“installing apps from outside the Google Play Store”
To me that implies it’s somehow different than just installing software. You could say ‘install from play store’ or ‘install from f-droid’ if you need to specify which app repository you should use, as that what it is. Sideloading might be an appropriate term if you need to upload apk to your device via USB-cable from your PC, which the term originally meant.
to make it sound somehow dangerous or complicated in order to justify
[Citation needed]
From the article:
This “advanced flow” is for power users and enthusiasts who “want to take educated risks to install software from unverified developers.” Google says it was “designed carefully to prevent those in the midst of a scam attempt from being coerced by high pressure tactics to install malicious software.”
Sure, the term itself comes from 1990s, but lately specially Google tries to twist that to mean something only ‘power users’ do and it comes with a ‘educated risk’.
Ulrich@feddit.org 1 week ago
That’s because it is, as I’ve just finished explaining. Again, see the “advanced flow” in OP? This does not apply to “installing software”. It only applies to sideloading. I’m not sure why this is so difficult to understand.
Did you think about this at all before typing? Which repository do you think the OP refers to?
None of this says “sideloading” or refers specifically to the term, it refers to the practice.
You’re incredibly naive if you think anyone other than “power users” are sideloading.
And it does come with risk, because there’s no technological difference between downloading from FDroid, or downloading a random app from some unverified (by anyone) sketchy website.
IsoKiero@sopuli.xyz 1 week ago
So it doesn’t apply when I click the big button which says ‘Install’ on F-Droid app on my phone?
Just like installing software from the ‘secure’ Google Play store.
Installing software is installing software, no matter where you get that software from. That’s it. You can try to twist that with nuances on terminology or invent new ones, the end result is that an piece of software is installed on the system and nothing more. It doesn’t matter if the software came from play store, f-droid, steam, windows store, shady google drive link or the pirate bay. It doesn’t matter if you’re a power user or never seen a smartphone before in your life.
Sure, there might differences in potential security, compatibility, licensing and whatever, but it is still a piece of software being installed.
Ulrich@feddit.org 1 week ago
Please note the use of quotes. I was using “installing software” the way you were, as in literally any software. Whereas this does not apply to apps in the Google Play Store. That’s why the distinction is important.
Yes, just like that, except a higher level of risk, because potentially no one is verifying the validity of said software. And as I already explained, there’s no technological way for the OS to differentiate a legitimate source like FDroid from a random sketchy website on the internet.
Except it’s not, because sideloading is different, as you know, if you actually read the OP, and if you actually read my comments where I already explained how it’s different.
Now I’m done repeating myself over and over, so unless you have something new to contribute to the discussion, I’m out. Have a nice day!