WuzzyFeb 22

I urge all developers of #Android apps to NOT pre-emptively obey the new terms of #Google requiring you to sign up for the Android Developer Console.

It looks like Google is attempting a power grab and wants to prevent ALL installations of Android apps without official Google approval; even those installed outside Google Play.

This is an attack on both developer and user freedom and unacceptable.

https://keepandroidopen.org/

#KeepAndroidOpen #VendorLockIn #software #development #FreeSoftware

Keep Android Open

Advocating for Android as a free, open platform for everyone to build apps on.

Show threadRejZoR
@Wuzzy How the fuck does this even work when EU told Google and Apple several times they can't do this shit?
Feb 22 at 6:36pmMastodon for Android
Show threadWuzzyFeb 23

@rejzor As far I understand it, the plan is simple: Any future certified versions of Android will refuse to install apps that don’t have the Google stamp of approval. Basically they want to dictate to the users what they are allowed to install.

I guess that leaves users with strategies like jail-breaking, installing unofficial Android versions, or just switching the OS entirely (Replicant, etc.).

I don’t know the legal implications (IANAL).

Show threadkimaprFeb 23
@Wuzzy @rejzor the FAQ says that you will still be able to install APK files using ADB. that’s probably the, uh, “advanced flow” they were talking about. it sounds really annoying though. If F-Droid and such integrate with Shizuku (which exposes ADB functions to on-device apps) i think it should be possible to make things continue to work more-or-less as usual
Frequently asked questions  |  Android developer verification  |  Android Developers

This guide answers common questions regarding Android developer verification, covering topics like compliance, account types, fees, and app registration processes.

Android Developers
Show threadWuzzyFeb 23

@kimapr @rejzor Yeah that still sounds pointlessly convoluted for normal users. And frankly, even power users cuz Google is wasting their time.

I hate it when software treats users like BABIES.

Even if a "workaround" can eventually be found, the bigger problem here is that Android is a HOSTILE platform that works against you, not with you.

(iOS is still worse lol).

Show threadRejZoRFeb 23
@kimapr @Wuzzy ADB is useless. No one is going to do this shit through 15 dumb hoops. Even current manual allowing of apps that can sideload was fiddly but usable. This now will be utterly stupid and restrictive for no reason other than Google dictating shit.