According to Kommersant, applications for Android smartphones removed from Google Play were found in alternative stores from South Korean Samsung and Chinese Xiaomi. Their Galaxy Apps and GetApps are preinstalled on smartphones.
Applications of VTB and PSB banks, as well as a part of non-banking applications of the Sberbank ecosystem – SberMegaMarket and the Salyut voice assistant were found in the Samsung Galaxy Apps store. The Xiaomi store also has the SberMegaMarket application, but under the old name Goods.ru. SberMegaMarket advised to download the application only via a direct link from the official website. No comments were received from Samsung or Xiaomi.
When trying to find Sberbank applications in alternative stores, fake applications are displayed. GetApps has a Sberbank app from June 2019 with screenshots of the Thank You bonus program, and Galaxy Apps has copies of the SberMarket and SberHealth apps.
In 2021, Xiaomi and Samsung together accounted for more than half of phone shipments to the Russian market. These companies occupied 31% and 27% of the market, respectively. According to GS Group, in 2021, a total of 35.2 million smartphones were imported into Russia.
Samsung and Xiaomi are not subject to US sanctions. However, experts note that while maintaining access to the services of Russian banks, these companies themselves risk falling under restrictions. Yesterday it became known that Xiaomi and other Chinese technology companies refuse to do business in Russia under pressure from US sanctions and suppliers.
Source: ixbt
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
