Google settled a class-action lawsuit in September 2023, which accused the company of distorting the Android app market and abusing its dominant market position in the United States. Today, the company announced the terms of the settlement.
Firstly, it will pay a total of $700 million in compensation to parties and authorities that participated in the class-action lawsuit. Of the amount, ... [ read the full article ]
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When referring to Android apps, "sideloading" typically means installing an application package in APK format onto an Android device. Such packages are usually downloaded from websites other than the official app store Google Play.
Google also commits to keeping the updated installation process at least as simple for five years from the time the updated installation process is introduced.
This settlement marks a significant development for Android users, particularly in terms of sideloading apps. Google's decision to simplify the sideloading mechanism is likely to streamline the process of installing applications from sources outside of the Play Store. This move could potentially offer users more flexibility and choice in accessing apps while also addressing concerns about Google's market dominance and alleged anticompetitive practices. With the settlement providing compensation to parties involved in the class-action lawsuit, it demonstrates a step towards resolving legal disputes and fostering a more open and fair app ecosystem on the Android platform.
When discussing Android apps, the term "sideloading" commonly refers to the process of installing an application package, usually in APK format, onto an Android device. These APK files are often obtained from sources other than the official app store, Google Play. Sideloading allows users to access and install apps that may not be available on the official store or are from alternative sources. While sideloading offers flexibility and access to a wider range of applications, it's important for users to exercise caution and only download APK files from trusted sources to avoid security risks or malware infections.