Breaking: Google is easing up on Android's new sideloading restrictions!

https://programming.dev/post/40675085

Breaking: Google is easing up on Android's new sideloading restrictions! - programming.dev

> Google: “Based on this feedback and our ongoing conversations with the community, we are building a new advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn’t verified. We are designing this flow specifically to resist coercion, ensuring that users aren’t tricked into bypassing these safety checks while under pressure from a scammer. It will also include clear warnings to ensure users fully understand the risks involved, but ultimately, it puts the choice in their hands.” Thank god. I would’ve ditched Android for good if this went through, and while it sounds like it would be annoying for casual users to enable unverified apps, at least we can still install them.

So I just read what they are going to do and this article is just clickbait. Basically they still want you to dox yourself but it’ll still work like iOS Test Pilot. Google is still full of shit and lies but hey at least you don’t have to pay them money until enough users download your app if you want more.
They’ll probably also release a new API to allow apps to check if user have enabled sideloading. Then overzealous apps like fucking mcdonalds will throw a hissy fit about and refuse to work unless you turn it off. Also your bank too, just to really twist the knife.

Let em all shut me down. If they don’t need my business, I don’t need theirs. I just found out that Casio makes a g-shock with Bluetooth and you can screw with it using python and an unlisted API.

One more nail in the coffin for my smartphone footprint. I just want an 8" linux tablet, a watch that can give me messages from signal and a battery powered access point.

The biggest problem are the banking apps. If you’re standing at checkout and your payment app says

“Unverified apps have been detected on your phone. Please uninstall and try again.”

99% of people will delete FDroid and never sideload anything every again.

With every credit card in existence, supporting Tap to pay these days. We have a pretty decent alternative.