Last Updated: November 16, 2023, 07:30 IST
Google would not really feel individuals ought to sideload apps
Google has at all times allowed Android customers to sideload apps however the firm is now altering its stance on the function. Here’s why.
Sideloading of apps has been a sizzling topic up to now few weeks and it includes each Apple and Google. While Apple is being pressured to make the change, Android has at all times supported third-get together apps and apps shops.
However, it doesn’t appear to be Google will not be eager for individuals to put in apps from different app shops. Google is battling a authorized case in opposition to Epic Store this month, and the corporate’s CEO, Sundar Pichai was testifying within the case on November 14.
During his testimony, Pichai was requested about a number of issues, and he determined to make use of the platform to share his firm’s tackle sideloading of apps and why he advises individuals in opposition to putting in apps this fashion on their Android telephones. “We don’t wish to permit you to fully compromise your telephone. It can set up malware in your telephone.. It can actually compromise your security, very considerably,” Pichai mentioned.
It is interesting to hear Pichai say these things about sideloading, something that Android as an open source platform has always supported. The fact that he talks about malware while installing apps from other app stores clearly suggests the company is trying to play the scare factor with the public. In fact, it has recently started the process of scanning apps that are sideloaded on Android via the Play Protect feature.
Many people have pointed out that Google will have a greater say on the apps that a person can install. Granted, the company claims that Play Store apps offer the best safety for users but a recent security report from Kaspersky highlighted how Google’s apps store has been the platform from where 600 million downloads of malicious apps have been observed in 2023 itself.
Besides the pitch for safety from Pichai, Apple has always been against the option to sideload apps as it won’t have any control on how and from where these apps are being installed on the iPhone.
Now, Pichai is speaking in the same vein as Tim Cook and Co, which suggests both the tech giants are aware of the 30 percent commission they make of developers hosting their apps on their respective app stores. No wonder platforms like Epic Games have decided to host their app through a website rather than making it available through the app stores.
