Some tablet computers such as Amazon Kindle Fire, do not provide access to Google Play, and instead use their manufacturer's own mobile content distribution service. In the past, these requirements had included 3G or 4G cellular data connectivity, ruling out Android-powered devices comparable to Apple's iPod touch, but this requirement had been loosened by the 2011 release of the Samsung Galaxy Player. Only Android devices that comply with Google's compatibility requirements may install and access Google's closed-source Play Store application, subject to entering into a free-of-charge licensing agreement with Google. The Play Store application is not open source. Applications are installed to the phone's internal storage, and under certain conditions may be installed to the device's external storage card. The package manager becomes visible if the user downloads an APK file directly into their device. Play Store does not install applications it asks the device's PackageManagerService to install them. Play Store applications are self-contained Android Package files. Users may download Android applications from a developer's website or through a third-party alternative. There is no requirement that Android applications be acquired from the Play Store.

Carriers can also ban certain applications, for example tethering applications. In addition, users may face further restrictions to choice of applications where developers have tied-in their applications to particular carriers or countries for business reasons. Play Store filters the list of applications to those compatible with the user's device. With the introduction of Google Play on 6 March 2012, the Android Market app on old devices was upgraded to the Google Play Store app. The Devices segment of Google Play is not accessible through the Play Store. It allows users to browse and download music, books, magazines, movies, television programs, and applications from Google Play. The Google Play Store is the official pre-installed app on Android devices which provides access to the Google Play store.

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