Changes in DeepSkyCamera for Android update 1.8.5 running on Android 11 (or higher)

This is an important message for users of Android 11 (or higher). Due to requirements defined by Google next update 1.8.5 of DeepSkyCamera for Android MUST implement some major changes regarding storage location.
Next update 1.8.5 will be available end of August 2021 and I want to inform you that you should be prepared for some changes regarding storage location.
Google calls it "Scoped Storage" and affects the visibility of directories on your phone.

Background: What's happing in DeepSkyCamera update 1.8.5 on Android 11 (or higher)?

1. On Android 11 lots of directories are forbidden/not visible to DeepSkyCamera. This is part of privacy action by Google. I must implement these privacy actions until 1st of August 2021 otherwise the app can't be downloaded anymore.
2. The default storage location (Android/data/de.seebi.deepskycamera/files/Pictures) is only visible to DeepSkyCamera. No other app can read/write the default storage location, maybe file browsers can read it. The popular FX File explorer can't read the directory yet. That means: you can not copy files from default storage location to any other location. DeepSkyCamera internal file browser can read/write this private directory but other apps can't.
3. The best storage location is one of the public directories like DCIM ("Gallery") or Pictures. Other apps like Gallery or file browsers can read/write these directories.
4. These are the public directories which are suitable for DeepSkyCamera:
Documents, DCIM, Pictures, Download, Alarms, Audiobooks, Music, Podcasts, Ringtones, Movies, Notifications
5. Starting with update 1.8.5 the new default storage location is "Gallery", but only when you install DeepSkyCamera for the first time.
6. Log file is only visible in DeepSkyCamera app. There is a new menu entry "Tools" where you can view log file (and you can erase the content).
7. You can not create new directories at root level

I have Android 11 on my phone. What should I do?

1. You can use default storage location (Android/data/de.seebi.deepskycamera/files/Pictures) but other apps can not access the default storage location.
2. When you connect your phone to a computer via USB all directories are visible on Windows or Linux - you can copy your files. This includes also default storage location.
3. If you don't have a computer copy your files from default storage location (Android/data/de.seebi.deepskycamera/files/Pictures) to another public directory like DCIM, Documents etc. before you update to DeepSkyCamera 1.8.5.
4. At least change storage location in DeepSkyCamera to a public directory.

What are the best directories when you have Android 11 on your phone?

1. Use public directories, like Gallery, Documents. Change storage location in DeepSkyCamera to one of the public directories (open app - tap three dots upper right corner - Settings - Path to the images)
2. You can create your own directories within public directories (open app - tap three dots upper right corner - Settings - Path to the images)

Where is the log file?

In update 1.8.5 log file has moved. log file is now only in private directory Android/data/de.seebi.deepskycamera/files/Pictures.

Update 1.8.5 introduces a new menu entry "Tools". You can view/delete the content of log file in "Tools" menu.

I store the images on SD card. Is there a problem on Android 11 (or higher)?

No, you can store the images on SD card. But only these directories on SD card are allowed: the private directory (Android/data/de.seebi.deepskycamera/files/Pictures), "DCIM" and "Pictures".

I don't have Android 11 or higher. What should I do?

Nothing. On Android 6 - 10 there are no changes. Please ignore "Scoped Storage".

I want to upgrade to Android 11 (or higher). What should I do?

1. Please set storage location in DeepSkyCamera to a public directory like "Gallery" otherwise only DeepSkyCamera can read/write the image files.

1. Before you upgrade: If you use default storage location copy your image files to a public directory (or via USB to a computer)

I want to buy a new phone with Android 11 (or higher). What should I do?

1. The default storage location is now "Gallery".
2. You can change this default storage location to any other public diretory.