Joe Hindi / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google has announced the terms of a settlement in response to lawsuits filed against the company by various U.S. states.
- The company plans to simplify sideloading of apps and expand alternative billing as part of the terms.
- The search giant also plans to pay about $700 million into a fund for users and states.
In September, Google settled a lawsuit with more than 30 U.S. states over its Play Store and Android practices. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed at the time, but the company has now disclosed them.
In a blog post, Google confirmed that it will now be easier to sideload apps on Android. The language used to warn users about potential risks will also be updated.
When we asked Google about these changes, the company responded: Android permissions The two Flow screens are combined into one.
Search Colossus also said you can use the following languages ​​or their “substantive” equivalents:
Your phone is currently not configured to install apps from this source. Giving permission to this source to install apps could put your phone and data at risk.
Google currently provides a pop-up menu when you try to sideload an app through another app (Chrome, Files, etc.). This menu does not allow you to enable sideloading directly, but instead has a “Settings” button that takes you to a second screen where you can enable sideloading. The two screens have been merged to make it easier to use.
Alternative billing and other payment terms
Easier sideloading is not the only condition of the settlement. The company also confirmed that it plans to offer alternative billing options for in-app purchases on the Play Store. This also allows the developer to display different pricing options within the app (for example, offers through the developer’s website or third-party app stores).
Google reiterated that it has been piloting alternative billing in the United States for more than a year. However, it is worth noting that this pilot and alternative billing in other markets came after pressure from regulators and politicians.
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Third-party app stores have been available via Android devices for a long time, and Google said it has always allowed these Play Store alternative apps to be preloaded on devices.
“The settlement with the Attorney General makes it clear that OEMs can continue to provide users with out-of-the-box options for using Play and other app stores,” the company claimed in a blog post. We also highlighted changes in Android 14 that improve the functionality of third-party app stores.
In the end, Google agreed to pay approximately $700 million as part of the settlement. The company said $630 million will be paid into a consumer settlement fund and $70 million will be paid into a state fund.