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Google Play will make it easier to find Android app stores soon
9to5Google • • technology
Key Points:
- A third-party Android app store, Aptoide Games, recently became available on Google Play, marking a shift in how such stores are accessed compared to previous sideloading methods.
- Judge Donato criticized Google for making third-party app stores difficult to find via search on Google Play, calling the current situation "not acceptable."
- The judge mandated that Google improve search functionality so that any reasonably phrased search query (at least 70% accurate) should display third-party stores properly.
- Google has agreed to implement changes, including replacing the “View” button with an “Install” button for third-party stores, and removing the “are you looking for” banner, which the judge deemed unnecessary friction.
- Google was given a one-week deadline to make these adjustments in response to the ongoing court case.
