Re: Are Playstore app updates tested before release?

On 15/07/2024 00:27, Andrew wrote:

Jeff Layman wrote on Sun, 14 Jul 2024 09:20:25 +0100 :

Does the update come through the Play Store? Although it's an update to
the Google Play System, it doesn't state explicitly that it comes via
the Play Store. Or does it come through the OEM?

 Good question. I'd ask Andy or Arno. I never thought of where the updated
packages come from (as there are more than two dozen in Android 14).

It took some time to find a statement, but at <https://www.esper.io/blog/building-a-google-play-system-update-changelog> it notes "Thanks to Project Mainline, Google is able to deliver updates to core Android system components through the Play Store. These updates — which are publicly referred to as Google Play System Updates — can fix security issues or introduce new features, and they’re routinely delivered to users on GMS Android devices running Android 10 and later."
So they do come through the Play Store. But as you've removed the Play Store from your phone, but still get updates, that doesn't make sense. Or perhaps the Play Store isn't just the Play Store we think it is... ;-)
Perhaps part of the answer is here <https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/1706051485623103675>
"Google System Updates are comprised of updates to the Google Play Store app, the Google Play Services app, the Android WebView, and Project Mainline modules (via Google Play System Updates).
...
While you can opt out of these, you'll still get system updates from non-Google sources as well as app updates through Google Play*. Furthermore, Google says automatic updates may still happen to address severe security or safety issues or to comply with legal obligations."
* But /which/ "Google Play"?! We have Google Play Store, Google Play Services, Google Play System, and non-Google sources. Almost looks like it's been designed to confuse. Surely not...

Yeah, I try not to update unless I know what I want updated, but the
Project Mainline stuff updates whether or not you ask it to, I think.

See above. Perhaps security and safety issue updates can't be turned off.

I see that this is where the latest update info is provided:
<https://support.google.com/product-documentation/answer/14343500>

 I think that link answers one of your questions, which is how you know
you've been updated. I would guess you have the version they say there.

I should read my own links properly! :-)
Yes, the versions I can find in "Settings" by digging down into the app menus are pretty much the latest as shown in the links. I'll try to avoid doing any updates in the next couple of weeks and see if the version change anyway. That will mean an automatic update has taken place.
--
Jeff