GOOGLE OPENS PLAY STORE TO THIRD-PARTY APP STORES

Google will permit third-party app stores to operate within its Google Play Store ecosystem for US users beginning next week, according to a statement filed with a California federal court. The decision expands distribution options for developers and users, enabling direct access to alternative app marketplaces without leaving the Play Store. Third-party stores will be available alongside Google's own offerings. The announcement follows ongoing regulatory pressure and legal challenges regarding app store monopolies. The move allows users to access apps from multiple sources while maintaining Google Play's position as the primary Android app distribution platform. Google has not disclosed specific details about how third-party store listings will be displayed, curated, or whether commission structures will differ from standard Play Store policies. The rollout begins in the United States, with potential international expansion unspecified.