As an open-source platform, Android has at all times been a Wild West of kinds relating to apps. Apple requires app makers to satisfy rigorous requirements earlier than apps will be printed within the App Retailer; for Android, not a lot. Since its inception as Android Market in 2008, the Google Play retailer has been a free-for-all the place malware-ridden, damaged, or bait-and-switch software program sits alongside legit apps. Google’s attempting to place a cease to this with its newest replace.
Efficient August 31, 2024, Google is updating its Spam and Minimal Performance coverage, elevating the bar the apps should meet to be featured within the Play Retailer. Though, from the appears of issues, these are commonsense modifications that ought to have been in play a very long time in the past. As an example, “Apps ought to present a secure, responsive, and interesting person expertise.” They need to even have an precise perform, not crash, and cargo as soon as put in. Geez, Google, what took so lengthy right here? The bar’s so low right here that solely roaches can limbo underneath it.
Different issues Google is cracking down on embody:
Apps which might be designed to do nothing or don’t have any perform Apps with little or no content material and that don’t present an enticing person expertise, for instance, single wallpaper apps Apps that don’t set up Apps which might be static with out app-specific functionalities, for instance, text-only or PDF file app
I assume it’s higher late than by no means. When the modifications go into impact, count on a drastic culling of app flotsam. That ought to make exploring the Play Retailer a a lot better expertise, yielding helpful apps.