RL>  AT> What I meant by that is when it comes to app development, and app
 RL>  AT> visibility on the Google Play Store, the Google Play Store dictates
 RL>  AT> which businesses are allowed to thrive.
 RL> 
 RL> But retailers (and Google Play is really just a retailer) have been
 RL> doing that for decades.  Walmart, for example, is the main reason that
 RL> Rubbermaid doesn't exist (except as a name).

But Rubbermaid still thrives outside of Walmart. If I made an online marketplace app called "Junglezon," it wouldn't thrive without a presence on The Google Play Store.

 RL> But we've known that for a long time now and created channels that work
 RL> outside Google Play.

Computer-saavy people know about f-Android, the APK Pure, etc, but no business with an app on those platforms can seriously compete with competitors on The Google Play Store.

 RL>  AT> why I'm in the process of setting up my own email server. Gmail sucks
 RL> 
 RL> That's why the only reason my gmail account exists is for my Android
 RL> devices.
 RL> 
 RL> But the two-factor auth is caused by the low security in other places.
 RL> 
 RL> We've known for a long time that when you make something easier to use,
 RL> it's less secure.  More secure means more "friction" to use it.  Sadly,
 RL> we don't see a way around this.

I've never had a problem with compromised passwords. Even if a hacker obtained my password to something, there's not much damage that can be done with it. 2 factor authentication is fine, but the 2nd factor ought to include an option for a secondary email address. (That way people can leave their phone at home and check their email from a friend's device.)

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 2023/04/30 (Windows/64)