I don't know from personal experience, as I haven't tried to do any of this myself. Also, Kovacs' post was from a month ago, so something may have changed.
That is why developer is complaining. Using that used to work but does not anymore, possibly because of security protocols.
Also it seems like Google is using a secret api in the Android app. Why not just slap the tag 'Beta' on the api and publish it? It may suck when an api changes but at least it is in the developer's control to get his app working again.
http://www.seankovacs.com/index.php/2010/01/im-in-love/
I don't know from personal experience, as I haven't tried to do any of this myself. Also, Kovacs' post was from a month ago, so something may have changed.