts a Paradise that deceives the senses, a false Paradise given over to the sin of lust.
       
      ▲ Dance of Mythological Characters and Villagers (1630-1635) by Pieter Paul Rubens
       
      A group of peasants dance in agitated frenzy, accompanied by a flutist in a tree. The scene takes place in a landscape that recalls Italy, especially the villa in the background, whose shapes resemble those of the architect, Andrea Palladio.
       
      ▲ Hollyhocks (1872-1873) by Mariano Fortuny y Marsal (cropped for detail)
       
      Fortuny enjoyed painting flowers in bloom in his scenes. Attracted by their colors, he also made separate studies of them. His favorites were hollyhocks on account of their pleasing hues and the elegant verticality of their stalks, which is accentuated by the format used here. As the background is devoid of references, their corollas appear to float in an indeterminate space, with varying degrees of finish, and the ground layer is visible in some areas of the canvas.
       
       
      Exploring the Intersection of Art and Technology
      Q: What impact do you think recent technological advancements have had on artists, their creative process and the finished artwork?
       
      From my perspective, artists have been introduced to a whole universe of new technological tools, which may influence their creative process to varying degrees, depending on their individual preferences. There are some exceptional artists who have embraced digital tools to create amazing works. In my view, these advancements offer endless opportunities for artists, whether through new artwork or collaborations or both.
       
       
      Q: How can technology be used to make art more accessible and inclusive to a wider audience?
       
      Undoubtedly, digital technology has the potential to greatly expand the reach of art beyond physical spaces, allowing it to be appreciated in different languages and contexts. For example, many people who are unable to attend exhibitions can still appreciate works of art through digital access. Further, digital art platforms such as Samsung Art Store enable individuals to build their own “collection” at home, making art more accessible and inclusive to a wider audience.
       
      Visit the Samsung Art Store in The Frame to explore more of Prado Museum’s collection.
      View the full article





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