The best Android antivirus apps for 2024
Aptoide's IOS Game Store Launches On Thursday
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Image: Aptoide / The VergeAptoide, the popular Google Play alternative for Android devices, is launching a third-party iOS app store in the European Union — the first focused entirely on gaming since the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules came into effect.
Aptoide's iOS game store is being released via a closed launch on Thursday, with access initially restricted to users with invitation-only access codes. Aptoide says it has a waiting list of 20,000 signups and plans to issue between 500 to 1,000 codes per day, with the limited launch enabling the platform to monitor feedback from early adopters.
The Aptoide iOS store will launch with seven games — a fairly standard ensemble of popular activities like Solitaire, Charades, and Mahjong — but the company says the store will eventually "feature content from a variety of developers." Aptoide claims that "over 100" iOS developers have expressed interest in the platform, and that 30 offerings are currently in the process of being integrated.
Unlike Aptoide's other app marketplaces, the iOS store will only focus on games for now, with the company planning to add new games to the store every week following its launch. Aptoide CEO Paulo Trezentos told The Verge that the service may be expanded in the future to provide additional content and services.
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Here's what the Aptoide iOS app currently looks like — titles are limited but the company says more are on the way.Images: AptoideNotably, Aptoide is also the first third-party iOS marketplace in Europe to launch with an Apple-approved in-app purchases (IAP) solution, which it will provide to developers via an IAP software development kit.
The company is taking a new approach to offsetting Apple's 50 euro cents Core Technology Fee (CTF) for every annual installation of the store. Instead of passing that on directly to users in the form of a subscription, the cost will be supported by a fee charged to developers for in-app purchases. "This means that IAP-driven apps will be preferred in Aptoide iOS," says Trezentos. "Hopefully, one day that CTF is not charged, we'll be able to serve more developers, as the unit economics changes."
Other alternative iOS app stores that have launched in the EU have established their own ways around the CTF. Setapp currently absorbs the fee but says it will be included in the Setapp Mobile subscription price in the future. AltStore PAL, meanwhile, covers the fee via a €1.50 (plus tax) annual subscription for installing the app marketplace itself.
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Android Hack! How To Download Apps Without Using Play Store
In short
Simplifying... Inshort
Android users can download apps without using the Play Store by adjusting settings to allow installations from unknown sources.
They can use peer-to-peer sharing apps like SHAREit, or alternative stores such as APKMirror and Aptoide.
However, it's crucial to install a security program to protect against potential malware when using these methods.
Was a long read? Making it simpler...
Next ArticleWhat's the story
Android users have the option to download apps without using the Google Play Store, a feature that offers flexibility but also demands caution. The apps available on the Play Store are thoroughly vetted for compatibility with the latest Android platform. However, apps from other sources may contain bugs or malware, posing potential security risks. Notably, popular devices like Amazon Fire tablets do not come preinstalled with the Play Store, necessitating alternative methods of app installation.
Preparing devices for third-party downloadsTo install apps from sources other than the Play Store, Android users need to adjust a few settings on their devices. This process involves enabling the device to install apps from unknown sources. For instance, on a Samsung device, this option can be accessed through Settings > Biometrics and security > Install unknown apps. This adjustment allows for alternative methods of app installation, particularly useful for devices without pre-installed Play Store.
Peer-to-peer file sharingPeer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing is a popular method Android users can utilize to install apps without the Play Store. This method proves useful when internet access is limited, or when sharing an app with someone who cannot access it via conventional means. Popular P2P file-sharing apps like SHAREit can facilitate this process, providing a viable alternative for app installation.
Third-party librariesThird-party libraries offer another avenue for Android users to download apps outside of Google Play. Stores such as APKMirror, APKPure, Aptoide, F-Droid, and TapTap provide a range of apps that have undergone important security and compatibility checks. However, with the rise of "bundling" and split APKs, some app developers are moving away from the original APK format. These alternative stores often present a more intuitive user interface and better-organized categories than Play Store.
Installing apps from third-party sourcesAfter downloading an app file from a third-party source, Android users need to open it to install it on their devices. This can be done using a file manager to open the Downloads folder on the device, and proceeding with the installation through an installer like APKMirror Installer. This process is essential when certain apps are not available on the Play Store due to regional restrictions, or removals for reasons such as content functionality or compliance with local laws.
Importance of security measures for alternate methodsWhile Google dominates the app store market, Android users have the freedom to choose from many independent stores. However, it is recommended to install a security program when downloading from these stores to stay safe from potential malware. This precautionary measure ensures that users can enjoy the flexibility of third-party downloads while minimizing security risks.
Google Play Store Finally Raises Its App Standards, Apps Have To Actually Work
As an open-source platform, Android has always been a Wild West of sorts regarding apps. Apple requires app makers to meet rigorous standards before apps can be published in the App Store; for Android, not so much. Since its inception as Android Market in 2008, the Google Play store has been a free-for-all where malware-ridden, broken, or bait-and-switch software sits alongside legitimate apps. Google's trying to put a stop to this with its latest update.
Effective August 31, 2024, Google is updating its Spam and Minimal Functionality policy, raising the bar the apps must meet to be featured in the Play Store. Although, from the looks of things, these are common-sense changes that should have been in play a long time ago. For instance, "Apps should provide a stable, responsive, and engaging user experience." They should also have an actual function, not crash, and load once installed. Geez, Google, what took so long here? The bar's so low here that only roaches can limbo under it.
Other things Google is cracking down on include:
I guess it's better late than never. When the changes go into effect, expect a drastic culling of app flotsam. That should make exploring the Play Store a much better experience, yielding useful apps.
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