Expect easier access to alternative Android app stores next week

A US District Judge has ruled that Google must make it easier to access third-party Android app stores through the Google Play Store. The current process requires users to have a direct link or use specific search phrases to find these stores.

The judge, James Donato, expressed dissatisfaction with the current state, stating that search keywords such as "store for apps" do not yield results for third-party stores. According to 9to5Google, he argued that "every possible variation that's even only 70 percent properly phrased" should show stores correctly.

Google has been given a week to make changes, which will include treating third-party stores more like standard apps and adding an "Install" button. Android Police reports that if Google complies, users can expect easier access to alternative Android app stores next week.

Brief written by urgent.news from Android Police, 9to5Google — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.