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> New rules could require them both to allow app side-loading — installing apps from non-sanctioned marketplaces — and alternative payment processing systems. A

> New rules could require them both to allow app side-loading — installing apps from non-sanctioned marketplaces — and alternative payment processing systems. Apple and Google have argued vehemently against the bill. Why is Google against side-loading? It is already possible to side-load on Android devices, what is their argument?

m463 5y ago
> Why is Google against side-loading? money? If it is explicitly allowed, it will open the door for some extremely high quality, curated stores that can break google's iron grip on revenue, advertising, privacy, etc...
pornel 5y ago
Mobile app stores are a duopoly, so Google can charge as much as Apple charges.
- irrational 5y ago
  But, isn't this trying to close the barn doors after the horses are already out? Side loading is already here and there are already multiple app stores: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Android_app_stores https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Android_app_stores
  - bogwog 5y ago
    How many of those actually have users? The only ones barely relevant are the preloaded OEM stores, like Samsung’s and Amazon’s, but even those pale in comparison to Google Play. And it’s not because Google Play is better than the competition. It’s because Google has barriers in place to stop any would be competitors. Look at the epic game store for a high profile example of that.
Zak 5y ago
I don't think Google is against sideloading since Android supports it by default. I think Google is against being required to allow third-party app stores to have feature parity with its own, and against being required to allow third-party payments in apps purchased from the Play store. Those things would reduce Google's revenue.
bogwog 5y ago
> It is already possible to side-load on Android devices, what is their argument? Have you tried side loading something on Android lately? As an HM user you could probably fogure it out, but imagine trying to create a competitor to Google Play. How the hell would you onboard new customers? How do you teach a grandmother how to dig through their phone’s settings app and convince her to ignore all of the scary warnings that Google throws in her face? Google doesn’t want side loading just as much as Apple.
sircastor 5y ago
> Why is Google against side-loading? It’s a front door for piracy and malware. Bad actors give your unsuspecting victim instructions on how to install this great app!

m463 5y ago

> Why is Google against side-loading? money? If it is explicitly allowed, it will open the door for some extremely high quality, curated stores that can break google's iron grip on revenue, advertising, privacy, etc...

pornel 5y ago

Mobile app stores are a duopoly, so Google can charge as much as Apple charges.

irrational 5y ago
But, isn't this trying to close the barn doors after the horses are already out? Side loading is already here and there are already multiple app stores: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Android_app_stores https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Android_app_stores
- bogwog 5y ago
  How many of those actually have users? The only ones barely relevant are the preloaded OEM stores, like Samsung’s and Amazon’s, but even those pale in comparison to Google Play. And it’s not because Google Play is better than the competition. It’s because Google has barriers in place to stop any would be competitors. Look at the epic game store for a high profile example of that.

Zak 5y ago

I don't think Google is against sideloading since Android supports it by default. I think Google is against being required to allow third-party app stores to have feature parity with its own, and against being required to allow third-party payments in apps purchased from the Play store. Those things would reduce Google's revenue.

bogwog 5y ago

> It is already possible to side-load on Android devices, what is their argument? Have you tried side loading something on Android lately? As an HM user you could probably fogure it out, but imagine trying to create a competitor to Google Play. How the hell would you onboard new customers? How do you teach a grandmother how to dig through their phone’s settings app and convince her to ignore all of the scary warnings that Google throws in her face? Google doesn’t want side loading just as much as Apple.

sircastor 5y ago

> Why is Google against side-loading? It’s a front door for piracy and malware. Bad actors give your unsuspecting victim instructions on how to install this great app!