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Sideloading

All articles tagged with #sideloading

technology27 days ago

Vega OS Reframes Fire TV, But Leaves Users with Fewer Options

Amazon is replacing the Fire TV OS with Vega on newer Fire TV Sticks, a move aimed at cost control and ecosystem focus but at the cost of app availability, features, and user freedom: Vega lacks many Android-era functions, blocks sideloading (limiting Kodi and other tools), relies on cloud-hosted apps, and leaves several popular apps and utilities missing or delayed; existing Android-based Fire TV devices will still receive updates for now, but Vega’s long-term goal is tighter control at the expense of user flexibility.

via PCWorld|
#amazon#fire-tv#sideloading
Amazon's Vega OS Locks Down Sideloading on New Fire TV Sticks
technology1 month ago

Amazon's Vega OS Locks Down Sideloading on New Fire TV Sticks

Amazon unveiled Vega-powered Fire TV Sticks, including the new Fire TV Stick HD, that block sideloading of apps from outside the Amazon Appstore for consumer devices. The Vega OS update indicates future sticks will run Vega, with sideloading only available to developers who register devices. Amazon notes enhanced security and tighter control over apps, potentially pushing users toward rival devices or workarounds.

via Ars Technica|
#amazon#app-store#fire-tv-stick
Google Adds 24-Hour Hold On Installing Unverified Android Apps
technology2 months ago

Google Adds 24-Hour Hold On Installing Unverified Android Apps

Google is rolling out an 'advanced flow' for installing unsigned Android APKs that replaces the simple 'unknown sources' toggle with a multi-step process in Developer Options: users must enable 'Allow Unverified Packages' and endure a 24‑hour security delay after reboot before the setting can be activated (temporarily or permanently). A limited free developer account will permit up to 20 device installations; for more, developers must pay $25 and provide government ID. The changes also apply to third‑party app stores, with the same verification rules, and are set to roll out to more countries in coming months. Google frames this as improved security, but critics worry it will hinder sideloading and could be exploited by scammers who buy verified accounts.

via Hackaday|
#android#app-stores#google
Android to gate sideloading with a one‑time verification check and a new limited‑distribution option
technology2 months ago

Android to gate sideloading with a one‑time verification check and a new limited‑distribution option

Google says Android sideloading will be gated behind a one‑time, multi‑step verification process for most users (enable developer options, skip coercion prompts, restart device, wait a day, then authenticate with biometrics or PIN) with a seven‑day or indefinite window to install apps from unverified developers. A new limited‑distribution account will let hobbyists share apps with up to 20 devices without government ID or fees. The overhaul, intended to boost security while not completely closing sideloading, will go live in August, and Google notes the new procedure does not apply to all sideloading.

via Engadget|
#android#developer-verification#google
Google reveals 24-hour window to bypass Android app verification for sideloaded apps
technology2 months ago

Google reveals 24-hour window to bypass Android app verification for sideloaded apps

Google plans a phased Android app verification rollout, restricting sideloading to verified developers starting September 2026. An “advanced flow” buried in developer settings lets power users bypass verification after a 24-hour wait, while non‑Play Store apps must have identity verification, signing-key uploads, and a $25 fee. The approach aims to curb malware, with the initial rollout in Brazil, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand before expanding globally.

via Ars Technica|
#android#app-verification#google
Perseus Android malware hunts secrets in notes, gains full device control
technology2 months ago

Perseus Android malware hunts secrets in notes, gains full device control

A new Android banking Trojan named Perseus disguises itself as IPTV apps to distribute via unofficial stores. It uses Android Accessibility Services to scan and extract sensitive data from note apps (Google Keep, Samsung Notes, Evernote, OneNote, etc.), including passwords and recovery phrases, enabling full remote control over infected devices (screenshots, overlay attacks, keylogging, app launches, and more). The malware evades analysis with anti‑analysis checks and a “suspicion score” to decide whether to proceed. It primarily targets Turkish and Italian financial institutions and crypto apps. Users are advised to avoid sideloading APKs, only use Google Play, and keep Play Protect enabled.

via BleepingComputer|
#android-malware#notes#perseus
technology3 months ago

Open Android at a Crossroads: Google’s Verification Push Sparks Open-Source Debate

A Hacker News discussion centers on Google’s blog about new app-verification changes, including a dedicated student/hobbyist account to bypass full verification for limited devices and an advanced flow allowing unverified installs with warnings. Critics argue this token gesture doesn’t truly open Android, could undermine open ecosystems like F-Droid, and may entrench Google’s control over the platform. The thread contrasts these moves with regulatory pressure (EU DMA) and the fate of independent ROMs (e.g., GrapheneOS), while some see potential security benefits in clearer safeguards. Debates touch on how essential banking and other services move toward app-based ecosystems, the feasibility of truly open Android, and whether alternate OSes or web-based approaches are viable paths forward.

via Hacker News|
#android#antitrust-regulation#google
technology7 months ago

Understanding the Implications of Sideloading

The author defends the right to install software on devices, criticizes Google's restrictions on sideloading via ADB, and discusses broader issues of software freedom, market practices, and the impact of subscription models and proprietary ecosystems. They emphasize that 'sideloading' is a standard, non-deviant activity, and express concern over Google's efforts to limit it, which could threaten user control and open source communities like F-Droid.

via Hacker News|
#android#app-installation#google-play