So I saw this new “app” is wanting to be installed onto my system, and naturally I was curious what it was.

So I read the description and it seems that it’s just another case of Google moving a system service onto the Play Store so that they can update it separately from system updates.

I was surprised though at how many users are blaming it for slowdowns, things crashing, and other headaches…

Is this just a case of the uninformed looking for a scapegoat for their problems, or is there a cause for concern?

(Not like I have much of a choice though, as I’m sure it’ll install eventually alongside my other app updates anyway)

Edit: for whatever reason, I can only access the link I shared in this post on my Android phone - I can’t access it on anything else. Also I’m based in the US, so a regional block might also happen, I’m guessing.

  • ladfrombrad 🇬🇧M
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    61 year ago

    Hazard a guess, those users are on Android 7 or less and as per the description of the Play Store listing

    If your device is running Android 7 or an earlier version, it will not receive an update for this app. This app may indicate that it is not compatible with your device, but this does not mean that the app is malfunctioning or causing your device to malfunction.

    This is making them take to the Play Store perhaps? Thing is, the app is showing last updated in Feb 2023 for me so, I dunno.

  • @[email protected]
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    41 year ago

    They’re satirical comments. They happen every single time one of these stub apps appear.

    It’s a 50/50 on the comments being “this app ruined my phone” or “this app made my phone better”.

  • GamerBoy705
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    31 year ago

    As someone else said, it’s mostly satire but some people do get genuinely concerned about a random app that they never installed or heard about be on the Play Store. Many call it bloatware and some even call it a malware in the reviews.