There are a number of issues that have caused friction in the relationship between app distribution platforms and developers, such as exorbitant sales prices and antitrust laws that restrict creators’ access to other distribution channels. Many firms, especially in the Web3 field where the absence of legislative certainty may make matters worse, are concentrating on ways to meet the demands of programmers as a result of these issues.
“Centralized app stores like Google Play and iOS AppStore are seeing fraudulent crypto applications. This means the centralized stores are not safe anymore as they solely focus on making money from listing,” explained William Peckham, the chief business officer of APhone — a decentralized cloud-based smartphone.
The decentralized app store called APhone, created by Aethir, will integrate conventional apps with blockchain-based solutions. The company claims that its AppNest, which also includes well-known Web2 apps like Whatsapp, Instagram, and ChatGPT, will list cryptocurrency apps including those from Binance, OKX, Phantom, MetaMask, Bitget Wallet, and more.
AppNest offers developers a free and open environment, but only after careful consideration. Developers will be subject to a variety of assessment criteria, including team and product stage evaluations, in order to stop fraudulent applications.“Web3 applications must go through a rigorous screening procedure. A due diligence procedure will be required of each partner, according to Peckham.
Previous instances of similar applications exist. For Android apps, Aptoide, for example, provides an open-source platform. It does not focus on decentralized apps explicitly, but it does host a variety of Web3 applications, including widgets linked to Bitcoin and crypto wallets. The APhone team is putting its money on features for Web3 aficionados in an effort to differentiate itself from the competition. These features include token prizes for writing app reviews, beta testing, and daily usage in addition to advice for developers and content creators on how to engage the community or create useful content. In order to enable lending, borrowing, and interest earning for holders of its native token, the platform also intends to link with decentralized finance systems. “We are providing users with an entirely ‘beyond the box’ experience — surpassing the typical hardware prerequisites and gatekeepers’ reach,” Peckham stated.
The Helium protocol is one example of a company that combines decentralized infrastructure with onchain products. It is based on a decentralized wireless network and creates a peer-to-peer network using gadgets called Helium Hotspots, which function similarly to miniature cell towers.