990
Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year (arstechnica.com)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/technology@lemmy.world
357 comments fedilink hide all child comments

top 90 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] 366 points 1 year ago (27 children)

Google getting rid of all the things that made people want an android phone over an iPhone.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 27 child comments
    •
  • [–] [S] 145 points 1 year ago (19 children)

    Yep, if this happens there is no benefit to android.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 19 child comments
    •
  • [–] 48 points 1 year ago* (6 children)

    I mean, there is still UI/UX, app store policies, and general cost/options.

    This definitely makes Android a lot less appealing. But it is also questionable to act like the biggest reason to use android was sideloading apps since the vast majority of users don't even know that is an option (and probably shouldn't since they have no understanding of how to vet them). Especially since Apple isn't any better (?).

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 6 child comments
    •
  • [–] 64 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Comrade, the ignorance of the masses should not dilute our anger

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 12 points 1 year ago

    So... "the ignorance of the masses" should be combatted by willful ignorance and nonsense that falls apart the moment anyone looks at it?

    Get angry. I sure am. Look for alternatives. Graphene sure ain't it but I hope it will be in the next four or five years. But this is something google are willing to futz with for a reason: The vast majority of users don't care about it and even with the changes it isn't significantly worse than the competition.

    Yet everywhere I see "Well, I guess I have to buy Apple now" which is just... buy it if you want to but don't pretend this shit is why.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • [–] 17 points 1 year ago (3 children)

    Ui/ux is honestly worse on android compared to something like ios. The playstore is honestly stuffed with ads and seems to be actively regressing in ux (the update apps menu is hidden behind like 3 layers of dialogues). Cost wise a used iPhone is probably a better deal than a cheap new android phone.

    I used android primarily because I could install apps Apple basically doesn't care about (and after the 5th time gba4ios broke).

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 3 child comments
    •
  • [–] 12 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Maybe it's because I'm used to android, but iOS feels user hostile in ways that android never has been, especially when it comes to storage management and pushing iCloud subscriptions.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Well android phones dont have removable sd card slots anymore, the only way to transfer files is over the weird protocol that's slower than directly writing to disk, if you use pixel or Samsung youre already inundated with annoying ads. The ecosystem is pretty awful now. Installing a custom rom is a good idea, but depending youre phone model it could be a step down and if your on any Samsung phone with knox it basically irreparably damages some attestation fuse. Apple ain't much better. I might try a Linux phone next.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 5 points 1 year ago

    There is a lot wrong with android, but it's super easy to transfer files over USB or just download them. I use Nextcloud personally. Then you can manipulate them with your choice of file manager.

    I got a new phone recently, Samsung with Knox, the worst part about it so far compared to other Android has been how it is quick to kill background apps, and the UI is honestly disorienting compared to how I'm used to doing things. I haven't been shown ads yet, but I did go ahead and disable all the Samsung apps I could find. This includes not being able to control how quickly it kills background apps, but it's the lesser of two evils.

    I'm not sure what Knox attestation is, but it sounds really unfortunate, and I want to search it now. I agree the phones of today are awful and the only reason I got this one was the price.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • [–] 9 points 1 year ago (11 children)

    It's still a step up from iOS, which has had similar restrictions since they started.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 11 child comments
    •
  • [–] 21 points 1 year ago (9 children)

    Apple allows sideloading (somewhat), this is would be demonstrably worse (if enacted)

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 9 child comments
    •
  • [–] 16 points 1 year ago (8 children)

    somewhat

    Yes. Only in the EU and only since 2024 when Apple was forced to do it by new laws. It's reasonable to assume Google would be subject to the same laws.

    If you live outside if the EU, it's "no sideload for you!" There are computer programs that can do sideloading to iPhones, but they have limitations, like having to refresh the sideloaded apps every seven days.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 8 child comments
    •
  • [–] 3 points 1 year ago* (7 children)

    Wholly incorrect. You’re allowed to sideload up to 3 apps (or 10 appIDs, whichever comes first) without being a developer, and that arbitrary restriction is removed if you pay for a dev license, regardless of which part of the world you’re in.

    In the EU you’re allowed to install third party app stores (still have to be notarized by Apple) which isn’t sideloading

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 7 child comments
    •
  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago* (6 children)

    The limitations depend on which program you're using - there's more than one - which is why I only gave a simple example. And if you have to pay for a function that is otherwise free to many others, that's a limitation.

    Side loading is installing an app from anywhere but the official store. So by definition "third party" is side loading. Whether it's another store or authorised is irrelevant.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 6 child comments
    •
  • [–] -1 points 1 year ago* (5 children)

    The limitations depend on which program you’re using - there’s more than one - which is why I only gave a simple example.

    No it doesn’t. It’s in all the documentation, official and otherwise

    Side loading is installing an app from anywhere but the official store. So by definition “third party” is side loading. Whether it’s another store or authorised is irrelevant.

    You can’t just make up a definition, believe it, and then share it like it’s true. We’re going by the legal definition as that’s the only one that matters.

    Apple only allows up to 3 apps or 10 appIDs to be sideloaded, wherever you are in the world. Period.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 5 child comments
    •
  • [–] 0 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    Youre not getting it. The developers of the tools can and do impose their own additional limitations. They're still limitations of the programs which is what we were taking about.

    And it doesn't matter what limitations Apple imposes in its walled garden, their phones can still be jail broken and side loaded in the more traditional way.

    The concept of sideloading is a general term that applies to multiple platforms, not something Apple owns or gets to dictate. No one is making up anything here.

    https://www.twingate.com/blog/glossary/side-loading

    Sideloading is the process of installing applications on a device from sources other than the official app stores.

    https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sideload

    the practice of putting software on a computer or mobile phone, without using the official way of buying the software

    https://zimperium.com/glossary/sideloading

    Sideloading is the practice of installing mobile apps on a device that are not from the official app stores

    Etc.

    If your argument requires cherry picking, ignoring key points, and baseless ad homenims, it's not a good point.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (3 children)

    I said Apple allows sideloading, you tried to correct me, and then changed your argument when you realized you were wrong. It’s just you not getting it.

    Your “tools” that bypass the limitations set by apple wouldn’t even be relevant if they were real since you’re arguing with the factual statement that Apple allows you to sideload your apps, regardless of where you are in the world.

    P.S. Even your links prove that you’re wrong about sideloading. Unless you’re now trying to argue there’s nothing official about governmentally mandated Apple-certified App Stores, in which case… just walk

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 3 child comments
    •
  • [–] 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

    Apple allows you to sideload your apps, regardless of where you are in the world.

    No, Apple doesn't generally allow you to sideload apps outside of the EU.

    https://www.perplexity.ai/search/does-apple-officially-allow-si-TH8GECqoR4CqgzWD8uH6TQ (Note that Perplexity cites sources)

    Apple officially allows sideloading of apps on iPhones only for users based in the European Union due to the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) which mandates this starting in 2024. For users outside the EU, Apple does not officially allow sideloading.

    If Apple officially allows sideloading outside of the EU, please show us the specific pages where Apple states you can sideload any app and the steps to do it? If you're right, I'll happily spin on a dime and support you and admit my mea culpa. I have no horse in this race, and I'll be happy to learn something new. People think admitting they're wrong is a weakness, when it's actually a strength.

    I said Apple allows sideloading, you tried to correct me…

    I didn't try to correct you because nothing you wrote was wrong. All I did was try to add information to clarify to other readers what "somewhat" actually means so they have an idea what they might be getting into if they wanted to do it. You know, provide simple helpful extra information, so people don't waste their time trying to find a feature they don't have if they live outside the EU for example. You even agreed that there are limitations, and that people would have to fork out money to overcome some of them.

    But if someone correcting you seems to upset to the point where you come out swinging a baseball bat over a trivial matter, maybe the internet isn't the place for you just now.

    … then changed your argument when you realized you were wrong

    I have no idea what you're referring to here. So being vague again weakens your argument.

    Your “tools” that bypass the limitations set by apple wouldn’t even be relevant if they were real…

    You seem to be stuck on this idea of Apple setting limitations. I said from the start there were limitations.

    The tools are very real:

    Even your links prove that you’re wrong about sideloading…

    Again, you didn't cite anything specific here in what I linked to. The definitions clearly supported that I wasn't making anything up as you claimed. And all you did was repeat your claim which I've already addressed. You didn't respond to my actual counterpoint or add any additional information. So again, this was vague and pointless.

    Ok, this is getting ridiculous. You keep stating incorrect information, you're relying on cherry picking, you've stooped to using yet another ad hominin weakening you argument, and you're getting repetitive and vaguer with each new comment.

    I've posted plenty of links to show the reality and limitations I originally mentioned, so people can read them and make up there own minds.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago* (1 child)

    If sideloading wasn’t allowed, there would be no apps on the App Store If you read the links your AI provided you, you’d see they’re all confirming what I said. All of them.

    Generally, common knowledge doesn’t need to be cited, so here:

    https://developer.apple.com/support/compare-memberships/

    https://developer.apple.com/support/dma-and-apps-in-the-eu/

    https://developer.apple.com/documentation/devicemanagement/

    Also, you should probably learn what Ad Homenim is before trying to use it in a sentence https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_hominem

    The fact is, and will always be, that Apple allows sideloading on all iphones in all regions, and their limits apply even in the EU. I’m sorry if you feel like that’s a personal attack.

    And to finally, to address your attempt at changing subject (because you stopped being vague and finally admitted it), Jailbreaking is not within Apples rules (the hint is in the name). Hope this helps!

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 0 points 1 year ago

    Man, did you even read the originally posted article? Did you understand it? Do you even know what sort of sideloading everyone is talking about here? Because it's sure as hell is not app development deployment. Google isn't going to ban that! And users aren't going to fire up Xcode, unpack an app IPA binary, modify the bundle configuration, and sign it using their ID so it'll run on their phone for just seven days. That takes developer-level skill which you said wasn't necessary. Or they could instead use one of the tools I listed, but you didn't even think they were real.

    And none of the pages you linked to refer to "sideloading" except to say people can do it in the EU. Again, proving my point.

    Plus I've already covered your whole argument here in my last comment. Did you read this link? If you did, you would have realized your argument was irrelevant and pointless.

    https://www.perplexity.ai/search/for-people-living-outside-the-ycCBdGnMTbmpH1.Triir6Q

    Also, you should probably learn what Ad Homenim is…

    It appears you don't understand what an ad homenim is, because I laid it out for you. When you say someone is making something up or something isn't real, rather than actually addressing the merits of their arguments, that's text book ad hominem.

    https://www.perplexity.ai/search/is-accusing-someone-of-making-7lw2w1xhQJyAtXtYuR3HTQ

    Jailbreaking is not within Apples rules (the hint is in the name)

    I never said it was. In fact, my first comment stated "…there are computer programs…," and I've mentioned "tools" generally. Why would those phrases not include jail breaking programs and tools?

    And of course it's not allowed by Apple. That was my point. If you live outside the EU and you want to sideload apps generally as a user, you have to use a tool like those I listed, which obviously includes the option of jail breaking.

    So you're just reinforcing my point for me, like you've done multiple times already.

    Yet again, you ignored nearly all of my key points, you added more misinformation and vagueness, you don't appear to understand what it is we're actually talking about, and you don't understand the skill level or tools required for what you're suggesting. So like I've mentioned, this could be a great learning experience for you with a bit of self-respect, but instead you prefer to keep highlighting your ignorance and misunderstanding. You might be fine with that despite the obvious downsides, in which case more power to you.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • [–] 25 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    Linux phones are moving fast but it feels like Android is moving faster on the other direction 😥

    (Yes I know Android is built over Linux, I mean more traditional and open distros like postmarketos)

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [+] 13 points 1 year ago (3 children)
    [deleted]
  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 3 child comments
    •
    • [+] 221 points 1 year ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 child)
    [deleted]
  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
    • [–] 192 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    Meanwhile, back at the ranch

    Malware-ridden apps made it into Google's Play Store, scored 19 million downloads

    https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/apps_android_malware/

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [–] 97 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Right, only install "verified" from Google Play, but that is where malware is, other 3rd party app stores like F-Droid, that really verify apps are at risk of getting killed by Google

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
  • [–] 109 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    This is very obviously step one in a plan to kill apps like alternative YouTube clients that block ads, just like the Manifest V3 rollout was intended to kill ad blockers in Chrome. Once they have everyone using this verification system, then they can just arbitrarily deverify anything that contravenes whatever new acceptable usage policy they just made up.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 36 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

    The opensource apps like Newpipe, SmartTube, termux and many others are the "malware", not the ones with binary blobs on PlayStore that fork VLC, Newpipe and many opensource apps illegally, supposedly "verified" but don't follow opensource license like GPL, creating fake clones with ads and (real) malware.

    https://itwire.com/business-it-news/open-source/81652-google-ignores-licence-violating-clones-of-vlc.html

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
    • [+] 85 points 1 year ago (10 children)
    [deleted]
  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 10 child comments
    •
  • [–] 9 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    It was always intended to be this way.

    The beginning was pre-enshittification. We're going from the good ole' days to the future, and the future sure as shit aint for you unless you're in the club... and you aint, none of us are.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 9 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    There's already a firm divide between the foss/self sufficiency crowd and modern tech.

    If this is bad enough, you'd see every foss faithful walking around with a laptop, mp3 player and camera like they're in 2009.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago (2 children)

    I hardly believe foss faithful people would ever carry a laptop, but there is a chance they will choose a foss-respecting phone (not that there are many options)

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
    • [–] 80 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    Wasn't Apple sued for not allowing sideloading?

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [–] 28 points 1 year ago* (3 children)

    You will be able sideload but the developer has to be authorized by Google. I.e. you can still install apps from f-droid but people publishing apps on f-droid will have to register with Google.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 3 child comments
    •
  • [–] 8 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 child)

    I dont have an issue with a feature to allow my phone to automatically veirfy signatures. But there should be a way to import/configure more signature verification providers including my own authority and even then it should still allow imstall if user really want and trust it.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 10 points 1 year ago

    Of course, the real issue is that it requires developers to sing up into Google's ecosystem to distribute any apps. The entire ecosystem of mods and alternative stores will be fine but it's just another proof Google is trying to kill it.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
    • [–] 68 points 1 year ago (8 children)

    The moment I don't get to run my own stuff and F-Droid, I'll be switching off smartphones.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 8 child comments
    •
  • [–] 19 points 1 year ago* (4 children)

    Dumbphone with tethering

    A mini laptop/cyberdeck

    A modern mp3 player

    A small, modern point and click camera

    hey gramps, where'd you get that gear, 2007?

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [–] 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    It's not a cyberdeck unless I have trodes and a halo, chummer. But some kind of netbook would be great.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
  • [–] 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    I'll probably go with one of the other roms on an older phone or possibly one of the Linux phones. It won't be exactly what I want, but it'll be better than their walled garden bullshit. That's precisely why I left Apple way back when.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Or we just... ignore them?

    LineageOS and GrapheneOS could just be like "well, go on, then."

    There's a market for everything and the FOSS and maker markets would eat up an open Android phone, even if the only apps you could install were community-created.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
    • [–] 66 points 1 year ago (7 children)

    I'm probably going to spam this around a bit, since most people don't seem to know about it, but a reminder that FuriLabs has a (GNU+)Linux phone with decent spec.s and the ability to run Android app.s (from what I've heard) pretty decently: https://furilabs.com/

    Biggest drawback is it's based on Halium. Usual growing pains of a new product/company apply but apparently the company is pretty responsive and their dev.s have worked with customers to get things like calling working with the carrier and bands of their country where it hasn't worked before so improvements move pretty quickly.

    Collection of different experiences I've variously seen online over the last year or so:

    I don't own one, myself, so I can't give any personal experience but I've seen it around for a few years now but most people don't seem to even know about it. Maybe there's a reason for that? But none I've ever seen anyone say.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 7 child comments
    •
  • [–] 30 points 1 year ago

    HOLY SHIT IS THAT A HEADPHONE JACK?!

    Seriously this ticks boxes Ive given up on. I never thought Id see a phone with all three: waterproof, removable battery, headphone jack. It even has wireless charging which isnt really one of my boxes but is a little extra if you use it.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago

    Wow, thanks for this comment, I think I may have finally found my next phone! I did not expect Linux with android, wireless charging, NFC, and hopefully one day display out. Thanks for commenting!

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    Looks good but it's too bulky.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago (3 children)

    Yeah; that's totally fair. Mostly, I just want to get it more known; whenever Mobile Linux come up, people namedrop Purism, the Pinephone, maybe UBPorts and the general conclusion is that the spec.s, alone, of what's available are pretty much a non-starter.

    There's definitely aspects of this phone that some people wouldn't go for but I'd rather sales be limited by not-the-right-choice than just no one knew it existed; especially when any progress can get sent upstream and improve future projects, as well.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 3 child comments
    •
  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    I didnt care so much about bulky before but now I have wrist issues and I can't handle heavy phones (and I am in a LDR for a few months more so the phone is used heavily!)

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
    • [–] 66 points 1 year ago (10 children)

    Oof, time to bite the bullet and switch email providers. Shit like this is why I've spent the last couple years de-googling my life.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 10 child comments
    •
  • [–] 22 points 1 year ago (9 children)

    Do it! It's not that bad. Everyone's got different needs, but I switched to fastmail and have been enjoying it.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 9 child comments
    •
  • [–] 17 points 1 year ago (8 children)

    If you're making the switch anyway, get yourself a domain name from a separate company to run it through. That way in the future you can keep using your domain even if you switch mail/web-hosting providers.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 8 child comments
    •
  • [–] 3 points 1 year ago (5 children)

    I have a domain and an email address through it, but my problem is I can't find a domain name I like enough to both keep and give out to others as a long term contact point. The one I have right now is silly, and not easy to communicate over the phone.

    It's a me problem, but if I ever figure out something I'm will to keep and is available, that's the goal.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 5 child comments
    •
  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    Have two:
    The silly one for personal or non-professional stuff like Steam
    The professional one for the ones you are meeting irl.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago (2 children)

    Yeah, that's the part I'm having trouble with. Can't decide on something serious, easy to communicate and that I like. Definitely a me problem.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
  • [–] 0 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Two minor concerns about this approach:

    1. Will the lesser known domain name make your emails more likely to be filtered as spam? I don't know the answer, but I am fairly sure it wouldn't help.

    2. Will having your email routed through a middleman open up security issues? Probably solveable with diligence and awareness, but I recently had a non-technical friend with this setup get his Gmail breached because he was forwarding it to an email inbox on his personal domain from decades earlier that he forgot about, and didn't have 2FA on the domain webmail. IMHO an easy oversight for anyone, honestly.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 5 points 1 year ago
    1. The domain name has no effect on spam filters, it's all about which server is sending it and if the domain is properly configured with MX records, DKIM signing keys, etc... A custom domain with mail sent from a major mail provider won't get sent to spam any more than a new gmail account.
    2. Mailboxes for a custom domain work exactly the same as any other email. There is no forwarding to another mailbox or provider unless you configure it to be that way. You should be pretty careful with what settings the mail server is configured with though, because encryption is optional...
  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
    • [–] 62 points 1 year ago (3 children)

    so basically i have to send in my id to google just to sideload a test apk i made in flutter to my own phone to test it out?

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 3 child comments
    •
  • [–] 19 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Ad it's just another data point for corporations and governments to be able to tie all your tech activities to your real identity. Great for surveillance!

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago*

    and if it will work like the play store, you will need to upload an apk* and download the signed version, so it's not even immediately obvious if they changed anything.

    * not really an apk but an intermediate build product

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
    • [–] 53 points 1 year ago (5 children)

    Great. This could be just the boost that free android needs. Graphene and eos can brace for a few new customers i guess

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 5 child comments
    •
  • [–] 8 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    I've been using graphene for a few months, but this latest news was what reminded me to start a monthly donation to the project. Hopefully Googles shenanigans push more people towards funding alternatives as well

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
  • [–] 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 child)

    I've gotta get a new phone soon (ol Pixel 3 is getting long in the tooth) and this is what I'm looking at too. I highly prefer the "default" Android UI, and the ability to install programs of my own choosing — but fuck Google, imagine getting locked out of your phone just because Google randomly unpersoned you.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 15 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Graphene developers seem enthusiastic to all the bullshit that Google comes up with, and on security/privacy tradeoff they seem to usually choose security. Case in point, the mandatory battery update.

    CalyxOS seems to choose privacy first, but that project folded recently.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
    • [–] 43 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    FYI: Apple got sued for blocking other app stores. This would prevent f-droid from being installable

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
    • load more comments
    view more: next ›
    295 comments in c/piracy@lemmy.dbzer0.com view that post
    48 comments in c/enshitification@slrpnk.net view that post