Android applications

Sector11 · 2026-05-17 04:01:22

glittersloth wrote:

Get https://droidify.app instead.
It’s officially blessed by the F-Droid project, and unlike the stock client, doesn’t look like something created in 1476BC.

Thank you - got it.

Can Google apps coexist with F-droid?
AND YUP! Looks Much better.

What Fdroid app do most use to chat?

johnraff · 2026-05-17 04:28:50

F-droid is a repository of apps, something like Google Play but with all FOSS apps. Some things like Thunderbird are available in both repos - in that case I usually go for the fdroid package, though sometimes GP has a more recent version. In that case you have to decide if the new features are important enough.

@glitter thanks for the hint about droidify - I'll have a look.

@Sector I try to avoid chatting on the phone as much as possible because my fingers hate poking at a tiny virtual keyboard, but apart from regular email - which I always try to push people to use - what most people here in Japan and other parts of Asia use is LINE. That's not on F-droid.

Sector11 · 2026-05-17 15:27:10

johnraff wrote:

F-droid is a repository of apps, something like Google Play but with all FOSS apps. Some things like Thunderbird are available in both repos - in that case I usually go for the fdroid package, though sometimes GP has a more recent version. In that case you have to decide if the new features are important enough.

So in ±107 days when Google locks things down, 1984 style, F-droid will go |BLINK| :sad:

@glitter thanks for the hint about droidify - I'll have a look.

Yes. Thanks agan glitter, much nicer.

@Sector I try to avoid chatting on the phone as much as possible because my fingers hate poking at a tiny virtual keyboard, but apart from regular email - which I always try to push people to use - what most people here in Japan and other parts of Asia use is LINE. That's not on F-droid.

I hate typing on a phone as well, it's where my disease of Fatfingeritis really shows up and The Tpyo Knig rears his ugly head far to ofren. However I have friends and family in Canada that use phones only and no email. So just curious and a general question to all as to what they use.

johnraff · 2026-05-18 04:21:05

Sector11 wrote:

johnraff wrote:
F-droid is a repository of apps, something like Google Play but with all FOSS apps. Some things like Thunderbird are available in both repos - in that case I usually go for the fdroid package, though sometimes GP has a more recent version. In that case you have to decide if the new features are important enough.
So in ±107 days when Google locks things down, 1984 style, F-droid will go |BLINK| :sad:

No, F-droid is quite independent of Google. I don't think there's any reason it would stop working.

glittersloth · 2026-05-18 06:47:15

johnraff wrote:

Sector11 wrote:
johnraff wrote:
F-droid is a repository of apps, something like Google Play but with all FOSS apps. Some things like Thunderbird are available in both repos - in that case I usually go for the fdroid package, though sometimes GP has a more recent version. In that case you have to decide if the new features are important enough.
So in ±107 days when Google locks things down, 1984 style, F-droid will go |BLINK| :sad:
No, F-droid is quite independent of Google. I don't think there's any reason it would stop working.

He’s referring to this; https://keepandroidopen.org/
It will affect all Android devices. The workaround Google suggests – enabling developer mode and waiting 24 hours — is vaguely/obtusely worded (having to leave the device in developer mode will prevent banking apps from working) and will likely ruin the experience for many.

The only devices unaffected will be those running fully deGoogled operating systems, but even they’re in for a rough ride thanks to other changes Google is shoving down the web’s throat. These changes might even affect desktop platforms, including Linux.

Uncertain times ahead.

Last edited by glittersloth (2026-05-18 06:49:06)

Martin · 2026-05-18 09:32:56

hhh wrote:

^ On fairly recent Androids (2022 and newer?) plugging a phone into GNOME, KDE or BunsenLabs Linux via USB-C should prompt a "Select USB Mode" dialog on the phone, choose "File Transfer" (or "Photo and video transfer" for just those folders having access). If you do nothing on the phone it defaults to "No file transfer" after 30 seconds or so, for me at least (Moto G Pure 2024). You can also tap the dialog for more options, like enabling tethering.

This is how my second-hand Sony behaved to start with. And the it decided not to. USB mode selection is greyed out.

/Martin

F3 · 2026-05-18 23:57:13

glittersloth wrote:

johnraff wrote:
Sector11 wrote:
So in ±107 days when Google locks things down, 1984 style, F-droid will go |BLINK| :sad:
No, F-droid is quite independent of Google. I don't think there's any reason it would stop working.
He’s referring to this; https://keepandroidopen.org/
It will affect all Android devices. The workaround Google suggests – enabling developer mode and waiting 24 hours — is vaguely/obtusely worded (having to leave the device in developer mode will prevent banking apps from working) and will likely ruin the experience for many.
The only devices unaffected will be those running fully deGoogled operating systems, but even they’re in for a rough ride thanks to other changes Google is shoving down the web’s throat. These changes might even affect desktop platforms, including Linux.
Uncertain times ahead.

I deGoogled my life last year and haven't looked back. My Pixel 8a runs smoothly with GrapheneOS. Most of the apps I use I've downloaded from F-droid, Accrecent, Obtainium, and Aurora, which allow downloading from Graphene's sandboxed Google's PlayStore. But yes, there are uncertain times ahead. The question is how many sacrifices can a deGoogled Android user bear to remain deGoogled. Meanwhile, I await The Moto phones that may be available in 2027 either with Graphene preinstalled or eaily installable.

johnraff · Yesterday 06:35:28

Ars Technica did a deep look into the Googopalypse:
With developer verification, Google’s Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android’s open legacy
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/03 … en-legacy/

Znet on the possibility of Motorola + Graphene:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/motorola- … -mwc-2026/

Phone calls + general web browsing might be easy enough, but banks are starting to insist that you install their cellphone app in order to validate your logging in to their regular desktop website.

Sector11 · Yesterday 17:26:00

johnraff wrote:

{snip---snip}
Phone calls + general web browsing might be easy enough, but banks are starting to insist that you install their cellphone app in order to validate your logging in to their regular desktop website.

I cringe at the thought of "bank apps" and "scan QR code to pay systems" - or QR scanning in general on cell phones.

Who know what's encoded in those QR codes.

https://it.uic.edu/news-stories/security-and-qr-codes/

which reads ↓↓↓

QR codes have become a familiar presence in our daily lives at home and in the office. They make accessing websites, making payments, and sharing data convenient. Unfortunately, QR codes also present some security risks. Hackers exploit QR codes to conduct malicious activities and compromise personal and business data and systems.

Security Risk
QR Phishing Attacks (Quishing)
Cybercriminals can create fake QR codes that redirect users to malicious websites designed to steal sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card details.
These fake codes may be placed over legitimate ones or in strategic locations like parking meters, restaurant menus, or public signs.
QR codes can also lead to fraudulent payment portals, compromising your financial account and resulting in monetary loss.
Attackers may divert legitimate payments to their own accounts, making these scams both deceptive and financially damaging.
Malware
Scanning a malicious QR code can trigger malware downloads, which could in turn lead to data theft, unauthorized access, or device compromise
Some malware can silently monitor your activities and send that data to attackers, which could include passwords, credit card information, messages, and even your photos.
Ransomware can be used to hold your data hostage or lock your device until a ransom is paid.
Data Collection
Malicious QR codes can collect personal data and send it to the attacker, such as:
Location, device information, or browsing history
Session Hijacking (QRLjacking)
QR code-based login systems that have vulnerabilities can allow attackers to hijack user sessions and gain unauthorized access to accounts
Attackers can intercept private messages by compromising encrypted messaging apps
Device Configuration Manipulation
Malicious QR codes can be used to change your device settings without your knowledge, such as
adding contacts for future social engineering attacks
connecting you to malicious Wi-Fi networks, or configuring VPNs to intercept your data
Best Practices
Type webpage addresses yourself, rather than scan a QR code
Ask for alternatives to use a QR code, such as a paper menu, or another method of payment
Only scan QR codes from trusted sources
Be careful of QR codes that are on stickers instead of being printed directly on the document
Use a legitimate scanning app that shows you the URL that the QR code will direct you to, and make sure it is expected before going to the site
Many phones have a scanner built into the camera that will show you the URL
Install and update security software on your device
Avoid downloading or installing applications prompted by QR codes

Understanding the risks of QR codes and what to look for will help you protect yourself in your private and work life.

johnraff · Today 02:58:18

Sector11 wrote:

johnraff wrote:
...banks are starting to insist that you install their cellphone app in order to validate your logging in to their regular desktop website.
I cringe at the thought of "bank apps"...

Of course - me too! I am determined not to install anything on my cellphone which has access to my bank account.

Problem is, my bank just announced they're changing the way they validate logins and instructions to make transfers. So right now when I log in to my bank account on the desktop, and then to transfer money somewhere, I have to click the authenticator app on the cellphone to confirm that it's really me. I can live with that - basic 2FA that all kinds of places use. But now they're saying they are dropping that validation method and insist that I install the banking app to validate, an idea that I really hate. Right now I'm trying to find out if they'll still support alternatives like calling my phone number, or at the very least disable the cellphone app from doing anything except validate. It's not made easier by the fact that it's all in Japanese.

unklar · Today 07:45:03

^originally I wanted to help S11 with his pmount problem and on my phone searched for "man pmount" on the net (a computer is not available to me).

Termux of F-Droid looked very promising.
After some orientation on the net I found (all unfortunately only in German) that Termux not only has its own pkg manager, so you can install distries as in a type of VM.

I chose Debian and I was installed trixie.
All commands work as in the original. Completely isolated from Android.

Last edited by unklar (Today 07:47:37)

#61 2026-05-17 04:01:22

Re: Android applications

#62 2026-05-17 04:28:50

Re: Android applications

#63 2026-05-17 15:27:10

Re: Android applications

#64 2026-05-18 04:21:05

Re: Android applications

#65 2026-05-18 06:47:15

Re: Android applications

#66 2026-05-18 09:32:56

Re: Android applications

#67 2026-05-18 23:57:13

Re: Android applications

#68 Yesterday 06:35:28

Re: Android applications

#69 Yesterday 17:26:00

Re: Android applications

#70 Today 02:58:18

Re: Android applications

#71 Today 07:45:03

Re: Android applications

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