Sideloading Android apps is about to get quite a bit more annoying if Google has its way. The changes come from new policies implemented by Google, which will add an extra step when downloading apps ...

Benjamin is a business consultant, coach, designer, musician, artist, and writer, living in the remote mountains of Vermont. He has 20+ years experience in tech, an educational background in the arts, ...

Google is requiring developers to verify their identity before their apps hit your phone. This kicks in September 2026, starting with Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, where shady apps have ...

Currently, developers who create “sideloaded” Android apps are exempt from Google’s verification requirements. Google will soon require all Android app developers to verify their identities, even if ...

Google has announced that starting next year, all Android apps—including sideloaded ones—will require developer verification. The move could make sideloading trickier but is aimed at reducing fake ...

Last summer Google announced plans to tighten security on Android phones and tablets by requiring app developers to register with Google and blocking installation of ...

A hot potato: Apple's infamous "walled garden" approach is often cited as an example of limiting consumer freedom, but it seems the Android ecosystem is erecting restrictive fences as well. The most ...

Google will soon require every Android app developer—not just those on the Play Store—to verify their identity as it rolls out its new Android Developer Verification program. Google's goal is to ...