alt Hacker NewsNot really, unless paying users switch to alternative stores, which they don't just because I as a developer face friction in publishing to Google Play.
In fact, Google is making alternative stores even less convenient with their latest 'side-loading' hurdles.
Regulators need to wake up, issue record fines, mandate equal access and a 'Choose your app stores' screen on device setup.
Otherwise competitive third party stores and a fair market are going to remain a pipe dream.
Replies
Brian_K_White • today at 9:35 PM
Of course they do, when you as a developer no longer offer an app they want in the old store.
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ToucanLoucan • today at 7:08 PM
So what stops these other mythical app stores from being just as predatory and exploitative as the first-party ones?
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They don't need record fines. They need to be liquidated and their entire c-suite and board of directors barred from serving in any executive management capacity of any business more complex than a sole proprietorship.