jbzFeb 20

Google announced that as of September 2026, it will no longer be possible to develop apps for the Android platform without first registering centrally with Google. This registration will involve:

- Paying a fee to Google
- Agreeing to Google’s Terms and Conditions
- Providing government identification
- Uploading evidence of the developer’s private signing key
- Listing all current and future application identifiers

https://keepandroidopen.org/

#android #opensource #keepandroidopen

Keep Android Open

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

Show threadCleroFeb 21

@jbz It’s a great time to develop more Linux‑based mobile apps to replace Android, which is becoming increasingly closed. Linux phones are improving every day, but they still lack sufficient developer support. I’ve seen several Android apps recently ported to Linux, and I hope more people will start buying these phones—especially in Europe, where digital sovereignty remains insufficient.

You can follow Linux‑mobile accounts such as @furilabs, and @postmarketOS to stay updated!

Show threadAntti
@clero @jbz @furilabs @postmarketOS I would add @jolla as most mature Linux option currently ;)
Feb 23 at 1:02pmWeb
Show threadCleroFeb 23
@Antti98 @jbz @furilabs @postmarketOS @jolla I agree, but Sailfish OS has its own app store and there is a lot of closed‑source code (Jolla’s proprietary apps and UI). Jolla’s phones are still Linux phones, but to me it looks like another Android—driven by a company fairer than Google, yet it’s still a company. If the Linux phone can’t run “standard” Linux apps, then you should probably just take an @e_mydata (/e/OS) phone, which isn’t European but is certainly cleaner and more feature‑full.
Show threadAnttiFeb 23
@clero @jbz @jolla Jolla is in process of open sourcing all app by them (and other parts!). Surely there still will be UI part and android support, microsoft exchange parts that will most likely stay closed source. Personally I think it is good that there is company behind it, much more likely that they will succeed. But Sailfish is GNU linux in traditional sense, what android isn't, right? If "standard" you mean flatpaks, those have worked in the past, why not in the future again?
Show threadCleroFeb 23
@Antti98 @jbz @jolla I didn’t know that Flatpaks work. I read online that they didn’t work well, depending on which Jolla phone you were using. Anyway, until Jolla open‑sources every app and the UI, I won’t consider buying one of their phones. However, I agree that FOSS alternatives are less ready for public use and therefore, Jolla is probably a good entry point into the Linux open-source ecosystem.
Show threadAnttiFeb 23

@clero @jbz @jolla That is correct that Flatpaks don't currently work properly, but they have worked before, so I am hopeful that they will also in the future. I think that is mainly prioritizing issue.

Definitely understand if some people want full FOSS. I want something mature enough to be used now, so personally I don't mind the closed parts as most of the system is open