Google blocked Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro reviewers from using popular benchmarks to test the Tensor G3 chip, new owners too - NotebookCheck
notebookcheck.net
cross-posted from: https://lemdro.id/post/2289548 (!googlepixel@lemdro.id)
According to the comments section, users have been able to sideload them without issues. Play Store has since begun allowing the installs.
Updated: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Google-Pixel-8-Pixel-8-Pro-benchmark-block-lifted.759613.0.html
Google has lifted the block it placed on the ability for users to freely install benchmarking apps on its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. The block had been in place during the review embargo period but extended past the on sale period where customers purchasing the devices couldn’t install benchmarks on their new Pixels either.
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Isn't this because the minimum SDK level increase requirement in the play store and android 14? This gets rid of older Lapis that are less efficient or secure from modern apps. The benchmarking tools haven't targeted newer APIs and are thus the ones at fault. Devs need to keep their stuff updated; that's half the point of the beta period every year for the major version releases.
People seem to be reporting that they were able to sideload without issue and the restriction was subsequently lifted from the Play Store.
That's not the point. Those restrictions applied to the SDK level, which is why these apps were not available on the play store. This is easily verifiable. It's incomprehensible how such a mind boggling dumb move would be intentional on Google's part.