How Google Play turned publishing a free app into a real challenge

The developer of the 'Giga Pisar' app, which utilizes Sber's GigaAM model for on-device speech recognition, has encountered significant hurdles while attempting to publish their product on Google Play. Previously, the app was distributed only via APK files, causing user friction due to Android's security warnings. However, the official publishing process on the Google store proved to be extremely complex and bureaucratic. The author notes that the platform's requirements for new developer accounts and verification procedures turn the simple process of listing free software into a real ordeal. In the article, the developer shares their experience navigating these stages and calls for community support, highlighting that Google Play's current barriers significantly complicate life for independent mobile software creators who aim to make their tools more accessible and secure for a wider audience.