Google starts peer-to-peer distribution of Android applications

Google has made it possible to distribute Android applications outside of the Play Store, while still including them in Google’s application library. A number of partners have been selected to assist with peer-to-peer dissemination.

According to Google, it is still in beta, and it uses the recently introduced ability to add security metadata to the installation file of an Android application. This allows Google to verify that an application is authentic and that no unauthorized changes have been made.

This functionality now ensures that Android users can share applications themselves, although this must be done via apps approved by Google; A number of file sharing apps have been selected for the beta program, including ShareIt.

Once an application is shared with an Android device, Google can verify that the application is authentic without an internet connection. As soon as the device comes back online, it is also possible to add the app to the Play library and update the software automatically.

Google states that developers do not have to adjust anything to their applications to support the new p2p sharing service. With the functionality, Google hopes to cater to users who live in regions where peer-to-peer is commonplace.