The issue is that the masses will use the out of the box functionality and not think much of it. Most normal users don’t mind that they can only pull from official app stores, and like the idea that this system is more secure. If everyone who didn’t like this change stopped using the platform entirely, they would still have enough customers to maintain profitability.
I understand what you’re saying, but is it not comparatively harder to pass malicious programs into a walled garden (Play store restrictions) compared to being able to be downloaded without any checks?
Pal: “hey sup, what app do ya use for music? Ya never have ads”
Me: “Metrolist”
Pal: “can’t find dat on the playstore”
Me: “you gotta install it from Droid-ify, just search it, click the first result, then download and scroll until you see app-relase apk and click on that”
Pal: “oh okay, now?”
Me: “just click the search bar and type Metrolist duh”
Literally the simplest shit ever, i agree that it isn’t intuitive for everyone and that’s an issue that should be addressed, Google should be forced to allow F-Droid and other appstores on the play store
The issue is that the masses will use the out of the box functionality and not think much of it. Most normal users don’t mind that they can only pull from official app stores, and like the idea that this system is more secure. If everyone who didn’t like this change stopped using the platform entirely, they would still have enough customers to maintain profitability.
*The false claim
https://www.bitdefender.com/en-gb/blog/labs/malicious-google-play-apps-bypassed-android-security
I understand what you’re saying, but is it not comparatively harder to pass malicious programs into a walled garden (Play store restrictions) compared to being able to be downloaded without any checks?
Yes and no, your average end user trust the Play Store and the promised security which is why an app once it’s inside can get millions of downloads.
Compare this to trying to get your average user to
a) trust your selfhosted app and
b) succeed in installing it.
Also, I can’t find a single malware that has used f-droid as it’s primary vector.
I understand what you’re saying, but the barrier to entry for non technical people to jump into an alt app store is too high. Most are complacent.
Literally me and my pal the other day
Pal: “hey sup, what app do ya use for music? Ya never have ads”
Me: “Metrolist”
Pal: “can’t find dat on the playstore”
Me: “you gotta install it from Droid-ify, just search it, click the first result, then download and scroll until you see app-relase apk and click on that”
Pal: “oh okay, now?”
Me: “just click the search bar and type Metrolist duh”
Literally the simplest shit ever, i agree that it isn’t intuitive for everyone and that’s an issue that should be addressed, Google should be forced to allow F-Droid and other appstores on the play store
I agree that it can be easy but this is kinda relevant: https://xkcd.com/2501/