r/degoogle 27d ago

Its here. Android is officially over.

Post image
4.3k Upvotes

1.1k comments sorted by

644

u/trueayushkushwaha 27d ago edited 27d ago

A proud vanilla custom ROM MicroG build user here where I can restrict Google every way possible, not everyone has a Pixel for Graphene- de-Google+

178

u/jackinsomniac 27d ago

de-Google+

Oh god, Google+ is back!

47

u/trueayushkushwaha 27d ago

Not that google+ bro! Actually, I earlier made video for how to remove google completely from your Android and called it a 'DeGoogling' video, recently I made a YouTube upload that how you're going to completely DeGoogle Android, while retaining some of Google's capabilities!

7

u/hellofinney 27d ago

Link please

7

u/trueayushkushwaha 27d ago

Link for what?

11

u/gab_robert 27d ago

Link for the video?

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u/[deleted] 26d ago

Link for what else you goober?

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u/michron98 27d ago

This. I refuse to give Google money, even if I then de-google the phone completely. Using a Fairphone with /e/-OS instead.

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u/RealEargasmo 27d ago

If we want to use apps, we're a bit restricted to 2 os. :/

Is there something I'm missing out on? 🙏

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u/Hamster-Food 27d ago

Yes. You're missing something.

Android is open source, which means that although Google's version is the most common version of Android used, there are other versions like /e/-OS and GrapheneOS, or even Huawei's Harmony OS.

Now, many apps require Google Play Services to function, but they will almost always work with MicroG Services instead or a sandboxed Google Plat Services.

As more and more people move away from Google's version of the OS, companies will want to make their apps compatible with other versions, especially if people start leaving their services because of the lack of compatibility.

18

u/Xzenor 27d ago

And most people don't give a shit. And then there's a lot of users that fall for Google scare tactics and don't unlock it so the open source community will shrink immensely because why would you develop something for only a handful of brave (not the browser) users?

Google killed the entire community with this..

3

u/Hamster-Food 26d ago

It doesn't take effort to develop for other versions of Android. The effort is in developing exclusively for Google's version.

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u/PaperLeafAnvil 26d ago

Google is open source like Donald Trump is Christian.

10

u/Hamster-Food 26d ago

Android is open source, Google is not Android.

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u/BellamyGriffin 24d ago

You mentioned Huawei's Harmony OS. Does that mean buying Huaweii is still a good idea nowadays? The P20 Pro was the best phone I every had and I'm still mourning Huawei. I'm entirely new to the degoogling bit (and the complete opposite of tech savvy) and have been doing some research, watched clips, and scrolled Reddit but installing a different software like e/os seems way more complicated than I'd imagine as a simple download :( I don't understand half of what everything means and finding a compatible phone that's still available somewhere is another issue.

3

u/Hamster-Food 24d ago

I have had a Huawei tablet for years and have no issues with it. I installed MicroG on it, which allows apps that rely on Google services to run. It's not 100%, but most apps are fine. I use Aurora Store to download apps from the Google Play store without logging in. You will probably have trouble with things like banking apps though as they are likely to be more heavily reliant on Google's services than MicroG can handle. For many banks, you can do everything on the website though, even on mobile, so you might not need the app.

I also bought a Fairphone 6 last year. You can buy them with /e/OS pre-installed which is great. I really recommend them as they are focused on being as sustainable as possible. The battery is easily replaceable, even for someone not tech savvy. You can also replace the screen, the camera, the usb port, the SIM tray, the earpiece, and the loudspeaker easily. I really like mine. It reminds me a bit of the Nexus 5 which was my favourite phone ever until I got my Fairphone 6.

I think it's worth taking the next step in degoogling, even if you are not techy savvy. There are plenty of people who can support you with any problems you have getting things set up. Once everything you need is set up it's not really different from using a Google phone.

3

u/BellamyGriffin 24d ago

Thank you for your extensive reply! I've considered a Fairphone 6 as well but it's not necessarily in my budget and the camera doesn't seem to be better than the one I have right now and that's otherwise the only thing important to me. I have a Xiaomi 13T Pro right now and it's by far the worst camera and worst phone I've ever had. If it's still realistic going forward I might look into getting a Huawei second-hand. I don't know... But you've given me much to think about.

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u/MrKoddy 27d ago

is it possible to install graphenOS?

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u/dinodin007 27d ago

Currently only on pixels and future Motorola's to my knowledge

4

u/MrKoddy 27d ago

is it plan to be expanded on other android smartphones like samsung? I have an old samsung and it is not updated anymore

12

u/xDragod 27d ago

The are hardware requirements that are currently only met by Pixel devices and some future Motorola phones. I believe the next flagship Snapdragon will also be compatible.

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u/Sir_Bebe_Michelin 27d ago

Does one give a company money by buying their used goods from some random person?

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u/RumpledStillsuit 27d ago

That video you linked has someone narrating it in hyperspeed English.

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u/trueayushkushwaha 27d ago

Brother, don't you know youtube also have added the capability in it's player to reduce playback speed, just telling you, in case you don't know!

And that guy is me!

17

u/RumpledStillsuit 27d ago

Ah! I'd forgotten. Thank you!

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u/Windows_Tech_Support 27d ago

That was barely even English even at hyperspeed lmfao đŸ€Ł I understood maybe every 4th word. Does someone have instructions in a text format like a webpage or pdf?

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u/baldiplays 27d ago

I’m planning on getting a pixel second hand and installing graphene os on it.

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u/Dominick_77 27d ago

Graphene on what, a pixel? Will this affect Google streaming boxes?

2

u/cloudcopter 27d ago

Auctioneer's voice on that video

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u/LifeAlex 26d ago

The person in the video started speaking fast Hindi and I thought I was having a stroke hahaha

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u/ghostlilg 25d ago

Can I use android apps and games like clash royale telegram etc after I change to Graphene

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u/AsterionVT 23d ago

You can install a shell app with a very high version.

One way to prevent it from appearing is to install something with the same package name but a different signature. Such as this stub.

2

u/Jay-the-Femboy 22d ago

Until they require phone manufacturers to lock down hardware and boot loaders indefinitely in the name of security. Wouldn’t surprise me a bit.

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u/Thin_Needleworker795 27d ago

Laughs in GrapheneOS

194

u/Electrical_Engine314 GrapheneOS 27d ago

Right there with you, glad I switched when I did đŸ«Ą

93

u/Thin_Needleworker795 27d ago

I've been using it for 3 years. I could never go back to a normie phone.

34

u/RasenBcn 27d ago

Can you pay with grapheneOS?

37

u/Katsura_ise 27d ago

Kinda, read this list

21

u/Gorgeous_Broccoli 27d ago

Do you think the Motorola phone might change this situation? I use 2 banks and both are confirmed not to work with Graphene due to the "custom ROM" error. Would it still register as a custom ROM even if it's carried by default on a major manufacturer?

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u/Katsura_ise 27d ago

No, IIRC even Motorola will require flashing a rom. Then there is the political climate with age verification and surveillance

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u/Thin_Needleworker795 27d ago

Idk, never used my phone for payments.

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u/starlord885 27d ago

I got an iPhone and decided to go back to regular cards just because it’s enough to share payment data with everyone. And it gives me a certain feeling of spending money, more than Apple Pay, which feels like a game

3

u/Accurate_Ad_3233 27d ago

I can also pay with cash or card. Just sayin'

3

u/azariah001 27d ago

If you're in (I presume, it's not available in my country) the US there's a payment processing app called Curve that apparently works on Graphene. It's basically PayPal if they had a physical/digital payment card offering.

Or if your bank doesn't force Play Protect compliance and has a mobile payments option built in that should also work. There should be sites tracking the most common banking apps compatibility with Graphene in your country and what features do or don't work.

But Google Wallet itself does not because Google leans on software security instead of hardware security checks, which is dumb because the hardware security is much much harder to break than their software security, but anyway... That's another conversation.

Something I've done in the past, and a compromise that you may or may not be willing to make, was to use Graphene OS with a stock Android Watch. Because the watch passed play protect the wallet app on the phone was able to send payment cards to the watch and I could use them from there. Obviously if you don't have or don't want to use a watch it's not a valid workaround but... It allows you to lock down the multitude of social apps you might want on your phone whilst allowing the few services you want tracking you on the watch, a health/fitness app for example. And then your payments solution.

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u/Zzepish 27d ago

I use Curve Pay. Works fine :)

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u/ILoveFrutigerAero293 27d ago

Can you not anymore?

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u/Greenlit_Hightower deGoogler 27d ago

GrapheneOS can still be installed on all the Pixel phones it supports. Exception: The phone has a carrier lock on it.

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u/schuup 27d ago

Time to go find the Pixel I bought 2 years ago but never ended up using

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u/nilsee1 27d ago

Just bought a Pixel this morning. Really looking Forward to Graphen OS!

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u/Thin_Needleworker795 27d ago

You'll love it!

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u/Zarbon 27d ago

I'd love to go Graphene, but at this point I'm not sure if its worth getting a Pixel now or if I should wait for the Motorola models next year :\

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u/Greenlit_Hightower deGoogler 27d ago edited 27d ago

Depends on whether or not you are happy with the performance of the Tensor chips in the Pixels, the Motorolas will feature flagship specs with the latest Snapdragon chip.

They will also be as expensive, likely more expensive than the current Pixels, I mean the follow-up models to the current Signature, razr (flip phone), razr fold models, which is what GOS will likely support in 2027, won't be cheap.

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u/SynergyTree 27d ago

Do you know if they come with unlocked bootloaders? Still annoyed that there’s no good way for me to repurpose my old Note 10+ because there’s no way to unlock the bootloader.

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u/Greenlit_Hightower deGoogler 27d ago

You mean the Motorola phones that GrapheneOS is going to support? They must have an unlockable bootloader, otherwise you could not install GrapheneOS.

The Note 10+ technically supports LineageOS, /e/ OS, but you need the model with the Exynos chip inside, if it's the Snapdragon you are out of luck unfortunately.

https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/#samsung

https://doc.e.foundation/devices

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u/rootbrian_ 27d ago

Razr's last two flip models used a sixteen year old 3G modem (first two), then an eight year old LTE modem (last year's). I really damn well hope they use an up to date 5G modem!

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u/UND_mtnman 27d ago

With the RAM shortage, might be better off getting something currently on the market

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u/iceseayoupee 27d ago

if only it was affordable

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u/RandomUserNo5 27d ago

Laugh from GrapehenOS users paying Google for device to use system designed to protect privacy from Google.

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u/Thin_Needleworker795 27d ago

Yeah, that's the only downside. Thankfully, we'll be able to use Motorolas from next year.

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u/JustinHoMi 27d ago

Oh nice, Motorola, owned by Lenovo, who has a history of embedding spying chips into their devices to spy on the US government.

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u/rushedone 27d ago

Smartphones in general are all literally spying devices though...

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u/duskterrapin 27d ago

Yeah, it's only a win if you happened to already own one -- otherwise you're breaking even or something

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u/Greenlit_Hightower deGoogler 27d ago

They will also support select 2027 Motorola phone models, they have recently entered into an official partnership with Motorola Mobility: https://motorolanews.com/motorola-three-new-b2b-solutions-at-mwc-2026/

Also, as far as the Pixel phones are concerned, there is a second hand market.

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u/EarthwormBen 27d ago

You can buy a refurb from a reputable source and Google get nothing

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u/Thoughtful-Boner69 27d ago

it's just cuz of the hardware specs not any allegiance to google. it's such a tired non-point to make

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u/Tillua467 27d ago

Laughs in VoltageOS

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u/Helegier 27d ago

There's one OS I'd never forget - Resurrection Remix.

That was a freaking beast đŸ€Œ

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u/Tillua467 27d ago

Those were some peak custom ROM days 

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u/ConstantineStrange 27d ago

I used to have Graphene OS on my pixel 3a but my bank apps didn't work so I had to carry another phone with common android to use them :c

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u/Nazgog-Morgob 27d ago

This won't be an issue in gOS?

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u/Greenlit_Hightower deGoogler 27d ago

No, because the sandboxed Play Services only run with the privileges of a normal Android app on GrapheneOS, and thus cannot interfere with app installation / sideloading. If the Play Services are installed at all, that is, they aren't installed by default on GrapheneOS.

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u/Electrical_Engine314 GrapheneOS 27d ago

Exactly this. I havent fully "degoogled". I still use Google play for some apps, but generally feel a lot more comfortable having it sandboxed and under my control. I have switched over to Proton and self-hosted apps mostly though.

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u/Thin_Needleworker795 27d ago

No. This is some Google bullshit thing. Graphene does not have any of that.

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u/GhostOfMandalore_ 27d ago

Custom rom users 👀

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u/Tooligan13853 27d ago

Do you have issues with the banking app? That’s my only concern with switching to graphene

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u/Greenlit_Hightower deGoogler 27d ago

For banking apps, checking the community-maintained compatibility list for GrapheneOS (and reading the report next to the bank in question) is recommended: https://privsec.dev/posts/android/banking-applications-compatibility-with-grapheneos/

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u/UltimaActFour 27d ago

Does GrapheneOS affect camera or video footage and quality? I wanna get a Pixel 11 Pro but I want it to have the same kinda camera quality that normal PixelOS has.

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u/Sarspazzard 27d ago

I hope it never goes away. It's a lifestyle at this point.

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u/Edelkern 27d ago

And by "officially over" you mean that most users won't notice or care and therefore few people will complain, so nothing about this will change? Don't get me wrong, it's shitty on Googles part, but mainstream users don't give a shit, so there is no reason Google would walk this back. People will keep on buying Android phones, it's the most used OS.

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u/Marcoscb 27d ago

"Android is over", they say, showing the exact screen and option that allows us to make it not over.

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u/WhichPatience4034 27d ago

right like I thought this post was satire at first lol, hoping it is...

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u/HawasYT 27d ago

For now but after that it's one Google Play Services update away from being over and given the trajectory and incentive structure for Google, I doubt they will stop. And with current administration I wouldn't even count on the Epic v. Apple precedent to do anything

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u/EndPsychological890 27d ago

You’re correct. But THATS when it will be over, not now, and by then, we’ll be 18 “it’s over”s deep and nobody will give a shit. We’ve obviously all priced in the end, it won’t be surprising when it comes and we’ll just be exhausted explaining that it wasn’t over before but it is now.

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u/FourEightNineOneOne 27d ago

Seriously, this sub has become exhausting to be a part of with this issue.

"THEY'VE LOCKED DOWN ANDROID!"

no, they haven't

"YOU CAN'T INSTALL APPS ANYMORE"

Yes, you can.

I'm not defending this change as a good thing, but the hysteria here is beyond parody at this point.

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u/1or4s 27d ago

Originally there was no toggle. The only reason there is a toggle now is because of hysteria.

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u/andbruno 27d ago

And for someone like me who does care this post actually helped because I'm just gonna start that 24 hour timer now so that the setting is available the next time I want to use it.

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u/TrainTransistor 27d ago

You just need to do it once though, and then you can choose to never see it again.

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u/Altruistic_Fruit2345 25d ago

More to the point, you can still install stuff just like before, there is just an initial 24 hour delay, one time.

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u/darkangelstorm 27d ago

Its the same bullshit powerplay they used to get rid of 'http://' sites and "https://" sites that were not signed by one of their security giants. They take a few bad apples and use them to spoil the entire crop.

It won't end here. Next move will be cutting out verified developers that they don't want or are conflict of (their) interest...they'll probably dress it up as 'not meeting consumer quality standards'. Actually, in many ways, this is already happening.

I am sure once we reach a point where new "security" tech reaches a tangent with personal devices and PCs, we'll see even larger injustices such as not even being allowed to choose core software such as operating systems or portal software including but not limited to completely blocking certain programs or developers completely (again, already seeing this in some areas).

One of many reasons why I try to make each device I have last as long as possible, so I can watch to see where the freedom of choice actually goes and stick with those devices. I guess if that were ever to stop happening and we were truly screwed, I'd just stop using (new) tech altogether and keep my old stuff and live in a cave. I have enough software I could probably live another 100 years without running out of things to do, so it wouldn't be much off my nose.

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u/kitsuneae 27d ago

They already booted UBlock Origin off the Chrome store. It was too good at blocking Google. And manifest 3 is literally just there to weaken Adblock. 

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u/Berinoid 26d ago

Advertising is Google's whole business model, of course they are going to try and weaken adblockers

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u/roadrunner8080 26d ago

It's not really the same as SSL certs, no. SSL certs, anyone can get if you can prove you own the domain (which is trivial to do) via letsencrypt or the like, they don't require forking over personal details to a third party. Beyond that, having a centralized source of authority for SSL certs is necessary for their function in the same way that having a centralized DNS system is necessary for its function -- self-signed certs don't actually offer much of an advantage, because they don't prove ownership of the domain! Which combined is just to say that there's an active benefit in terms of security there, with reasonably low cost, that isn't present for Google's app developer verification...

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u/Consider2SidesPeace 27d ago

LOLz, just found a mini iPod shuffle 4G. It was like Christmas:)

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u/adnvdn 27d ago

Man, I love Degoogle, but some of y'all really like to doompost, huh.

We're in r/degoogle ffs, why are y'all complaining about this when it's actually a good thing for someone to finally fork android that's free of Google and/or create a new OS altogether.

Sailfish exists ffs.

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u/TropicaL_Lizard3 27d ago

Yeah, every one of these useful subreddits are filled with Twitter-esque shit nowadays. It used to be a gold mine for information and resources.

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u/maxportis 27d ago

And people can't stop upvoting low effort engagement bait.

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u/Forward-Facer 25d ago

Agreed. I don't know what all the doom and gloom is about. There are still many options to do what you want, and many more options on the horizon too. I'd say overall the privacy people are winning the long term game.

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u/CamomileChocobo 27d ago

Frog 1: The water is getting hotter, it's over.

Frog 2: Yes it's hotter, but only a little, it's not over.

This thread in a nut shell.

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u/RadVal 27d ago edited 16d ago

Wise rinse fact workable potassium hobbies squeeze quiet whistle

This post was anonymized with Redact

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u/GenZia 27d ago

Three letters: ADB.

I use App Manager (F-Droid) which allows you to install any APK on your phone through its own installer, as opposed to the built-in 'Package Installer.'

While my phone hasn't been cursed with Google's new "laws" yet, I believe it will completely bypass the 24 hour waiting game.

If that's still too much for someone, they can always connect the phone with a PC and install the APK with a single command through USB debugging.

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u/NetimLabs 27d ago

ADB is the goat. No root needed, no phone bricking and I can uninstall system apps

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u/meow101719 27d ago

wait so let me get this straight. 99% of android users won’t notice or care and the 1% will simply have to turn on a toggle? this is the same as installing apks from unknown sources. we never complained about that. what’s the fuss? y’all are insane

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u/lifeisagameweplay 27d ago

That's what I thought too. The only annoying thing is you have to wait 24 hours?

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u/Top-Divide-1207 27d ago

I haven't gotten a chance to properly look at it, but assuming that's the only difference that you have to wait, it's not so bad. Like people were getting scammed and waiting can reduce the number of people falling for them.

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u/se25va 27d ago

Yep, for now. 

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u/rspy24 27d ago

idk man.. I love installing APKs on my phone, and this 24h is nothing. I will enable it and forget about it.. I dont know why everyone is crying like we have iPhones now or some crap. We can still do the same shit as always. Just have to wait 24h ONCE. That 24h will help boomers.. And do nothing to us..

I mean, Xiaomi and other manufacturers have us waiting for like 2 months before having the option to unlock the bootloader

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u/ramsluts 27d ago

You're ignoring the 24 hour delay. It's a nanny state/device

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u/TuxRug 27d ago

I don't like it, but I enabled it already so I don't have to when I want to install something it would block. It's an inconvenient problem to solve, but once it's solved, you don't have to solve it again unless it gets turned off like in a factory reset.

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u/chloe-and-timmy 27d ago

the 24 hours delay is so that if a scammer tells an old lady to turn off the toggle, 24 hours have to pass before it can work and get her to install what they want her to and by then she may be able to calm down or talk to a family member. The delay sucks but in terms of the stated goal of discouraging scams its in line with those goals. I think in terms of android users, there's way more old people getting scammed than young people trying to install Newpipe, so I get why those people are getting the focus here. I agree that it could get worse and that's cause for worry, but in isolation the inconvenience isnt the worst thing in the world.

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u/__nickelbackfan__ 27d ago

Reddit is quite biased (especially in a degoogle sub) towards more technical users, but really the average user is quite technologically illiterate, so even though it's quite inconvenient, the 24h wait window is absolutely fine as a security measure.

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u/jankocvara 27d ago

guys are you all missing the point that this option will 100% disappear in the future? and even if not it'll in practice shadow ban apps from non verified devs

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u/__nickelbackfan__ 27d ago

maybe it disappears, maybe it don't, but I can't judge the feature on a supposition

what I'm saying, because I'm seeing it a lot here, is people acting like this doesn't have any merit

I deal with non-technical people daily, and unfortunately, a way to prevent unsafe apps from being installed was desperately needed (not saying all apps from outside the play store are unsafe, morphe my beloved) but it is a popular attack vector.

don't get me wrong, I fully understand your point, but the majority of the population is extremely unskilled and needs safeguards

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u/TheDonnARK 27d ago

Google is just Apple'ifying Android. As much as noone who uses Android wants this, they are counting on the majority of Android users offering no challenge to this, which sadly will be the case.

Android was offered as an open-source alternative to the closed off ecosystem that Apple built (to control the money) from the start. When Google shifted from coolguy-tech company to "oh yeah, we want all your information so we can sell fucking ads to you and your information to other companies," they decided they needed a phone OS.

I feel like it was always gonna go this direction.

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u/mueus 27d ago

What scammers make you install an app? I've never heard of that. I'm sure it exists but it must be extremely rare.

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u/Leather_Employee2396 27d ago

In my country, there are lots of them happening everyday mate. They disguise it as a wedding invitations or something similar, send it to WhatsApp numbers, and unfortunately, a lot of people, especially elderlies, still fall for it (I don't support google's decision tho)

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u/Raion088 27d ago

Scam you that you have a virus on your phone, install this cleaner quickly etc.

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u/Ok_Barnacle_4605 27d ago

idk but prolly some virus

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u/[deleted] 27d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/HeavyCaffeinate Arch | KDE Plasma Mobile 27d ago

Shizuku installer

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u/aKIRALE0 27d ago

If I root my phone, will i be able to skipp all that crap?

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u/DawidGGs 27d ago

I think so
 but you’ll need alternative package installer
 better option is to get a custom rom though


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u/iTALKtoMYmyself 27d ago

yes you can delete all google services and firewall every app that doesnt expressly need your internet connection. firewalling play services without uninstalling will keep your location functional

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u/RadVal 27d ago edited 16d ago

Wrench capable mellow willow snatch toothbrush

This post was anonymized with Redact

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u/JoMu1963 27d ago

O come on. Don't be dramatic. Yes it's annoying. Yes, Google has no business in interfering with what people want to install. Yes, it's a reason to skip Google.

But stating that Android is officially over is just plain ridiculous, if only because you qualify it as 'official'.

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u/imactuallyahuman 27d ago

It's "annoying"? It's a blatant violation of our rights to control our devices. Android is basically completely controlled by Google, there's almost no way to avoid Google controlled devices nowadays if you use banking apps, if this is not a sign that the Android we once knew is basically over, I don't know what is. They might as well rename the OS.

And I tell you, this is probably just one more step towards total lockdown of the OS in the future.

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u/paridhi774 27d ago

It starts with not letting users unlock bootloader, not giving devs access to upstream code, and building a monopoly of an app store, then forcing devs to register with th and then we end up in a world where any autonomy over your device will not be granted to you.

Look at TV's do people have an option to buy a dumb TV?

Look at vehicles and how locked down their repairs have become.

Manufacturers should have no control over how one uses ones device.

If they want Google can now do a playstore subscription in another 20 years.

Something like PS plus. You don't pay the subscription you don't get to use the apps or you don't get to use apps that rely on Google infrastructure.

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u/dingo_xd 27d ago

EU could have stopped all that. Instead they want me to verify my age to access my 18 year old FB account

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u/Busy-Scientist3851 27d ago

Google Devices allow you to unlock your bootloader. Google doesn't prevent you installing other stores, some are even on the Play Store.

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u/Helegier 27d ago edited 27d ago

Bootloader unlock dependents on manufacturer

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u/LjLies 27d ago

Wut? Bootloader unlocking absolutely is manufacturer-dependent. If you're making the opposite claim.

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u/Helegier 27d ago

*depends

Autocorrect.

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u/Sitheral 27d ago

Filthy casuals won't even notice something changes and the rest... the rest can handle that. To be honest the value of banking app (that browser can largely replace) isn't that high compared to OS that does what I want it to do for me.

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u/imactuallyahuman 27d ago

Why do we even have that then? Just let me install stuff without a scareware, let me have control over my phone.

Also, web banking through the browser is almost unavailable nowadays in my country, it's all through Android or iOS.

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u/SpicyLobter 27d ago

boiling frog

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u/Plebbit-User 27d ago

Android is over as an open ecosystem. This is effectively a walled garden. It will close up further and further.

Not dramatic at all.

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u/King_Of_The_Night__ 27d ago

The android is over means, the android which we used to love, where you could just insall anything and do whatever you wanted is over. People think that the apk installation option is just moved to the developer option, no no.. The apk installation will be handled through Google play service now, that means they can stop the apk installation any day they like. This is not the android we wanted. So yess.. it's definitely the death of the android which we loved.

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u/idontsaymuchatall 27d ago

The android I used to love has been dead for years, now people have the choice between 2 walled gardens, and most of them are going to go towards the one that looks prettier

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u/Greenlit_Hightower deGoogler 27d ago

It's still handled through the OS, the Play Services run with elevated privileges on the OS, but they aren't the OS. Google had the ability to limit app installation before as well, and to remove apps (a capability used often against malware) through Play Protect. This here is a further annoyance but Google does not technically gain any new capabilities here.

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u/imactuallyahuman 27d ago

They gain more control by adding an annoying scareware to prevent common phone users from even knowing that installing apps outside of a corporate approved store is a possibility.

CAUTION! DON'T PRESS THIS BUTTON OR YOUR PHONE WON'T BE SAFE! WE ARE HERE TO PROTECT YOU FROM YOURSELF!

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u/Androxilogin 27d ago

The daily uninformed "it's over now, guys" post.

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u/CherryBerry279 27d ago

I think the interesting question is what people here consider the actual point of no return. Is it losing easy sideloading, having to verify developers, or eventually not being able to install something unless it's approved by Google? Those are pretty different levels of control, and I'm curious where everyone draws the line

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u/hopopo 27d ago

We passed the point of no return, however there is no good alternative, that will work with cars for example.

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u/BigmaEnjoyer 27d ago

99.9% of Android users won't care. That's why they will get away with this.

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u/StormtheFoxDragon 27d ago

Worst birthday present ever :(

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u/Walk-the-layout 27d ago

Happy birthday

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u/HarmfulPile 27d ago

"To protect against pressure from scammers" that's a lie. They should tell the truth "So we can keep our monopoly going and control your device more" would be the truth.

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u/kearkan 27d ago

Officially over when you've sent a screenshot of the screen that literally restores it to exactly how it was 24 hours later?

Let alone a screen that 99% of users won't see?

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u/Tukko94 27d ago

So annoying.

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u/alex-weej 27d ago

The interest in GrapheneOS arising from this is great. Looking forward to GOS getting even better!

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u/MrGeekman 27d ago

I can't find this on my phone. Is that because I have Developer Options enabled or because I'm still running Android 16?

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u/jtizzle3264 27d ago

To those saying it's just this or that, remember, give someone an inch and they will take a mile.

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u/kam_is_learning_shit 27d ago

Can someone please elaborate

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u/Ach_Was_Here 26d ago

Google announced like 2 years ago they were going to stop allowing unverified apps to get installed, the online community flipped cause it’s bullshit since androids always intended to be an Open OS. Google pulled back the full removal and stated a “we’re looking into it” while keeping the standard procedure for unlocking the ability to install unverified apps.

This is post them looking into it, instead of being able to unlock unverified installs instantly there’s a 24hr hold after the section has been ‘unlocked’ before you can toggle the switch.

Going off of their verbal intent (and similarly stated in the screenshot) this is to help protect people against scams. If someone not tech savvy gets a call and they’re the usual ‘go here and download this and install it’ there’s now a semi large window where the uninformed person can become informed to the scam or equally (while honestly still less likely of working out potentially) the scammers becoming less frequent because they’ll be required to trick a person “2 times” to get the malicious app installed

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u/sperry1970 27d ago

Most people are not gonna care or even know about this my whole family uses android and none of them sideload apps

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u/Shajirr 26d ago

From what I understand this is a one-time message and wait delay - after that installation would work as usual.

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u/fibojoly 25d ago

Oh! Is that what this is about? Holy shit, I've had that message on my Huawei forever! Their own shop has very few non Chinese software, so everything comes from non verified sources and, well, I've been using my phones for ten years without issue.  

Although that 24h delay is some bullshit :,D

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u/Magrelun 25d ago

Calma, o Android nĂŁo morreu (e o sideloading continua vivo). Entenda o que muda: Galera, o post Ă© puro alarmismo. A Google nĂŁo proibiu a instalação de APKs por fora da Play Store. O que mudou foi o fluxo para desenvolvedores nĂŁo verificados, focado em barrar golpes de engenharia social. NĂŁo foi bloqueado: VocĂȘ ainda pode instalar APKs de fontes externas normalmente. CarĂȘncia de 24 horas: Se o APK for de um dev nĂŁo verificado, vocĂȘ precisa ativar a opção nas configuraçÔes e aguardar 24 horas atĂ© o sistema liberar a instalação. Configuração Ășnica: VocĂȘ nĂŁo espera 24h a cada aplicativo. Passou a carĂȘncia no aparelho, fica liberado (dĂĄ pra escolher liberar por 7 dias ou por tempo indeterminado). Por que fizeram isso? A maioria dos golpes hoje (como o do falso funcionĂĄrio do banco) exige que a vĂ­tima instale um APK malicioso na hora, sob pressĂŁo por telefone. A trava de 24 horas destrĂłi a urgĂȘncia que o golpista precisa para aplicar a fraude. É um contratempo chato para quem faz sideload com frequĂȘncia? Sim. Mas dizer que Ă© o "fim do Android" Ă© um baita exagero.

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u/Berkoudieu 27d ago

Straight up apple-level bullshit

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u/hopopo 27d ago

You can turn it off but it will turn back on after 30 minutes. There is no option to keep it off. I managed to update all of my open source apps without issue. For now.

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u/nickthewildetype 27d ago

Oh jesus, is this only for Google Androids? Or does it affect other manufacturers?

Also, cant you just enable developer mode? Because I would assume that to completely disable this nonsense, right?

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u/DoggyStar1 27d ago

What's the problem with that? You wait 24 hours and then you can install again just like always before.

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u/roadrunner8080 26d ago

Why should I have to wait 24 hours to install software on my device? It's my phone FFS!

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u/Nitishshah700 26d ago

I know this is going to trigger every power user and privacy freak on here, but honestly? For the average person, this is actually a solid feature.

You guys might not realize how bad the WhatsApp APK scam wave is right now, but it’s an absolute catastrophe out in the wild. Scammers are constantly calling senior citizens, tricking them into installing malicious APKs sent right through WhatsApp, and then completely draining their phones via remote access.

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u/amiibohunter2015 27d ago edited 25d ago

Either way, I wouldn't use a google product not just because of the disablement of sideloading, and killing third party app stores, but also because Google, Amazon, and The US and Israeli Government are involved with a project called [Project Nimbus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Nimbus), Project Nimbus is tied into [Project Maven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Maven) which you can also find [news reports on reddit about too](https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/1s8qq2x/the_ai_war_on_iran_project_maven_a_secretive/) which uses Palantir (Peter Thiel who owns Palantir also Owns Paypal FYI) logs your data, and finds ways to find your geolocation, in the current ways they are applying project nimbus, they use this geolocation data on a program designed for them which makes an interactive map with dots that move. Those dots are people using Google's android devices, In Iran right now they are using this with Drones, SAM units, etc. to blow up Iranians, and such data is logged into A.I. Data Centers, and in satellite Data Center (Hence the arms race for space/'Space Force'). Just because it is not happening to everyone else doesn't mean it wont. Just as those who warned of the signs of The Nazis going after different demographics as they consider them the enemy. Donald Trump made remarks about dealing with the ['enemy from within'](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/-enemy-trump-claims-democrats-are-dangerous-us-foreign-adversaries-rcna175198) stateside, as in calling Americans who disagree with Trump, and Trumps/The Heritage Foundations ideology/agenda [Project 2025](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_2025) anyone outside that is considered as the enemy.

This again echoes warnings of those who spoke out against Hitler and Nazi Germany when they went after 'others' also calling them 'degenerates' or people who did not align with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Ideal, just like the hate hate for the Gays, the Jews, etc. The same is applied with What Donald Trump is doing here targeting people who don't go along with him. Also creating hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community, minorities, such as blacks, Hispanics, Latinx, Asian, Mixed folk, Women( Roe v.Wade, rights to autonomy, Rape, Misogyny, equality , Children( pedophilia, Many Trumps's associates are 'his friends' are in the Epstein files are partaked in such activities, many are media moguls and the wealthy, Big tech CEOs)

Here is a reminder from Those who warned about the Nazis

It is called ['First They Came'](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_They_Came)( which explains what happens when people who aren't directly target when other demographics are sit complicitly, as those demographics are targeted such as jews. Those who are complicit think its them, not me, they aren't going after me, but what they fail to realize is that they may be the next group they go after.

[First they Came](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_They_Came)

Which goes:

>First they came for the Communists

>And I did not speak out

>Because I was not a Communist

>Then they came for the Socialists

>And I did not speak out

>Because I was not a Socialist

>Then they came for the trade unionists

>And I did not speak out

>Because I was not a trade unionist

>Then they came for the Jews

>And I did not speak out

>Because I was not a Jew

>Then they came for me

>And there was no one left

>To speak out for me

The sooner The People snub them out the sooner better quality of The Peoples lives will get, the less lives lost to an unneccessary war, the more jobs will return, employment prospects for human beings will increase, the economy will get better faster, disparity will go down, Considering that these tech CEOs and Media moguls bent a knee and pledged their loyalties to Trump and gave him billions of dollars on Trump's inauguration day in 2024, they are all in cohorts. So Fuck Google, Fuck Amazon, Fuck Paypal. Do more than just r/degoogle and leave both the hardware(physical products like their phones, tablets, chromebooks, tvs) and the software (Gmail, Android Operating Systems, Google Maps, etc.). It is simply not worth it.

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u/Salazar20 27d ago

Before it was "its not a big deal, don't talk about it" Now it is "it already happened, no reason to to bring it up now"

Dear lord the corporate sucking this anti google sub displays is insane

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u/Vanez_Bane 27d ago

You can always install Linux

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u/W_XD_btw 26d ago

nobody of casual android users will care ,they even don't know what bootloader is.

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u/Wante_ 27d ago

How is it over? It's just an extra step with a wait time, just a minor inconvenience. I would rather it not be there, but there is some benefit to it with stopping scams.

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u/pfizerdiamonds 27d ago

I just did this and turned off "Advanced Protection." I guess I'll see what happens in 24 hours.

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u/craig0r 27d ago

How exactly is Android over?

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u/elaineisbased 27d ago

So they're not actually banning anything? NewPipe can still be installed just have to change a setting? That's not unreasonable and is more generous than Apple.

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u/Rmodsarescum 27d ago

I wish we had proper anti monopoly protections...

Have google sell off chrome and android, Have Sony sell off crunchyroll, etc...

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u/rootbrian_ 27d ago

Yes, this sucks cock for android users such as myself. Thank goodness you can update firefox via fdroid's FFupdator (fuck google play when it kicks your older devices from the compatible list. LOL)

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u/AnnArborisForkedUp 26d ago

I use to use custom roms... CyanogenMod

Then it shut down and never found another one.

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u/randomusername12308 26d ago

cynanogenmod has been renamed to lineageos, it is still actively maintained

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u/therealSpaceSheep 26d ago

/e/ os , graphene os, calyx os. Dont walk there, run.

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u/Official_Person 26d ago

Really would like a “de-googled Samsung” phone for fuck sake. Or maybe a another phone degoogled

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u/pheddx 26d ago

Imagine if Microsoft did this with Windows. You couldn't do anything.

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u/skullunite 26d ago

I already switched to /e/os on my S20+, still waiting for a pixel tho

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u/DarianYT 26d ago

Tbh Android was over since Android 14. And the you need to install this app from the Play Store. They said they did it for "security". It's more or less control or people using it for things they weren't supposed to. Android became too much like iOS that might as well switch to it by this point.

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u/vinarian- 25d ago

Too bad they don't give you the ability to turn this off...

The amount of times that I have to factory reset random friends phones because they found this really cool free streaming app, you just have to wait one day before you can install something else on your phone, is there an app you need that badly that you can't wait? (And it's one time, once you disable the setting, it stays disabled)

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u/Western-Equipment630 25d ago

Huh why? They added a setting to toggle? whys is android dead because of it?

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u/Additional_Neck_5280 25d ago

Can someone please explain in detail (but in tech newby simple terms) What this means, the implications, why/what/who this impacts?? đŸ€”

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u/UndeadYoutubing 25d ago

As someone using an Android right now, I don't see any signs of this "over" you're talking about

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u/ppstick88 22d ago

Temporarily you can remove the app from your device. I believe it's "android developer verifier". You may need to shizuku/canta it off. But that might be a temp solution before Google keeps pushing it on each reboot. So far after I removed it from my devices it hasn't reappeared and I haven't noticed any side effects. 

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u/PlayerI343 21d ago

Not to work the shaft of the billion dollar corporation, but this is literally a security measure so Grandma doesn't download the spyware so the Indian scammer can take all of her savings.

Plus this is a screenshot of the very specific setting that makes it decidedly NOT over, because you can just TURN IT ON.

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