Jump to content

Google Play

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Android Market)
Not to be confused with Google Play Services or Google Pay.

Google Play
Developer(s)Google
Initial releaseOctober 22, 2008; 16 years ago (2008-10-22) (as Android Market)
March 6, 2012; 12 years ago (2012-03-06) (as Google Play)
Stable release(s) [±]
Android40.4.31 / April 5, 2024; 7 months ago (2024-04-05)[1]
Android TV40.4.20 / April 5, 2024; 7 months ago (2024-04-05)[2]
Wear OS40.2.18 / March 24, 2024; 7 months ago (2024-03-24)[3]
PlatformAndroid, Android TV, Wear OS, ChromeOS, Web
TypeDigital distribution, app store, mobile game store, video on demand, ebook store

Online music store (until December 2020)

Websiteplay.google.com

Google Play, also known as the Google Play Store or Play Store and formerly known as Android Market, is a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google. It serves as the official app store for certified devices running on the Android operating system and its derivatives, as well as ChromeOS, allowing users to browse and download applications developed with the Android software development kit and published through Google. Google Play has also served as a digital media store, offering games, music, books, movies, and television programs.[4] Content that has been purchased on Google Play Movies & TV and Google Play Books can be accessed on a web browser and through the Android and iOS apps.

Applications are available through Google Play either for free or at a cost. They can be downloaded directly on an Android device through the proprietary Google Play Store mobile app or by deploying the application to a device from the Google Play website. Applications utilizing the hardware capabilities of a device can be targeted at users of devices with specific hardware components, such as a motion sensor (for motion-dependent games) or a front-facing camera (for online video calling). The Google Play Store had over 82 billion app downloads in 2016 and over 3.5 million apps published in 2017,[5] while after a purge of apps, it is back to over 3 million.[6] It has been the subject of multiple issues concerning security, in which malicious software has been approved and uploaded to the store and downloaded by users, with varying degrees of severity.

Google Play was launched on March 6, 2012, bringing together Android Market, Google Music, Google Movies, and the Google eBookstore under one brand, marking a shift in Google's digital distribution strategy. Following their rebranding, Google has expanded the geographical support for each of the services. Since 2018, Google has gradually sunsetted the Play brand: Google Play Newsstand was discontinued in favor of Google News, Google Play Music was discontinued in favor of YouTube Music and Play Movies & TV was rebranded as Google TV.

Catalog content

[edit]

Android applications

[edit]
Further information: Android (operating system)
Map of global availability of Google Play
Global availability of Google Play

By 2017, Google Play featured more than 3.5 million Android applications.[5][7] After Google purged a lot of apps from the Google Play Store, the number of apps has risen back to over 3 million Android applications. As of 2017, developers in more than 150 locations could distribute apps on Google Play, though not every location supports merchant registration. Developers receive 85% of the application price, while the remaining 15% goes to the distribution partner and operating fees. Developers can set up sales, with the original price struck out and a banner underneath informing users when the sale ends.[8][9] Google Play allows developers to release early versions of apps to a select group of users, as alpha or beta tests.[9] Users can pre-order select apps (as well as movies, music, books, and games) to have the items delivered as soon as they are available.[10] Some network carriers offer billing for Google Play purchases, allowing users to opt for charges in the monthly phone bill rather than on credit cards.[11] Users can request refunds within 48 hours after a purchase.[12]

Games

[edit]
Main article: Google Play Games

At the Google I/O 2013 Developer Conference, Google announced the introduction of Google Play Games.[13] Google Play Games is an online gaming service for Android that features real-time multiplayer gaming capabilities, cloud saves, social and public leaderboards, and achievements. Its standalone mobile app was launched on July 24, 2013.[14]

Books

[edit]
Main article: Google Play Books
Map of Global Availability of Google Play Books
Global availability of Google Play Books

Google Play Books is an ebook digital distribution service. Google Play offers over five million ebooks available for purchase,[15] and users can also upload up to 1,000 of their own ebooks in the form of PDF or EPUB file formats.[16] As of January 2017, Google Play Books is available in 75 countries.[17]

Movies and TV shows

[edit]
Main article: Google TV (service)
Global availability of Google TV (also includes Singapore)

Google Play Movies & TV was a video on demand service offering movies and television shows available for purchase or rental, depending on availability.[18]

As of January 2017, movies are available in over 110 countries, while TV shows are available only in Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, the United States and the United Kingdom.[17]

In October 2020, Google Play Movies & TV was renamed Google TV.

Google announced on March 22, 2022, that Google Play will remove Play Movies & TV from their store and will be moved to Google TV by May 2022.[19]

Play Pass

[edit]
Main article: Google Play Pass
Map of global availability of Google Play Pass
Global availability of Google Play Pass

On September 23, 2019, Google launched its Google Play Pass games and apps subscription service in the US.[20][21] As of September 2019, subscribers could access the games and apps without ads and in-app purchases. The program is invitation-only for app developers, who then can integrate the service into their existing apps.[22]

Device updates

[edit]

Google introduced Project Mainline in Android 10, allowing core OS components to be updated via the Google Play Store, without requiring a complete system update.[23][24]

Android 10 supports updates for core OS components including:

  • Security: Media Codecs, Media Framework Components, DNS Resolver, Conscrypt
  • Privacy: Documents UI, Permission Controller, ExtServices
  • Consistency: Time zone data, ANGLE (developers opt-in), Module Metadata, Networking components, Captive Portal Login, Network Permission Configuration[23]

On December 4, 2019, Qualcomm announced their Snapdragon 865 supports GPU drivers updated via the Google Play Store. This feature was initially introduced with Android Oreo but vendors had not added support yet.[25]

Teacher Approved

[edit]

In 2020, Google launched a new children-focused 'Teacher Approved' section for the Google Play Store. Apps marked as 'Teacher Approved' meet higher standards approved for educational purposes.[26][27]

History

[edit]
Former Google Play logo, 2012

Google Play (previously styled Google play) originated from three distinct products: Android Market, Google Music and Google eBookstore.[28]

Apps

[edit]

Android Market was announced by Google on August 28, 2008,[29][30] and was made available to users on October 22.[31][32] In December 2010, content filtering was added to Android Market, each app's details page started showing a promotional graphic at the top, and the maximum size of an app was raised from 25 megabytes to 50 megabytes.[33][34][35] The Google eBookstore was launched on December 6, 2010, debuting with three million ebooks, making it "the largest ebooks collection in the world".[36] In November 2011, Google announced Google Music, a section of the Google Play Store offering music purchases.[37][38] In March 2012, Google increased the maximum allowed size of an app by allowing developers to attach two expansion files to an app's basic download; each expansion file with a maximum size of 2 gigabytes, giving app developers a total of 4 gigabytes.[39][40] Also in March 2012, Android Market was re-branded as Google Play.[41][42][43]

The Google Play Store, including all Android apps, came to ChromeOS in September 2016.[44][45]

In May 2021, Google Play announced plans to implement a new section with privacy information for all applications in its storefront. The project is similar to App Store's privacy labels and is expected to be released in full in the first half of 2022. The feature will show users what kind of information each app collects, whether the data it stores is encrypted and whether users can opt out of being tracked by the application.[46]

In December 2023, Google agreed to pay $700 million, mostly to its customers, to resolve complaints of anti-competitive behavior from U.S. states.[47] Google also agreed to give users the option to pay through another party other than Google at download time, and make it easier to download apps from web sites directly.[47] Google Play has until March 6, 2024, to comply with the new Digital Markets Act in the European Union.

Music

[edit]
Main article: Google Play Music
Map of global availability of Google Play Music
Global availability of Google Play Music

Google Play Music was a music and podcast Streaming media and online music locker. It features over 40 million songs,[48] and gives users free cloud storage of up to 50,000 songs.[49]

As of May 2017, Google Play Music was available in 64 countries.[17]

In June 2018, Google announced plans to shut down Play Music by 2020 and offered users to migrate to YouTube Music, migration to Google Podcasts was announced in May 2020.[50][51] In October 2020, the music store for Google Play Music was shut down.[52] Google Play Music was shut down in December 2020 and was replaced by YouTube Music and Google Podcasts.[4]

News publications and magazines

[edit]
Main article: Google Play Newsstand
Map of Global Availability of Google Play Newsstand
Global availability of Google Play Newsstand

Google Play Newsstand was a news aggregator and digital newsstand service offering subscriptions to digital magazines and topical news feeds.[53] Google released Newsstand in November 2013, combining the features of Google Play Magazines and Google Currents into a single product.[54]

As of January 2017, the basic Newsstand service, was available worldwide. As of 2017, paid Newsstand content was available in more than 35 countries.[citation needed]

On May 15, 2018, the mobile app merged with Google News & Weather to form Google News. The Newsstand section continued to appear on the Google Play website until November 5, 2018, but now is only available through the Google News app.[55]

Devices

[edit]
Main article: Google Store

Until March 2015, Google Play had a "Devices" section for users to purchase Google Nexus devices, Chromebooks, Chromecasts, other Google-branded hardware, and accessories. A separate online hardware retailer called the Google Store was introduced on March 11, 2015, replacing the Devices section of Google Play.[56][57]

User interface

[edit]
"Google Play Console" redirects here. Not to be confused with Google Search Console or Google Stadia.

Apart from searching for content by name, apps can also be searched through keywords provided by the developer.[58] When searching for apps, users can press on suggested search filters, helping them to find apps matching the determined filters.[59] For app discoverability, Google Play Store consists of lists featuring top apps in each category, including "Top Free", a list of the most popular free apps of all time; "Top Paid", a list of the most popular paid apps of all time; "Top Grossing", a list of apps generating the highest amounts of revenue; "Trending Apps", a list of apps with recent installation growth; "Top New Free", a list of the most popular new free apps; "Top New Paid", a list of the most popular new paid apps; "Featured", a list of new apps selected by the Google Play team; "Staff Picks", a frequently updated list of apps selected by the Google Play team; "Editors' Choice", a list of apps considered the best of all time; and "Top Developer", a list of apps made by developers considered the best.[60] In March 2017, Google added a "Free App of the Week" section, offering one normally paid app for free.[61][62] In July 2017, Google expanded its "Editors' Choice" section to feature curated lists of apps deemed to provide good Android experiences within overall themes, such as fitness, video calling, and puzzle games.[63][64]

Google Play enables users to know the popularity of apps by displaying the number of times the app has been downloaded. The download count is a color-coded badge, with special color designations for surpassing certain app download milestones, including grey for 100, 500, 1,000, and 5,000 downloads, blue for 10,000 and 50,000 downloads, green for 100,000 and 500,000 downloads, and red/orange for 1 million, 5 million, 10 million, and 1 billion downloads.[65][66]

Users can submit reviews and ratings for apps and digital content distributed through Google Play, which are displayed publicly. Ratings are based on a 5-point scale. App developers can respond to reviews[67] using the Google Play Console.[68]

Design

[edit]

Google has redesigned Google Play's interface on several occasions. In February 2011, Google introduced a website interface for the then-named Android Market that provides access through a computer.[69] Applications purchased are downloaded and installed on an Android device remotely, with a "My Market Account" section letting users give their devices a nickname for easy recognition.[70] In May 2011, Google added new application lists to Android Market, including "Top Paid", "Top Free", "Editor's Choice", "Top Grossing", "Top Developers", and "Trending".[71][72] In July, Google introduced an interface with a focus on featured content, more search filters, and (in the US) book sales and movie rentals.[73]

In May 2013, a redesign to the website interface matched the then-recently redesigned Android app.[74] In July 2014, the Google Play Store Android app added new headers to the Books/Movies sections, a new Additional Information screen offering a list featuring the latest available app version, installed size, and content rating, and simplified the app permissions prompt into overview categories.[75] A few days later, it got a redesign consistent with the then-new Material Design design language,[76][77] and the app was again updated in October 2015 to feature new animations, divide up the content into "Apps and Games" and "Entertainment" sections, as well as added support for languages read right-to-left.[78][79][80]

In April 2016, Google announced a redesign of all the icons used for its suite of Play apps, adding a similar style and consistent look.[81][82] In May 2017, Google removed the shopping bag from the Google Play icon, with only the triangle and associated colors remaining.[83][84] In March 2018, Google experimented by changing the format of the screenshots used for the App pages from the WebP format to PNG but reverted the change after it caused the images to load more slowly. The update also saw small UI tweaks to the Google Play Store site with the reviews section now opening to a dedicated page and larger images in the light box viewer.[85][86]

In July 2022, Google announced a new logo for the Google Play Store that is more uniform in color with other Google services.[87]

Google Play Instant Apps

[edit]

Launched in 2017, Google Play Instant, also known as Google Instant Apps, allows a user to use an app or game without installing it first.[88][89]

App monetization

[edit]

Google states in its Developer Policy Center that "Google Play supports a variety of monetization strategies to benefit developers and users, including paid distribution, in-app products, subscriptions, and ad-based models", and requires developers to comply with the policies in order to "ensure the best user experience". It requires that developers charging for apps and downloads through Google Play must use Google Play's payment system. In-app purchases unlocking additional app functionality must also use the Google Play payment system, except in cases where the purchase "is solely for physical products" or "is for digital content that may be consumed outside of the app itself (e.g. songs that can be played on other music players)."[90] Support for paid applications was introduced on February 13, 2009, for developers in the United States and the United Kingdom,[91] with support expanded to an additional 29 countries on September 30, 2010.[92] The in-app billing system was originally introduced in March 2011.[93] All developers on Google Play are required to feature a physical address on the app's page in Google Play, a requirement established in September 2014.[94]

In February 2017, Google announced that it would let developers set sales for their apps, with the original price struck out and a banner underneath informing users when the sale ends. Google also announced that it had made changes to its algorithms to promote games based on user engagement and not just downloads. Finally, it announced new editorial pages for what it considers "optimal gaming experiences on Android", further promoting and curating games.[95][8][9]

Payment methods

[edit]
Google Play gift card

Google allows users to purchase content with credit or debit cards, carrier billing, gift cards, or through PayPal.[96] Google began rolling out carrier billing for purchases in May 2012,[11][97] followed by support for PayPal in May 2014.[98][99]

On July 31, 2023, Hong Kong and Macau added support for China UnionPay cards, and users can bind UnionPay cards through the Play Store app.[100]

Gift cards

[edit]

The rumor of Google Play gift cards started circulating online in August 2012 after references to it were discovered by Android Police in the 3.8.15 version update of the Google Play Store Android app.[101] Soon after, images of the gift cards started to leak,[102] and on August 21, 2012, they were made official by Google and rolled out over the next few weeks.[103][104]

As of August 2024, Google Play gift cards are available in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.[105]

Starting from June 2021, Google began enforcing region-locking by preventing users from redeeming gift cards of other countries despite usage of VPNs, based on location history tracking and device fingerprint activity data associated with a user's Google account usage history.[106][107]

Subscriptions

[edit]

Google introduced in-app subscriptions to Google Play in May 2012.[108][109] In June 2016, some sources reported that Google announced that subscriptions charged through Google Play would now split the revenue 85/15, where developers receive 85% of revenue and Google takes 15%, a change from the traditional 70/30 split in years prior. The move followed Apple's then-recently announced change of the same model, although commentators were quick to point out that while Apple grants the 85/15 revenue share after one year of active subscriptions, Google's subscription change takes effect immediately.[110][111][112] As of January 1, 2018, the transaction fee for subscription products decreased to 15% for any subscribers developers retain after 12 paid months,[113] establishing that, unlike what sources were reporting, Google is using the same model as Apple with in-app subscriptions on the App Store.

Google has deals with some companies to pay less fees than the rest of Android app developers.[114]

Google Play Store on Android

[edit]

Google Play Store
Developer(s)Google
Initial releaseOctober 22, 2008; 16 years ago (2008-10-22)
Operating systemAndroid
TypeDigital distribution, App store
Websiteplay.google.com Edit this on Wikidata
Get it on Google Play badge

Google Play Store, shortened to Play Store on the Home screen and App screen, is Google's official pre-installed app store on Android-certified devices. It provides access to content on Google Play, including apps, books, magazines, music, movies, and television programs.[115] Devices do not ship with the Google Play Store in China, with manufacturers offering their own alternative.[116]

Google Play Store filters the list of apps to those compatible with the user's device. Developers can target specific hardware components (such as compass), software components (such as widget), and Android versions (such as 7.0 Nougat).[117] Carriers can also ban certain apps from being installed on users' devices, for example tethering applications.[118]

There is no requirement that Android applications be acquired using the Google Play Store. Users may download Android applications from a developer's website or through a third-party app store alternative.[119] Google Play Store applications are self-contained Android Package files (APK), similar to .exe files used to install programs on Microsoft Windows computers.[120] On Android devices, an "Unknown sources" feature in Settings allows users to bypass the Google Play Store and install APKs from other sources.[121] Depending on developer preferences, some apps can be installed to a phone's external storage card.[122]

In 2020, Google decided to rewrite the Play Store app's UI code using Jetpack Compose, which was in pre-alpha at the time. It stated that the "existing code was 10+ years old and had incurred tremendous tech debt over countless Android platform releases and feature updates."[123]

Installation history

[edit]

The Google Play Store app features a history of all installed apps. Users can remove apps from the list, with the changes also synchronizing to the Google Play website interface, where the option to remove apps from the history does not exist.[124]

Compatibility

[edit]

Google publishes the source code for Android through its "Android Open Source Project", allowing enthusiasts and developers to program and distribute their own modified versions of the operating system. However, not all these modified versions are compatible with apps developed for Google's official Android versions. The "Android Compatibility Program" serves to "define a baseline implementation of Android that is compatible with third-party apps written by developers". Only Android devices that comply with Google's compatibility requirements may install and access the Google Play Store application. As stated in a help page for the Android Open Source Project, "Devices that are "Android compatible" may participate in the Android ecosystem, including Android Market; devices that don't meet the compatibility requirements exist outside that ecosystem. In other words, the Android Compatibility Program is how we separate "Android compatible devices" from devices that merely run derivatives of the source code. We welcome all uses of the Android source code, but only Android compatible devices—as defined and tested by the Android Compatibility Program—may participate in the Android ecosystem."[125]

Since August 2019, all new and updated Google Play apps must have 64-bit binaries, with some exceptions. Since August 2021, Google Play will not serve apps that only have 32-bit binaries to devices compatible with 64-bit apps. This requirement does not apply to Android TV or Wear OS apps.[126][127]

Google Play Services

[edit]
Main article: Google Play Services

In 2012, Google began decoupling certain aspects of its Android operating system (particularly its core applications) so they could be updated through the Google Play store independently of the OS. One of those components, Google Play Services, is a closed-source system-level process providing APIs for Google services, installed automatically on nearly all devices running Android 2.2 "Froyo" and higher. With these changes, Google can add new system functionality through Play Services and update apps without having to distribute an upgrade to the operating system itself.[128] As a result, Android 4.2 and 4.3 "Jelly Bean" contained relatively fewer user-facing changes, focusing more on minor changes and platform improvements.[129]

History of app growth

[edit]
Year Month Applications available Downloads to date
2009 March 2,300[130]
December 16,000[131]
2010 March 30,000[132]
April 38,000[133]
July 70,000[134]
September 80,000[135]
October 100,000[136]
2011 April 3 billion[137]
May 200,000[138] 4,5 billion[138]
July 250,000[139] 6 billion[139]
October 500,000[140][141]
December 10 billion[142]
2012 April 15 billion[143]
June 600,000[144] 20 billion[144]
September 675,000[145] 25 billion[145]
October 700,000[146]
2013 May 48 billion[147]
July 1 million[148] 50 billion[148]
2016 82 billion[149]
2017 February 2.7 million[7]

Google Play Awards and yearly lists

[edit]

In April 2016, Google announced the Google Play Awards, described as "a way to recognize our incredible developer community and highlight some of the best apps and games". The awards showcase five nominees across ten award categories, and the apps are featured in a dedicated section of Google Play. Google stated that "Nominees were selected by a panel of experts on the Google Play team based on criteria emphasizing app quality, innovation, and having a launch or major update in the last 12 months", with the winners announced in May.[150][151]

Google has also previously released yearly lists of apps it deemed the "best" on Google Play.[152][153]

On March 6, 2017, five years after Google Play's launch, Google released lists of the best-selling apps, games, movies, music, and books over the past five years.[154][155]

In June 2017, Google introduced "Android Excellence", a new editorial program to highlight the apps deemed the highest quality by the Google Play editors.[156][157]

In 2020, Google Play awarded Disney+ as the top app of the year for users in the US, and SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off taking the honors in the gaming category.[158]

Application approval

[edit]

Google places some restrictions on the types of apps that can be published, in particular not allowing sexually explicit content, child endangerment, violence, bullying & harassment, hate speech, gambling, illegal activities, and requiring precautions for user-generated content.[159]

In March 2015, Google disclosed that over the past few months, it had begun using a combination of automated tools and human reviewers to check apps for malware and terms of service violations before they are published in the Google Play Store. At the same time, it began rolling out a new age-based ratings system for apps and games, based on a given region's official ratings authority (for example, ESRB in most of the Americas and PEGI in Europe).[160][161][162]

In October 2016, Google announced a new detection and filtering system designed to provide "additional enhancements to protect the integrity of the store". The new system is aimed to detect and filter cases where developers have been attempting to "manipulate the placement of their apps through illegitimate means like fraudulent installs, fake reviews, and incentivized ratings".[163][164][165]

In April 2019, Google announced changes to the store's app review process, stating that it would take several days to review app submissions from new and less-established developers.[166] The company later clarified that, in exceptional cases, certain apps may be subject to an expanded review process, delaying the publication by seven days or longer.[167][168]

In 2023, Google imposes strict guidelines for personal loan apps on Play Store from 31 May that make the customer's data vulnerable.[169][170]

Application bans

[edit]

Some mobile carriers can block users from installing certain apps. In March 2009, reports surfaced that several tethering apps were banned from the store.[171] However, the apps were later restored, with a new ban preventing only T-Mobile subscribers from downloading the apps. Google released a statement:[172]

On Monday, several applications that enable tethering were removed from the Android Market catalog because they were in violation of T-Mobile's terms of service in the US. Based on Android's Developer Distribution Agreement (section 7.2), we remove applications from the Android Market catalog that violate the terms of service of a carrier or manufacturer. We inadvertently unpublished the applications for all carriers, and today we have corrected the problem so that all Android Market users outside the T-Mobile US network will now have access to the applications. We have notified the affected developers.

In April 2011, Google removed the Grooveshark app from the store due to unspecified policy violations. CNET noted that the removal came "after some of the top music labels have accused the service of violating copyright law".[173] TechCrunch wrote approximately two weeks later that Grooveshark had returned to Android, "albeit not through the official App Market", but rather "Playing on Android's ability to install third-party applications through the browser, Grooveshark has taken on the responsibility of distributing the application themselves".[174]

In May 2011, Google banned the account of the developer of several video game emulators. Neither Google nor the developer publicly revealed the reason for the ban.[175]

In March 2013, Google began to pull ad blocking apps from the Google Play Store, per section 4.4 of the developers' agreement, which prohibits apps that interfere with servers and services.[176]

Apps that exempt themselves from power management policies introduced on Android Marshmallow without being "adversely affected" by them are banned.[177][178]

In July 2018, Google banned additional categories of apps, including those that perform cryptocurrency mining on-device, apps that "facilitate the sale of explosives, firearms, ammunition, or certain firearms accessories", are only used to present ads, contain adult content but are aimed towards children, "multiple apps with highly similar content and user experience," and "apps that are created by an automated tool, wizard service, or based on templates and submitted to Google Play by the operator of that service on behalf of other persons."[179]

In 2022, two Iranian state-supported ridesharing apps and three messenger apps were deleted through Play Protect for being malware and spyware.[180][181]

Application security

[edit]

In February 2012, Google introduced a new automated antivirus system, called Google Bouncer, to scan both new and existing apps for malware (e. g. spyware or trojan horses).[182][183] In 2017, the Bouncer feature and other safety measures within the Android platform were rebranded under the umbrella name Google Play Protect, a system that regularly scans apps for threats.[184][185]

Android apps can ask for or require certain permissions on the device, including access to body sensors, calendar, camera, contacts, location, microphone, phone, SMS, storage, Wi-Fi, and access to Google accounts.[186]

In July 2017, Google described a new security effort called "peer grouping", in which apps performing similar functionalities, such as calculator apps, are grouped together and attributes compared. If one app stands out, such as requesting more device permissions than others in the same group, Google's systems automatically flag the app and security engineers take a closer inspection. Peer grouping is based on app descriptions, metadata, and statistics such as download count.[187][188]

Security issues

[edit]

In early March 2011, DroidDream, a trojan rootkit exploit, was released to the then-named Android Market in the form of several free applications that were, in many cases, pirated versions of existing priced apps. This exploit allowed hackers to steal information such as IMEI and IMSI numbers, phone model, user ID, and service provider. The exploit also installed a backdoor that allowed the hackers to download more code to the infected device.[189] The exploit only affected devices running Android versions earlier than 2.3 "Gingerbread".[190] Google removed the apps from the Market immediately after being alerted,[191] but the apps had already been downloaded more than 50,000 times, according to Android Police's estimate.[189] Android Police wrote that the only method of removing the exploit from an infected device was to reset it to a factory state, although community-developed solutions for blocking some aspects of the exploit were created.[191] A few days later, Google confirmed that 58 malicious apps had been uploaded to Android Market, and had been downloaded to 260,000 devices before being removed from the store.[192] Google emailed affected users with information that "As far as we can determine, the only information obtained was device-specific (IMEI/IMSI, unique codes which are used to identify mobile devices, and the version of Android running on your device)" as opposed to personal data and account information.[192] It also announced the then-new "remote kill" functionality, alongside a security update, that lets Google remotely remove malicious apps from users' devices.[192] However, days later, a malicious version of the security update was found on the Internet, though it did not contain the specific DroidDream malware.[193] New apps featuring the malware, renamed DroidDream Light, surfaced the following June, and were also removed from the store.[194]

At the Black Hat security conference in 2012, security firm Trustwave demonstrated their ability to upload an app that would circumvent the Bouncer blocker system. The application used a JavaScript exploit to steal contacts, SMS messages, and photos, and was also capable of making the phone open arbitrary web pages or launch denial-of-service attacks. Nicholas Percoco, senior vice president of Trustwave's SpiderLabs advanced security team, stated that "We wanted to test the bounds of what it's capable of". The app stayed on Google Play for more than two weeks, being repeatedly scanned by the Bouncer system without detection, with Percoco further saying that "As an attack, all a malware attacker has to do to get into Google Play is to bypass Bouncer". Trustwave reached out to Google to share their findings, but noted that more manual testing of apps might be necessary to detect apps using malware-masking techniques.[195][196]

According to a 2014 research study released by RiskIQ, a security services company, malicious apps introduced through Google Play increased 388% between 2011 and 2013, while the number of apps removed by Google dropped from 60% in 2011 to 23% in 2013. The study further revealed that "Apps for personalizing Android phones led all categories as most likely to be malicious".[197][198] According to PC World, "Google said it would need more information about RiskIQ's analysis to comment on the findings."[199]

In October 2016, Engadget reported about a blog post named "Password Storage in Sensitive Apps" from freelance Android hacker Jon Sawyer, who decided to test the top privacy apps on Google Play.[200] Testing two applications, one named "Hide Pictures Keep Safe Vault" and the other named "Private Photo Vault", Sawyer found significant errors in password handling in both, and commented, "These companies are selling products that claim to securely store your most intimate pieces of data, yet are at most snake oil. You would have near equal protection just by changing the file extension and renaming the photos."[201][202]

In April 2017, security firm Check Point announced that a malware named "FalseGuide" had been hidden inside approximately 40 "game guide" apps in Google Play.[203] The malware is capable of gaining administrator access to infected devices, where it then receives additional modules that let it show popup ads. The malware, a type of botnet, is also capable of launching DDoS attacks.[204][203] After being alerted to the malware, Google removed all instances of it in the store,[204] but by that time, approximately two million Android users had already downloaded the apps, the oldest of which had been around since November 2016.[203]

In June 2017, researchers from the Sophos security company announced their finding of 47 apps using a third-party development library that shows intrusive advertisements on users' phones. Even after such apps are force-closed by the user, advertisements remain. Google removed some of the apps after receiving reports from Sophos, but some apps remained. When asked for comment, Google didn't respond.[205] In August 2017, 500 apps were removed from Google Play after security firm Lookout discovered that the apps contained an software development kit that allowed for malicious advertising. The apps had been collectively downloaded over 100 million times, and consisted of a wide variety of use cases, including health, weather, photo-editing, Internet radio and emoji.[206][207]

In all of 2017, over 700,000 apps were banned from Google Play due to abusive contents; this is a 70% increase over the number of apps banned in 2016.[208]

In March 2020, Check Point discovered 56 apps containing a malware program that had infected a total of 1 million devices. The program, called Tekya, was designed to evade detection by Google Play Protect and VirusTotal and then fraudulently click on ads. Around the same time, Dr. Web discovered at least six apps with 700,000 total downloads containing at least 18 modifications program called Android.Circle.1. In addition to performing click fraud, Android.Circle.1 can also operate as adware and perform phishing attacks.[209]

On July 1, 2021, Dr. Web discovered malicious apps on Google Play that steal Facebook users' logins and passwords. Their specialists uncovered 9 trojans that were available on Google Play Store with over 5.8 million installs among them. The apps tricked victims into logging into their Facebook accounts and hijacked the credentials via JavaScript code.[210] Google removed these apps later on.[211]

On September 29, 2021, Zimperium zLabs recently discovered a large-scale malware campaign has infected more than 10 million Android devices from over 70 countries and likely stole hundreds of millions from its victims by subscribing to paid services without their knowledge. GriftHorse, the trojan used in these attacks, was discovered by researchers who first spotted this illicit global premium services campaign. This campaign has been active for roughly five months, between November 2020 and April 2021, when their malicious apps were last updated. The malware was delivered using over 200 trojanized Android applications delivered through Google's official Play Store and third-party app stores. Google has removed the apps after being notified of their malicious nature but this malware are still available for download on third-party repositories.[212]

On November 30, 2021, ThreatFabric, researchers explain how they discovered four different malware dropper campaigns distributing banking trojans on the Google Play Store. This evolution includes creating small realistic-looking apps that focus on common themes such as fitness, cryptocurrency, QR codes, and PDF scanning to trick users into installing the app. Once these "dropper" apps are installed, they will silently communicate with the threat actor's server to receive commands. When ready to distribute the banking trojan, the threat actor's server will tell the installed app to perform a fake "update" that "drops" and launches the malware on the Android device.[213]

Patent issues

[edit]

Some developers publishing on Google Play have been sued for patent infringement by "patent trolls", people who own broad or vaguely worded patents that they use to target small developers. If the developer manages to successfully challenge the initial assertion, the "patent troll" changes the claim of the violation in order to accuse the developer of having violated a different assertion in the patent. This situation continues until the case goes into the legal system, which can have substantial economic costs, prompting some developers to settle.[214] In February 2013, Austin Meyer, a flight simulator game developer, was sued for having used a copy-protection system in his app, a system that he said "Google gave us! And, of course, this is what Google provides to everyone else that is making a game for Android!" Meyer claimed that Google would not assist in the lawsuit, and he stated that he would not settle the case.[215] His battle with the troll continued for several years, uploading a video in June 2016 discussing that he was then being sued for uploading his app to Google Play, because "the patent troll apparently owns the idea [sic] of the Google Play Store itself".[214] Android Authority wrote that "This scenario has played out against many other app developers for many years", and have prompted discussions over "a larger issue at stake", in which developers stop making apps out of fear of patent problems.[214]

Availability

[edit]

Users outside the countries/regions listed below only have access to free apps and games through Google Play.

Country/region Paid apps and games Devices[216] Magazines[17] Books[17] Google TV[17]
Customers can purchase[217] Developers can sell[218] Google Play Pass[219] Google Play Points[21] Movies TV shows
 Albania Yes Yes No No No No No Yes No
 Algeria Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Angola Yes No Yes No No No No Yes No
 Antigua and Barbuda Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Argentina Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes No
 Armenia Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Aruba Yes No No No No No No Yes No
 Australia Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
 Austria Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
 Azerbaijan Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Bahamas Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Bahrain Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes No
 Bangladesh Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Barbados Yes No No No No No No No No
 Belarus Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Belgium Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Belize Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Benin Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Bermuda Yes No No No No No No No No
 Bhutan No Yes No No No No No No No
 Bolivia Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Bosnia and Herzegovina Yes No No No No No No Yes No
 Botswana Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Brazil Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 British Virgin Islands Yes No No No No No No No No
 Brunei No Yes No No No No No No No
 Bulgaria Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No
 Burkina Faso Yes No Yes No No No No Yes No
 Burundi No Yes No No No No No Yes No
 Cambodia Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Cameroon Yes No No No No No No No No
 Canada Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
 Cape Verde Yes No Yes No No No No Yes No
 Cayman Islands Yes No No No No No No No No
 Central African Republic Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Chad Yes No No No No No No No No
 Chile Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No
 China No Yes No No No No No No No
 Colombia Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No
 Comoros Yes No No No No No No No No
 Democratic Republic of the Congo Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Republic of the Congo Yes No No No No No No No No
 Costa Rica Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Croatia Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Cyprus Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Czech Republic Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes No
 Denmark Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No
 Djibouti Yes No No No No No No No No
 Dominica Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Dominican Republic Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Ecuador Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Egypt Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes No
 Equatorial Guinea No Yes No No No No No No No
 El Salvador Yes No Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Eritrea Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Estonia Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Eswatini No Yes No No No No No No No
 Fiji Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Finland Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No
 France Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
 Gabon Yes No Yes No No No No Yes No
 Gambia Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Georgia Yes No No No No No No No No
 Germany Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
 Ghana Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Greece Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes No
 Grenada Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Guatemala Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Guinea Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Guinea-Bissau Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Guyana No Yes No No No No No No No
 Haiti Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Honduras Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Hong Kong Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No
 Hungary Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Iceland Yes Yes No No No No No Yes No
 India Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Indonesia Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Iraq Yes No No No No No No No No
 Ireland Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Israel Yes Yes No Yes No No No No No
 Italy Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Ivory Coast Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Jamaica Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Japan Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
 Jordan Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes No
 Kazakhstan Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Kenya Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Kiribati No Yes No No No No No No No
 Kuwait Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes No
 Kyrgyzstan Yes No Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Laos Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Latvia Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Lebanon Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes No
 Lesotho No Yes No No No No No No No
 Liberia Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Libya Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Liechtenstein Yes No Yes No No No No No No
 Lithuania Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Luxembourg Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes No
 Macau Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Malawi No Yes No No No No No No No
 Malaysia Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Maldives Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Mali Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Malta Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Mauritania No Yes No No No No No No No
 Mauritius Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Mexico Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Federated States of Micronesia Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Moldova Yes Yes No No No No No Yes No
 Monaco Yes No No No No No No No No
 Mongolia No Yes No No No No No No No
 Morocco Yes No No No No No No No No
 Mozambique Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Myanmar Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Namibia Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Nepal Yes No Yes No No No No Yes No
 Netherlands Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Netherlands Antilles Yes No No No No No No No No
 New Zealand Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No
 Nicaragua Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Niger Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Nigeria Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 North Macedonia Yes Yes No No No No No Yes No
 Norway Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No
 Oman Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes No
 Pakistan Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Palestine No Yes No No No No No No No
 Panama Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Papua New Guinea Yes No Yes No No No No Yes No
 Paraguay Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Peru Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No
 Philippines Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Poland Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No
 Portugal Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No
 Qatar Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes No
 Romania Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes No No
 Russia Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No
 Rwanda Yes No Yes No No No No Yes No
 Saint Kitts and Nevis Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Saint Lucia Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines No Yes No No No No No No No
 Samoa Yes No No No No No No No No
 San Marino Yes No No No No No No No No
 Saudi Arabia Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No
 Senegal Yes No Yes No No No No Yes No
 Serbia Yes Yes No Yes No No No No No
 Seychelles Yes No No No No No No No No
 Sierra Leone Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Singapore Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes No
 Slovakia Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Slovenia Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Solomon Islands Yes No No No No No No No No
 Somalia Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 South Africa Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes No
 South Korea Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Spain Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Sri Lanka Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Suriname Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Sweden Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No
 Switzerland Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
 Taiwan Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Tajikistan Yes No Yes No No No No Yes No
 Tanzania Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Thailand Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 Tonga Yes No No No No No No No No
 Togo Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Trinidad and Tobago Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Tunisia Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Turkey Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Yes No
 Turkmenistan Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Turks and Caicos Islands Yes No No No No No No No No
 Uganda Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Ukraine Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No
 United Arab Emirates Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
 United Kingdom Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
 United States[a] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
 Uruguay Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Uzbekistan Yes Yes No No No No Yes Yes No
 Vanuatu Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Vatican City Yes No No No No No No No No
 Venezuela Yes Yes No No No No Yes Yes No
 Vietnam Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes No
 Yemen Yes Yes No No No No No No No
 Zambia Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No
 Zimbabwe Yes Yes No No No No No Yes No

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and the US Virgin Islands for paid apps only

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Google Play Store APKs". APKMirror. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  2. ^ "Google Play Store APKs". APKMirror. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  3. ^ "Google Play Store APKs". APKMirror. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Info about the Google Play Music phase-out". Google Help. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Number of Google Play Store apps 2017 | Statistic". Statista. Archived from the original on December 6, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  6. ^ "Number of Android applications on the Google Play store". appbrain.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2017. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  7. ^ a b "Number of Android applications". AppBrain. February 9, 2017. Archived from the original on February 10, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  8. ^ a b Kastrenakes, Jacob (February 28, 2017). "Google now lets apps display sale prices in the Play Store". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  9. ^ a b c Rossignol, Derrick (February 28, 2017). "Google now lets developers offer sales on Android apps". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on February 28, 2017. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  10. ^ "How to use a Google Play gift card". Android Central. February 5, 2019. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  11. ^ a b O'Brien, Terrence (May 2, 2012). "Google Play adds carrier billing for music, movies and books". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  12. ^ "Two Years Later, Google Play Support Docs Acknowledge 48-Hour Refund Window". Android Police. June 2, 2016. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  13. ^ Webster, Andrew (May 15, 2013). "Google announces Play game services, Android's cross-platform answer to Game Center". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2017.
  14. ^ Ingraham, Nathan (November 5, 2018). "Google takes on Game Center with Google Play Games for Android". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  15. ^ Etherington, Darrell (March 6, 2013). "Google Play Offers Over 5M eBooks And More Than 18M Songs, One Year After Its Rebranding". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  16. ^ m4tt (May 15, 2013). "Google Play Books enables user ebook uploads, Google Drive support". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ a b c d e f "Country availability for apps & digital content". Google Play Help. Archived from the original on May 20, 2019. Retrieved May 20, 2017.
  18. ^ "Rent or buy movies & TV shows". Google Play Help. Archived from the original on January 18, 2017. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  19. ^ "Play Movies & TV is moving to Google TV". Google Inc. March 22, 2022. Archived from the original on March 23, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  20. ^ Bohn, Dieter (September 23, 2019). "Google Play Pass bundles 350 Android games and apps for $4.99 per month". The Verge. Archived from the original on December 31, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  21. ^ a b "Google Play Points: a rewards program for all the ways you Play". Google. November 4, 2019.
  22. ^ "Google launches apps and games subscription service 'Play Pass' for $4.99 per month". www.businesstoday.in. September 24, 2019. Archived from the original on May 17, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  23. ^ a b "Fresher OS with Projects Treble and Mainline". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on February 20, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  24. ^ Kastrenakes, Jacob (May 7, 2019). "Project Mainline is Google's new attempt to send security updates directly to your phone". The Verge. Archived from the original on March 9, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  25. ^ Frumusanu, Andrei. "Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 865 and 765(G): 5G For All in 2020, All The Details". www.anandtech.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  26. ^ Porter, Jon (April 15, 2020). "Google Play is getting a new Kids section filled with "Teacher Approved" apps". The Verge. Archived from the original on April 16, 2020. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  27. ^ "Find high-quality apps for kids on Google Play". Google. April 15, 2020. Archived from the original on September 2, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  28. ^ "From Android Market to Google Play: a brief history of the Play Store". Android Authority. March 6, 2017. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  29. ^ Shankland, Stephen (August 28, 2008). "Google announces Android Market for phone apps". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 2, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  30. ^ Biggs, John (August 28, 2008). "Android to Get Its Own App Market". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  31. ^ Chu, Eric (October 22, 2008). "Android Market: Now available for users". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  32. ^ Takahashi, Dean (October 22, 2008). "Google releases details on Android Market launch". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  33. ^ Burnette, Ed (December 11, 2010). "Big changes in store for Android Market". ZDNet. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 4, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  34. ^ Hollister, Sean (December 11, 2010). "Android Market update streamlines content, nukes tabs, dismantles 24-hour return policy to appease devs". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  35. ^ Ziegler, Chris (November 24, 2010). "Android Market adding content ratings to all apps, past, present, and future". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  36. ^ Murray, Abraham (December 6, 2010). "Discover more than 3 million Google eBooks from your choice of booksellers and devices". Official Google Blog. Archived from the original on February 20, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  37. ^ Miller, Ross (November 16, 2011). "Google Music store official: artist hubs, Google+ integration, and more". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  38. ^ Rodriguez, Armando (November 16, 2011). "Get Started With Google's New Music Store". TechHive. International Data Group. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  39. ^ Sadewo, Bams (March 6, 2012). "Google Increases App Size Limit on Android Market to 4GB". Android Authority. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  40. ^ Albanesius, Chloe (March 6, 2012). "Google Ups Android App Size Limit to 4GB". PC Magazine. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  41. ^ Rosenberg, Jamie (March 6, 2012). "Introducing Google Play: All your entertainment, anywhere you go". Official Google Blog. Archived from the original on February 20, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  42. ^ Topolsky, Joshua (March 6, 2012). "Hello, Google Play: Google launches sweeping revamp of app, book, music, and video stores". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on January 18, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  43. ^ Velazco, Chris (March 6, 2012). "Goodbye Android Market, Hello Google Play". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  44. ^ Amadeo, Ron (May 19, 2016). "The Play Store comes to Chrome OS, but not the way we were expecting". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on February 22, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  45. ^ Protalinski, Emil (May 19, 2016). "Google Play is coming to Chrome OS in September". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on January 5, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  46. ^ Porter, Jon (May 6, 2021). "Google Play's app listings will require privacy info next year, just like the App Store". The Verge. Archived from the original on May 6, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  47. ^ a b Bobby Allyn (December 19, 2023). "Google to pay $700 million to settle a lawsuit over how it runs its app store". Heard on All Things Considered.
  48. ^ Li, Abner (February 22, 2017). "Play Music 7.4 adds 'Recents' to navigation drawer, now has 40 million songs in its library". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  49. ^ "How to use Google Play Music". Google Play Help. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  50. ^ "YouTube Music and YouTube Premium are now live in the U.S., 16 other nations". www.digitaltrends.com. April 4, 2019. Archived from the original on January 4, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  51. ^ Li, Abner (May 12, 2020). "Google Podcasts can import all your Play Music podcast subscriptions". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  52. ^ Li, Abner (October 12, 2020). "Google completes worldwide shutdown of Play Music store". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  53. ^ Lyons, Kim (January 3, 2020). "Google News will discontinue its program that offered magazine subs in print replica format". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 1, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  54. ^ O'Brien, Terrence (November 20, 2013). "Google Play Newsstand merges Currents, magazines and newspapers on Android today, iOS in 2014". Engadget.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  55. ^ Hartmans, Avery. "We compared Google News and Apple's built-in News app for the iPhone to see which one is better — and there's a clear winner". Business Insider. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  56. ^ Bowers, Andrew (March 11, 2015). "Meet the updated Chromebook Pixel and the new Google Store". Official Google Blog. Archived from the original on September 29, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  57. ^ Amadeo, Ron (March 11, 2015). "Google launches the Google Store, a new place to buy hardware [Updated]". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on January 5, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  58. ^ "Get discovered on Google Play search". Developer Console Help. Archived from the original on February 25, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  59. ^ Whitwam, Ryan (June 6, 2017). "Play Store suggested search filters are rolling out to all". Android Police. Archived from the original on June 6, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  60. ^ "Types of featured app lists". Developer Console Help. Archived from the original on February 25, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  61. ^ Ghoshal, Abhimanyu (March 27, 2017). "Google Play now offers a free Android app every week". The Next Web. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  62. ^ Protalinski, Emil (March 26, 2017). "Google Play gets a Free App of the Week section". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  63. ^ Locklear, Mallory (July 19, 2017). "Google Play wants to help users find apps with curated lists". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on July 20, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  64. ^ Pelegrin, Williams (July 19, 2017). "Google Play's editorial pages put a human touch on finding high-quality apps". Android Authority. Archived from the original on July 20, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  65. ^ Stimac, Blake (August 12, 2014). "Google Play Store now showcases app download numbers with new badges". Greenbot. International Data Group. Archived from the original on February 25, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  66. ^ Grush, Andrew (August 12, 2014). "Play Store introduces colorful badges denoting number of app downloads". Android Authority. Archived from the original on February 25, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  67. ^ Blagdon, Jeff (May 14, 2013). "Google Play now lets all developers respond to user reviews". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  68. ^ "View & analyze your app's ratings & reviews". Developer Console Help. Archived from the original on February 26, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  69. ^ Chu, Eric (February 2, 2011). "Introducing the Android Market website". Google Mobile Blog. Archived from the original on March 26, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  70. ^ Savov, Vlad (February 2, 2011). "Android Market gets a web store with OTA installations, in-app purchases coming soon". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on February 4, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  71. ^ Cutler, Kim-Mai (May 11, 2011). "Android Market Now Highlights Top-Grossing and Trending Apps". Adweek. Beringer Capital. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  72. ^ Camp, Jeffrey Van (May 12, 2011). "Google revamps Android Market, adds more lists". Digital Trends. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  73. ^ Montoy-Wilson, Paul (July 12, 2011). "A new Android Market for phones, with books and movies". Google Mobile Blog. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  74. ^ Ingraham, Nathan (May 15, 2013). "Google redesigning Play apps and Play Store on the web". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  75. ^ Whitwam, Ryan (July 15, 2014). "[Update #2: 4.8.22] Latest Google Play Store 4.8.22 With PayPal Support, Simplified App Permissions, Bigger Buttons, And More [APK Download]". Android Police. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  76. ^ Ruddock, David (July 22, 2014). "Google Play Store Update 4.9.13 Adds Material Design App And Content Pages [APK Download]". Android Police. Archived from the original on December 7, 2016. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  77. ^ Walter, Derek (July 23, 2014). "Google Play Store gets a Material Design-inspired makeover". Greenbot. International Data Group. Archived from the original on February 25, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  78. ^ Vincent, James (October 16, 2015). "A first look at the Google Play store redesign". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  79. ^ Perez, Sarah (October 16, 2015). "Google Play Is Getting A Makeover". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  80. ^ Steele, Billy (October 16, 2015). "Google Play's pending redesign gets an early tease". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  81. ^ Whitwam, Ryan (April 4, 2016). "Google Announces New Google Play App Icons". Android Police. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  82. ^ Statt, Nick (April 4, 2016). "Google Play app icons are getting the candy-colored flat design treatment". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  83. ^ Toombs, Cody (May 10, 2017). "The Play Store adopts new app and notification icons with v7.8.16 [APK Download]". Android Police. Archived from the original on May 27, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  84. ^ Carman, Ashley (May 10, 2017). "Google drops the shopping bag from the Play Store icon". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on May 17, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  85. ^ Li, Abner (December 1, 2018). "Google Play redesign w/ revamped navigation, organization, and bright UI more widely rolling out on Android". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  86. ^ "[Update: More details] Google is rolling out a new web Play Store design with much larger screenshots, a new reviews page, and more". Android Police. March 17, 2018. Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  87. ^ Warren, Tom (July 25, 2022). "Google Play gets a new logo for its 10-year anniversary". The Verge. Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  88. ^ "Google Play Instant". Android Developers. Archived from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  89. ^ "Android Instant Apps: What they are and how to use them on your phone". PCWorld. October 24, 2017. Archived from the original on November 19, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  90. ^ "Monetization and Ads". Developer Policy Center. Archived from the original on July 29, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  91. ^ Chu, Eric (February 13, 2009). "Android Market update: support for priced applications". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  92. ^ Chu, Eric (September 30, 2010). "More Countries, More sellers, More buyers". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  93. ^ Chu, Eric (March 24, 2011). "In-App Billing on Android Market: Ready for Testing". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  94. ^ Whitwam, Ryan (September 18, 2014). "Google Will Now Require All App Publishers With Paid Apps Or In-App Purchases To Have An Address On File And Displayed Publicly In Google Play [Update]". Android Police. Archived from the original on September 20, 2014. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  95. ^ Bankhead, Paul (February 27, 2017). "Welcome to Google Developer Day at Game Developer Conference 2017". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on March 1, 2017. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  96. ^ "Accepted payment methods on Google Play". Google Play Help. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
  97. ^ Ziegler, Chris (May 2, 2012). "Google Play now lets you charge movies, music, and books to your phone bill on some carriers". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  98. ^ Ruddock, David (May 15, 2014). "Play Store Now Accepts PayPal In 12 Countries, Carrier Billing, Gift Cards, And Developer Sales Countries Expanded, Too". Android Police. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  99. ^ Seifert, Dan (May 15, 2014). "You can now use PayPal to buy apps from the Google Play Store". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
  100. ^ "Google Play 香港区目前已经可以使用内地的银联卡". V2EX (in Chinese (China)). July 30, 2023. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  101. ^ Russakovskii, Artem (August 15, 2012). "Google Is Gearing Up To Finally Introduce Play Store Gift Cards And A Wishlist [APK Teardown]". Android Police. Archived from the original on June 10, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  102. ^ Nickinson, Phil (August 16, 2012). "Google Play gift cards are real - and here's what they look like". Android Central. Mobile Nations. Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  103. ^ Nickinson, Phil (August 21, 2012). "Google Play Gift Cards are official, rolling out over the next few weeks". Android Central. Mobile Nations. Archived from the original on May 27, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  104. ^ Lee, Michael (August 22, 2012). "Google rolls out Google Play gift cards". ZDNet. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  105. ^ "Where to buy Google Play gift cards". Google Play Help. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  106. ^ Google Play Gift card complete transaction error reported to Google - PiunikaWeb, August 11, 2021
  107. ^ Issue to redeem Google Play Card – MyDigitalBN[permanent dead link‍]
  108. ^ Ziegler, Chris (May 24, 2012). "Google Play adds in-app subscription billing". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on December 6, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  109. ^ Olivarez-Giles, Nathan (May 24, 2012). "Google Introduces in-App Subscriptions for Android". Wired. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  110. ^ Bergen, Mark (June 8, 2016). "Google is offering app developers the same revenue-sharing terms Apple just announced — with one big advantage". Recode. Vox Media. Archived from the original on June 8, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  111. ^ King, Sean (June 9, 2016). "Google planning to let developers keep 85% of app subscription payments". Android Authority. Archived from the original on March 28, 2017. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  112. ^ Li, Abner (June 8, 2016). "Report: Google also working on 85-15 revenue split with developers, but without year long wait". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on March 28, 2017. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  113. ^ "Transaction fees - Play Console Help". Google Help. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  114. ^ Hollister, Sean (November 20, 2023). "A secret Google deal let Spotify completely bypass Android's app store fees". The Verge. Archived from the original on April 7, 2024.
  115. ^ "Find the Google Play Store app". Google Play Help. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  116. ^ "ARCore supported devices". Google Developers. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  117. ^ "Device Compatibility". Android Developers. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  118. ^ O'Brien, Terrence (May 2, 2011). "Carriers crack down on Android tethering apps, rain on our mobile hotspot parade". Engadget. AOL (a division of Verizon Communications). Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  119. ^ Ganapati, Priya (June 11, 2010). "Independent App Stores Take On Google's Android Market". Wired. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  120. ^ Gordon, Scott Adam. "What is an APK file and how do you install one?". Android Pit. Archived from the original on August 10, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  121. ^ Graziano, Dan (September 12, 2013). "How to install apps outside of Google Play". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  122. ^ "App Install Location". Android Developers. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  123. ^ Li, Abner (March 10, 2022). "Google rewrote the Play Store's UI with Jetpack Compose for up to 50% less code, faster rendering". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  124. ^ Cipriani, Jason (November 28, 2012). "Delete downloaded app history from Google Play". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on April 14, 2014. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  125. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". Android Open Source Project. Archived from the original on May 23, 2010. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  126. ^ "The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are the first Android phones to only support 64-bit apps". XDA. October 13, 2022. Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  127. ^ "Google to 64-bit Android device owners: No more 32-bit only apps from Aug 2021". ZDNET. Archived from the original on October 15, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  128. ^ Amadeo, Ron (September 3, 2013). "Balky carriers and slow OEMs step aside: Google is defragging Android". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on September 3, 2013. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
  129. ^ Cunningham, Andrew (August 9, 2013). "Review: Android 4.3's multitude of minor changes future-proofs the platform". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on August 11, 2013. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  130. ^ Lawson, Stephen (March 17, 2009). "Android Market Needs More Filters, T-Mobile Says". PC World. International Data Group. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  131. ^ Wauters, Robin (December 16, 2009). "Google: Actually, We Count Only 16,000 Apps In Android Market". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  132. ^ Chan, Casey (March 18, 2010). "Android Market has 30,000 apps, sort of". Android Central. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  133. ^ Nickinson, Phil (April 15, 2010). "Android Market now has 38,000 'apps'". Android Central. Archived from the original on April 24, 2015. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  134. ^ Nickinson, Phil (July 15, 2010). "Android Market now officially has more than 70,000 applications". Android Central. Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  135. ^ Hildenbrand, Jerry (September 9, 2010). "Android Market has more than 80,000 apps, Android's Rubin says". Android Central. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  136. ^ Gibb, Kyle (October 6, 2010). "Android Market passes 100,000 'apps'". Android Central. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  137. ^ Rao, Leena (April 14, 2011). "Google: 3 Billion Android Apps Installed; Downloads Up 50 Percent From Last Quarter". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on April 25, 2011. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  138. ^ a b Barra, Hugo (May 10, 2011). "Android: momentum, mobile and more at Google I/O". Official Google Blog. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  139. ^ a b Nickinson, Phil (July 14, 2011). "Android Market now has more than a quarter-million applications". Android Central. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  140. ^ Horn, Leslie (October 24, 2011). "Report: Android Market Reaches 500,000 Apps". PC Magazine. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  141. ^ Brian, Matt (October 21, 2011). "Google's Android Market surpasses 500,000 successful submissions". The Next Web. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  142. ^ Isaac, Mike (December 6, 2011). "Android Market Hits 10 Billion Downloads, Kicks Off App Sale". Wired. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  143. ^ Lunden, Ingrid (May 7, 2012). "Google Play About To Pass 15 Billion App Downloads? Pssht! It Did That Weeks Ago". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  144. ^ a b Fingas, Jon (June 27, 2012). "Google Play hits 600,000 apps, 20 billion total installs". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  145. ^ a b Lutz, Zachary (September 26, 2012). "Google Play hits 25 billion app downloads, holds celebratory yard sale with $0.25 games". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  146. ^ Womack, Brian (October 29, 2012). "Google Says 700,000 Applications Available for Android". Bloomberg Businessweek. Bloomberg L.P. Archived from the original on November 1, 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  147. ^ Ward, Brad (May 15, 2013). "Google: 900 million Android activations, 48 billion app installs". Android Authority. Archived from the original on June 25, 2016. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  148. ^ a b Warren, Christina (July 24, 2013). "Google Play Hits 1 Million Apps". Mashable. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  149. ^ Protalinski, Emil (May 17, 2017). "With 82 billion app installs in 2016, Google gives developers more Play Console features". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  150. ^ Kochikar, Purnima (April 21, 2016). "The Google Play Awards coming to Google I/O". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on February 27, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  151. ^ Perez, Sarah (April 22, 2016). "Google showcases the best Android apps for its first-ever Google Play Awards". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on February 27, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  152. ^ Goldman, David (December 10, 2015). "The best apps of 2015 ... according to Apple and Google". CNN. Archived from the original on October 1, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  153. ^ Luckerson, Victor (December 1, 2014). "Google Says These Are 2014's Best Android Apps". Time. Time Inc. Archived from the original on February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  154. ^ Gartenberg, Chaim (March 6, 2017). "The top-selling Google Play Store content of all time is exactly what you think it is". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on March 6, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  155. ^ Nieva, Richard (March 6, 2017). "At 5, Google Play calls out Adele, Candy Crush as most popular". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 6, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  156. ^ Perez, Sarah (June 13, 2017). "Google Play introduces 'Android Excellence' collections that showcase editorially selected top apps and games". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on June 14, 2017. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
  157. ^ Deahl, Dani (June 13, 2017). "Google Play's new Android Excellence collections highlight the very best in apps". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on June 13, 2017. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
  158. ^ "Disney+ is the best app of the year, according to Google Play users". Engadget. December 2020. Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  159. ^ "Let's build the world's most trusted store for apps and games". Developer Policy Center. Archived from the original on March 20, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  160. ^ Kim, Eunice (March 17, 2015). "Creating Better User Experiences on Google Play". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  161. ^ Perez, Sarah (March 17, 2015). "App Submissions On Google Play Now Reviewed By Staff, Will Include Age-Based Ratings". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  162. ^ Cunningham, Andrew (March 17, 2015). "Google Play apps and updates are now subject to a review process". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  163. ^ Nagayama, Kazushi (October 31, 2016). "Keeping the Play Store trusted: fighting fraud and spam installs". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  164. ^ Perez, Sarah (October 31, 2016). "Google gets better at flagging apps trying to fake their way into the Play Store's top charts". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  165. ^ Whitwam, Ryan (October 31, 2016). "Google rolling out improved fraud and spam detection in the Play Store". Android Police. Archived from the original on April 7, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  166. ^ Samat, Sameer (April 15, 2019). "Improving the update process with your feedback". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on August 25, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  167. ^ "Publish an app - Play Console Help". Google Help. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  168. ^ Siddiqui, Aamir (August 30, 2019). "[Update 2: Up to 7 Days or Longer] Google Play Store approval for new apps will now take more time". XDA. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  169. ^ Anshul (May 31, 2023). "New policy for digital lending apps from May 31 — here's what users should know". cnbctv18. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  170. ^ Bhavsar, Karishma Pranav, ed. (May 31, 2023). "Google to impose strict guidelines for personal loans apps on Play Store from 31 May". livemint. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  171. ^ Krazit, Tom (March 31, 2009). "Google bans tethering app from Android Market?". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on February 26, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  172. ^ Krazit, Tom (April 2, 2009). "Google restores tethering app for Android users outside U.S." CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on February 27, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  173. ^ Sandoval, Greg (April 6, 2011). "Google boots Grooveshark from Android Market". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on April 11, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  174. ^ Kumparak, Greg (April 18, 2011). "Grooveshark Back On Android, Bypasses The Android App Market". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  175. ^ Murphy, David (May 30, 2011). "Google Pulls Yongzh's Emulator Apps Off Android Market". PC Magazine. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on February 27, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  176. ^ Gordon, Whitson (March 13, 2013). "Google Has Started Removing Ad Blockers from the Play Store". Lifehacker. Gizmodo Media Group. Archived from the original on March 15, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  177. ^ "Optimizing for Doze and App Standby". Android developers portal. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2015. Google Play policies prohibit apps from requesting direct exemption from Power Management features in Android 6.0+ (Doze and App Standby) unless the core function of the app is adversely affected.
  178. ^ "Tasker has been pulled from the Play Store". Android Authority. Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  179. ^ "Google follows in Apple's footsteps by cleaning up its Play Store". TechCrunch. Archived from the original on May 6, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  180. ^ "واکنش وزیر ارتباطات نسبت به حذف چند اپ ایرانی از گوگل پلی". November 17, 2022. Archived from the original on November 25, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  181. ^ "چند اپلیکیشن ایرانی از گوگل پلی حذف شدند | دوباره پای آمریکا در میان است؟". November 16, 2022. Archived from the original on November 25, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  182. ^ Lockheimer, Hiroshi (February 2, 2012). "Android and Security". Google Mobile Blog. Archived from the original on February 27, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  183. ^ Albanesius, Chloe (February 2, 2012). "Google 'Bouncer' Now Scanning Android Market for Malware". PC Magazine. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on February 27, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  184. ^ Fingas, Jon (May 17, 2017). "Google Play protects your Android phone against rogue apps". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  185. ^ Amadeo, Ron (September 4, 2017). "Android 8.0 Oreo, thoroughly reviewed". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on October 2, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  186. ^ "App permissions for Android 6.0 and up". Google Play Help. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  187. ^ Vincent, James (July 12, 2017). "Google is using machine learning to sort good apps from bad on the Play Store". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on July 13, 2017. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  188. ^ Hildenbrand, Jerry (July 12, 2017). "Google is using deep learning and data analysis to curate the Play Store". Android Central. Mobile Nations. Archived from the original on July 13, 2017. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  189. ^ a b Gingrich, Aaron (March 1, 2011). "The Mother Of All Android Malware Has Arrived: Stolen Apps Released To The Market That Root Your Phone, Steal Your Data, And Open Backdoor". Android Police. Archived from the original on March 4, 2011. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  190. ^ Metz, Cade (March 7, 2011). "Google vanishes 'DroidDream' malware from citizen phones". The Register. Situation Publishing. Archived from the original on April 28, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  191. ^ a b Gingrich, Aaron (March 2, 2011). "[Update: Plug The Hole Yourself] Malware Monster: DroidDream Is An Android Nightmare, And We've Got More Details". Android Police. Archived from the original on August 10, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  192. ^ a b c Kincaid, Jason (March 5, 2011). "Google Responds To Android Malware, Will Fix Infected Devices And 'Remote Kill' Malicious Apps". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on April 25, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  193. ^ Gingrich, Aaron (March 9, 2011). "PSA: Infected "Android Market Security Tool March 2011" App Floating Around". Android Police. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  194. ^ Paul, Ryan (June 2, 2011). "DroidDream Light a malware nightmare, booted from Android Market". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on April 28, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  195. ^ Messmer, Ellen (July 23, 2012). "Black Hat demo: Google Bouncer malware detection can be beaten". InfoWorld. International Data Group. Archived from the original on April 13, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  196. ^ "Black Hat: Researchers find way to "bounce" malware into Google app store". SC Magazine. July 26, 2012. Archived from the original on February 15, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  197. ^ "RiskIQ Reports Malicious Mobile Apps in Google Play Have Spiked Nearly 400 Percent". RiskIQ. February 19, 2014. Archived from the original on February 27, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  198. ^ Vaughan-Nichols, Steven J. (February 19, 2014). "RiskIQ claims malicious Android apps up by almost 400 percent on Google Play". ZDNet. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on February 27, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  199. ^ Miners, Zach (February 19, 2014). "Report: Malware-infected Android apps spike in the Google Play store". PC World. International Data Group. Archived from the original on March 10, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  200. ^ Key, Bill. "Top Android Privacy Apps". Archived from the original on August 9, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  201. ^ Blue, Violet (October 14, 2016). "'Secure' apps in Google's Play Store are a crapshoot". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on October 15, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  202. ^ "Password Storage In Sensitive Apps". October 6, 2016. Archived from the original on October 17, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  203. ^ a b c McLean, Asha (April 26, 2017). "FalseGuide malware victim count jumps to 2 million". ZDNet. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on April 26, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  204. ^ a b Whitwam, Ryan (April 26, 2017). "Security firm Check Point says millions infected with botnet malware via Play Store". Android Police. Archived from the original on April 26, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  205. ^ Goodin, Dan (June 16, 2017). "Google Play is fighting an uphill battle against Android adware". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on June 17, 2017. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
  206. ^ Moscaritolo, Angela (August 23, 2017). "500+ Google Play Apps Hit by Ad-Related Malware". PC Magazine. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  207. ^ Goodin, Dan (August 22, 2017). "Spyware backdoor prompts Google to pull 500 apps with >100m downloads". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  208. ^ More than 700,000 'bad' apps were banned from Google Play last year, up 70 percent Archived July 21, 2018, at the Wayback Machine Pocket Now Retrieved 1 February 2018
  209. ^ Goodin, Dan (March 24, 2020). "Google Play's malicious app problem infects 1.7 million more devices". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on March 28, 2020. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  210. ^ Goodin, Dan (July 3, 2021). "Apps with 5.8 million Google Play downloads stole users' Facebook passwords". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on July 3, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  211. ^ Lakshmanan, Ravie (July 3, 2021). "Android Apps with 5.8 million Installs Caught Stealing Users' Facebook Passwords". The Hacker News. Archived from the original on July 3, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  212. ^ Gatlan, Sergiu (September 29, 2021). "New Android malware steals millions after infecting 10M phones". Bleeping Computer. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  213. ^ "Android banking malware infects 300,000 Google Play users". BleepingComputer. Archived from the original on December 1, 2021. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  214. ^ a b c Carlon, Kris (June 9, 2016). "You can be sued simply for uploading an app to Google Play". Android Authority. Archived from the original on April 4, 2017. Retrieved May 7, 2017.
  215. ^ Biggs, John (February 2, 2013). "Creator Of The X-Plane Flight Simulator Seeks Help Fighting A Patent Troll". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on May 27, 2016. Retrieved May 7, 2017.
  216. ^ "Country availability for devices". Google Play Help. Archived from the original on November 4, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
  217. ^ "Supported locations for distribution to Google Play users". Google Inc. Archived from the original on March 18, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  218. ^ "Supported locations for merchants". Google Inc. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2017.
  219. ^ "Google Play Pass: Enjoy apps and games without ads or in-app purchases". Google. September 23, 2019. Archived from the original on September 24, 2019. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Google_Play&oldid=1259019846"