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I have no idea where this needs to be posted. There are a number of different threads regarding this topic, and I know at least one of them are locked. So mods, feel free to move, delete or merge this as you see fit.
Google, via the Android Developers Blog, issued a statement a short while back. Here it is ...
A Note on Google Apps for Android
Posted by Dan Morrill on 25 September 2009 at 2:31 PM
Lately we've been busy bees in Mountain View, as you can see from the recent release of Android 1.6 to the open-source tree, not to mention some devices we're working on with partners that we think you'll really like. Of course, the community isn't sitting around either, and we've been seeing some really cool and impressive things, such as the custom Android builds that are popular with many enthusiasts. Recently there's been some discussion about an exchange we had with the developer of one of those builds, and I've noticed some confusion around what is and isn't part of Android's open source code. I want to take a few moments to clear up some of those misconceptions, and explain how Google's apps for Android fit in.
Everyone knows that mobile is a big deal, but for a long time it was hard to be a mobile app developer. Competing interests and the slow pace of platform innovation made it hard to create innovative apps. For our part, Google offers a lot of services — such as Google Search, Google Maps, and so on — and we found delivering those services to users' phones to be a very frustrating experience. But we also found that we weren't alone, so we formed the Open Handset Alliance, a group of like-minded partners, and created Android to be the platform that we all wished we had. To encourage broad adoption, we arranged for Android to be open-source. Google also created and operates Android Market as a service for developers to distribute their apps to Android users. In other words, we created Android because the industry needed an injection of openness. Today, we're thrilled to see all the enthusiasm that developers, users, and others in the mobile industry have shown toward Android.
With a high-quality open platform in hand, we then returned to our goal of making our services available on users' phones. That's why we developed Android apps for many of our services like YouTube, Gmail, Google Voice, and so on. These apps are Google's way of benefiting from Android in the same way that any other developer can, but the apps are not part of the Android platform itself. We make some of these apps available to users of any Android-powered device via Android Market, and others are pre-installed on some phones through business deals. Either way, these apps aren't open source, and that's why they aren't included in the Android source code repository. Unauthorized distribution of this software harms us just like it would any other business, even if it's done with the best of intentions.
I hope that clears up some of the confusion around Google's apps for Android. We always love seeing novel uses of Android, including custom Android builds from developers who see a need. I look forward to seeing what comes next!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source:
http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2009/09/note-on-google-apps-for-android.html
Yep, it's over.
We're still asking for community access to these applications that are almost essential to the current Android experience. I really doubt it's hurting their bottom line substantially enough to justify the killing of their distribution.
In other words, Mr. Morrill's post was pretty much a sugarcoated attempt to gain some of the PR they lost.
We always love seeing novel uses of Android, including custom Android builds from developers who see a need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A "novel" use from a developer who "sees a need" is quite a way to describe a substantially improved version of your OS.
So what is the conclusion? A lot of the things could be replaced, but as mentioned before, the sync tools and so forth are tricky to get around. What is the next step from here?
cyanogen said:
Yep, it's over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How so? What would be wrong with releasing the ROM without the google apps, but have a script or something that runs on first boot that installs the missing apps?
cyanogen said:
Yep, it's over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So no more ROMs? Or no more ROMs with close-source apps?
AquaVita said:
How so? What would be wrong with releasing the ROM without the google apps, but have a script or something that runs on first boot that installs the missing apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still illegal. A clever trick to walk around the legal fine print. But in essence, it's illegal...
AquaVita said:
How so? What would be wrong with releasing the ROM without the google apps, but have a script or something that runs on first boot that installs the missing apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without the basic function to sign into the device using your Google credentials, the ROM is useless. You can't just grab them from another build (as far as I know) because of the way they are tied in at compiling to the framework. So you would have to pull the ROM, grab the proprietary pieces from somewhere else, and compile the source yourself.
Right?
To touch on this in another way, what would it take for Cyanogen to become a licensed distributor of Google's Apps for Android? If there are really 30,000 users, couldn't legal fees be gathered from them? And, couldn't the business license be set up as a Not-For-Profit? Like the Association of Cyanogen Followers? If it were, wouldn't the required fees to license the distribution rights of the software be tax-free and operating expenses for the association? Meaning, any costs for running the business could be taken out of membership dues and donations? With the rest being tax write-offs?
Just a thought, as I would love to see this made legit, 4.0.4 is great, but I don't want this to stop here.... selfish I know, but it's the truth.
AquaVita said:
How so? What would be wrong with releasing the ROM without the google apps, but have a script or something that runs on first boot that installs the missing apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guees thats no way. What if you have a wipe? No APNs or anything else? You cant dowmload "Market" als a single-app directly from google (as i know).
daveid said:
Without the basic function to sign into the device using your Google credentials, the ROM is useless. You can't just grab them from another build (as far as I know) because of the way they are tied in at compiling to the framework. So you would have to pull the ROM, grab the proprietary pieces from somewhere else, and compile the source yourself.
Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then what the hell is google talking about "encouraging other ROM releases"? If that isn't possible without some pieces of Google software, then is it literally impossible to develop a custom ROM for android?
Thoughts, Cyanogen?
As soon as my contract is I am Too! I can predict a mass exit from android and google!
daveid said:
Without the basic function to sign into the device using your Google credentials, the ROM is useless. You can't just grab them from another build (as far as I know) because of the way they are tied in at compiling to the framework. So you would have to pull the ROM, grab the proprietary pieces from somewhere else, and compile the source yourself.
Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this true? If its proprietary how did CY compile them in the first place? In order to compile don't you need access to the source?
So just come up with replacements for those apps that are closed source and not available on the market...
Devs WILL find a way... I guarantee you
But yeah, Google SUCKS on this...They could have just given him limited licensing...
Without a doubt the most foolish decision I've seen Google make in terms of Android so far. This puts a major damper on a community that was helping make Android better in very real ways.
The only explanation I can come up with is that the closed apps use 3rd party licensed code that Google can't redistribute. Otherwise this is just completely boneheaded.
Google said:
With a high-quality open platform in hand, we then returned to our goal of making our services available on users' phones. That's why we developed Android apps for many of our services like YouTube, Gmail, Google Voice, and so on. These apps are Google's way of benefiting from Android in the same way that any other developer can, but the apps are not part of the Android platform itself. We make some of these apps available to users of any Android-powered device via Android Market, and others are pre-installed on some phones through business deals. Either way, these apps aren't open source, and that's why they aren't included in the Android source code repository. Unauthorized distribution of this software harms us just like it would any other business, even if it's done with the best of intentions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They claim these apps (YouTube, Gmail, etc) are Googles way to benefiting from Android, but they are not distributed with all android phones? I understand that companies license these applications from Google, but how does it hurt them if they are installed on a device that would already have them?
Then they say "We make some of these apps available to users of any Android-powered device via Android Market", yet this entire thing came about because the Android Market is being distributed? How can any device get these if the market is one thing that can not be distributed?
I paid for the ADP1, which came with Gmail, YouTube and the other applications. The ADP1 feature was that I could flash any ROM I wanted to on the device, but now they are telling me that I can't put one on there if it contains their applications that my device had in the first place.
Hello Google, welcome to the the Dark side, so much for "Don't be evil"
I will help with anything I can on a project to replace the Google Products.
AquaVita said:
How so? What would be wrong with releasing the ROM without the google apps, but have a script or something that runs on first boot that installs the missing apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya i was thinking the same .i mean if not ,how do we get gmail ,youtube,ect?do we have to download from market ? some are not in market like youtube.i use gmail all the time .
Do the current Roms have to pulled?
That shiny device with an Apple on it is looking mighty delicious
CyanogenMod officially done now:
http://twitter.com/cyanogen
"Sorry everyone, CyanogenMod in it's current state is done. I am violating Google's license by redistributing their applications."
dwang said:
Is this true? If its proprietary how did CY compile them in the first place? In order to compile don't you need access to the source?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had assumed that they were "reverse-engineered" using something like baksmali, to gain access to the source.... I could be wrong.
People in the tech industry generally perceive iOS as the more safer option compared to Android due to mobile malware. The fact is that mobile malware infects less than one percent of apps.
“The real concern should be over how mobile apps are handling personal info and company data. In that respect, iPhones should not be considered any safer than Android devices.”
Some of the iOS apps are actually more risky for the user's personal information.
I found "Things you should know about smartphone applications" very interesting.
Source
Thanks for the info. I'll be sharing this with my friends and family on Facebook.
Sent from my Slim E4GT using xda premium
Android apps have permission clearly listed whereas ios doesn't
Also, You won't get malware on andoid if you download from the play store :angel:
TechMasta said:
Also, You won't get malware on andoid if you download from the play store :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do. Malware apps make their way to play store before it gets pulled
Hi,
The vast majority of my apps come from F-droid and Github but a few ones can only be downloaded on the Google Play Store.
I don't have Google services on my device so I'm looking for a reliable tool/website to update those apps. I know Raccoon but a PC is required and I don't have one during the week.
I found APKpure a few weeks ago. Apparently all apps have to pass a signature verification so they guarantee safe downloads. It seems legit and I did compare the SHA1 of their apk and the one downloaded from Google Play. The apk hasn't been altered. One positive result doesn't mean that we can't have negative ones though
I don't like "mirror websites". The owner of apkpure, apkupdate and apkplz seems to be the same so it's more complicated for me to trust those sources. Why do they need all these websites? I didn't find any legal information BTW...
No paid apps can be downloaded on these websites so my only suspicion is that they could add malwares into some (famous) apps. Of course, original apps can also have malwares on Google Play.
For the record, I uploaded the few apks I downloaded to VirusToral and nothing has been detected.
Last but not least, Apkpure provides a dedicated app to install and update apps, which is great even if they suggest me new versions that aren't officially available yet. (probably related to a region restriction or a delay from Google to push the app update for all countries).
What do you think about these websites? Do you know a safer way?
I don't have google apps also, using apk pure for now, everything is well.
BlankStore should work for most free apps.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1715375
Wakamatsu said:
BlankStore should work for most free apps.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1715375
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I know but it uses Gmail IDs (with a connection to Google servers). Last but not least, the project is discontinued for several months.
I was going to give a try to Blankstore this weekend and it doesn't seem to be a reliable alternative in the medium term.
Primokorn said:
Yes, I know but it uses Gmail IDs (with a connection to Google servers). Last but not least, the project is discontinued for several months.
I was going to give a try to Blankstore this weekend and it doesn't seem to be a reliable alternative in the medium term.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Primokorn ,
what about its alternative.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3217616
would really be interested in your opinion (if you look into it and dont mind ).
"err on the side of kindness"
Primokorn said:
Yes, I know but it uses Gmail IDs (with a connection to Google servers).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I created a throwaway gmail account for this but I get your point.
Primokorn said:
Last but not least, the project is discontinued for several months.
I was going to give a try to Blankstore this weekend and it doesn't seem to be a reliable alternative in the medium term.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's discontinued in the sense that he will not move further with that particular project in favour of another but he will still make fixes when a Google update breaks BlankStore function. It's been "discontinued" since version 0.7.1.
I have a old device just for this purpose.
It has no info on it
Everything possible has been removed that's not needed
(Like calender and contacts etc)
All it does is connect to Wi-Fi to get apps from Google play
Even paid apps.
And I harp non stop to developers and leave feedback on apps that don't support offline use.
(Is in app purchases, online verification, etc things that can be stored on device over getting from internet every time)
I don't see the point of getting apps elsewhere when they will do the same thing to you as Google..But with less oversight.
Virus checkers are pointless when apps are Trojans..
Or have them built in.
I consider any software that mines any thing from your device, without declaring exactly what it is doing every time, nothing other than a Trojan.
Google and it's partners will always push for a proprietary distribution system claiming it will keep you secure
When I'm truth what it does is you your money going to them
When I've had to I've gotten my apks from some very unusual places.
But then you can get some very bad software from very official places.
mrrocketdog said:
@Primokorn ,
what about its alternative.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3217616
would really be interested in your opinion (if you look into it and dont mind ).
"err on the side of kindness"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use microG framework for several weeks now
Wakamatsu said:
It's discontinued in the sense that he will not move further with that particular project in favour of another but he will still make fixes when a Google update breaks BlankStore function. It's been "discontinued" since version 0.7.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know that. Thanks for the heads-up! I wanted to give a try this weekend but I had serious with my laptop I keep that in mind for the next time.
nutpants said:
I have a old device just for this purpose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What an expensive alternative! I'm used to sell my current device to buy a new one and that's not handy IMHO.
nutpants said:
And I harp non stop to developers and leave feedback on apps that don't support offline use.
(Is in app purchases, online verification, etc things that can be stored on device over getting from internet every time)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solutions exist for devs to not use Google Play online verification but they want to use it to punish users who download warez. Even if I can understand this point of view, we wouldn't have warez with FLOSS softwares.
nutpants said:
Google and it's partners will always push for a proprietary distribution system claiming it will keep you secure
When I'm truth what it does is you your money going to them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done some fruitful research to prepare an article about GAFAM and other big companies. In addition, Google doesn't protect our freedom of speech (I noticed this many times with 'ordinary people').
Now that I clearly know what they did/do/will do, how could I still use their services?!? My next Android work will be published under GPL v3, I already stopped any operations on Google Play and I try to push devs to offer free/libre softwares. Marcel (M66B on XDA) is the perfect example of an awesome developer :good:
Primokorn said:
I use microG framework for several weeks now
What an expensive alternative! I'm used to sell my current device to buy a new one and that's not handy IMHO.
Solutions exist for devs to not use Google Play online verification but they want to use it to punish users who download warez. Even if I can understand this point of view, we wouldn't have warez with FLOSS softwares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rarely sell my devices, (i have 6 of 9 that I play with somewhat regularly sadly)honestly i keep the last one as a back up in case the new one has issues or a failure. And when I do think of it, it not worth the money to make it worth the time..
I still have my Windows mobile 2003 Siemens sx66
(Not that is have been turned on in years)
But really it's an investment in my security.
(And I no longer get the hottest newest devices asap anymore, that's a zero sum game that has few benefits beyond bragging rights)
My tablet dual boots between Google play only rom and everything else internet rom also.
I have yet to hear of a protection scheme that had not been broken in hours. I think bluray was the last major public disaster. If the time spent on protection was spent on quality assurance I think it would be a different landscape in the digital world.
Even with floss you have warez.. just in different forms. Mods,hacks, cracks, custom roms It all just words that describe one developer modifying others work without permission for features that are not present, either added or removed.
It's point of view.like anything.
Myself, I stand back and promote security,offline abilities and operation and open source.
It's where my money goes, my time and my vote. Every chance I get.
XDA: Focus on making independence accessible to android users!
@Primokorn: Thanks a zillion for starting this crucial discussion. I don't know how often i pointed out these issues.
Of course, i also have some aesthetic preferences. But diving through endless reefs of startup animation replacements, battery monitor alternatives and half-baked theme studies is not what i expected xda-developers.com to end up, 12 years after i started being around.
In my eyes, the whole aftermarket ado should be concentrated on maintaining the independency of the most popular mobile operating system of the universe by it's users. Crucial topics be
Liberating the app distribution architecture
Optimizing the permission restriction system
There are great approaches like the Aroma Installer, that have been employed to supply user friendly means for debloating and debranding. Have a look at the Screenshots of stockymod.
@nutpants:
And I harp non stop to developers and leave feedback on apps that don't support offline use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do the same thing to official institutions when they release apps. If i wasn't in that hyper-busy age around 40, i'd start a little riot about publicly funded software that ends up being published behind the wellknown golden cages exclusively. The necessity to change this in a grassroot movement is obvious.
Apkmirror.com
Did not know these existed, going to check this out!
Note: This discussion was first published at Cygnet.
Enterprises building apps for internal use, smart businesses trying to make a killing with consumer-facing apps, and entrepreneurs with ideas for innovative apps are driving the demand for mobile app development.
While few apps run on single platform, majority of them must work on at least the three big operating systems: iOS, Android or Windows.
This open ups the debate on what is the best approach to develop an App that works well with all the major platforms and devices.
Whats you take? Native Apps Vs Hybrid Apps Vs HTML 5 Apps?
Read the relevant article on cygnet-infotech.com/blog/native-apps-vs-hybrid-apps-vs-html-5-apps
inkoniq.com/blog/app-dilemma-solved-in-5-minutes-native-vs-hybrid-vs-web/
Check this out, a good explanation to solve your dilemma
Nestereon said:
inkoniq.com/blog/app-dilemma-solved-in-5-minutes-native-vs-hybrid-vs-web/
Check this out, a good explanation to solve your dilemma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing this.
React Native VS Hybrid App Development
Since the inclusion of the concept of Hybrid app development, a debate is continually emerging that which one is optimal for mobile app development- Hybrid app development or Native app development.
Well, if we look at the result from statista then- there was massive growth had been observed in the mobile app market since its inception until now.
Statista says that the global mobile app market will be worth $190 billion in 2020, from $70 billion in 2015.
2017 reports state that Android & iOS, are the two frequently used operating systems for Smartphones, held a market share of 85% or 14.9% respectively. Until March 2018 counts prove that there were 3.8 million apps in Google Play (Android) and 2 million in Apple’s App Store (iOS).
So, with which one you will go for your mobile app development idea, Native app development or will kill two birds with one stone by opting Hybrid mobile app development.
For Having more information over native or hybrid app development with some advantages and disadvantage of both the platforms you GO through this :"https://ripenapps.com/blog/hybrid-app-development-vs-native-app-development/"
Making something Open Source is essentially a tool to crush innovation, and make developers lazy, so they are more like robots without a brain of their own.
It is an easy route to make some money by taking an open source library/ project, introducing ads, repackaging it with your own name and publishing it. Both the platform (e.g Google Play Store) and the developers are happy because they both get to make money without any effort.
The end result: Unhappy users and dumb developers!
Over the last 8 years or more, I have tried hundreds of apps in specific categories like File Managers, Gallery, Music Player, Video Player, etc. Yet I haven't found one that is PERFECT. Although 'perfect' is subjective, extremely few apps are worthy of applause.
If you search for Gallery apps on Google Play Store, you will get thousands of apps. Unfortunately, literally over half of them are identical and copycats of the Simple Gallery app. Rest are total garbage. Clearly, these apps are taking some easily (or freely) available library/ source, changing the name and signature, introducing ads, packaging them and publishing on Google Play Store under different developer accounts. It is quite possible that many of these apps are from the same developer who has several developer accounts. The number of copycats that are allowed to flourish on Google Play Store is simply unbelievable.
This kind of poor vetting by Google Play Store makes for a terrible user experience when people try out different apps, only to find that they all are exact replicas of each other. They are clearly violating the REPETITIVE CONTENT policy of Google Play Store where these apps have absolutely nothing of value to add. They are simply a source of ad revenue for the developers. Google probably doesn't mind that because they get 30% cut from those revenues.
As far as Gallery apps are concerned, there are literally less than 10 unique apps among thousands listed on Google Play Store. Much less actually. There is absolutely no thought/ love given when designing apps. Despite the versatility that Android supposedly offers, the interface, ease of access, features, etc leave too much to desire for.
That said, the question is 'Are Good Android apps very difficult to make'?
Making a good Android Apps is neither difficult nor easy. It requires a good understanding of the needs of the client in the app. And the rest is quality hard work.
nihitthakkar said:
Making a good Android Apps is neither difficult nor easy. It requires a good understanding of the needs of the client in the app. And the rest is quality hard work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about making apps for the market, and not specifically for a client?
As stated in the OP, most apps are pure garbage, or replica of other apps. In other words, no thought or concept, absolutely no love or attention to detail. The Play Store is just a hub to publish some garbage and make money out of it through ads.
Is the amount of effort required in making and maintaining an app too much relative to the money to be made from such apps?
Apps are end results of knowledge imparted in educational institutions. It is pretty clear that the good students don't make apps.
As with Gallery apps, the same is also true for File Managers, Music Players, Video Players, Browsers, etc.
It is easy to relate with Browsers because many are forks of Chromium. The same holds true for other types of apps too.
In any category, there are less than 10 unique apps (even lesser actually) and all the rest (in hundreds or thousands) are either copycats or pure garbage.
Sad and unfortunate truth.
The Google Play Store boasts of roughly 3 million apps today.
I bet there are less than 300 unique experiences (read: apps)! All the rest are copycats or pure garbage.
Making good apps requires a dedicated team and effort.
If you want good apps for yourself, either code them yourself or commission a developer to get it done. And don't expect it to work on all phones.
Because android device fragmentation is a massive problem.
And expecting app development from an Education Institution?
Thats most hilarious **** I have heard. Education institutions don't give 2 Fs about the commercial setup.
karandpr said:
Making good apps requires a dedicated team and effort.
If you want good apps for yourself, either code them yourself or commission a developer to get it done. And don't expect it to work on all phones.
Because android device fragmentation is a massive problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that take away the opinion expressed in the OP?
Does it counter the fact that the Google Play Store is full of garbage apps?
Does it counter the fact that most apps are essentially replicas of each other?
Does it counter the fact that most apps are simple repackaging of open source resources with very little value to no value being added in the final product?
Does it counter the fact that open source resources are essentially a tool for incompetent developers to make money without any effort?
karandpr said:
And expecting app development from an Education Institution?
Thats most hilarious **** I have heard. Education institutions don't give 2 Fs about the commercial setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you point me to where I said so?
You may want to read my comment again.
TheMystic said:
Does that take away the opinion expressed in the OP?
Does it counter the fact that the Google Play Store is full of garbage apps?
Does it counter the fact that most apps are essentially replicas of each other?
Does it counter the fact that most apps are simple repackaging of open source resources with very little value to no value being added in the final product?
Does it counter the fact that open source resources are essentially a tool for incompetent developers to make money without any effort?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You stated my opinion. I did mine.
1.) Your opinion. Not fact. There are lot of good unique apps.
2.) Yes and No. Garbage apps use better SEO and have higher visibility. Unlike iOS store ,Play store doesn't curate apps manually.
3.) No they are not. Lot of apps are restricted by System APIs enforced by Google. This is true for Camera and File Manager Apps
4.) Welcome to open source. That's it's selling point. You are free to compile your own version of apps if it bothers you
5.) No it is not. This is a very pigeonholed vision of open source.
Can you point me to where I said so?
You may want to read my comment again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TheMystic said:
What about making apps for the market, and not specifically for a client?
As stated in the OP, most apps are pure garbage, or replica of other apps. In other words, no thought or concept, absolutely no love or attention to detail. The Play Store is just a hub to publish some garbage and make money out of it through ads.
Is the amount of effort required in making and maintaining an app too much relative to the money to be made from such apps?
Apps are end results of knowledge imparted in educational institutions. It is pretty clear that the good students don't make apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This statement here.
karandpr said:
You stated my opinion. I did mine.
1.) Your opinion. Not fact. There are lot of good unique apps.
2.) Yes and No. Garbage apps use better SEO and have higher visibility. Unlike iOS store ,Play store doesn't curate apps manually.
3.) No they are not. Lot of apps are restricted by System APIs enforced by Google. This is true for Camera and File Manager Apps
4.) Welcome to open source. That's it's selling point. You are free to compile your own version of apps if it bothers you
5.) No it is not. This is a very pigeonholed vision of open source.
This statement here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. The 1st point was an opinion, and thats what I said. A 'lot' of good unique apps? 'Lot' could be subjective/ relative, but I would say that even that would be less than 1% of the number of apps available on Google Play Store. Over 99% apps on Google Play Store are garbage.
2. Okay.
3. I don't think you tried out enough apps. In the last one week, I must have tried atleast 50 Gallery apps, and over 70% of them had the exact same UI, Settings, bugs, etc. Some of them had completely misleading pictures on their app page too.
4. I wish I could.
5. With every generalized statement, there are almost always exceptions, and this is no different. So exceptions prove the rule. Give the quality of apps on Google Play Store and the fact that many of them are replicas of each other created from the same code base/ source, it only proves that open-source provided earning opportunities to incompetent developers way more than being a tool to not reinvent the wheel.
As with my statement on educational institution, you have misunderstood it. I said good students from institutions imparting coding knowledge don't make apps (with exceptions of course). That is very evident from the quality of apps we get to see (again obviously with exceptions). It is the lazy and incompetent lot that simply repackages a free resource without adding any value to it and then earn some money through ads.