Google Play Store: Do I Need To Use It?

[tinker1234]

I'm still new to smart phones and android.

I recently got set up with an LG Volt with Virgin Mobile.

Do I need to use Google Play Store to get more apps or are there other ways of getting apps?

Thanks

Steve

 

[Indoler]

Do I need to use Google Play Store to get more apps or are there other ways of getting apps?

Yes, Steve, there are other ways, and places (websites), to get apps. That's called 'sideloading'. But it's not safe.

 

[ab304945]

I'm still new to smart phones and android.

I recently got set up with an LG Volt with Virgin Mobile.

Do I need to use Google Play Store to get more apps or are there other ways of getting apps?

Thanks

Steve

Yes you need the play store. You can also use the Amazon app store

Posted via Android Central App

 

[srkmagnus]

Use the Play Store or Amazon App Store to get apps. Keep in mind that if you decide to switch from one store to the other at some point, the apps you've purchased on the previous one will not transfer over to the other.

Let us know if you have any questions.

 

[tinker1234]

Yes, Steve, there are other ways, and places (websites), to get apps. That's called 'sideloading'. But it's not safe.

What are the other ways, besides other web sites?

Is the Google play store safe because they review the apps before they are included on the site?

Thanks for the information.

 

[Golfdriver97]

What are the other ways, besides other web sites?

Is the Google play store safe because they review the apps before they are included on the site?

Thanks for the information.

Google and Amazon are pretty safe. I would stick to one or the other.

Signed, a Nexus 5, AC forums app, and Android L.

 

[Indoler]

What are the other ways, besides other web sites?

Assuming you mean 'besides other app stores': people post download links of .apks on all kinds of forums. Or will send them to you through PMs. Or friends of yours can SMS, IM, eMail, Airdrop, Bluetooth, SonicShare, or even Tweet them to you. There are many ways. Often they are meant to help you. But not all of them are. Trouble is you don't know which is which. That's where the Google Play Store and Amazon's App Store come in. They aim to be your 'trusted source' for apps.

Is the Google play store safe because they review the apps before they are included on the site?

The Play Store is safeR. Not perfectly safe. Nothing is.
But yes, they claim to review all apps before they post them.
Some call that censorship. Others call it welcome moderation.

 

[B. Diddy]

Apart from safety issues of downloading apks from filesharing sites, there's the larger concern of piracy. An apk of an app on a filesharing site is often a pirated version of a paid app. So add that on top of the high risk of malware.