Live data from Hacker News

Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android

9to5google.com

121–130 of 1001 posts

Re: Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android

#121
> Google is explicit today about how “developers will have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or to use any app store they prefer.”

« Développer will have freedom » yet they are entitled to Google’s verification.

It’s just another stone in the grave of Android and even though I shipped off this sinking ship 6 years ago to iOS, this is still concerning because ultimately apple’s IOS is in competition solely with Android.

If Android gets so bad it has all the disadvantage of iOS, some more, for instance with the embedded spyware that manufacturer are paid to include, and none of the good side of iOS, then everyone lose. Apple doesn’t have to compete anymore, they just have to not suck.

Re: Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android

#122

This is crazy. I can't install my own apps on my own phone anymore. I am gonna start carrying around a laptop with a 5G modem instead.

Don't worry, they'll stop letting you access your bank without an app soon enough. Gotta protect the children and what-not.

Re: Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android

#123

> Google is explicit today about how “developers will have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or to use any app store they prefer.” « Développer will have freedom » yet they are entitled to Google’s verification. It’s just another stone in the grave of Android and even though I shipped off this sinking ship 6 years ago to iOS, this is still concerning because ultimately ap…

Can you even compile an iOS app without registering with apple?

Re: Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android

#124
post #107

This is what Apple already does, isn't it? Why wouldn't it work for Google too?

Apple requires you to get a developer account with them.

Nowhere does that require you to go and get a DUNS number, which is onerous for a single developer to do without the infrastructure of a company.

Re: Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android

#125

I've grown increasingly hateful towards both my Android and iOS devices over the last decade. The platforms themselves are increasingly user-hostile, and their appstores are crammed full of shitty, privacy-invading, telemetry-hoovering, dopamine-triggering, ad-filled, lipstick-covered apps that are often garbage compared to the pioneering days of mobile. I miss the days of my old Palm Pilot. Is anyone working on fixi…

Windows 10 Mobile was good.

The entire developer experience was fantastic and the thing that killed it was a lack of desire from the upper leadership when it felt like they couldn't compete with the duopoly.

Re: Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android

#126

The problem here is that the EU, which would normally be the only hope to put a stop to bullshit like this, seems to like this.

It's easy. For the average user, device integrity is more valuable (by a lot) than side loading.

People that think this is unacceptable are not remotely average users. Average users benefit greatly from their pocket appliance not being a full fledged computer.

Re: Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android

#127

I've grown increasingly hateful towards both my Android and iOS devices over the last decade. The platforms themselves are increasingly user-hostile, and their appstores are crammed full of shitty, privacy-invading, telemetry-hoovering, dopamine-triggering, ad-filled, lipstick-covered apps that are often garbage compared to the pioneering days of mobile. I miss the days of my old Palm Pilot. Is anyone working on fixi…

GrapheneOS + F-Droid is a joy to use, for me. I'm kinda shocked when I use anyone else's phone, now.

If they start selling their own devices, I will buy one and (assuming it turns out how I hope it will) recommend it strongly.

Re: Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android

#129

> The requirement will go into effect in September 2026 for users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Google notes how these countries have been “specifically impacted by these forms of fraudulent app scams.” Verification will then apply globally from 2027 onwards. At least most of the world has until 2027 to install LineageOS or GrapheneOS.

Apps are increasingly failing to run on grapheneos because Google is pushing for the play integrity verification. More and more apps, some critical like banking apps, some not at all, require your device to be running an official rom signed by Google.

Re: Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android

#130
post #60

This is the worst thing to happen to technology in recent times since there is only two major phone OS's. It isn't possible to ban encryption, so the governments have to chip away at security and privacy using these techniques. From: https://developer.android.com/developer-verification "You may also need to upload official government ID." This won't end well for Google or the governments involved when the people get…

What's wrong with loading an alternate OS that isn't Play Protect certified?
Post reply on HN