EDIT: apologies I misunderstood that this is limiting third-party distribution. I am of course, in favour of this.
Original comment:
I don't want this. The App Store on iOS has its flaws, but it's a curated system that has a lot of checks in place to prevent malware. I have never felt unsafe on iOS and it's the primary reason I've not joined Android and the Play Store's wild west.
I can't emphasize this enough, your comment is 100% wrong.
This is about only allowing play verified apps. Play store will remain whatever you think of it regardless of this move.
What this has to do with the topic, if you're on iOS?
Because I'd actually be interested in an Android phone if Google locks down the play store to legitimate actors, increases the barrier for entry and improves the quality and safety of submissions. Which this looks to be doing?
This is not Google locking down the Play Store, it's them restricting distribution outside the Play Store, which you don't have to do in any case.
Apologies. I did _NOT_ gather that from reading the OP.
Why would you be interested in Android?
Isn't iOS a pinnacle of UI/UX loaded with most innovative features in the world backed by the most genius CEOs of all times?
You should just check submission link contents before commenting. This just locks down apps outside of google play.
> Android phone if Google locks down the play store to legitimate actors, increases the barrier for entry and improves the quality and safety of submissions
Locks down how? This is literally how it is from the start. Ignoring the fact that it is completely unrelated to the topic, this is just wrong regardless.