Originally Published 2 months ago — by Hacker News
The author defends the right to install software on devices, criticizes Google's restrictions on sideloading via ADB, and discusses broader issues of software freedom, market practices, and the impact of subscription models and proprietary ecosystems. They emphasize that 'sideloading' is a standard, non-deviant activity, and express concern over Google's efforts to limit it, which could threaten user control and open source communities like F-Droid.
Epic Games reports that Apple's new installation process in iOS 18.6 has significantly reduced user drop-offs by 60%, improving the experience for installing third-party app stores, though Epic remains critical of Apple's broader policies and practices.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Hacker News
The article discusses the increasing restrictions on app installation on Android devices by Google, the debate over the terminology and legality of sideloading, and the broader implications for user freedom, device openness, and market control, with comparisons to other platforms like iOS and alternative operating systems like SailfishOS.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Hacker News
The article discusses the tension between allowing sideloading of apps on devices and ensuring user safety and privacy. It argues that current policies by companies like Google and Apple, driven by government regulations and control motives, restrict user ownership and freedom, while also questioning the effectiveness of app store vetting and security measures. The debate highlights the trade-offs between security, user autonomy, and societal control, with some advocating for more open systems and others emphasizing the need for safety and regulation.
The Google Play Store is rolling out a new 'auto-open' feature that allows users to automatically open newly installed apps with a notification and a 5-second countdown, providing convenience especially for apps needed immediately after download. The toggle is off by default and appears beneath the install progress bar, with the feature currently live on some devices like Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Apple's upcoming iOS 18.6 update, currently in beta, will primarily focus on bug fixes but introduces new features for EU users, including a streamlined process for installing third-party apps and marketplaces from the web, with enhanced user experience and compliance with EU regulations.
With the release of Android 15, Google is raising the minimum requirement for app targeting to at least Android 7.1, potentially blocking the installation of some older apps that target Android 6.0. This change is already in effect in the Android 15 Developer Preview 2, where attempts to install Android 6.0-targeting apps are being blocked by the OS itself. While this may not affect most apps, developers of affected apps will need to raise the target version to allow installation on Android 15.
Apple is expected to introduce the option of sideloading apps outside of the App Store to comply with European Union regulations. This feature, scheduled to be implemented in the first half of 2024 with an update to iOS 17, will allow users in the EU to install apps hosted elsewhere. Apple may also make changes to Messages and payment applications as part of these modifications. However, concerns about privacy and security have been raised, as sideloading exposes users to potential malware and scams. Apple is reportedly considering implementing security requirements similar to those for Mac applications to ensure app safety. Other countries may follow the EU's lead or consider the warnings from Apple and security experts.
Google Messages, the RCS/SMS/MMS app for Android, has reached a significant milestone with over five billion installations. The app, previously known as Android Messages, offers a clean interface and useful features such as a desktop web client. The adoption of Google Messages as the default messaging app on Samsung phones, including the Galaxy S22 series, may have contributed to its rapid growth. Google is also actively campaigning for Apple to support RCS messaging on iOS.
