this post was submitted on 19 Dec 2023
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[–] blunderworld@lemmy.ca 7 points 10 months ago (18 children)

Just try getting a popular app anywhere else. There are options of course, but they require a working knowledge of APKs and other technical concepts which many casual users may not be familiar with. Even once you get them installed, these apps often don't work without play services, and -- depending on the source -- can be less secure.

[–] LDerJim@lemmy.world 36 points 10 months ago (2 children)

Uhm. This is not true. They don't require working knowledge of apks and Android walks you through the process of installing via Unknown Sources.

Try installing packages from outside iOS..

[–] blunderworld@lemmy.ca 4 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I don't use iOS and have only been able to install many popular apps through APKs sourced from other sites like github and apkpure.

Ill admit I don't know much about side loading but I think that only supports my original point that the average user isnt aware of less intuitive alternatives to the play store.

[–] sorghum@sh.itjust.works 12 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

Let me introduce you to !fdroid@lemmy.ml

Also Amazon has an app store for android as well.

[–] blunderworld@lemmy.ca 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I'm vaguely familiar with fdroid, but thanks for linking. My understanding is that fdroid doesnt support automatic updates, though I might be wrong. I use obtainium instead.

Amazon store is indeed another option. Personally my issue with the Google play store is the sketchiness of the company though, so Amazon isn't a good alternative for people like myself.

[–] KISSmyOS@lemmy.world 5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

F-Droid searches for updated app versions automatically, downloads them when you're connected to WiFi, and notifies you.
You then have to install them one by one manually, which is a bit annoying, yes.

[–] PlantObserver@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago

There's other frontends for fdroid available like neostore that handle it automatically

[–] Nima@lemmy.world 3 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I'm sure this isn't the right place to ask this, but does anyone have a website they use for apks that is pretty solid?

I'm trying to de-google my life and the play store is the last holdover for me. I already use F-droid but that is more for open source software.

apologies if this was the wrong place to ask.

[–] Devdogg@lemmy.ml 5 points 10 months ago (2 children)

The one I use is called Aurora Store.

[–] RGB3x3@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

That just connects back to Play Store. It's essentially just a front-end for it.

F-droid is actually unconnected to Google. They both have their place, but it's best to clarify that.

[–] Devdogg@lemmy.ml 1 points 10 months ago

It shows what I know!

[–] Nima@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago

thank you! I will check it out.

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