It appears Google tries to degrade alternative application stores to just another app offered through the Play Store, and therefore subject to Google’s policies (including an annual $5,000 fee for policy and security reviews). So I wouldn’t be surprised this is very much intentional, as to force application stores though a channel controlled by Google; as to technically allow competition (at Google’s discretion) while effectively killing “side-loading”.
It appears Google tries to degrade alternative application stores to just another app offered through the Play Store, and therefore subject to Google’s policies (including an annual $5,000 fee for policy and security reviews). So I wouldn’t be surprised this is very much intentional, as to force application stores though a channel controlled by Google; as to technically allow competition (at Google’s discretion) while effectively killing “side-loading”.
Remember when Microsoft was forced to give a “select your web browser” prompt when setting up a Windows computer?
Quaint times, those were…