omg! ubuntuJul 6, 2023

Technical stuff aside, a major reason why Flatpak does not get the hate Snap does is because users don't resent it.

There are 2 things people hate: the way things are, and change.

Ubuntu put Snaps on users desktops without asking if they wanted them. They just did it, then closed off ways to opt-out/avoid them (Cf. Firefox).

Forced change fosters resentment.

No distro made Flatpaks default/required/opt-out. Users had time to come to the tech and adopt it on their own terms/needs.

Just IMO.

Show threadomg! ubuntuJul 6, 2023
It's a glib comparison but Snaps remind me a bit of that time Apple put a (free) U2 album on everyone's iPod/iPhone and assumed everyone would be grateful but people were REALLY annoyed by it.
Show threadLiam @ GamingOnLinux 🐧🎮
@omgubuntu technically, SteamOS is sort-of Flatpak defaulted since the main OS is locked :P
Jul 6, 2023 at 1:57pmWeb
Show threadMatt  Jul 6, 2023

@gamingonlinux @omgubuntu Yes, but that came out long after people were used to Flatpaks.

Snaps were mandatory before people got a chance to like them.

Then add on that they weren't very good at the beginning.

Show threadEat My Wings To Keep Me TameJul 6, 2023
@thelinuxcast @gamingonlinux @omgubuntu steam OS being locked down with flatpak as the default is understandable, its a mass market product not explicitly designed for power users. The less ways it can break the better for steamOS from valves perspective. They still let us do fun stuff anyway if you know what youre doing
Show thread__Miguel_Jul 6, 2023

@redlilrascal @thelinuxcast @gamingonlinux @omgubuntu Indeed. Not to mention "Desktop Mode" is not really meant for "public consumption", it's there for the tinkerers.

Most Steam Deck users will likely never drop to desktop, especially because you need a rather expensive dock to do it (seriously, USB-C to HDMI adapters with included USB hub are MUCH more expensive these days. Couple of years ago managed to snag one for under €30 - no Ethernet, but still...).

Show threadPobegaJul 6, 2023
I think with SteamOS people are more willing to accept that a game console would have an immutable operating system by default.
Show threadfive82Jul 6, 2023
@gamingonlinux @omgubuntu I don’t think any Flatpaks are installed by default though and there are alternatives such as AppImage, Homebrew, and soon Nix.
Show threadskyeyeJul 6, 2023
@gamingonlinux
In the realm of gaming it helps to have flatpak since it's always the most updated version and correct libraries. Emulators and games just need to run good in their sandbox on whatever setup the desktop and kernel setup. I've been using chimeraos on a handheld PC and it's not always perfect but it's a smooth experience
@omgubuntu