Federal Court Mandates Google to Simplify Third-Party App Store Installations

In a landmark decision, a federal court has directed Google to streamline the installation process for third-party app stores on Android devices. This ruling comes as part of a settlement with Epic Games, enabling developers to offer alternative app stores without intrusive warnings or complications.

U.S. District Judge James Donato found that Google's deliberate "anticompetitive friction" was obstructing users from accessing and installing third-party app stores easily. Google is now required to revamp its installation process, ensuring that downloading an alternative app store is as straightforward as installing any app from its official Play Store. The tech giant must implement these changes within the next week.

During court proceedings, attorneys for Epic Games highlighted the current challenges users face when searching for app stores. Specifically, they noted that searching for “store for apps” yields no relevant results, leading only to traditional retail outlets like Walmart. Furthermore, even when third-party app stores are found, users are required to go through an unnecessary "View" step before being able to tap "Install." This additional step is set to be eliminated as per the court's orders.

In a further twist, when users search for Aptoide, the first third-party app store listed in Google Play, they are met with a banner instead of a standard listing, adding another layer of complexity. This issue has also been flagged for rectification under the court's directives.

Sources: Via