F-Droid: "Keep Android Open"
F-Droid issues a stark warning, asserting that Google's plans will lock down Android, contradicting public perception and past promises. The open-source app store urges users to voice concerns, highlighting how Google's 'advanced flow' for unverified apps falls short. This narrative resonates on Hacker News, sparking debate on Android's historical openness, Google's motivations, and the future of mobile freedom versus security.
The Lowdown
F-Droid, the free and open-source Android app repository, is sounding the alarm over Google's alleged plans to restrict Android's openness. They report that many users mistakenly believe Google has abandoned these plans, a misconception F-Droid attributes to Google's effective PR.
The organization is taking direct action, implementing warning banners within its F-Droid and F-Droid Basic apps to remind users of the impending changes and encourage them to contact local authorities. The core of their concern revolves around Google's proposed 'advanced flow' for installing unverified apps, which F-Droid views as an insufficient workaround that will effectively make Google the gatekeeper of user devices.
Key updates and developments mentioned in their 'This Week in F-Droid' (TWIF) post include:
- F-Droid Core: Implementing warning banners to highlight Google's lockdown plans and encourage user action.
- F-Droid Basic Rewrite: Progressing with a
2.0-alpha3release, adding features like app list export, install history, and UI improvements. - App Updates: Notable updates for various applications, including:
- Conversations/Quicksy: Improved cleaning after banned users and a move away from Google Play Services for a more FLOSS approach.
- Dolphin Emulator: Multiple detailed progress reports and new features.
- Image Toolbox: Introduction of AI tools.
- Nextcloud Apps: Weekly updates, coinciding with the release of Nextcloud Hub 26 Winter.
- ProtonVPN: Updated to use WireGuard and Stealth protocols exclusively, reducing app size.
- Removed Apps: Five apps were removed from the repository, including Chord Shift and Tomdroid.
- Newly Added Apps: One new app, NeoDB You, a native Android app for NeoDB.
- Numerous Other Updates: A comprehensive list of 287 other updated apps, reflecting ongoing maintenance and development across the F-Droid ecosystem.
F-Droid concludes by urging continued community engagement, support through donations, and participation in their forum to keep the spirit of an open Android alive.
The Gossip
Google's Gripes and Goals
Commenters debate whether Android was ever truly 'open,' with many arguing that Google has always maintained significant control, primarily through proprietary system apps that third-party alternatives cannot replicate. There's a sentiment that Google's moves are profit-driven, and any 'solutions' offered, like the 'advanced flow,' are merely superficial attempts to appease critics while solidifying their ecosystem control. Some suggest Google's actions stem from a mix of regulatory pressure and a desire to be more of a 'service player'.
The 'Advanced Flow' Folly
The discussion delves into Google's proposed 'advanced flow' for unverified apps. Some commenters point out the ambiguity and lack of concrete details regarding this 'flow,' questioning its effectiveness in truly preserving openness. There's skepticism that it will offer genuine user choice without coercion, especially given that developer documentation still indicates strict verification requirements. Concerns are also raised about the line between device security and user freedom, and whether these changes could render non-Google-approved devices "useless" for essential functions like banking.
Android vs. Apple: An OS Opinionated Overview
A recurring theme is the comparison between Android and iOS user experiences and their respective philosophies on openness. Some argue that Android's user experience has deteriorated, suggesting Google views its users as captive, similar to how Apple operates. Others push back, asserting that Android offers significant advantages over iOS in various areas and that the 'Temu iOS' comparison is unfair. The debate highlights the trade-offs users make between platform freedom and perceived polish/security.
Regulatory Recourse and FOSS Future
Some users discuss appealing to regulatory bodies, with one EU citizen reporting a positive and personalized response from the EU DMA team regarding their concerns. There's a hopeful, albeit cautious, outlook that a more restrictive Android ecosystem might inadvertently foster the growth of truly open-source hardware and software alternatives, even if it takes years. The role of governments in influencing Google's policies, possibly due to malware concerns in certain regions, is also touched upon.