E: apparently it needs to be said that I am not suggesting you switch to Linux on your phone today; just that development needs to accelerate. Please don't be one of the 34 people that replied to tell me Linux is not ready.
Android has always been a fairly open platform, especially if you were deliberate about getting it that way, but we've seen in recent months an extremely rapid devolution of the Android ecosystem:
- The closing of development of an increasing number of components in AOSP.
- Samsung, Xiaomi and OnePlus have removed the option of bootloader unlocking on all of their devices. I suspect Google is not far behind.
- Google implementing Play Integrity API and encouraging developers to implement it. Notably the EU's own identity verification wallet requires this, in stark contrast to their own laws and policies, despite the protest of hundreds on Github.
- And finally, the mandatory implementation of developer verification across Android systems. Yes, if you're running a 3rd-party OS like GOS you won't be directly affected by this, but it will impact 99.9% of devices, and I foresee many open source developers just opting out of developing apps for Android entirely as a result. We've already seen SyncThing simply discontinue development for this reason, citing issues with Google Play Store. They've also repeatedly denied updates for NextCloud with no explanation, only restoring it after mass outcry. And we've already seen Google targeting any software intended to circumvent ads, labeling them in the system as "dangerous" and "untrusted". This will most certainly carry into their new "verification" system.
Google once competed with Apple for customers. But in a world where Google walks away from the biggest antitrust trial since 1998 with yet another slap on the wrist, competition is dead, and Google is taking notes from Apple about what they can legally get away with.
Android as we know it is dead. And/or will be dead very soon. We need an open replacement.
If we all stopped the world would adapt. The council let the street signs rot because everyone is on gmaps, restaurants stopped having menus just qr codes, places in England were you get kicked out if you insist to pay by cash.
All of it would be reversed if.. we reversed A pipe dream but weirder things happened
Okay well let me know when you get everyone to stop. Until then...
You keep on supporting it, then it will never change. Just like supporting the smartphone ecosystem still. It has way too much power over people's lives. Sorry, it's not healthy.
Kicked out for using cash? You are serious? That is so backwards... What about old people who don't use smartphones and use the old school landline? And if a restaurant didn't have a paper menu, and wouldn't offer me one, I would just walk right out. Clearly, they don't want people's business. It should be accessible to anyone who is willing to pay. Not just smartphone users. What kind of dystopian fate is this? That's like discrimination for not owning... an algorithmic pushing slot machine. lol
Plus, people use their smartphones everywhere. Even in the bathroom. Then they bring it to the dinner table? That's so gross. Horribly unsanitary.
They did reverse the cash ting at the pub, every day a different customer would have a proper argument about it. Don't ask why I was there everyday tho
It's a pub. I think there should be no questions 🤣
For observing the chaos over that poor decision? 😂