Google Play sees 47% decline in apps since start of last year
Google Play sees 47% decline in apps since start of last year
techcrunch.com
Google Play sees 47% decline in apps since start of last year | TechCrunch
15 comments
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Well what to expect when a big number is just overpriced badly functioning stuff that has way better counterparts on FOSS?
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Not sure why you'd even need an app in Play in 2025, PWA support on Android is great.
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PWA?
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Progressive Web Apps, it's just a website that masquerades as an app and can do most of the same things.
All you have to do is link a manifest file in your root HTML page and Android users will be prompted to "Install the app" when they visit the site.
You get an icon on the home screen, a full screen app view, and it can handle links like other apps. Your manifest can request permissions like location, etc.
I guess some companies will always want a Play Store presence, but it's not really necessary for most apps.
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Honestly, by now for nearly every app that does something useful on Google Play, there's a completely free equivalent on Fdroid without all of the data collection. advertising and IAPs.
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Wasm't that the date when they forced every developer to verify and publish their identity and phone number? https://www.jwz.org/blog/2024/11/your-personal-information-is-very-important-to-us-part-three/
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I feel like most apps are junk in one way or another
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Crap spyware now new with data stealing A.i.
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All the apps that collect user data that has nothing to do with the actual function or purpose of the app.
Like--why does this solo word puzzle game need access to my contact list, camera, and location?
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Looks like they're finally cleaning up a bunch of junk.
In July 2024, Google announced it would raise the minimum quality requirements for apps, which may have impacted the number of available Play Store app listings.
Instead of only banning broken apps that crashed, wouldn’t install, or run properly, the company said it would begin banning apps that demonstrated “limited functionality and content.” That included static apps without app-specific features, such as text-only apps or PDF file apps. It also included apps that provided little content, like those that only offered a single wallpaper. Additionally, Google banned apps that were designed to do nothing or have no function, which may have been tests or other abandoned developer efforts.
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Too little, too late. I'm helping everyone I can get away from Google services as fast as possible, including that terrible store.
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PWA ftw
15 comments