Google has updated its Play Store policy that restricts application developers from updating apps outside the marketplace, after reports of Facebook testing a silent update for Android application.
Facebook introduced the method to trial new features prior to their official launch for the Google Play masses.
Google’s new policy stated: "An app downloaded from Google Play may not modify, replace or update its own APK binary code using any method other than Google Play’s update mechanism."
Reports revealed that the initial non-Google Play beta update for the Facebook Android app enabled users to modify their profile picture directly from the mobile device, hide stories and report spam.
The update also incorporated an audible or vibrating notification and these beta updates were only executed over Wi-Fi, and on devices that enabled installation of non-Play apps.
As per Google’s new developer policies, all such mechanisms, such as the one being ‘tested’ by Facebook, are clearly prohibited.
However, the new bans only applies to apps bought through Google Play, while apps purchased via other app stores such as Amazon can still receive updates through any mechanism that the company’s terms allow.
