Last night Organic Maps was removed from the Play Store without any warnings or additional details due to "not meeting the requirements for the Family Program". Compared to Google Maps and other maps apps rated for 3+ age, there are no ads or in-app purchases in Organic Maps. We have asked for an appeal.
As a temporary workaround for the Google Play issue, you can install the new upcoming Google Play update from this link: https://cdn.organicmaps.app/apk/OrganicMaps-24081605-GooglePlay.apk
The Announcement on various Networks:
Fosstodon Post
Twitter Post
Telegram Post
If you don't know what Organic Maps is, it is an alternative to OsmAnd and google maps, more info on the official site (link) and GitHub.
Maybe an error? Honestly this is a weird one. I hope we will learn more in the coming hours.
You can still get it on the other channels, like F-Droid or Obtainium. Still, we all know that not being on the Play Store is an heavy sentence for any Android app.
EDITs
- Added F-Droid link.
- Fixed Typo in the obtainium link.
Installing an APK directly is sideloading. It's literally on the "Get F-Droid" page:
Sideload, to me, means pushing it onto the phone and installing it from a second, local device. Loaded from the side. Easy enough to do if you have the tools.
Downloading an APK through a browser and installing it from a file browser, all from the single device itself, wouldn't count as sideloading given my personal definition of the term.
You're mixing the definitions of sideloading media and sideloading apps. Sideloading media follows your definition, e.g. transfer via another local device. Sideloading apps refers to the installing of apps outside of the (pre-)installed app store, e.g. by installing an APK directly.
That's fine, your definition just doesn't seem to be the norm. I think as things have changed over time, and it's possible and easy to do it all on the device, that the definition has shifted. To me it means installing applications from outside of official channels.