limerod OP , 8 hours ago

Cue the imminent Play Store mass app deletion which Google has just previewed and confirmed is now just six weeks away: “We’re updating the Spam and Minimum Functionality policy to ensure apps meet uplifted standards for the Play catalog and engage users through quality functionality and content user experiences.”

From August 31, the type of apps in Google’s crosshairs will include those “that are static without app-specific functionalities, for example, text only or PDF file apps, apps with very little content and that do not provide an engaging user experience, for example, single wallpaper apps, and apps that are designed to do nothing or have no function.” Of which there are literally millions—some no doubt on your own phone.

For developers, Google warns apps must “provide a stable, responsive, and engaging user experience… Apps that crash, do not have the basic degree of adequate utility as mobile apps, lack engaging content, or exhibit other behavior that is not consistent with a functional and engaging user experience are not allowed on Google Play.”