Play Store

Google's Android Developer Verification Program is drawing sharp criticism from developers and users. The program requires app developers to verify their identity with Google even for apps distributed outside the Play Store, a change many see as the end of truly open sideloading on Android. Critics argue it concentrates gatekeeping power in Google's hands and harms hobbyist and open-source developers, while the company frames it as a security measure against malware.

Google acknowledged on launch day that its new Googlebook laptops with Intel processors may have problems running some Android apps, despite having previously promoted the machines as offering access to the entire Google Play Store library. The admission, made the same day the laptops went on sale, raises questions about the compatibility promises made to early buyers.