Dear companies,
please don't make having access to Google's or Apple's app stores to use your products a requirement.
This locks so many of us out because we either don't have a compatible device or the device doesn't have the software to access these services (like google play services).
1️⃣ /2️⃣
@agx I'm not a big fan of web apps, but apps should always be available as an apk separate from the store IMO
@agx
Appealing to sociopathic entities who follow the interests of owners above all is pointless. Best case is a temporary shift while the positive PR is judged financially preferable.
If we want to fix these corporations we have to bypass them, which means delivering better products and services, and helping people move.
Some try to improve regulation, tackle the monopolies etc, which is good, but will be far more effective if we also have better alternatives.
@agx Dear Guido,
this segment of the market is small enough that the cost of supporting it are higher than the additional revenues it might bring. Plus, the potential costs can be calculated more easily than the potential revenues, economies of scale, yadayada.
In short, we get the short end of the stick. Deal with it.
@EU_Commission please do something, we are EU citizens and are forced to use software controlled by US companies (at least for banking and transport, soon for digital identity ...)
Maybe you trust them, but people should have the choice not to ...
@fdlamotte @EU_Commission It would certainly help if the EU would push into the same direction. Maybe @fsfe can help here?
@agx I use this on my kindle. Depending on your device some may not function due to display, audio in/out requirements etc. VLC Feedly, a number of google apps, firefox and other apks work fine. If a playstore-paid subscription and or login is required maybe not. Install their app and have fun. Sorry about all the ads if you don't pay for a subscription, but it DOES work https://apkpure.net/ There's also https://www.apkmirror.com/ It offers versions for older android installs as well
@heretical_i Most of the apps are unusable without google play services. Android users are jumping through hoops to get either these or microG running on their Android variant and it scares the hell out of people while everyone can use a web browser.
And then there's people (like me) that run neither Android nor iOS on their phones or folks that don't have a smartphone.
It shouldn't be hit or miss like that for users to avoid the duopoly.
But thanks for mentioning it!
@agx I have few probs with a beat up kindle fire. The subscription ones won't run without playstore and the ones that use Google to login can often ve circumvented. Tk nake my paid-monthly-at-playstore Feedly allow access I simply contacted support and made arrangements to pay directly. My paid-for audio editing app won't work b/c no alternative to Playstore-pay, graphics inadequate, and probably won't find the audio card, but dunno b/c the app never gets past boot.
@agx or we have zero intentions on using Google or Apple services. Nothing more annoying.
You're losing customers that way as they turn to products that don't require these kind of apps.
A public website accessible via any web browser makes not only us but also you independent from Apple's and Google's duopoly.
(Boosts appreciated, let's not get forced more and more into proprietary app stores)
2️⃣ /2️⃣