While I use gOS and have a high respect for their technical skills and exemplary ethics and recognize the very real need for it, and the great work they’ve done upstreaming security for the greater android community, but my god there’s a lot of drama associated, both internally and externally. They would be far better served with a calm and professional press presence. I have their mastodon feed in my RSS and at least monthly there’s a flood of rant and screed about some press coverage or someone using their (GPL I think) stuff. Generally speaking they have a valid point in there, but the tone is off, a bit of taking the piss (humour) would go a long way.

Sometimes I fear they will implode and we’ll lose this oh so necessary project.

Google asks what we think of their plans to block Android app installs outside of Google Play (unless the developers let Google verify their identity and pay a fee).

Want to tell them your opinion, just submit this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN3UQeNspQsZCO2ITkdzMxv81rJDEGGjO-UIDDY28Rz_GEVA/viewform?usp=dialog

Many theories point to this being about control. Your device, their rules. This is why we need truly open alternatives more than ever...

For our community: Start exploring alternatives now. This is tied to Google Play Services. Look into custom operating systems, F-Droid, and other ways to maintain control over your devices. Don't wait until these restrictions are fully in place. Graphene, Calyx, Lineage.

Source: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/08/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/#comments