Tag

App Stores

All articles tagged with #app stores

technology21 days ago•37 min saved

Google Adds 24-Hour Hold On Installing Unverified Android Apps

Google is rolling out an 'advanced flow' for installing unsigned Android APKs that replaces the simple 'unknown sources' toggle with a multi-step process in Developer Options: users must enable 'Allow Unverified Packages' and endure a 24‑hour security delay after reboot before the setting can be activated (temporarily or permanently). A limited free developer account will permit up to 20 device installations; for more, developers must pay $25 and provide government ID. The changes also apply to third‑party app stores, with the same verification rules, and are set to roll out to more countries in coming months. Google frames this as improved security, but critics worry it will hinder sideloading and could be exploited by scammers who buy verified accounts.

via Hackaday|

#android #app-stores #google

technology1 month ago•5 min saved

Google and Epic settle app-store dispute, reshaping Android fees and stores

Google and Epic have reached a global settlement ending their antitrust fight over the Play Store, with lower fees and permission for registered third-party app stores on Android. The deal outlines a new fee structure (5% Google billing fee plus 15% service fee for new installs, 20% for existing installs), 15% total for new app purchases, and 10% for subscriptions, and includes broader store access policy; rollout begins in the US/UK/Europe by mid-2027, Fortnite is expected back on the Play Store subject to court approval.

via Ars Technica|

#android #antitrust #app-stores

technology2 months ago•2 min saved

Epic-Google settlement talks could reshape Android's app stores.

Epic and Google are in court negotiating a global settlement that could overhaul Android’s app-store rules: one option would reduce fees worldwide and allow rival app stores under a new framework, while the alternative would push developers into Google’s payment programs with per-install charges if no deal is reached. Judge Donato remains skeptical about approving the settlement today, and Fortnite’s return to Android could hinge on the outcome.

via The Verge|

#android #antitrust #app-stores

law3 months ago•4 min saved

Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Texas App Store Age Restrictions

A federal judge temporarily blocked a Texas law that imposed restrictions on minors' use of app stores, citing concerns that it was unconstitutionally vague and overbroad, and potentially violated free speech rights, while the law's supporters remain confident it will be upheld.

via The Texas Tribune|

#app-stores #court-ruling #first-amendment

technology5 months ago•5 min saved

Epic and Google settle legal disputes, agree on Android reforms

Epic and Google have agreed to settle their lawsuit, leading to significant changes in Android's app store ecosystem, including reduced fees, opening up to third-party stores globally, and allowing easier installation of alternative app stores, potentially transforming competition in the Android marketplace.

via The Verge|

#android #app-stores #epic

technology6 months ago•3 min saved

California Implements Age Verification Law for App Stores

California has enacted AB 1043, a law requiring app stores to implement age-gating measures based on user-inputted ages, and signed additional legislation regulating social media warning labels, AI chatbots, and deepfake pornography, aiming to enhance online safety and privacy protections for minors.

via Engadget|

#age-gate #app-stores #california

technology9 months ago•1 min saved

Epic Games Settles Antitrust Lawsuit with Samsung

Epic Games has settled its antitrust lawsuit against Samsung, which accused Samsung of collaborating with Google to block rival app stores through features like 'Auto Blocker.' The case was dismissed following discussions, with Epic expressing gratitude for Samsung addressing its concerns. This settlement follows Epic's previous legal victories against Google and its launch of its own app store.

via TechCrunch|

#antitrust #app-stores #epic-games

technology10 months ago•2 min saved

Texas Advances Online Safety Measures, Including Social Media Restrictions for Minors

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law requiring Apple and Google to verify users' ages in their app stores, mandating parental approval for minors, which opposes the interests of these tech giants and follows similar laws in other states. The law aims to enhance online safety for children but raises privacy concerns and faces opposition from Apple and Google, who argue it could compromise user privacy and impose burdensome data collection requirements.

via BBC|

#age-verification #app-stores #apple

business1 year ago•1 min saved

Lawmakers Push Apple and Google to Ban TikTok by January 19

US lawmakers have urged Apple and Google to prepare to remove TikTok from their app stores by January 19, following a federal appeals court decision requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok in the US or face a ban. The bipartisan call from the House committee on China emphasizes national security concerns over Chinese oversight. TikTok and ByteDance are seeking a Supreme Court review to block the law, while the Department of Justice acknowledges that the ban would eventually render the app unusable. TikTok warns that the app will become unavailable to new users if the law takes effect.

via CNN|

#app-stores #business #bytedance

technology2 years ago•1 min saved

"New York Times' Crackdown on Wordle Clones Escalates"

The New York Times has been sending DMCA takedown notices to developers of Wordle clones, with the latest notice targeting a clone called "Reactle" and its numerous spinoffs. The Times claims ownership of the name Wordle and its mechanics, including the 5x6 grid, green and yellow tiles, and the keyboard layout. However, the simplicity of Wordle's premise suggests that the takedown requests may not eliminate its clones and alternatives entirely.

via Engadget|

#app-stores #dmca-takedown #game-clones

technology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Apple's iOS 17.4 Update: Impact on Alternative App Stores Outside the EU"

With the release of iOS 17.4, iPhone users in the EU can access third-party app stores, but Apple warns that users traveling outside the bloc will only have a "grace period" before some features stop working. This change is to comply with the Digital Markets Act, allowing users to download apps from marketplaces outside of Apple's App Store. Users can set their preferred alternative app store as the default, and parental controls are available. Access to alternative app marketplaces is determined by the user's location and Apple ID settings. The first alternative app marketplace will launch in the EU this week, with more to follow.

via MacRumors|

#app-stores #apple #digital-markets-act

technology2 years ago•1 min saved

"US House Introduces Bill to Compel ByteDance Divestment of TikTok or Face Ban"

A new US bill proposes to ban TikTok from app stores unless its parent company, ByteDance, divests it, citing national security concerns. The bill aims to prevent the Chinese-owned app from collecting sensitive data on American users and follows similar actions taken against other Chinese tech companies. If passed, the legislation could significantly impact TikTok's operations in the US.

via Financial Times|

#app-stores #bytedance #divestment

technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Apple Addresses 'Sideloading' Concerns and Reverses Decision on Home Screen Web Apps in iOS 17.4"

Apple has revealed that several government agencies in the EU and elsewhere have expressed concerns about the security risks associated with "sideloading" on iPhones and iPads as the company prepares to comply with EU tech rules. The Digital Markets Act will require Apple to offer alternative app stores on its devices and allow developers to opt out of using its in-app payment system. Some agencies, particularly those serving essential functions, have reached out to Apple about the new changes, seeking assurances that they can prevent government employees from sideloading apps onto government-purchased iPhones. Apple did not disclose the number of concerned agencies or their locations.

via Reuters|

#app-stores #apple #digital-markets-act

technology2 years ago•0 min saved

"Apple Allows Developers to Integrate Third-Party App Stores in App Store Connect"

In compliance with the Digital Markets Act, Apple is now allowing developers to add alternative app marketplaces and submit their apps for Notarization, as it prepares to end its exclusive role in iPhone app distribution with the release of iOS 17.4 in the EU next month. This move comes ahead of the launch of alternative iOS app stores by companies like Epic Games and AltStore.

via The Verge|

#app-stores #apple #developers

technology2 years ago•3 min saved

Google's $700M settlement brings major changes to Play store and expands payment options

Google has agreed to implement several changes to Google Play and sideloading as part of a $700 million settlement with the U.S. attorney general. These changes include supporting app installs from third-party app stores, allowing alternative billing mechanisms for in-app purchases, and granting more rights to preloaded apps by OEM installers. Google will also combine the warning screen for installing apps from alternative sources with the settings screen. However, the impact of these changes on developers may be limited, as the 4% discount offered by Google for user choice billing may not be enough to incentivize a switch to another payment processor.

via TechCrunch|

#app-stores #billing-mechanisms #google-play