title: Distributing "Free" Android App as .apk file directly
body: <p>I have already published android app on Google Play. It is desired to distribute the application even offline as  .apk file directly. My app is completely free and we wish it should spread to as many people.</p>
  
  <p>I am not sure what could be advantages and disadvantages of providing .apk file?</p>
  
  <p>Questions are :</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>Will Google play count direct .apk installation as a download, when connected to internet ?</li>
  <li>Will users with direct .apk installation get any update published later ?</li>
  </ol>