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This should be part of the Google Play desktop website, and it's actually abuse of the open Android platform by Google that it isn't. (Yes, it can still be abus
by RyanZAG 13y ago
This should be part of the Google Play desktop website, and it's actually abuse of the open Android platform by Google that it isn't. (Yes, it can still be abuse if developers can technically host APKs elsewhere in the same way that any monopoly can be abusive).
I can see Google banning this or trying their best to block this pretty quickly though and shows just how far Google has fallen from being open. I could be wrong though, will be watching this website with interest (and using it to download all my apps, for sure). Props to the creators.
EDIT: For those wondering why Google would be bothered by this - the Google Play app distribution channel is the big factor that requires Android device manufacturers to pay their license fees for Android and prevents them from forking the platform. An Android device without Google Play is an automatic no-buy for most consumers. However, if APKs - even just free ones - could be downloaded onto a device without Google Play, then it allows users and manufacturers to easily bypass a lot of the lock-in.
- YeahKIA 13y agoI am sure Google would ban this pronto. This reduces their ability to exclude other forks of Android from using the app store.
- lgp171188 13y agoWhen I saw this, the first thought that came to my mind was "How long till Google sends a Cease and Desist letter to the owners of this service!"
- nnnnni 13y agoSo... We've got a walled garden, eh?