Any idea how this demand is different from the current state of Android?
Under Epic’s terms, any app downloaded from anywhere would operate identically to apps downloaded from Google Play, without Google imposing any unnecessary distribution fees.
Last time I used it, I downloaded all my apps through F-Droid, and I didn’t think they were paying Google anything?
They probably mean, for example, not having to prompt the user to allow installs from “unknown sources”, allowing alternative app stores to update apps and themselves automatically in the background like Google Play does, allow installations from alternative stores with one tap without extra user interaction, etc.
I must have had an extension at the time, but it sounds like F-Droid does automatic updates for anything Android 12+ now?
https://f-droid.org/de/2024/02/01/twif.html
I guess the nag screen can be scary, though. Good point
deleted by creator
In addition to what atocci said, apps not downloaded from an app store by default have limitations on their access to accessibility services.
Huh. That’s a weird restriction that definitely gives credence to their case
Are accessibility services only part of Google Play and not AOSP…?
Edit: FalseMyrmidon pointed out an article about the restriction below
https://www.androidpolice.com/android-13-blocks-accessibility-services-sideloaded-apps/
Which states it’s only for side loaded applications, not for applications downloaded through a separate app store, so this wouldn’t affect Epic
It’s also important to note that Google is only restricting sideloaded apps. If you use an alternative app distribution platform like F-Droid or the Amazon app store, you won’t run into the accessibility services restrictions
There are differences between play store and other store. For instance, on fdroid you have a pop up asking each and every time if you want to install or update the app after pressing install button. Play store you just click install and let it do its work in the background.
I don’t think fdroid can update app by itself in the background. Play store can.
I mean third party store doesn’t have access to some of the api play store have, things you don’t care but that is important to normies and that would induce reduced profit from epic store.
deleted by creator
“Epic’s filing to the US Federal Court shows again that it simply wants the benefits of Google Play without having to pay for it,” Google’s spokesperson said. “We’ll continue to challenge the verdict, as Android is an open mobile platform that faces fierce competition from the Apple App Store, as well as app stores on Android devices, PCs, and gaming consoles.”
Is this the mocking? Its not a very good mocking!
Man, I never bought an iPhone because I despise apple and their closed ecosystem, so I was with android since the start.
But google has made me want to not buy android phones for over a decade, but what else is there
Ars is usually better than this. The title for this article makes no sense.
