Google opens applications for Android's Registered App Stores program

Google has opened applications for its Registered App Stores program to eligible stores outside the United States, Ars Technica reported. Accepted stores will receive support for single-click app installation and silent background updates, giving them distribution capabilities similar to Google Play. The simplified installation experience will reach some Android devices later this year. The international program is voluntary. In the United States, a court order instead requires Google to distribute third-party stores within Google Play; Google and Epic withdrew a proposed settlement after the court signaled it would not approve it.