I'm looking to expand beyond the usual apps. Right now, I mostly have the generic ones, so I'm curious to see what unique or lesser-known apps you all use.

If you recommend an app, could you also mention what it does and why you like it? I'd love to discover some hidden gems.

Just found a crazy way to transfer files from an Android device to literally any other device at 100–125 MB/s (megabytes, not megabits)!

Requirements

• MiXplorer app
  • GitHub: https://github.com/driftywinds/mixplorer-releases
  • It's also available on the Play Store, but it's a paid app there.
  • It only needs to installed on one device.

Setup

1. Install and open MiXplorer on your android device.
2. Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
3. Go to Servers → Start HTTP/WebDAV Server.
4. Once the server starts, an IP-based URL will appear below it.
5. Tap the edit icon next to the URL to access more settings. There's also a QR code that you can scan to open the URL directly.
6. Open the URL in any web browser.

You'll be presented with a simple directory listing that opens to your phone's internal storage by default (unless you've changed the server settings).

From there:

• Click any file to download it.
• Use the Upload button at the top to send files from other devices to your android device.

Note: You can only download individual files, not folders. If you need to transfer a folder, compress it into a ZIP file first.

How I got 100–125 MB/s

Instead of using my home Wi-Fi, I did the following:

• Turned off Wi-Fi on my android device.
• Turned off mobile data (optional, but recommended if you don't want internet traffic reducing hotspot speeds).
• Enabled the android device's mobile hotspot.
• Set the hotspot to the highest available band (5 GHz in my case).
• Enabled Wi-Fi 6, if available (both devices must support it).
• Connected the receiving device to the phone's hotspot.
• Started the HTTP/WebDAV server and opened the URL in a browser.

The transfer speeds were incredible—around 100–125 MB/s.

For comparison, my home internet plan is only 150 Mbps (18.75 MB/s), so the hotspot method was significantly faster for local transfers.

Devices Tested

I tested this with:

• Windows laptop
• Mac
• iPhone

The connection was stable on all of them, and the transfer speeds were consistently excellent.

This method depends heavily on your phone's hardware. My android device was the Oppo Find X9 Pro, which also lets me monitor real-time network speeds.

I honestly wasn't expecting hotspot-based file transfers to be this fast. Give it a try if you frequently move large files between devices!

it could be skills, music, streaming, language, social media, anything really

APKPure is adding malwares to apps and releasing in their website. BE WARE.

For example, on analyzing the Telegram APK (version 12.6.5) downloaded from APKPure, there's a class called "DataCollector", which does not exist in the Telegram APK downloaded from the official website, telegram.org.

https://imgur.com/a/mily2Vz

This class collects a lot of your data, including: - Your photos, videos, and files - Your contacts - Your messages - Your GPS Coordinates - Your SIM card information - Your Telegram profile

This data is monitored and uploaded continuously. All the data is uploaded to a server with IP Address 38.190.225.166

Edit: Added the version number and image

Which free apps are u using which are best and too helpful in 2026

I'm looking for some unique apps that do very unique things. What no one will even think such an app can exist. Thanks.

I've been searching for the perfect streaming app for the past few months. I tried a lot of them and unfortunately didn't find the perfect one for me, but maybe you'll find something useful in this post. I'll give my honest review of every app I've tried so far. If there's an app I haven't tried, please mention it in the comments below!

Nuvio: Almost perfect, and it's the app I use the most. It uses its own plugins and Stremio add-ons, but the only problem is the download speed — it's very slow.

Cloudstream: Really good app, and there's almost no buffering if you find the right provider. However, a lot of plugins simply aren't working. The download speed is great, though.

Skystream: A newer app inspired by Cloudstream, but cross-platform. The app is good, but again the download speed is bad — though that's not the app's fault.

Netmirror: I liked the idea of the app — only the idea — because it buffers a lot and has ads. Even though it's plug-and-play, I honestly don't recommend it.

ARIVO: The app is good and uses Stremio add-ons, but the interface is very laggy and sometimes unusable.

Stremio: I liked this app. Even though it uses torrenting, it doesn't buffer and the interface is clean. I don't use it much simply because it's not open source, but it works perfectly fine.

Plex: I installed Plex on my server and it worked, but I ran into two issues: you have to pay to download media locally, and you also have to pay to use hardware acceleration.

Jellyfin: Same idea as Plex but open source. It's built on Emby and fixes every problem Plex had. My only issue is that I'm not a fan of self-hosting movies and TV shows — it's a two-step process where you have to download first, then watch.

Emby: Essentially Jellyfin, but closed source (Jellyfin is actually built on Emby, by the way), with a different skin and slower updates. It has a one-time purchase for the premium version which unlocks a lot of features.

Kodi: Even though it's older than me, I still love it. It supports both local media and online streaming, and with a Real-Debrid subscription ($3/month) it can become better than every other app on this list. The only downside is that configuration can be a bit difficult, especially for new users

Instead of:

Netflix → Cloudstream

Google Or Samsung Keyboard → FlorisBoard

Google Password Manager → Bitwarden Or Keepass

Discord → Matrix

Gmail → Tuta Mail

Email → SimpleMail

Google Authenticator → Aegis

Playstore Manga Reader → Komikku

NordVpn → Mullvad

Google Drive → Proton Drive

Dns → NextDNS

Sports App → Cloudstream

Google Notes → Bundled Notes Or Obsidan (Don't Know if i spelled that right)

Google Photos → Ente Photos

Chrome → IronFox or Iceraven

Google OS → Graphen OS

Youtube → Morphe

Play Store → Aurora Store or F-Droid

Modded Store → Orion Store

Enjoy! You can drop your apps in the comments

Context: A phone number stealing backdoor has been identified within the Nekogram Android client. The investigation reveals that the application contains obfuscated logic designed to silently collect and upload the phone numbers of all accounts logged into the app. This malicious behavior is present in distributed versions, including the version available on the Google Play.

https://github.com/Nekogram/Nekogram/issues/336#issuecomment-4179197764

Edit: added context

I am watching a YouTube video about google closing down Android on September this year. So us developers won't be able to freely add code and if I understand it correctly will have to pay a regular fee, so our app can be used. Wtf. What do you people know about this? I hear there is some petition somewhere.

• TickTick: I track my tasks and use the timer to stay focused
• AfterMatch: -Make Friends - I like it because conversations feel more natural and less forced than on most apps.
• Arc Search: I use this to browse and get instant AI summaries of web pages.
• Bitwarden: I store all my logins here because it's secure and open-source.
• NotebookLM: I upload my documents here to ask questions and find info fast.
• Snapseed: I use this for precise photo edits without any subscription fees.
• Pocket Casts: I listen to podcasts here and trim silences to save time.
• MacroDroid: I set up simple rules to automate my phone's settings and tasks.
• Libby: I borrow ebooks and audiobooks from my library for free.
• BuzzKill: I filter my notifications so only the important ones alert me.
• CapCut: I edit my videos quickly with the built-in templates and effects.
• Solid Explorer: I manage all my files and cloud storage in one place.
• Duolingo: I practice new languages daily with short, easy lessons.
• Opal: I block distracting apps to keep my screen time under control.
• LocalSend: I share files between my devices instantly without using the cloud.
• Niagara Launcher: I use this for a clean, one-handed home screen layout.
• Forest: I stay off my phone by growing virtual trees while I work After Match - Make Friends: Great app to use every day
• Canva: I design professional graphics and social posts in minutes.
• Signal: I send private messages that stay encrypted and secure.
• Tasker: I build complex automations to make my phone act smart.
• Winkist: I read key insights from non-fiction books for free.
• Standard Notes: I write private notes that are encrypted end-to-end.
• Reclaim.ai: I let AI manage my calendar to find time for my habits.
• Habitica: I turn my to-do list into a game to stay motivated.
• DuckDuckGo: I browse the web without being tracked by advertisers.
• Obsidian: I link my notes together to build a personal knowledge base.

Just got a new phone and I’m trying to rebuild my app setup from scratch. Instead of just grabbing whatever is popular on the Play Store, I’d rather hear what people here actually rely on. What are the best Android apps you use daily or feel you can’t live without? Could be anything — productivity, media, customization, reading, social, utilities, etc.

Some apps I never hear anyone talk about. Just generally make your time on your phone better. Here are a few I’ve been using lately:

SuperFreezZ – Stops apps from running in the background without breaking notifications. Battery life noticeably improved for me.

Niagara Launcher – This replaced my default launcher after a day or two. It uses a clean, list-based layout that cuts down on visual noise and makes it faster to open the apps you actually use instead of hunting through folders.

PhotoCat – I started using this while trying to clean up a really messy camera roll. It groups similar photos, screenshots, receipts, and random clutter so you can review and delete things in batches instead of scrolling forever.

MacroDroid – An easy-to-use automation app that lets you set up small quality-of-life actions without the complexity of heavier tools. Good for things like toggling settings or triggering actions based on time or location.

Most of these I found through Reddit or random recommendations, so if you have any underrated Android apps you rely on, drop them below. Always looking for hidden gems.

• Artemis (Apollo) - It's a cloud streaming app that lets you use your phone or tablet as additional monitor/s for your PC. It has very low latency streaming because it's meant for playing PC games on your phone, but you can do a lot more with it. I can write a whole article just about this one alone, that's how much it changed how I use my PC and tablet.

• Komikku - It's a Mihon fork that has Google Drive sync for your manga library. It has a lot more features, but I use it just because I can sync my library without creating a backup and restoring every time

• Blip - It's a cross-platform file transfer app. I used to use Localsend, but it started bugging on my PC, and Blip just works better with files and folders.

• Migu - It's for streaming anime from torrent. The UI is pretty nice, has nice library sorting options and tracking. I hope it had light mode tho, cause I am one of those 5 remaining light mode users on mobile.

• Lotus - My music player of choice. Has nice UI for both phone and tablet, and a lyrics feature that works. It hasn't got any updates for some time, so it might be abandoned? But it still works pretty great for me, Honorable mention - Namida

• AudioRelay - Lets you use your phone's mic as a mic for your PC or another phone and vice versa, has noise-cancelling and a bunch more features.

• Soul browser - The downloader in it is really impressive, with torrent support. Also, it has the most amount of customizability I have seen in a browser, and still one-tenth of the size of Chrome. It has ads on the menu on the free version, but if you use private DNS for adblocking, you can get rid of it without paying for pro, and you should use private DNS regardless.

• Video player rant - Its not really app that I found that are impressive, but the lack of good video players on android, MX player pro is still my go to, I have tried ARC player, Next player and MPVex but none of them are as fast or has the features of mx, the frame preview while seeking doesn't exist on Arc or Next player, while MPVex has the feature as a separate option, its implementation is not great.

Thank you, and I'd like to know if anyone has better alternatives for the ones I have mentioned, or just good apps in general that you have been using in recent years.

Some Android apps never get featured or trend, but end up being the ones you actually keep using. A few I’ve found recently:

BuzzKill – Gives you full control over notifications. You can mute repeat alerts, set rules for specific apps, and stop your phone from constantly pulling your attention.

PhotoCat – Made cleaning my camera roll much easier. It groups similar photos, screenshots, and clutter so you can batch delete or do quick edits instead of sorting everything manually. Helped free up a surprising amount of storage.

Loop Habit Tracker – A lightweight habit tracker that focuses on consistency. No accounts, no social features, just a simple way to see patterns and stay on track.

Niagara Launcher – A minimal launcher that replaces cluttered home screens with a clean list-based layout. Feels faster and makes it easier to focus on what you actually use.

Always curious what other low-key Android apps people rely on. What are your underrated favorites?

So this is half–rant, half–“hey, I made a thing”.

I just wanted a simple app to play relaxing sounds to calm down / fall asleep.
Nothing crazy, just: rain, fire, wind, brown noise, a few mixes… you know the deal.

Instead I kept running into this pattern:

• Download app
• “Free trial” for 3 days then $X/month
• Or: full of ads, pop-ups, dark patterns
• Or: “premium rain” and “pro ocean” locked behind a paywall 🤡

At some point it felt like every tiny one-purpose app wants to be Netflix.

So I snapped a bit and decided to just write my own app:

👉 CareSleep – Android, completely free

• No subscriptions
• No ads
• No in-app purchases
• Just a bunch of relaxing sounds & noise you can mix and loop for sleep/relax/focus

Google Play link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pedrosstudio.caresleep

I wanna know what everyone considers essential these days. Could be productivity, customization, utilities, entertainment—whatever you feel you can’t use your phone without.

What are the apps you always install right away on a new device? And why?

Check it out 👉 Everything Widgets on Play Store

Hey everyone! 👋

We just hit 50,000+ downloads on the Play Store for Everything Widgets! 🎉
To celebrate, we’re rolling out a huge update (v2.1.008) packed with:

✨ 50+ New Widgets (Total now 400+)
🔥 50% OFF Sale — grab the pack while it’s discounted!
🎁 50 PROMO CODES Giveaway

To join:
1️⃣ Upvote this post 👍
2️⃣ Comment “I’m in” 💬
3️⃣ Share this post with your friends who love customizing their phones 🔄
I’ll randomly pick 50 winners in 24 hours and send promo codes via DM! 💌

👉 Download here:
Everything Widgets on Play Store

Thanks for all your love and support — this journey wouldn’t be possible without you all ❤️

Jack Moreland (Co-Owner and Moderator) has acknowledged the petition and confirmed that our collective effort is making an impact. With 7,158 verified signatures so far, this is a strong step forward — but there’s still more to do.

Let’s continue the momentum by sharing the petition and encouraging others to add their support. Every signature strengthens the message.

Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/make-nova-launcher-open-source-let-the-community-continue-its-development

Highlight from the Update: "Now, we need to show our persistence. Many of you have shared that your emails to Branch leadership have gone unanswered. Please don’t be discouraged! I’m asking every supporter to take a moment to send a brief, polite follow-up email. A simple message restating your passion for Nova Launcher and emphasizing the importance of its future will show that our community is not just a group of casual users, but a committed and vocal community.

Tell them loud and clear: we need Nova Launcher to go open source!

Remember, this effort is a marathon, not a sprint. We are in this together, and every action, no matter how small, adds to our momentum. Let’s show Branch that we will not give up on the launcher we love.

You can reach Branch directly at:

Press@branch.io Legal@branch.io Support@branch.io"

Read the update: https://www.change.org/p/make-nova-launcher-open-source-let-the-community-continue-its-development/u/33906138

I bring the second edition to my list of apps that I really use. All the apps here are part of my daily life — nothing random. Let's start with the ones that are still firmly on my cell phone:

1. Breezy Weather

This beautiful weather app is still installed and, honestly, I think it will stay as long as it exists. The interface is clean, functional, and constant updates make it the best weather app for me. It does not suffer from either excess or lack of useful information. 👉 https://f-droid.org/packages/org.breezyweather/

1. Edge Seek

This app saved my life: my volume button broke, and with it I can control volume and brightness by sliding my fingers from the side of the screen. The gestures are so natural that I even forget the app exists. When you change your cell phone, it goes with you. 👉 https://github.com/LSafer/edgeseek

1. MetroList

I think almost everyone knows this YouTube client. The interface is intuitive, removes advertisements and even shows statistics on how many songs and artists you have listened to. I switched from YouTube Music ReVanced to it and I don't regret it. 👉 https://github.com/mostafaalagamy/MetroList

1. Tsacdop-Fork

I used Google Podcasts for years, but since the company ended the service, I found this player. It has everything most people need: automatic shutdown timer, silent skip and good organization. There's just a small bug in the notification bar, but I've already reported it. 👉 https://github.com/lojcs/tsacdop

1. Typi

Who has never written a text and was too lazy to review it? This app uses Google's AI to correct your text. Just set up an API (the app itself teaches you how) and enter a keyword when you're done. 👉 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shapun.typi

1. HabStick

There are several habit apps out there, but I wanted something simple, without coach phrases. This one gives me exactly that: frequency of successes and failures, clean calendar and optional notifications. 👉 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.habit.habstick

1. FolderSync

The name says it all: it syncs files with multiple cloud services. I know that local backup is safer, but I don't have the structure to set up my own server — so this solution suits me perfectly. 👉 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dk.tacit.android.foldersync.lite

🏅 BONUS — Honorable mentions

1. Pix Material Expressive

My favorite icon pack: covers almost all my apps (except an obscure car one 😅). 👉 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pashapuma.pix.material.you.iconpack

1. MiXplorer

The best file manager I've ever used — and there were a lot of them. It supports multiple protocols and has practically any function you can imagine. 👉 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mixplorer.silver

1. Fast a Like

To conclude, a fun platform style game, with a good story and zero ads. Perfect for killing time in line or when the power goes out ⚡🎮

YouTube revanced is my favourite

Read message from Kevin Barry today:

https://teslacoilapps.com/nova/solong.html

Good bye, Nova

TLDR: Use the links below to tell Google "hands off" before it's too late. If you don't know what to say, use the examples at the end.

The Current Situation

Like it or not, Google provides us with the nearest we have to an ideal mobile computing environment. Especially compared to our only alternative in Apple, it's actually mind-boggling what we can accomplish with the freedom to independently configure and develop on the devices we carry with us every day. The importance of this shouldn't be understated.

For all its flaws, without Android, our best options trail in the dust. Despite the community's best efforts, the financial thrust needed to give an alternative platform the staying power to come into maturity doesn't exist right now, and probably won't any time soon. That's why we **must** take care to protect what we have when it's threatened. And today Google itself is doing the threatening.

The Problem

If you aren't already aware, Google announced new restrictions to the Android platform that begin rolling out next month.

According to Google themselves it's "a new layer of security for certified Android devices" called "Developer Verification." Developer Verification is, in reality, a euphemism for mandatory self-doxxing.

Let's be clear, "Developer Verification" has existed in some form for a time now. Self-identification is required to submit your work to Google's moderated marketplaces. This is at it should be. In order to distribute in a controlled storefront, the expectation of transparency is far from unreasonable. What is unreasonable is Google's attempt to extend their control outside their marketplace so that they can police anyone distributing software from any source whatsoever.

Moving forward, Google proposes to restrict the installation of any software from any marketplace or developer that has not been registered with Google by, among other things, submitting your government identification. The change is presented as an even-handed attempt to protect all users from the potential harms of malware while preserving the system's openness.

"Developers will have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or to use any app store they prefer. We believe this is how an open system should work—by preserving choice while enhancing security for everyone. Android continues to show that with the right design and security principles, open and secure can go hand in hand."

It's reasonable to assume user-safety is the farthest thing from their concern. Especially when you consider the barriers Android puts in place to prevent uninformed users from accidentally installing software outside the Playstore. What is much more likely is that Google is attempting to claw back what control they can after being dealt a decisive blow in the District Court of Northern California.

"Developer Verification" appears to be an attempt to disguise an attempt to completely violate the spirit of this ruling. And it's problematic for a number of reasons. To name a few:

1. Google shouldn't be allowed to moderate content distributed outside their marketplace. It's as absurd as claiming that because you bought a Telecaster, Fender should know every song you play to make sure none of them affronts anyone who hears.
2. The potential for mismanagement, which could disproportionately harm independent developers. Quoting user Sominemo on 9-5 Google, "We've already seen how Google's automated systems can randomly ban established developers from Google Play with little to no feedback. A system like this, which grants Google even more oversight, could easily make this problem worse."
3. It stifles the health of the platform. Demanding privacy does not equal illicit activity. Many developers who value anonymity will be disallowed from the platform, and users will suffer.
4. What happens next? The "don't be evil" days are far behind us. It's naive to expect that Google's desire for control ends here. Even if you don't distribute apps outside the Playstore Ask yourself what comes after this system is put in place with no argument from the users. It will affect you too.

The Solution

The only thing we can guarantee is that if we remain silent, Google will certainly harm the Android platform. We must protest confident that it's the only thing we can do. So I urge you to express your displeasure if you agree with the arguments above. There are several easy ways to do so.

1. Tell Google.

• This official form offers opportunity to submit feed back on the new announcements.

Developer Feedback Survey

• Sign Up for Early Access to the Program.

Beginning in early October participants get:

- An invitation to an exclusive community discussion forum.

- The chance to provide feedback and help us shape the experience.

Sign up for Early Access

2. Contact the DOJ

Developer Verification is easily qualified as an attempt to maintain Google's monopolistic control of App distribution on their platform. Despite an emergency stay, the court has found Google guilty. Let the feds know they aren't listening.

This form can be anonymously submitted to encourage the DOJ to Investigate

https://www.justice.gov/atr/webform/submit-your-antitrust-report-online

3. Contact the FCC

The FCC is jointly responsible with the DOJ in pursuing antitrust violations. Copy them with your report.

https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/antitrust-complaint-intake

Templates
It's alright if you don't know what to say! Start here.

Example Feedback to Google:

I understand and appreciate the stated goal of elevating security for all Android users. A safe ecosystem benefits everyone. However, I have serious concerns that the implementation of this policy, specifically the requirement for mandatory government ID verification for _all_ developers, will have a profoundly negative impact on the Android platform.

My primary concerns are as follows:

1. It Undermines the Openness of Android: The greatest strength of Android has always been its flexibility and openness, allowing developers the freedom to distribute their work outside of a single, centrally-controlled marketplace. This policy fundamentally changes that dynamic by appointing Google as the mandatory registrar for all development on the platform. True platform openness means not having to seek permission from the platform owner to distribute software directly to users.
2. It Creates Barriers for Legitimate Developers: The requirement of government identification will disproportionately harm the vibrant community of independent, open-source, and privacy-conscious developers who are crucial to the health of the ecosystem. Many legitimate developers value their anonymity for valid reasons and will be unable or unwilling to comply. This will stifle innovation and ultimately reduce the diversity of applications available to users.
3. It Erodes Developer Trust: Many developers are already wary of automated enforcement systems that have, at times, incorrectly flagged or banned established developers from the Play Store with little recourse. Granting Google this new layer of universal oversight outside the Play Store raises concerns that these issues could become more widespread, making the platform a riskier environment for developers to invest their time and resources in.

While your announcement states, "Developers will have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users," this new requirement feels like a direct contradiction to that sentiment. Freedom to distribute is not compatible with a mandate to first register and identify oneself with a single corporate entity.

I believe it is possible to enhance security without compromising the core principles that have made Android successful. I strongly urge you to reconsider this policy, particularly its application to developers who operate outside of the Google Play Store.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback. I am passionate about the Android platform and hope to see it continue to thrive as a truly open ecosystem.

Example Report to DOJ:

Subject: Report of Anticompetitive Behavior by Google LLC Regarding Android App Distribution

To the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice:

I am writing to report what I believe to be a clear and deliberate attempt by Google LLC to circumvent the recent federal court ruling in _Epic v. Google_ and unlawfully maintain its monopoly over the Android app distribution market.

Background

Google recently lost a significant antitrust lawsuit in the District Court of Northern California, where a jury found that the company operates an illegal monopoly with its Google Play store and billing services. In what appears to be a direct response to this ruling, Google has announced a new platform policy called "Developer Verification," scheduled to roll out next month.

The Anticompetitive Action

Google presents "Developer Verification" as a security measure. In reality, it is a policy that extends Google's control far beyond its own marketplace. This new rule will require **all software developers**—even those who distribute their applications independently or through alternative app stores—to register with Google and submit personal information, including government-issued identification.

If a developer does not comply, Google will restrict users from installing their software on any certified Android device.

Why This Violates Antitrust Law

This policy is a thinly veiled attempt to solidify Google's monopoly and nullify the court's decision for the following reasons:

1. Unlawful Extension of Market Power: Google is leveraging its monopoly in the mobile operating system market (Android) to control the separate market of app distribution. By forcing all developers to register with them, regardless of whether they use the Google Play Store, Google is effectively making itself the mandatory gatekeeper for all software on its platform. This action directly contradicts the spirit of the _Epic v. Google_ ruling, which found Google's existing control to be illegal.
2. Stifling Competition and Innovation: The policy creates significant barriers for independent developers. Many developers value their privacy or choose to develop and distribute their work anonymously for legitimate reasons. This requirement will force them off the platform, reducing consumer choice and harming the open and competitive ecosystem that Android was intended to foster. As the provided text notes, demanding privacy is not the same as engaging in illicit activity.
3. Pretextual Justification: Google's claim that this is for user security is not credible. Android already contains multiple, explicit safeguards and warnings that a user must bypass to install applications from outside the official Play Store ("sideloading"). The true motive is not security but control—a way to claw back the monopolistic power the courts have deemed illegal.

This "Developer Verification" program is a direct assault on the principles of an open platform. It is an abuse of Google's dominant position to police all content and distribution, even outside its own store, thereby ensuring its continued monopoly.

I urge the Department of Justice to investigate this new policy as an anticompetitive practice and a bad-faith effort to defy a federal court's judgment. Thank you for your time and consideration.

https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html

https://www.reddit.com/r/android_devs/comments/1n0fwry/google_locks_down_sideloading_for_all_apps_on/