Skip to main content

lemmy - Link to source

An Open Letter to Google regarding Mandatory Developer Registration for Android App Distribution

An Open Letter to Google regarding Mandatory Developer Registration for Android App Distribution

Open Letter to Google Regarding Mandatory Developer Registration for Third-Party App Distribution
keepandroidopen.org
#technology
in reply to Zerush

onlooker
lemmy - Link to source
onlooker
• •
What this basically is is signees asking Google to fix the problem that Google itself caused. I hope for other people's sake that this goes through, but since we're talking about Google, I am all but convinced that Google will pull something like this again in the future.
in reply to onlooker

slampisko
lemmy - Link to source
slampisko
• •
Yeah I'm not holding my breath for this letter to do anything. I also find it funny that many projects among the signatures are probably the reasons for Google to be doing this in the first place (like FUTO, makers of GrayJay) since it could be argued that they are costing Google revenue and that's ultimately what they care about.
in reply to Zerush

Mihies
lemmy - Link to source
Mihies
• •
As an EU citizen I'd say this should be a wakeup call to push for an alternative and open OS.
in reply to Mihies

Zerush
lemmy - Link to source
Zerush
• •
Fairphone with Linage or e/OS, the best EU alternatives
in reply to Zerush

atopi
piefed - Link to source
atopi
• •
i have a feeling android is not the best alternative to android
in reply to atopi

Zerush
lemmy - Link to source
Zerush
• •
That is nonsense, Android is OpenSource, based on Linux, adapted to mobile, but with APIs controlled by Google, Linage, e/OS, Ubuntu Touch, etc...... are other distros of Linux for Mobile, compatible with Android apps. There Google can do nothing to avoid the use of not approved apps, like it can do it in Android due it's inbuild APIs and banning those from Google Play, which other OS don't have or use.
Because of this I also don't like GrapheneOS, because it works only on Google Phones, which can block apps on HW base if Google want it. In other Phones, eg.FairPhone with own idependent OS, there Google see only the middle finger.
This entry was edited (2 weeks ago)
in reply to Zerush

GraveyardOrbit
lemmy - Link to source
GraveyardOrbit
• •

The entire android project is pushed forward by Google. Take a look at how helpless graphene is when Google hides patches for longer and longer each year. Android is always has been and always will be googles ultimate expression of control. Only Linux mobile will unshackle us

beehaw.org/post/25210600

luciole (they/them)

2026-03-12 01:26:54

lemmy - Link to source

Android: sideloading blocked and open source updates withheld to twice a year


Google moves to lock down the Android operating system, effectively stealing features away from millions of existing users.


- YouTube

Bekijk je favoriete video's, luister naar de muziek die je leuk vindt, upload originele content en deel alles met vrienden, familie en anderen op YouTube.
youtu.be

This entry was edited (2 weeks ago)
in reply to GraveyardOrbit

Zerush
lemmy - Link to source
Zerush
• •
Don't forget that Graphene OS is made to work exclusivly in a Google phones, that gives Google naturally the possibility to control what you can do with Graphene OS and what not. But Google didn't have any influence in independent Phones and other Linux forks than Android. It's like saying that MS has influences in Linux Mint or other distro on desktop.
Google has influences in his products, OS and its apps, not in those of others.
in reply to Zerush

GraveyardOrbit
lemmy - Link to source
GraveyardOrbit
• •
Its OS underpins everything. There’s is no truly open source android
in reply to GraveyardOrbit

Zerush
lemmy - Link to source
Zerush
• •
Android as such is FOSS, but as said + Google's added crap. Out there also exist an degoogled version without it. It's a modified Linux for Mobile, same as other mobil distros.
in reply to Zerush

GraveyardOrbit
lemmy - Link to source
GraveyardOrbit
• •

You’re misunderstanding the ecosystem. The degoogled ROMs like graphene and e/os still rely on the Google releases of AOSP, hence why Google is allowed to strangle them with biyearly releases. There’s aren’t any major android projects that use a completely open system because android is inherently closed.

There are Linux systems which use a translation layer to interop with android apps for example sailfish os however this is also closed

in reply to Zerush

eldavi
lemmy - Link to source
eldavi
• •
i get the feeling that both lineage and graphene are only temporary measures; locking down android is only the first step and google will push for further lockdown eventually.
in reply to eldavi

quick_snail
lemmy - Link to source
quick_snail
• •
They literally have no power over the ROMs lol
in reply to quick_snail

GraveyardOrbit
lemmy - Link to source
GraveyardOrbit
• •

beehaw.org/post/25210600

luciole (they/them)

2026-03-12 01:26:54

lemmy - Link to source

Android: sideloading blocked and open source updates withheld to twice a year


Google moves to lock down the Android operating system, effectively stealing features away from millions of existing users.


- YouTube

Bekijk je favoriete video's, luister naar de muziek die je leuk vindt, upload originele content en deel alles met vrienden, familie en anderen op YouTube.
youtu.be

in reply to quick_snail

eldavi
lemmy - Link to source
eldavi
• •
the phone makers do and they'll do whatever google wants them to do.
in reply to eldavi

quick_snail
lemmy - Link to source
quick_snail
• •
Nope. Just reinstall the OS. It's no different than laptops
in reply to Zerush

jaykrown
lemmy - Link to source
jaykrown
• •
You don't need Google's permission to host your own web application. Browsers and the internet are awesome. The Google play store is a nuisance and I look forward to the day when I can have a Linux distribution running on my phone with everything I need.
⇧