Google brought interest filters to the Play Store, as a way to better select applications for users, in July this year. Now, the Mountain View giant is working on a new, still mysterious filter.
The discovery was made through a dismantling carried out by the Android Authorityin the APK file for version 43.7.19-31 from the official Android store. The option consists of “filtering applications that link to external apps”, as you can see in the screenshot below.
The tendency is for this to filter the so-called Android App Links, which allow links to be inserted by developers to redirect content in other applications. Or even an attempt by Google to block the existence of other third-party stores.
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What are the potential effects of the Play Store’s new filter on competition with third-party app stores?
**Interview with Tech Analyst Jane Doe on Google Play Store’s New Filter**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Jane! Thanks for joining us today. There’s been some interesting news out of Google regarding a new filter in the Play Store that may restrict apps linking to external content. What can you tell us about this filter?
**Jane Doe:** Good morning! Yes, Google’s new filter is certainly generating buzz. It appears to target applications that utilize Android App Links, which allow developers to create direct connections between their apps and other content. This feature could limit apps that redirect users to external stores or services, essentially tightening Google’s grip on the ecosystem.
**Interviewer:** Fascinating! What do you think the implications of this could be for developers and users?
**Jane Doe:** Well, for developers, it may restrict their ability to promote their apps via external links, which could stifle innovation and competition. Users, on the other hand, may find their choices limited as certain apps could be made less visible, potentially leading to a less diverse Play Store environment.
**Interviewer:** That raises an important point about competition. Some might argue that Google is trying to maintain control over its platform. Do you think this filter is a way to combat competition from third-party app stores?
**Jane Doe:** Absolutely. This seems to be a strategic move to discourage the use of alternatives to the Play Store, focusing on keeping users within its ecosystem. While this may enhance security and streamline user experience, it also raises concerns about monopolistic practices.
**Interviewer:** How do you think users will react? There’s a growing sentiment about company policies restricting user choices.
**Jane Doe:** I expect mixed reactions. On one hand, some users might appreciate the perceived safety of not being led to unverified external sites. On the other hand, many users value choice, and they’ll likely express frustration if they feel their options are being restricted. This could spark a significant debate in the tech community.
**Interviewer:** Definitely! For our readers, how do you think they should approach this news?
**Jane Doe:** I encourage readers to think critically about how these changes affect them personally. Are the conveniences provided by apps outweighing the potential drawbacks of a limited selection? Moreover, it’s essential for users to voice their opinions, as consumer feedback can influence future policy changes at tech giants like Google.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jane, for your insights! This is certainly a topic that will keep evolving, and we’ll be watching closely.
**Jane Doe:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time in tech, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.
