In a world where big names like Apple and Google dominate the app market, some are searching for more independent alternatives. Uptodown is one such company, boasting an apps market of 132 million users worldwide. With its unique and transparent approach to app distribution, Uptodown offers developers a viable alternative to the monopolistic practices of the big app stores.
In an interview with Pocketgamer.biz, Uptodown’s CEO, Luis Hernández, shed light on the company’s evolution and what sets it apart from other app stores. The idea for Uptodown originated in the early 2000s with the goal of connecting app developers directly with users. This led to the creation of a platform that collects, sorts, and makes software accessible to users with just one click.
When the mobile market began to boom, Uptodown entered the space with its mission intact. While Google and Apple both took notice of the value in app distribution, they imposed strict rules and fees on developers, frustrating many smaller studios. Against this restrictive model, Uptodown defended the web as the most accessible platform to obtain apps and continued to grow with Android, now boasting over 100 million monthly users.
Recent years have seen major studios turning away from the big app stores, as they lose control of their products and their users. This awakening has fueled a shift in thinking surrounding Google and Apple’s monopolistic practices and their perceived negative impact on the industry.
Uptodown’s more secure and transparent model sets it apart from other app stores. The company’s main distribution channel is accessible via any browser, with no account creation necessary. Its peer reviews, tutorials, and other added value enrich users’ experiences, further distinguishing it from other app stores. For developers, publishing and downloading apps on Uptodown is free, with zero risk and complete access to the platform’s massive worldwide audience.
Uptodown’s focus on transparency and user privacy extends to how it manages application safety within the store. The company’s automated processes include reviewing all content with over 70 anti-viruses and checking developers’ signatures to ensure that no modified files can be distributed. Uptodown’s own content team also tests and reviews all apps before publishing, adding an extra layer of security.
As for the future of Uptodown, the company is experiencing one of the most important growth periods in its history. Hernández and his team are focused on continuing to give power to developers and users, rather than manufacturers or stores. Through collaboration with partners like Unity, Uptodown aims to support and promote developers’ direct relationships with their users, offering an alternative to the restrictive practices of the big app stores.