Google: 'Your $1000 phone needs our permission to install apps now'". Android users are screwed - Louis Rossmann
-
Wasn't always the case (I think it changed within the past two years), but upon doing research on when it changed I stumbled on this gem.
It's been the case ever since I started using Android (and modded APKs such as old versions of apps re-signed to not update) in about 2011.
Some of the root apps back then such as Titanium Backup had features to "unhook" an app so it wouldn't appear as installed in the store, but my experience was that it never lasted long enough to be worth doing.
-
A $200 phone in 2015 is not the same as a $200 phone in 2025. I know from experience.
Those phones in 2015 were awful, but in 2025, they feel more like mid-range phones.
Edit: And $600 is pocket change? Sound like someone lived a privilaged life.
This 100%
I have used tracfone since 2012 and only bought phones from their store, sub $150. The budget phones today are so much better than the last 10 years.
I just can't wrap my head around sinking that much into a phone when you replace it every year and it cost as much as a decent budget computer, but worse.
-
How does this affect "second-party" apps (i.e. apps you have created yourself)? Are you still allowed to go to Android studio, make an APK, transfer it to your own phone, and install that app? If no, this spells the death of experimental indie developers on Android.
-
You can get Android phones with reasonable specs around $200. No need for the so called "flagships".
Oh, I was comparing flagships, because iphone doesn't have a non-flagship to compare to.
-
i heard they were softlocking the OP soon in the newer models, but hopefully they dont compeltely lock it down.
-
Will this kill FDroid ? I imagine yes since you have to install it from a download.
And especially any youtube app that blocks ads. OF COURSE Google will never allow Newpipe, Revanced, FreeTube and so on to be installed on Android phones ever again.
-
This is redicolous
-
(non-Android) Linux phones aren't really ready for daily driving even for relatively advanced users - but it looks like we're gonna have to deal with it anyhow
Yes, in a way it's like linux more than a decade ago. Kinda fun tbh, looking forward to giving it a try.
-
My main problem with linux phones is that many apps only exist only for android or ios.
Sure some apps are basically a website that you can acess by web browser but many apps cant be replaced able (banking, tickets, public transport, games)
Wait, Linux phones are a thing? How do they get the market share to compete with the big tech?
-
How does this affect "second-party" apps (i.e. apps you have created yourself)? Are you still allowed to go to Android studio, make an APK, transfer it to your own phone, and install that app? If no, this spells the death of experimental indie developers on Android.
Even Apple lets you do that... one imagines Google being less restrictive than Apple
-
Waydroid works really well to run
Android apps on mobile Linux, even for games. Doesn't help for banking apps though as they'll usually lock you out due to not passing Google safety checks.I'll give it a try. I only have like two Android apps I really do need. And what do I have to lose but my shackles, right?
-
How does this affect "second-party" apps (i.e. apps you have created yourself)? Are you still allowed to go to Android studio, make an APK, transfer it to your own phone, and install that app? If no, this spells the death of experimental indie developers on Android.
wrote last edited by [email protected]yes. from what I understand, you will get a developer key from Google, and then you will sign your APK with your key.
you'll still be able to sideload apps that have been signed with developer keys. the main point here is that Google is forcing the developer to identify themselves.
-
As a user I don't have a problem with this , as long it's used ethically. The question is if Google can act ethically.
"I don't mind living under a dictatorship as long as it's just the people I don't care about getting murdered."
-
does this control happen with a specific android version release? what number? Can I get a new phone with that version and sideload an alternative OS/ROM?
wrote last edited by [email protected]You can research a phone you like and check if it has an unlockable bootloader, root it, and install something like LineageOS on it. It's fairly straight-forward, not super technically demanding, but it does require some tinkering and time setting up.
xdaforums.com is where the rooting kids hang out, post guides for specific models, upload images et c, you can probably do it in an afternoon with GPT.
The issue is that some apps, notably banking and official type apps, usually don't work as they rely on google services for operation. I solve it by having a cheap secondary phone that I only use for that stuff.
Oh, I almost forgot: FUCK YOU GOOGLE
-
GrapheneOS is one of the last bastions of freedom remaining. I don't know what we'll do if that happens.
A phone that works with proper linux: PostmarketOS, Sailfish OS or Ubuntu Touch.
-
Just give google more money, no thanks.
Fairphone with lineage OS is a better option in my opinion.Fairphone is contributing directly to the linux kernel so they have my vote!
-
yes. from what I understand, you will get a developer key from Google, and then you will sign your APK with your key.
you'll still be able to sideload apps that have been signed with developer keys. the main point here is that Google is forcing the developer to identify themselves.
You don't need to sign anything just turn off play protect with 1 adb command:
adb shell settings get global package_verifier_user_consent adb shell settings put global package_verifier_user_consent -1 # disable Play Protect -
so is this why my phone updated and then took seven hours to connect to the network the other day?
"No" is what I would prefer to say but for some reason "that is extremely unlikely" hits the point home harder.
-
Will this kill FDroid ? I imagine yes since you have to install it from a download.
My suspicion is that the main purpose of Googles decision is to stop F-Droid and Aurora Store from working.
-
Joke's on them, my phone only cost $300
