Highlights
1. Android allows users to sideload apps from sources other than the Google Play Store, providing access to apps that have been removed or older versions of favorite apps.
2. Sideloading apps comes with the risk of downloading malware, prompting Google to introduce a new method of scanning apps before installation.
3. Google Play Protect scans apps from the Play Store to ensure they are safe, but this protection is not available for sideloaded apps.
4. Google’s new app scanning technique scans apps on a code level to determine if they pose a threat, and prompts users to scan an app before installation if it has not been scanned before.
Android’s Sideloading: A Safer Experience with Google’s App Scanning
Sideloading apps on Android is a popular feature that allows users to download and install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. While this offers a wide range of apps and the ability to use older versions of your favorite apps, it also comes with the risk of downloading malware.
To address this concern, Google has introduced a new app scanning feature for sideloaded apps. Previously, Google discouraged sideloading by requiring users to enable it in the settings and warning them about potential harm to their system. However, with this new scanning technique, Google aims to make sideloading safer.
The app scanning process involves a detailed scan of the app’s code to determine if it poses any threat. If you try to sideload an app that hasn’t been scanned before, you will be prompted to scan it before installation. This eliminates the option to bypass the scanning, ensuring that all sideloaded apps go through this safety check.
After scanning, Google will inform you if the app is safe to install. This provides peace of mind, as it helps you avoid potentially dangerous apps before they can cause any harm.
Overall, Google’s app scanning feature is a welcome addition for those who enjoy sideloading apps. It adds an extra layer of security and allows users to make more informed decisions when installing apps from sources other than the Play Store.
