Violating Play Store Guidelines: Google threatens to fire popular Android app

Google is threatening to remove the “Total Commander” Android file manager from its Play Store. The reason given by Google is that you can install APK files using “Total Commander”. The sole purpose of removing this feature is to prevent removal from the Play Store.

Like now Developer Christian Ghisler informedGoogle contacted him and he’s since received two warnings. According to Google, “Total Commander” is in violation of Play Store guidelines.

What is an APK file? Explain easily

After a warning from Google: ‘Total Commander’ will be modified

Play Store policy states: “An app downloaded from the Play Store may not modify, replace or update itself without using the Play Store update mechanism“

Since Ghisler was unable to contact a real Google employee and only got standard answers over and over again, he has now turned off the feature criticizing. However, this only applies to the “Total Commander” version that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Versions of the app from a standalone store continue to use the full functionality.

The origin of this post first appeared in Schmidty’s blog.