Android's Play Integrity API is set to bring new hurdles for those that want to sideload apps in the future
news comes from Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority exploring how the Play Integrity API will protect users and prevent sideloading, which has been relatively easy in the past
https://www.androidauthority.com/play-integrity-sideloading-detection-3480639/
Google lists how this API works in full on its developer website, giving a concise break-down of how it processes information and determines what's genuine and what isn't.
http://developer.android.com/google/play/integrity/overview
Key takeaway:
The Play Integrity API will make sideloading apps harder in order to protect users and prevent abuse.
Developers can use a variety of parameters to determine an app's legitimacy.
Google's continued focus on security may eventually limit customizations in Android.
it’s a brave new world for #Android
Google is bringing Android closer to iPhone. Hardcore members of the Android fan club may not like it when I point this out, but that doesn’t make it less true.
@ecksmc Android has competing marketplaces, even if not everyone knows how to access them. Side loading remains an option, even if I have to change some settings not to be nagged when/if I use it.
As long as I would need to (illegally) jailbreak an IOS device for similar functionality, my choice is made.
@00pi yeah sideloading is relatively easy now but the new Integrity API will make it a lil more difficult to sideload apps in future though
Not impossible though that said the way Android security is heading that could change with updates making it impossible
@ecksmc If it is made too onerous, better alternatives will attract more attention. We'll manage.
Rahman includes an example of how a prompts work when there is an issue with the integrity verdict. In this example, the dialog simply requests the user to download the app from the Play Store, immediately rectifying the problem.