How to distribute apps on Android without Google Play

Aug 1 2022 • 48 mins

The Google Play Store is home to millions of Android apps. It's most likely the place where you downloaded the app to get this podcast. But what if you're in that very special group of users who source their apps from outside the bubble of Google Play?

On this episode of Android Bytes, we talk with Logan Magee, the developer behind his very own app store, Accrescent.

01:23 - Why do so many OEMs license GMS? What’s the importance of the Google Play Store and Google Play Services?
03:38 - What are the considerations you need to make when designing an app store?
07:45 - How do you get your app store on devices without GMS?
09:32 - What is Accrescent, and how will it differ from other Android app stores?
11:51 - How does Android’s security model work when it comes to apps? What is an APK file? What’s inside of an APK? How is it updated?
14:20 - How have APK signatures evolved? What do APK Signature Scheme v3 and v4 bring to the table? How does APK Signature Scheme v4 enable the “Play as you download” feature?
16:28 - Is there a way to secure Android’s trust on first use (TOFU) model for first-time app installs?
19:20 - What do Google Play and other app stores do to get developers on board?
20:40 - How does Google Play (try to) keep malicious apps off their store? Are these measures effective?
26:08 - Should app stores take over guarding of sensitive permissions from the OS?
28:40 - What is the advantage of bundling an app store with the OS image? What can preinstalled app stores do that sideloaded third-party app stores can’t?
30:25 - How does Android 12 enable third-party app stores to perform unattended updates?
33:35 - What is an Android App Bundle and how is it different from an APK? What are the benefits of app bundles and what are some of the downsides?
40:25 - How will Google Play’s app archiving feature work? What is an archived APK?
41:50 - What can we learn about Android app distribution from China?

Android Bytes is hosted by Mishaal Rahman, Senior Technical Editor, and David Ruddock, Editor in Chief, of Esper.

Esper enables next-gen device management for company-owned and managed tablets, kiosks, smart phones, IoT edge devices, and more.

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Our music is "19" by HOME and is licensed under CC BY 3.0.