Google has been trying to make Android proprietary for a few years now, and that’s not news, as many AOSP default apps have been abandoned over time in favor of proprietary Google ones. This was never a huge problem for me, as you can still use those apps without network access or use open source alternatives like Fossify on a custom ROM.
However, the situation is quickly getting worse, now that Google is actively trying to prevent the development of custom ROMs and taking a page from Apple’s book by forcing developers to beg them for permission to release apps on the Android platform, even outside of the Play Store - giving Google full control.
Is there still any hope left for privacy respecting Android ROMs? What do you think will happen next? And what would be your suggestions for those looking for a phone in 2025?
If you have a different perspective on the situation, also please comment below!
What specific action would have precluded Google from no longer open sourcing Android drivers for the reference device and locking down their app situation in response to the anti-trust ruling? Please enlighten me.
right now? nothing because they already have a practigal monopoly… due, in great part, by the “it’s not so bad” crowd who continue to tolerate shitty corpo behaviour until “oh shit, it’really bad now”
How would a more panicked attitude remove Google’s ownership from the OS they own? I am confused.
it’s not panicked, it’s just a rejection of monopolistic practices… but you illustrate my point fantasticly by equating consumer rejection to panick… can’t escape consumerism, eh?
Uh… okay 👍