In a significant development within the ongoing legal proceedings involving Google, a judge has expressed dissatisfaction with the accessibility of third-party Android app stores on Google Play. This comes on the heels of the launch of Aptoide Games, the first third-party app store to grace the platform, which has been reported to function with greater efficiency than previous sideloading methods.
However, the introduction of this new option has not been without its challenges. Users seeking to explore third-party app stores are finding the process less than straightforward. Google has indicated that locating these stores requires either a direct link or specific search terms, a situation that has drawn the ire of Judge Donato. According to The Verge, he criticized the current search functionality, stating that terms like “store for apps” should yield results for third-party options. Donato emphasized that even variations that are only 70% accurate should lead users to these stores.
In response to the judge’s concerns, Google has committed to implementing necessary changes. This includes a redesign of the user interface for third-party app stores, transitioning from a “View” button to a more intuitive “Install” button, thereby aligning these stores more closely with standard app offerings.
Judge Donato has set a one-week deadline for Google to address these issues, further commenting on the existing “are you looking for” banner as unnecessary friction in the user experience. His remarks underscore a growing demand for improved accessibility and user-friendliness within the app ecosystem.
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