Google has reached a settlement in a US antitrust case that will affect the future of sideloading on Android, but court documents reveal what this means for sideloading apps and more. There is.
To briefly summarize the context here, the terms of the settlement between Google and the US states have been revealed. Google will pay $700 million, the majority of which will be passed on to consumers, and Google has also agreed to changes to how Android handles sideloading and how in-app billing works.
Google’s announcement didn’t provide details on how the process would change, but court documents shed some light on what’s to come.
First, for at least the next five years, Google must allow Android app developers the option to offer in-app purchases that allow users to choose how they’re billed.
For at least five years after the Effective Date, and in accordance with the Program Guidelines (or other equivalent UCB requirements), Google will provide developers who choose to sell in-app digital goods and services the option to add alternatives. – App billing system parallel to Google Play’s billing system for users. At checkout, users can choose which in-app billing system they would like to use.
This includes offering your own in-app billing options alongside Google Play Billing (whether built into your app or using existing web-based solutions). Developers can also use different pricing to encourage users to use other billing services. or promotion. Google will also be required to allow all app developers in the U.S. to choose whether to participate in Google’s User Choice Billing (coming in 2022). This is further explained in Sections 6.3 and 6.11 of the Settlement Document.
Additionally, for at least six years, Google will be required to allow Android app developers to display prices for digital goods that can be purchased outside of their apps. Google doesn’t have to allow developers to share links to where they buy, but developers can use language like “Available on our website for $9.99.” This applies to apps that allow in-app purchases and apps that don’t.
Regarding sideloading, Google will likely need to change its current sideloading process.
Currently, to sideload an app on Android, users must open the APK and, if the source app has not yet been approved, follow a link to the settings where they can enable that option before returning to the installation process. there is. According to the changes outlined in this settlement, Android is required to simplify this process by condensing it onto his one screen. Android can still outline sideloading risks on this screen, but it will be a one-step process. The new screen will look like this:
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 will be required to maintain the simplified process for at least six years. However, Android allows you to make changes and updates. The proposed settlement requires that any changes made by Google “must not materially increase the complexity or burden of flows, except to the extent necessary to alert users to the legitimate risks of sideloading.” Additionally, Google specifically cannot introduce additional complexity “just because an app is sideloaded rather than downloaded from Google Play.”
The settlement document explains in section 6.10:
The revised default sideloading flow combines the following two screens from the Android default sideloading flow into one screen: (1) The default text “For security, your phone is currently , a pop-up will appear saying “You are not allowed to install unknown apps from here.” sauce.this is[設定]and (2) subsequent[不明なアプリのインストール]You can change it on the screen. This allows users to enable sideloading from specified sources and eliminates the need to access device settings to enable sideloading.
Each state agrees that Google may use the following languages (including foreign language translations) or substantially equivalent languages: “Your phone is not currently configured to install apps from this source. Giving this source permission to install apps could put your phone and data at risk.” ”
Further guidance regarding third-party app stores, as Google requires Android OEMs to allow third-party app stores to be preloaded on devices without requiring Google’s consent, as detailed in Section 6.8. there is.
Section 6.6 also provides that Google cannot enter into new agreements or enforce existing agreements with OEMs that require the Play Store to be preloaded exclusively on devices for at least five years. Please also be careful. or It is placed only on the home screen.
Meanwhile, as Google said in a post about the settlement, changes in Android 14 will allow third-party app stores to update apps on your device without your approval, and all app stores on your device will be You will be able to have the following functions. Control updates for installed apps. Starting with Android 12, Google will also be required to support app updates from third-party app stores without user approval with each update. As explained in Section 6.9, this feature will be maintained for at least four years.
As of today, the settlement and these terms are not yet final.It is pointed out by The Verge The states involved in the settlement aim to have it approved by a judge (the same judge who recently decided Epic v. Google) by February 8th.
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