14 DAY TRIAL // Android apps shared via Play-approved partner peer-to-peer apps will have their authenticity verified while the device is offline as announced in a post on the Android Developers Blog by James Bender, Product Manager Google Play.
This follows a previous update of Google Play's inner workings made public on June 19 when security metadata was added to app APKs to make it possible to identify apps that were distributed via the Google Play store.
Once the Play store confirms that the app is authentic, it will automatically add it to the user's Library and will update it as soon as the device comes back online.
"This will give users more confidence when using Play-approved peer-to-peer app beta partners, starting today with Shareit," as detailed in Bender's post. "Additional integrations from Files Go by Google and Xender are planned in the coming weeks."
Users will be able to install apps shared via peer-to-peer app beta partners while offline and update them when Internet connectivity is available
This new app authentication mechanism is yet another step in fighting malware-ridden and maliciously crafted Android applications by effectively removing one of their propagation channels, the free to download APKs available from scam websites controlled by crooks.
This new offline and Play-authorized app distribution channel was long awaited by developers who create apps for customers residing in areas where Internet connections are unstable or hard to come by.
"No action is needed by developers or your users. This is an important step that improves the integrity of Google Play's mobile app ecosystem," also says Bender. "Offline Play peer-to-peer sharing presents a new distribution opportunity for developers while helping more people keep their apps up to date."
The next step to improve the security of the Google Play mobile app ecosystem will be to put some measures in place to make sure that the malicious apps frequently spotted in the Google Play store won't be able to reach Google users' Android devices and put in danger their personal and banking information.