Add release build information (#2638)

* Add instruction for release build

* Add missing links to the Google Play Store

* Update release.md

docs/android/get_started.md

@@ -75,6 +75,10 @@ You will need the `JAVA_HOME` environment variable set to a JDK. We are currentl
 gradlew.bat assembleDebug
 ```
 
+:::info
+If you need to create a release build, follow the [release build instructions](/docs/android/tips/release).
+:::
+
 ## Firebase setup
 
 Firebase is used for notifications. If you don't need these features, you should use a mocked Firebase configuration.

docs/android/release.md

@@ -23,6 +23,10 @@ This document outlines the steps to take an Android application from development
   - The CI builds the **release application**.
   - The release build is pushed to the **internal tester group** on both the Google Play Store and Firebase.
 
+:::note
+You can download pre-built APKs for every commit on the `main` branch from the [GitHub Actions page](https://github.com/home-assistant/android/actions/workflows/onPush.yml).
+:::
+
 ### Internal testing
 
 - Internal testers validate the release build to ensure functionality.
@@ -33,9 +37,17 @@ This document outlines the steps to take an Android application from development
 - Every week, the latest version of the `main` branch is pushed to the **open beta** channel.
 - Open beta users help test the application in real-world scenarios and report issues.
 
+:::note
+You can join the beta program directly through the [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/apps/testing/io.homeassistant.companion.android).
+:::
+
 ### Production release
 
-- If the beta version is stable and approved by maintainers, it is promoted to **production**, making it available to all users.
+If the beta version is stable and approved by maintainers, it is promoted to **production**, making it available to all users.
+
+:::note
+You can find the app on the [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.homeassistant.companion.android).
+:::
 
 ## Google Play Store validation
 

docs/android/tips/release.md

@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+---
+title: "Build for release"
+sidebar_label: "Build for release"
+---
+
+:::warning
+Ensure the keystore is securely stored and not included in version control. It also applies for the credentials.
+:::
+
+## Building for release
+
+To build the app for publishing, you need to sign it. Follow these steps:
+
+### Step 1: Create or use an existing keystore
+
+Before building the app, you must have a keystore. You can either create a new one or use an existing keystore.
+
+#### Creating a keystore
+
+You can create a keystore directly from Android Studio:
+
+1. Go to **Menu** > **Build** > **Generate Signed APK**.
+2. Select the option to create a new keystore.
+3. **Remember the passwords and the key alias** for future use.
+
+#### Using an existing keystore
+
+If you already have a keystore, ensure it is named `release_keystore.keystore` and placed in the following folders:
+- `app`
+- `wear`
+
+Alternatively, you can specify a custom location by setting the `KEYSTORE_PATH` environment variable.
+
+---
+
+### Step 2: Build the app
+
+You can build the app using either Android Studio or the command line (CLI).
+
+#### From Android Studio
+
+1. Open Android Studio.
+2. Go to **Menu** > **Build** > **Generate Signed APK**.
+3. Select the keystore you created or an existing one.
+4. Follow the steps to build the app.
+
+#### From the CLI
+
+1. **Set environment variables**  
+   Define the following environment variables used in `app/build.gradle.kts`:
+   - `KEYSTORE_PASSWORD`
+   - `KEYSTORE_ALIAS`
+   - `KEYSTORE_ALIAS_PASSWORD`
+   - `KEYSTORE_PATH` (if your keystore is located in a custom location)
+
+2. **Build the app**  
+   To build the APK, run:
+
+   ```bash
+   ./gradlew assembleRelease # To build all the apps
+   # OR
+   ./gradlew :<GRADLE_MODULE>:assembleRelease # To build a specific module, such as :app, :automotive, or :wear
+   ```
+
+   To build the AAB, run:
+
+   ```bash
+   ./gradlew bundleRelease # To build all the apps
+   # OR
+   ./gradlew :<GRADLE_MODULE>:bundleRelease # To build a specific module, such as :app, :automotive, or :wear
+   ```

sidebars.js

@@ -347,6 +347,7 @@ module.exports = {
         "android/tips/lollipop_emulator",
         "android/tips/fcm_push_notification",
         "android/tips/sarif_reports",
+        "android/tips/release",
       ],
     },
     "android/best_practices",