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I don't see how this undermines the argument that Google doesn't hold the Android app market "hostage" because users usually buy devices that already have anoth

I don't see how this undermines the argument that Google doesn't hold the Android app market "hostage" because users usually buy devices that already have another app store preinstalled and also are free to install other app stores.

heavyset_go 6y ago
Can I install those third party app stores on any Android phone? Also, third party app stores on Android are not allowed to compete with the Play Store on feature parity because of limitations put in place by Google. The only way to implement automatic upgrading, background installation or batch upgrading/installation of apps is via the Play Store.
- sellyme 6y ago
  > Can I install those third party app stores on any Android phone? Galaxy Store no (by Samsung's choice), F-Droid yes, Amazon Appstore I'm unsure. But for the overwhelming majority of third-party stores, yeah, you can install them on any Android device in a matter of seconds.
  - heavyset_go 6y ago
    F-Droid is not allowed to compete on feature parity with the Play Store. You can't install apps in the background, do batch installations, or automatically update apps.
- lern_too_spel 6y ago
  > The only way to implement automatic upgrading, background installation or batch upgrading/installation of apps is via the Play Store Any system app store can do those things.
  - heavyset_go 6y ago
    Millions of phones are sold that will never be rooted, and by manufacturers who purposely ensure that exploits to achieve root are patched as soon as they're found.
    - lern_too_spel 6y ago
      The statement that I quoted is false. The Amazon App Store can do those things on Amazon devices. The Samsung App Store can do those things on Samsung devices. Same with Tencent, Huawei, MIUI, the defunct Motorola app store, etc. I fully agree that it would be better if user-installed apps could do the same thing without resorting to accessibility hacks. Google has mumbled that it might finally prioritize that feature after the Epic lawsuits, but I'll wait and see. https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2020/09/listening-to-developer-feedback-to.html?m=1 https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2020/09/listening-...

heavyset_go 6y ago

Can I install those third party app stores on any Android phone? Also, third party app stores on Android are not allowed to compete with the Play Store on feature parity because of limitations put in place by Google. The only way to implement automatic upgrading, background installation or batch upgrading/installation of apps is via the Play Store.

sellyme 6y ago
> Can I install those third party app stores on any Android phone? Galaxy Store no (by Samsung's choice), F-Droid yes, Amazon Appstore I'm unsure. But for the overwhelming majority of third-party stores, yeah, you can install them on any Android device in a matter of seconds.
- heavyset_go 6y ago
  F-Droid is not allowed to compete on feature parity with the Play Store. You can't install apps in the background, do batch installations, or automatically update apps.
lern_too_spel 6y ago
> The only way to implement automatic upgrading, background installation or batch upgrading/installation of apps is via the Play Store Any system app store can do those things.
- heavyset_go 6y ago
  Millions of phones are sold that will never be rooted, and by manufacturers who purposely ensure that exploits to achieve root are patched as soon as they're found.
  - lern_too_spel 6y ago
    The statement that I quoted is false. The Amazon App Store can do those things on Amazon devices. The Samsung App Store can do those things on Samsung devices. Same with Tencent, Huawei, MIUI, the defunct Motorola app store, etc. I fully agree that it would be better if user-installed apps could do the same thing without resorting to accessibility hacks. Google has mumbled that it might finally prioritize that feature after the Epic lawsuits, but I'll wait and see. https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2020/09/listening-to-developer-feedback-to.html?m=1 https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2020/09/listening-...