Android Market Updates Confirmed by Developer Team, Promo Vids and High Resolution Images

This morning, some attentive developers noticed new options in their Market accounts and as of 40 minutes ago, the Android team confirmed them all.  Below is the email they are sending out to notify devs that they can add high resolution images, promotional videos and “recent changes” to their apps.  They can also use a “draft upload” function which allows them to upload new versions of their apps without affecting the live one.

Oh, no Gingerbread talk included…yet.  

Hello,

We’re writing to inform you about some changes to Android Market that require your attention.

First, we have added support for a recent changes feature, which allows you to add notes about changes specific to the newest version of your application. You are able to submit these from the Developer Console, similar to descriptions. In the Market app, these notes will appear under the app description as “Recent changes.”

Second, there is now a ‘draft upload’ capability for application updates. This feature enables you to edit your app listing and upload a new version without affecting the version live in Market. Your app listing edits will not change your live listing until you select “Publish.”

Finally, we are adding support for larger promotional graphics to showcase your application. In addition to the currently required app screenshot, you will be required to upload one “feature” graphic. Supported promotional assets will now include:
– A “feature” graphic, landscape aspect ratio, 1024 x 500 (required).
– A high-res icon, 512 x 512 (required).. The Android icon design guidelines located at http://developer.android.com/guide/practices/ui_guidelines/icon_design.html apply.
– 2 screen shots, 320w x 480h, 480w x 854h, or 480w x 800h, increasing to 8 screen shots in the future (1 required).
– A link for a promotional video hosted on YouTube (optional).

Thanks, and we look forward to continue working with you on Android Market.

Regards,
The Android Market Team

I would still stay glued to the interwebs on Friday morning after the 6 hour maintenance has been completed for some potential fun.