Google Play, the Android app store, has evolved in a more than remarkable way throughout its historyalthough it is undeniable that it started from a position that could be greatly improved. Those of us who lived through the early days of smartphones remember, very clearly, the more than substantial difference between Apple’s policies with the iOS App Store and Google’s with Android Market, the original name of the software repository for Android smartphones.
Those from Cupertino, from day one, applied very strict policies aimed at ensuring the security and privacy of its users, while Google was too lax in this regard, which led to the proliferation of malware in all its colors and flavors. And it is as a result of this that, even today, the perception that Google Play is not a safe option for downloading apps still persists in part of the collective imagination.
However, Google was quick to respond to this problem.improving the monitoring and validation processes for apps that were intended to be published in the app store, and this is a process that is still ongoing today, with new features such as the one we told you about a month ago. And, although there is still a general belief that the App Store is safer (something that is also influenced by the more closed ecosystem of iOS compared to Android), the truth is that the difference has only narrowed over the last few years, especially since the arrival of Google Play Protect.
Now it seems that Google intends to further improve the user experience of apps in its operating system, and will soon take a very important step in this regard, as we read in the Play Console page, Google to apply new rules on functionality, content and user experience to apps on Google Play. These rules will go into effect on August 31, and from that date, apps that do not comply may be removed from the store. Google describes the new rules as follows:
Limited functionality and content
- Apps that are static, without specific functionality, for example apps that only provide access to a fixed selection of text documents or PDF files
- Apps with very little content and that do not provide an attractive user experience, for example, apps that only provide a wallpaper.
- Apps that are designed to do nothing or have no function.
Broken functionality
- Apps not installing.
- Apps that install but don’t load.
- Apps that load but don’t respond.
This cleanup operation is set to be massive and will undoubtedly be very positive for users. However, as they have communicated, Google is aware that “false positives” could occur in this process, so He assures that measures will be taken to prevent this. However, developers should remain vigilant in case they are affected by an error in the application of the new Google Play rules and, if so, contact Google to try to reverse the removal.
Source: www.muycomputer.com
