Google Trying To Remove Installation Of APK Files

[mustang7757]

Google making File Manager Total Commander to stop APK update install and APK install total, I don't like this move .

https://www.androidpolice.com/total-commander-apk-installation-block/

 

[BerryBubbles]

Well, that's definitely disappointing.

Come on Google!!

 

[Laura Knotek]

I don't like this either.

 

[fuzzylumpkin]

There is nothing new here, the reason that Google gave this notice has been the case for years, and is actually a good thing.

At the worst , this is an example of google being a bit ham fisted when it comes to automatic scans of apps . That's a shame but is far from "a sign of things to come".

The sky may still fall, but it's not falling today.

 

[B. Diddy]

Isn't it still possible to simply download the apk file and open it using the stock file manager?

 

[Laura Knotek]

Isn't it still possible to simply download the apk file and open it using the stock file manager?

My concern is if that option is blocked by Google for all file manager apps.

 

[B. Diddy]

Reading through that article, it sounds like it relates primarily to 3rd party apps (and it may be a misapplication of Google's policy, where the Play Store somehow thinks Total Commander would use this feature to update itself outside of the Play Store).

 

[mustang7757]

This is a sign that Google wants to permanently stop downloading APK files , if they stop little here and there its only matter of time before they stop it fully and that wont sit good with me . From that article they want apps to be updated by the system and no where else

 

[fuzzylumpkin]

This is a sign that Google wants to permanently stop downloading APK files , if they stop little here and there its only matter of time before they stop it fully and that wont sit good with me . From that article they want apps to be updated by the system and no where else

It's not a sign of that. They haven't wanted apps to update themselves outside of the play store for years, and that's how it should be.

There is absolutely no way that Google are going to remove APK installs from Android. It's their ace in the hole when the EU courts come for them and apple.

 

[fuzzylumpkin]

Reading through that article, it sounds like it relates primarily to 3rd party apps (and it may be a misapplication of Google's policy, where the Play Store somehow thinks Total Commander would use this feature to update itself outside of the Play Store).

Yep, this is it exactly.

 

[mustang7757]

It's not a sign of that. They haven't wanted apps to update themselves outside of the play store for years, and that's how it should be.

There is absolutely no way that Google are going to remove APK installs from Android. It's their ace in the hole when the EU courts come for them and apple.

This part of the article what worries me

 

[B. Diddy]

Right, but the first line refers to apps "distributed via Google Play", which implies that it doesn't apply to those obtained outside of the Play Store.

 

[fuzzylumpkin]

This part of the article what worries me View attachment 344923

Like I say, that particular piece of Google play developer terms of service is nothing new, it's been in place for years. It's there to protect users from apps downloading malicious content files after being installed from the play store.

You probably know me well enough at this point to know that if there was even the slightest whiff that Google were doing anything wrong I would be shouting about it louder than anyone else lol. But I honestly think that article is basically just FUD for clicks.

I don't remember ever using total commander , so i don't know if they were actually doing anything wrong or if this is just google miss classify in the app . But i am almost certain that it is one of those two things .

 

[mustang7757]

Like I say, that particular piece of Google play developer terms of service is nothing new, it's been in place for years. It's there to protect users from apps downloading malicious content files after being installed from the play store.

You probably know me well enough at this point to know that if there was even the slightest whiff that Google were doing anything wrong I would be shouting about it louder than anyone else lol. But I honestly think that article is basically just FUD for clicks.

I don't remember ever using total commander , so i don't know if they were actually doing anything wrong or if this is just google miss classify in the app . But i am almost certain that it is one of those two things .

Well i hope your right

 

[anon(50597)]

I have to admit I don't fully understand this. I have never used this file manager nor do I sideload apps. Everything I need is in the Play Store.

It seems like some people may be panicking though from what I've read. Google should protect its users from malicious apps. This isn't the wild west. There has to be a middle ground and I believe that is what Google is going for.

 

[mustang7757]

I have to admit I don't fully understand this. I have never used this file manager nor do I sideload apps. Everything I need is in the Play Store.

It seems like some people may be panicking though from what I've read. Google should protect its users from malicious apps. This isn't the wild west. There has to be a middle ground and I believe that is what Google is going for.

If you never side load apps update then you have no worries , it's meant more for users that dive into these things .

 

[me just saying]

I think they are trying to close any loopholes regarding the google tax. It is all about profit.

 

[EnthalpiousKitten]

If you never side load apps update then you have no worries , it's meant more for users that dive into these things .

I am a bit late to the discussion but let me just say that Total Commander is not the only file manager. I use X-Plore. Works, and has the storage trick implemented for accessing the OBB and data folders on user storage (I did have to hit up the dev to fix a device specific issue woth this last year when I got my S10+). X-Plore has been my main file manager since 2013 and I could care less about Total Commander. I have also tried Solid Explorer and it is also very nice but the UI is not my favorite cup of tea.

With the file manager recommendations out of the way, I find it quite stupid that Google is doing this stuff with trying to stop side loading. I make my own apps with rapid app development tools and also like modding apps (for non-piracy reasons and for personal use only) to suit them better to my personal use cases. Then there's the whole thing about it being my device and I have a right to install what I like knowing possible security risks.