Note that I am talking about a comparison with no app store at all, not comparing Google to Apple. f there wasn't an app store at all - you just downloaded app

Note that I am talking about a comparison with no app store at all, not comparing Google to Apple. f there wasn't an app store at all - you just downloaded apps from random web sites instead like for much Windows software. Now have a random person go download VLC for Windows, or for that matter something like Java. Between hijacked installers, "download" sites, toolbars, dark patterns in the installers and who knows what else, the experience is very negative and would make users far less likely to install stuff. The app store helps alleviate those issues and increase user confidence in apps, which in turn helps those offering apps at the app store.