Google CEO Sundar Pichai Warns Android Users Not to Sideload Apps - eviltoast
    • interceder270@lemmy.worldEnglish
      161·
      10 months ago

      Same shitbags who successfully convinced a generation that it’s okay to download programs with ads built-in.

      No wonder they think they can get away with anything. It’s like herding sheep at this point.

    • mycatiskai@lemmy.oneEnglish
      16·
      10 months ago

      Is there a good guide on f-droid and sideloading you recommend?

      If it is something that Google doesn’t recommend then I should probably be doing it.

      • NicoCharrua@lemmy.caEnglish
        14·
        10 months ago

        For F-Droid in specific, you’ll need an F-Droid client. I use Droid-ify (GitHub) (F-Droid) (IzzyOnDroid), but you can use whichever you prefer. F-Droid is a good source for open source apps.

        If you’re sideloading from different sources, Obtanium (GitHub) (IzzyOnDroid) is useful to download apps, and keep them updated. You can even kinda use it as an F-Droid client.

        Google is pretty lax on what it allows on Google play, so unless you’re trying to avoid using Google services or you want to install apps that aren’t on the play store, you don’t need to do it.

        If you want adbocking and extra features in some apps (especially YouTube), check out ReVanced.

        Google isn’t lying - there are risks to sideloading if you don’t know what you’re doing. Make sure what you’re downloading is coming from legitimate sources you trust. For example, if you look up ReVanced, some unofficial websites show up which may have malware. Triple check everything is coming from an official source.

      • Mint_Raccoon@kbin.social
        12·
        10 months ago

        All you have to do is download the APK from the F-Droid website and enable installing from third-party/unknown sources in the Settings app (some versions of Android ask automatically when you try to open the APK). I also recommend disabling unknown sources for your browser once you’re done as a security measure.

    • makingStuffForFun@lemmy.mlEnglish
      10·
      10 months ago

      This is the real truth. Man, the gall of that guy.

      Hi, we are a spyware company. Be aware. Don’t load apps that don’t meet our surveillance metrics. Only download our spyware. Thank you.

      Screw that guy. How about only sideload. There’s another world out there, and it doesn’t equate to surveillance capitalism.

  • interceder270@lemmy.worldEnglish
    62·
    10 months ago

    Sideloading is one of the greatest things we have.

    I’m so glad we have it. It almost feels like power and control from a bygone age.

    Of course this guy whose net worth is >$100m will be telling us not to use it.

    Fuck him.

  • weew@lemmy.caEnglish
    34·
    10 months ago

    aka “Please only ever buy things off the Google Play store”

  • kpw@kbin.social
    25·
    10 months ago

    Recently Android added another scary “malicious” warning to the already numerous scary dialogs if one tries to install F-Droid. The “Install anyways” button also became hidden in the “More details” menu.

    • BearOfaTime@lemm.eeEnglish
      12·
      10 months ago

      This has been the final straw for me to fully de-google my life.

      F you Google, Play, etc.

      Currently setting up my next phone with no googlage.

  • Greggo@lemmy.worldEnglish
    22·
    10 months ago

    Ironically, I see articles every month telling android users to uninstall a slew of shit malware apps that were on the play store. Thanks Pichai, but I’ll take my chances with more reputable sources.

    • Squizzy@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Scan them with play protect, it’s an amazing piece of development that makes me feel truly safe in what I install on Google’s device they have lended me.

  • Namstel@lemmy.oneEnglish
    19·
    10 months ago

    I’ve tried downloading some of the games that are on the Play Store for my kids, and by God those apps are cancerous. An ad every 30 seconds and the games are made purely with getting the players to become addicted in mind. Get off your fucking high horse Pichai.

    • interceder270@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      10 months ago

      Fun fact: You can sideload an adblocker that will legit block any ads in apps.

      It’s called Blokada 5, and you have to download it from their website and sideload it because Google banned apps that use its functionality from the Play store.

      So satisfying never seeing ads in apps.

  • Sparking@lemm.eeEnglish
    18·
    10 months ago

    So they argue that they want to protect users… from epic games? Like they are going to make a virus filled app? I kinda agree people need to be protected from fortnite, but its kind if a silly disingenuous argument.

  • Keith@lemm.eeEnglish
    191·
    10 months ago

    I don’t have the Play Store on my phone. F-Droid (Droidify), Aurora Store, Obtanium, and Accrescent.

  • spudwart@spudwart.comEnglish
    124·
    10 months ago

    I really can’t wait until we have a Linux-Mobile OS which supports android apps rather than having an entire fucking operating system running on java.

    Running your OS on java is like building your house on quicksand.

    • bAZtARd@feddit.deEnglish
      81·
      10 months ago

      Java is only the languages some apps are programmed in. There is no JVM in android. And no, the OS does not run on Java.

    • Canuck@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      5·
      10 months ago

      Both GNOME & KDE already have builds you can do this with. E.g. Mobian, which uses a lot of the work Purism has done with PureOS, is working to make even default Debian work. You can install Android apps with Waydroid, and install it on Android devices like Pixel, OnePlus, in addition to Linux native devices.

      • thedeadwalking4242@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        10 months ago

        It’s really not consumer ready though, I’ve tried desperately to use OnePlus and like devices as daily drivers but it’s just not there yet sadly. The more people that try tho the better off we will be

    • jack@monero.townEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      I don’t think Android apps will be necessary on Linux mobile, at least GNOME is working on making their apps mobile-compatible

      • spudwart@spudwart.comEnglish
        5·
        10 months ago

        To transition from Android to Linux Mobile, It absolutely will be. Some apps are only on Android/iOS and some desktop linux desktop apps do not support a mobile layout even on mobile linux.