You currently have to install F-Droid manually via APK. This change will allow F-Droid to be listed in the Google Play store.

No. Not like that

As far as I can see it doesn't improve that situation. The Google Play Store may be forced to list alternative app stores, but by default the only apps that will install on Android, no matter which store they are downloaded from, are those whose developer has registered with Google, and where Google has approved both the developer and the app. So Google can still censor any app or developer they (or the US Government) consider inconvenient.

Google promises a slightly laborious workaround for this, but they don't say how long the workaround will remain available.

Just what I was questioning, the push to make users jump through hoops to use apps not approved by big brother is still out there

They don't care, but also they can point to AOSP being around. So "Android" is still "open", just making it harder and harder for it to be used without the Google Services (in addition to drivers needed for the crucial hardware bits OEMs use which are their own problems).

Conspiracy theory kind of rant/headspace. I am kind of shocked that the Pixel devices still have easy boot loader unlocking and drivers to install AOSP or Linux based ROMs. Guessing they will lock those down like the OEMs at some point, and make "must have" features for the hardware not work if an "unverified" ROM is installed. Could also see them selling "dev unlocked" versions of the devices that are more expensive, and require the people buying them to get verified for apps at time of purchase (even if the person isn't planning on actually making apps).

A fellow mortal combat between tech monsters enthusiast, I see. 🍻

For this, you can search "how to upload an article to an archiving website, and repost its link"

I'm so fucking done with Google and their shit because this sounds totally plausible. This GrapheneOS pixel 8 will be the last time I use ANY Android device willingly. See y'all in !linuxphones@lemmy.ca

Or, if your bootloader is unlockable, root it, if you - like me - for some reason don't want to ditch your Graphene incompatible device. 🫣🤫

Consumers are lazy and big tech exploits it by creating just enough friction to keep them in semi-walled gardens. Enabling installing of an app that’s labeled as „file might be harmful” by enabling installation of „unknown apps” won’t stop my grandma from installing malware but it stops many from even bothering with alternative app stores.

No, this is about official support from Google.

Judge James Donato originally agreed that forcing Google to carry rival Android app stores within its own Google Play store, and share its own entire catalog of apps with those stores, would be the best way of undoing the company’s illegal monopoly over Android applications.

...

there may be two different tracks for Android: stores-within-a-store in the United States, and Registered App Stores everywhere else.