Google has published an update to there Developer policy which restricts the features that are available in apps. These new restrictions prohibits the usage of the following features:
- Call Log access : It won’t be possible access the call log to select a phone number from the recent calls.
- Quick Call Reminder: also removed from store version.
- Send SMS: Automatic SMS feature does not exist in the store version. (option to send the message by pressing the button but it will use the Devices Default SMS app)
Google’s deadline is march 9 2019. Passed this date, apps not conforming will be deleted from the play store.
It is very disappointing that google made these changes even for existing apps. I tried for the past few months to obtain an exception for Life Reminders (eleven times…), but got negative answers every time. The person that evaluated my requests considered that these features are not necessary to Life Reminders, but authorize some other apps to use these permits.
For more details about the “Google Developer Policy Update” have a look at the following blog post: https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2018/10/providing-safe-and-secure-experience.html