That breh is just trying to spin this. Unless they come out with a statement at the PR level that changes the current scope, he's trying to soften the blow in that Google wants to become the sole arbiter for software of all Google Play certified devices whether you use the Play Store or not.
A peek of potential shyt future here: Remember they lost that suit to Epic and now Google has to allow other stores and billing methods to breathe? Now, if your app store becomes available and somehow has say, an app gone rogue or payment processors don't like something NSFW available on another store, Google will just revoke your shyt ez-pz in the name of "security" and are out. Not just out the Play Store (if you were even in there), but what Google is presenting is you will not be allowed an install on any device with Google Play services, period.
You know those YouTube players? Browsers with Adblock? Those technically violate YouTube ToS or whatever BS they spew, and Google can revoke your Android publishing capabilities and crush your app in one swoop. Now you're rubbing shoulders with malware providers in Google's eyes. Nothing will stop them from blacklisting entire stores and their content with this move.
And if you want to be sideloaded without giving up your personal information to Google, it can't be on Google Play certified devices because Google will have taken that ability away. The only way becomes if you have an OS build without Play Services and that restriction that comes with it. What's left is to cut out local app signing entirely and have it be checked online. Then we get the "secure" future Google wants.
This has nothing to do with security, and only with Google choking out avenues to do anything without them looking in. Instead of cleaning up the notoriously poor and malware ridden Play Store, now everyone gets side loading taken away.
