Sideloading: Difference between revisions

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'''Sideloading''' is the act of installing programs you chose on your computer. For example, [[Android]] is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework. They built a software repository, the Google Play Store, and tried to normalize the idea that most mobile apps ~~would be downloaded from their store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside~~ of ~~the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings~~.

'''Sideloading''' refers to the act of downloading and installing mobile apps without the restrictions of designated app stores.

On the ~~contrary, some operating systems, such as~~ [[~~Apple~~]]~~'s iOS~~, ~~do not allow sideloading.~~ [[~~Apple App~~ Store]] ~~creates a monopoly in~~ the ~~market~~, ~~letting them censor what programs may do~~.

== Background ==

[[Android]] is an open-source operating system that allows app downloads irrespective of the source of the app file. When Android was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built a software repository, the [[Google Play Store]], on top of the android framework, leading to most app installations taking place via the Play Store.

Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation. A single store means another single point of failure for a platform. When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked. Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software. Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.

On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow installation of apps outside their official [[Apple App Store]].

The term ''sideloading'' denotes the practice of downloading external app files by means other than the official stores, though it assumes that the ecosystem lock-in is the standard protocol while alternative means are "unofficial."

== Why it happens ==

Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation. A single store means another single point of failure for a platform. When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked. Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software. Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.

Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.

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-'''Sideloading''' is the act of installing programs you chose on your computer.  For example, [[Android]] is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework.  They built a software repository, the Google Play Store, and tried to normalize the idea that most mobile apps would be downloaded from their store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.
+'''Sideloading''' refers to the act of downloading and installing mobile apps without the restrictions of designated app stores.
-On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow sideloading.  [[Apple App Store]] creates a monopoly in the market, letting them censor what programs may do.
+== Background ==
+[[Android]] is an open-source operating system that allows app downloads irrespective of the source of the app file. When Android was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built a software repository, the [[Google Play Store]], on top of the android framework, leading to most app installations taking place via the Play Store.
-Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation.  A single store means another single point of failure for a platform.  When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked.  Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software.  Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.
+On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow installation of apps outside their official [[Apple App Store]].
+The term ''sideloading'' denotes the practice of downloading external app files by means other than the official stores, though it assumes that the ecosystem lock-in is the standard protocol while alternative means are "unofficial."
+== Why it happens ==
+Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation.  A single store means another single point of failure for a platform.  When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked.  Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software.  Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.
 Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.