What are third-party app stores, how to install them, why are they needed? Let's try to figure it out.
Introduction
As you already know, Android allows you to install applications not only from the official Google Play store, but also from third-party sources. Another thing is that in the old fashioned way to search for applications through search engines is not only completely inconvenient, but also unsafe. Even an experienced user, being tempted by the imaginary freeness of this or that program or game, risks finding that he has become the happy owner of a paid subscription to some 'left' content services, or even completely lost all the funds on his account. There is nothing to say about newcomers.
However, there is a simple and elegant solution to this problem. It's called simply – third-party app stores. Many well-known companies, from Yandex to Amazon have their own app stores, much like Google Play. And anyone can use them.
The main question here is not even 'how', but 'why'. What do these stores have that Google Play can't offer?
In fact, the answer to this question is far from obvious. In any case, their range of applications will be smaller. And according to the few reviews and estimates, it is far from always possible to understand whether this or that program is worth the requested money. And some exclusive offers are more likely in theory than in practice – a rare developer would prefer to exchange the huge Google Play audience for dubious bonuses from a local store.
Discounts and sales are the main reasons why third-party software stores are used. Each store sets its own prices for applications, calculates the dollar rate in its own way, sets discounts and organizes sales in different ways. And those who are not too lazy to track price changes and follow discounts can save a significant amount on purchases.
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Yandex Store
Let's consider installing a third-party store using the Yandex Store as an example. First of all, you need to make sure that the installation of applications from third-party sources is allowed in the smartphone settings.
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Then – download the store client. To do this, open the address m.ya.ru/ystore from your mobile phone. Be sure to make sure that you download the file from the official site, and not from some file sharing and other questionable sources.
The third step is to install the application. Everything is standard here – we check the permissions required by the program, click 'Next' a couple of times and at the very end – 'Accept'.
Outwardly, the store resembles a slightly simplified copy of Google Play. The main screen is divided into three tabs ('Interesting', 'Games',' Applications), at the very top there are icons for search and settings. Next to the search icon, you can see an orange square of the update indicator. An interesting point – the Yandex Store can update even those applications that you downloaded from Google Play. Of course, in the event that they are also present in it.
To purchase applications, you need to specify the desired payment method to the store. And before that – register or log in with an existing Yandex login.
There can be several payment methods, including payment from a credit card or from a mobile phone account (if your mobile operator supports this option).
A few tips
If you decide to install any other third-party stores, then pay special attention to three things:
- Download the store client only from trusted sources. Don't be fooled by the tricks of scammers offering you a 'special' version of the store with 'free' games and programs.
- Before buying anything, make sure you can download and install a free app from this store. Some stores may require additional registration, work not in all countries, etc.
- Please be aware that Google Play policies do not apply to other stores. This primarily concerns the refund policy.
