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Modi government to set up app store alternative to Google Play, Apple App Store

deccanherald.com

121–130 of 369 posts

Re: Modi government to set up app store alternative to Google Play, Apple App Store

#121
post #84
post #82

It seems most people are arguing that the only alternative to 2 app stores is a large number of app stores. But what if the alternative is no app stores? Anyone can install whatever software they want on their device from wherever they want it. Just like it works for desktops. The need for app stores is an artificially created need (by the marketing brilliance of Jobs).

I would argue that an App Store, on mobile has helped avoid virus, and malware on phones, unlike how Windows was able to contain it. Having a trusted App Store by a company, who understands security, and has a financial backing to commit to a secure system, is beneficial all the way down.

> by a company who understands security and has a financial backing to commit to a secure system

Not sure if this stands true for the current Indian government.

Re: Modi government to set up app store alternative to Google Play, Apple App Store

#122
post #70

Earlier quoted context omitted.

F-Droid previously banned Gab for being a “free speech zone” that will “tolerate all opinions” https://reclaimthenet.org/f-droid-bans-gab-app/

F-Droid's press release actually explains their decision not to ban Fedilab even though it allows accessing Gab and they don't like it. https://f-droid.org/en/2019/07/16/statement.html

Their press release says:

> F-Droid is taking a political stance here

I do not want any App Store to be taking political stances.

Re: Modi government to set up app store alternative to Google Play, Apple App Store

#123
post #95
post #84

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would argue that an App Store, on mobile has helped avoid virus, and malware on phones, unlike how Windows was able to contain it. Having a trusted App Store by a company, who understands security, and has a financial backing to commit to a secure system, is beneficial all the way down.

Yeah, an App Store is in no way an artificial need. There’s a reason fortnite is on the Google Play store even when they had the option of only installing through other methods. For non-savvy users it mostly solves the “evaluating installer maliciousness” problem. For all users it enhances convenience (unified method for installing and uninstalling software) and software discovery. It is not a perfect solution to any…

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Re: Modi government to set up app store alternative to Google Play, Apple App Store

#124
post #110

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes! If there are issues with Apple and Google they could create laws to fix it. If the idea was to help citizens, laws or regulations to stop said practices would be better, not that I agree with it. But thats not the idea, they see Google's power and they want in. Can you imagine thinking a government having all your data is better than a corporation? People have forgotten the governments were the perpetrators of t…

Corporations did just that in the specific part of the world under discussion here. I suggest you look into the East India Trading Company, Dutch East India and French East India companies.

I didn't say corporations are all good, but the fact that you had to go back to the 17th century to find an example tells a lot.

Governments have been killing people since their beginning and probably as we speak.

Re: Modi government to set up app store alternative to Google Play, Apple App Store

#125

I welcome this. It will be messy, it will open oportunities to corruption, lobbying, crappy user experiences, unsafe apps, government abuse, nationalism, ... it is really a Pandora box. But mess can be a fertile ground for competition and innovation when excessive regulation blocks it. Today's app stores are just feature development labs for Apple & Google. There is no chance that anyone will be able to create a big…

I am just puzzled about one bit of this, why the hue and cry few days back about this. Don't Android App stores like the Amazon one already exist? What's stopping these devs to even distribute the apps themselves? iOS is a different matter but Android has always allowed this. Not sure if they exist in India, but I have seen Android phones come with non Google App Store as well.

Yes alternative Android app stores already exist. For example Samsung devices have their own proprietary app store pre-loaded.

Re: Modi government to set up app store alternative to Google Play, Apple App Store

#126
Since the title mentions the idea as well as the govt, let me add that while the idea is excellent, the current (Modi) govt is incompetent when it comes to execution, or may be has some other interests. Examples - failed demonetization, poor implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), failed Covid-19 lockdown. Most of what the govt does benefits select corporates (eg. rise of Jio). Interestingly, Paytm benefited the most during demonetization (2016) which is mentioned in the article and might have catalyzed the idea. The important part to notice is that demonetization was aimed at wiping out black money, GST was supposed to improve taxation, Covid-19 lockdown was supposed to dampen the long-term effect. However, these steps which were supposed to improve economy turned out to be counter-productive. Due to the poor or misdirected execution, India's economic is tanking down. So, although self-dependence is the stated goal, I am not sure where it will land. Moreover, the authoritarian tendencies don't help either. They are known to blackout journalists, assassinate lawyer, conduct media trials and put anyone speaking against them in jail. They will be a bigger bully than Google/Apple and pose a bigger risk to privacy.

Re: Modi government to set up app store alternative to Google Play, Apple App Store

#128
post #58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Right. India is the obvious destination for Apple if/when they decide to get out of their reliance on China.

Is it? Indian and Chinese culture is very different. Apple benefits greatly from China's unquenchable thirst for luxury goods in general, not just phones but clothing, cars, etc. Signalling wealth through conspicuous consumption is important in China. I don't see that same characteristic in Indian culture; of course there is a market for luxury goods but it's not the same.

I think their point was about manufacturing, not consumption.

Re: Modi government to set up app store alternative to Google Play, Apple App Store

#129
post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Except the ability to send push notifications, which is paramount to retention and revenue

and user spam as well. I am thankful for new versions of Android giving notification control to the users.

The web notifications API has become yet another vector for spam. The standard should’ve had a way to proactively deal with spammy developers.

Re: Modi government to set up app store alternative to Google Play, Apple App Store

#130
post #55

What business does the govt have with private app stores.

Yes! If there are issues with Apple and Google they could create laws to fix it. If the idea was to help citizens, laws or regulations to stop said practices would be better, not that I agree with it. But thats not the idea, they see Google's power and they want in. Can you imagine thinking a government having all your data is better than a corporation? People have forgotten the governments were the perpetrators of t…

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