Sideloading: Difference between revisions
→Google announces plan to restrict app downloads: Add mention of F-Droid to back up that Google's plans will make app safety worse. I don't think their actions warrant giving them too much benefit of a doubt here. |
Added extra context about iOS and sideloading |
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[[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. | [[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. | ||
On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow installation of apps outside their official [[Apple App Store]]. | On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow installation of apps outside their official [[Apple App Store]], except for within the European Union, where regulations forced them to allow alternative app stores such as Altstore to run on their phones. | ||
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." | 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." | ||