I built a family check-in app that doesn't use GPS. Looking for feedback
Hey,
I published an Android app called Closer and wanted some honest feedback from people here.I basically got tired of "family safety" apps that are just location tracking. I don't want a map of where someone is. I just want to know they're okay.
Closer works like this:
\-You invite someone and share a private confirmation number.
\-You send a check-in, either now or on a schedule.
They confirm by tapping that number.
\-f they miss it, get it wrong, or say they're not okay, you get an alert and can call or text them
No GPS or live tracking. Just check-ins with people you trust.
Free version is 1 person and simple once-a-day schedules. There's an optional Plus upgrade if you need more.
Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.polyhistor.closer
Moe info:
https://closer-family-safety.com
Happy to answer questions.
https://redd.it/1v3ip9g
@reddit_android
Hey,
I published an Android app called Closer and wanted some honest feedback from people here.I basically got tired of "family safety" apps that are just location tracking. I don't want a map of where someone is. I just want to know they're okay.
Closer works like this:
\-You invite someone and share a private confirmation number.
\-You send a check-in, either now or on a schedule.
They confirm by tapping that number.
\-f they miss it, get it wrong, or say they're not okay, you get an alert and can call or text them
No GPS or live tracking. Just check-ins with people you trust.
Free version is 1 person and simple once-a-day schedules. There's an optional Plus upgrade if you need more.
Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.polyhistor.closer
Moe info:
https://closer-family-safety.com
Happy to answer questions.
https://redd.it/1v3ip9g
@reddit_android
Google Play
Closer: Family Safety Check-In - Apps on Google Play
Private family safety check-ins and reminders, with no GPS location tracking.
Synco — open source, local-first sync between your Android phone and desktop. No cloud, no lag.
Built Synco because I got tired of reaching for my phone during deep work. It mirrors notifications, controls media playback, and routes calls between your Android phone and desktop — all over your local Wi-Fi. Zero cloud, end-to-end encrypted, free.
What it does:
\- Notification mirroring (WhatsApp, Slack, Gmail, etc.) straight to your desktop
\- Real-time call handling — answer/decline from your keyboard
\- Media telemetry & audio routing intelligence
\- Works over Local Wi-Fi, Direct Hotspot, or Bluetooth LE
\- E2EE using Curve25519 + AES-256-GCM
No signup, no cloud, no tracking. Just a direct encrypted link between your devices.
Completely free & open source: https://github.com/Dhruvesh-Dabhade/Synco
https://redd.it/1v3ezdr
@reddit_android
Built Synco because I got tired of reaching for my phone during deep work. It mirrors notifications, controls media playback, and routes calls between your Android phone and desktop — all over your local Wi-Fi. Zero cloud, end-to-end encrypted, free.
What it does:
\- Notification mirroring (WhatsApp, Slack, Gmail, etc.) straight to your desktop
\- Real-time call handling — answer/decline from your keyboard
\- Media telemetry & audio routing intelligence
\- Works over Local Wi-Fi, Direct Hotspot, or Bluetooth LE
\- E2EE using Curve25519 + AES-256-GCM
No signup, no cloud, no tracking. Just a direct encrypted link between your devices.
Completely free & open source: https://github.com/Dhruvesh-Dabhade/Synco
https://redd.it/1v3ezdr
@reddit_android
GitHub
GitHub - Dhruvesh-Dabhade/Synco: Synco - Local-first sync system connecting Android & desktop. Zero cloud, total privacy.
Synco - Local-first sync system connecting Android & desktop. Zero cloud, total privacy. - Dhruvesh-Dabhade/Synco
Daily Superthread (Jul 23 2026) - Your daily thread for questions, device recommendations and general discussions!
Note 1. You can search for previous daily threads.
Note 2. Join our IRC and Telegram chat-rooms! Please see our wiki for instructions.
Please post your questions here. Feel free to use this thread for general questions/discussion as well.
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@reddit_android
Note 1. You can search for previous daily threads.
Note 2. Join our IRC and Telegram chat-rooms! Please see our wiki for instructions.
Please post your questions here. Feel free to use this thread for general questions/discussion as well.
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@reddit_android
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Android news, reviews, tips, and discussions about rooting, tutorials, and apps. General discussion about devices is welcome. Please direct technical support, upgrade questions, buy/sell, app recommendations, and carrier-related issues to other subreddits.
Google introduces new ‘selfie video’ sign-in method
https://9to5google.com/2026/07/23/google-account-selfie-video/
https://redd.it/1v4fx85
@reddit_android
https://9to5google.com/2026/07/23/google-account-selfie-video/
https://redd.it/1v4fx85
@reddit_android
9to5Google
Google introduces new ‘selfie video’ sign-in method
Google Accounts are gaining a new “selfie video” sign-in method that can be handy if you lose your phone or passkeys.
Gaming test - Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbcAUIX8VeM&feature=youtu.be
https://redd.it/1v4lauf
@reddit_android
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbcAUIX8VeM&feature=youtu.be
https://redd.it/1v4lauf
@reddit_android
YouTube
Gaming test - Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy!
Introducing, the new wide Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. With a new aspect ratio, how does game feel with this 4:3 aspect ratio display? And most importantly, how is the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy?
Where to buy Galaxy Z Fold8 (wide boi)?…
Where to buy Galaxy Z Fold8 (wide boi)?…
Indian Redmi Note 17 runs Geekbench, reveals its chipset and RAM amount
https://gsmarena.com/indian_redmi_note_17_runs_geekbench_reveals_its_chipset_and_ram_amount-news-73834.php
https://redd.it/1v4n4hk
@reddit_android
https://gsmarena.com/indian_redmi_note_17_runs_geekbench_reveals_its_chipset_and_ram_amount-news-73834.php
https://redd.it/1v4n4hk
@reddit_android
GSMArena.com
Indian Redmi Note 17 runs Geekbench, reveals its chipset and RAM amount
According to a recent rumor, it will be made official very soon. Redmi unveiled the Note 17 and Note 17 Pro in China earlier this month, and now it looks...
Really fast tablet giant that lasts for days – OnePlus Pad 4 Review
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Really-fast-tablet-giant-that-lasts-for-days-OnePlus-Pad-4-Review.1349991.0.html
https://redd.it/1v4olxh
@reddit_android
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Really-fast-tablet-giant-that-lasts-for-days-OnePlus-Pad-4-Review.1349991.0.html
https://redd.it/1v4olxh
@reddit_android
Notebookcheck
Really fast tablet giant that lasts for days – OnePlus Pad 4 Review
NotebookCheck review of the OnePlus Pad 4. This large tablet from OnePlus, available at an affordable price, is likely one of the manufacturer’s last devices to be released in Europe. It’s a tablet that offers excellent value for the price, which is why it’s…
A cheaper Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 variant is reportedly in the works and could be a lifeline for budget flagships
https://www.notebookcheck.net/A-cheaper-Snapdragon-8-Elite-Gen-5-variant-is-reportedly-in-the-works-and-could-be-a-lifeline-for-budget-flagships.1350221.0.html
https://redd.it/1v4ogsk
@reddit_android
https://www.notebookcheck.net/A-cheaper-Snapdragon-8-Elite-Gen-5-variant-is-reportedly-in-the-works-and-could-be-a-lifeline-for-budget-flagships.1350221.0.html
https://redd.it/1v4ogsk
@reddit_android
Notebookcheck
A cheaper Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 variant is reportedly in the works and could be a lifeline for budget flagships
A new leak claims Qualcomm is preparing a fourth Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 variant, the SM8850-1-AB, offering near-flagship benchmark performance at a lower cost aimed at phones priced under roughly $600. The rumored chip would give phone makers a cheaper…
[Google Chrome] Lighter notification prompts on Android
https://developer.chrome.com/blog/notification-prompts-android
https://redd.it/1v4l9rn
@reddit_android
https://developer.chrome.com/blog/notification-prompts-android
https://redd.it/1v4l9rn
@reddit_android
Chrome for Developers
Lighter notification prompts on Android | Blog | Chrome for Developers
Understand the new notification experience on Chrome on Android from Chrome 155.
Video aspect ratio comparison with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Fold8, and Fold8 Ultra
16:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
16:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
4:3 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
4:3 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
21:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
21:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
16:9 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
16:9 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
4:3 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
4:3 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
21:9 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
21:9 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
Disclosure: The S26 Ultra, Fold8, and Fold8 Ultra are on loan from Samsung.
Special thanks to u/welp\_im\_damned for putting together the videos.
Picture captions below in case the Reddit ones don't work:
1. 16:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
2. 16:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
3. 4:3 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
4. 4:3 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
5. 21:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
6. 21:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
7. 16:9 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
8. 16:9 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
9. 4:3 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
10. 4:3 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
11. 21:9 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U
16:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
16:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
4:3 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
4:3 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
21:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
21:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
16:9 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
16:9 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
4:3 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
4:3 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
21:9 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
21:9 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
Disclosure: The S26 Ultra, Fold8, and Fold8 Ultra are on loan from Samsung.
Special thanks to u/welp\_im\_damned for putting together the videos.
Picture captions below in case the Reddit ones don't work:
1. 16:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
2. 16:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
3. 4:3 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
4. 4:3 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
5. 21:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
6. 21:9 - S26U landscape, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U landscape unfolded
7. 16:9 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
8. 16:9 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
9. 4:3 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
10. 4:3 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
11. 21:9 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U
portrait folded
12. 21:9 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
13. 9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
14. 9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
15. 9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
https://redd.it/1v4wap9
@reddit_android
12. 21:9 – S26U landscape, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
13. 9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait folded, Fold8U portrait folded
14. 9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 portrait unfolded, Fold8U portrait unfolded
15. 9:16 – S26U portrait, Fold8 landscape folded, Fold8U landscape folded
https://redd.it/1v4wap9
@reddit_android
Reddit
From the Android community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the Android community
Smoother scrolling: How we halved scroll jank in Chrome on Android
https://blog.google/chromium/smoother-scrolling-how-we-halved-scroll-jank-in-chrome-on-android/
https://redd.it/1v4xfj4
@reddit_android
https://blog.google/chromium/smoother-scrolling-how-we-halved-scroll-jank-in-chrome-on-android/
https://redd.it/1v4xfj4
@reddit_android
Google
Smoother scrolling: How we halved scroll jank in Chrome on Android
Chrome halved scroll jank on Android by ensuring consistent input-to-frame delivery, preventing stale frames and jarring stutters.
Severe Battery Drain & Overheating on HyperOS (Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G / MediaTek). Root Cause Found: Infinite Loop in SatelliteController
PSA: I am posting this root cause analysis to document a severe flaw in the Android 14 / AOSP telephony framework implementation on MediaTek devices. I am not asking for tech support, but sharing the ADB logs and AOSP source code flaw for community awareness and developer visibility.
Device: Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G (MediaTek)
OS: HyperOS (Android 14) - Build 3.0.301.0.WNFEUXM
There is a severe logic bug in the telephony framework of the current HyperOS build. Using Mobile Data triggers an infinite event loop inside com.android.phone, locking the CPU at 140%+ usage and causing massive battery drain and thermal throttling. The device overheats, and the only temporary workaround is to toggle Airplane Mode (just turning off mobile data does nothing).
Using top -m 15, com.android.phone (PID 3173) consistently shows >140% CPU usage. The MediaTek RIL daemon (mtkfusionrild) is also constantly stressed.
By analyzing the radio buffer via logcat, I was able to pinpoint the exact root cause: the system is trying to register satellite modem listeners on a device that does not have satellite hardware.
The following block of code repeats in an infinite loop (around 30 times per second) as soon as mobile data connects:
07-24 00:15:24.708 3173 3173 D SatelliteController: Satellite for carrier is not supported.
07-24 00:15:24.709 3173 3173 D SatelliteController: registerForSatelliteModemStateChanged: add Listeners for ModemState
07-24 00:15:24.709 3173 3173 E SatelliteController: registerForSatelliteModemStateChanged: mSatelliteSessionController is not initialized yet
07-24 00:15:24.709 3173 3173 E SatelliteController: unregisterForModemStateChanged: mSatelliteSessionController is not initialized yet
07-24 00:15:24.709 3173 3173 D SatelliteController: unregisterForModemStateChanged: remove Listeners for ModemState
After digging deeper and cross-referencing with the AOSP source code and MediaTek vendor trees, it is clear this is an issue rooted in the telephony framework handling for Android 14 on MediaTek devices (this exact same INVALID_ARGUMENTS and mSatelliteSessionController loop has also been reproduced on Custom ROMs like crDroid for the Redmi Note 13 5G 'stone').
Looking at the AOSP source code (frameworks/opt/telephony/.../SatelliteController.java), the exception is correctly generated here:
.SatelliteError public int registerForSatelliteModemStateChanged(int subId,
@NonNull ISatelliteStateCallback callback) {
if (mSatelliteSessionController != null) {
mSatelliteSessionController.registerForSatelliteModemStateChanged(callback);
} else {
loge("registerForSatelliteModemStateChanged: mSatelliteSessionController is not initialized yet");
return SatelliteManager.SATELLITEINVALIDTELEPHONYSTATE;
}
return SatelliteManager.SATELLITEERRORNONE;
}
The SatelliteController correctly handles the lack of satellite hardware by returning SATELLITE\INVALID_TELEPHONY_STATE. The fatal flaw is in the higher-level network manager (likely the MediaTek RIL or the telephony framework's state machine). When it receives this error during a network transition (Wi-Fi to Mobile Data), it fails to handle the exception properly. Instead of aborting the satellite registration, it immediately retries the call in an unconditional infinite loop.
A simple conditional check (if (hasSatelliteHardware)) before attempting to register the listener in the network state change event within the calling process will completely resolve this battery drain issue for all MediaTek devices without satellite capabilities.
https://redd.it/1v4x3rd
@reddit_android
PSA: I am posting this root cause analysis to document a severe flaw in the Android 14 / AOSP telephony framework implementation on MediaTek devices. I am not asking for tech support, but sharing the ADB logs and AOSP source code flaw for community awareness and developer visibility.
Device: Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G (MediaTek)
OS: HyperOS (Android 14) - Build 3.0.301.0.WNFEUXM
There is a severe logic bug in the telephony framework of the current HyperOS build. Using Mobile Data triggers an infinite event loop inside com.android.phone, locking the CPU at 140%+ usage and causing massive battery drain and thermal throttling. The device overheats, and the only temporary workaround is to toggle Airplane Mode (just turning off mobile data does nothing).
Using top -m 15, com.android.phone (PID 3173) consistently shows >140% CPU usage. The MediaTek RIL daemon (mtkfusionrild) is also constantly stressed.
By analyzing the radio buffer via logcat, I was able to pinpoint the exact root cause: the system is trying to register satellite modem listeners on a device that does not have satellite hardware.
The following block of code repeats in an infinite loop (around 30 times per second) as soon as mobile data connects:
07-24 00:15:24.708 3173 3173 D SatelliteController: Satellite for carrier is not supported.
07-24 00:15:24.709 3173 3173 D SatelliteController: registerForSatelliteModemStateChanged: add Listeners for ModemState
07-24 00:15:24.709 3173 3173 E SatelliteController: registerForSatelliteModemStateChanged: mSatelliteSessionController is not initialized yet
07-24 00:15:24.709 3173 3173 E SatelliteController: unregisterForModemStateChanged: mSatelliteSessionController is not initialized yet
07-24 00:15:24.709 3173 3173 D SatelliteController: unregisterForModemStateChanged: remove Listeners for ModemState
After digging deeper and cross-referencing with the AOSP source code and MediaTek vendor trees, it is clear this is an issue rooted in the telephony framework handling for Android 14 on MediaTek devices (this exact same INVALID_ARGUMENTS and mSatelliteSessionController loop has also been reproduced on Custom ROMs like crDroid for the Redmi Note 13 5G 'stone').
Looking at the AOSP source code (frameworks/opt/telephony/.../SatelliteController.java), the exception is correctly generated here:
.SatelliteError public int registerForSatelliteModemStateChanged(int subId,
@NonNull ISatelliteStateCallback callback) {
if (mSatelliteSessionController != null) {
mSatelliteSessionController.registerForSatelliteModemStateChanged(callback);
} else {
loge("registerForSatelliteModemStateChanged: mSatelliteSessionController is not initialized yet");
return SatelliteManager.SATELLITEINVALIDTELEPHONYSTATE;
}
return SatelliteManager.SATELLITEERRORNONE;
}
The SatelliteController correctly handles the lack of satellite hardware by returning SATELLITE\INVALID_TELEPHONY_STATE. The fatal flaw is in the higher-level network manager (likely the MediaTek RIL or the telephony framework's state machine). When it receives this error during a network transition (Wi-Fi to Mobile Data), it fails to handle the exception properly. Instead of aborting the satellite registration, it immediately retries the call in an unconditional infinite loop.
A simple conditional check (if (hasSatelliteHardware)) before attempting to register the listener in the network state change event within the calling process will completely resolve this battery drain issue for all MediaTek devices without satellite capabilities.
https://redd.it/1v4x3rd
@reddit_android
Reddit
From the Android community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the Android community
Google officially drops support for Android 6 Marshmallow after 11 years
As of yesterday, Google has officially pulled the plug on Android 6. This means the OS will no longer receive Play Protect updates and will not be included in the new APK program. Having been supported for exactly 11 years, it goes down as the longest-supported version in Android history. Google Play Services is now only supported on Android 7 and above.
Source: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/9037938?hl=en
Google also made changes to several other applications yesterday. YouTube now requires Android 10 and above, meaning Android 9 will no longer receive YouTube updates. The Google app's minimum requirement jumped from Android 9 directly to Android 11, and core apps like Gmail now require at least Android 7 and above.
https://redd.it/1v4o307
@reddit_android
As of yesterday, Google has officially pulled the plug on Android 6. This means the OS will no longer receive Play Protect updates and will not be included in the new APK program. Having been supported for exactly 11 years, it goes down as the longest-supported version in Android history. Google Play Services is now only supported on Android 7 and above.
Source: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/9037938?hl=en
Google also made changes to several other applications yesterday. YouTube now requires Android 10 and above, meaning Android 9 will no longer receive YouTube updates. The Google app's minimum requirement jumped from Android 9 directly to Android 11, and core apps like Gmail now require at least Android 7 and above.
https://redd.it/1v4o307
@reddit_android
Google
Keep your device & apps working with Google Play services - Google Play Help
Google Play services keeps your apps updated and running smoothly on Android devices. What's Google Play services Google Play services connects apps to other Google services, like Google Sign In and
I think Google's upcoming Android changes deserve way more attention than they're getting
I've been using Android for years because of one simple reason: freedom.
If I wanted to install an app from GitHub, F-Droid, or directly from a developer, I could. If I wanted to avoid the Play Store, I could. If I wanted to customize my phone, I could. That's what always made Android feel different from other mobile operating systems.
Recently I found https://keepandroidopen.org/, and after reading through it, I honestly think this is something every Android user should at least know about.
From what I understand, Google's planned changes could make distributing apps outside the Play Store much harder for independent developers by requiring developer verification through Google. Whether you're into open source software, custom ROMs, privacy focused apps, or just like having the choice to install software from wherever you want, this could have a real impact on the openness of Android.
I'm only 16, so I'm definitely not an expert, and maybe there are parts of this I'm overlooking. But if Android slowly becomes more restricted over time, I think that's something worth discussing now instead of after it happens.
I'm not posting this to tell anyone what to think. I just think more people in the Android community should be aware of what's being proposed and decide for themselves.
Website:
https://keepandroidopen.org/
I'd really like to hear what you all think. Is this a reasonable security measure, or do you think it goes against what has always made Android different?
https://redd.it/1v4fvwy
@reddit_android
I've been using Android for years because of one simple reason: freedom.
If I wanted to install an app from GitHub, F-Droid, or directly from a developer, I could. If I wanted to avoid the Play Store, I could. If I wanted to customize my phone, I could. That's what always made Android feel different from other mobile operating systems.
Recently I found https://keepandroidopen.org/, and after reading through it, I honestly think this is something every Android user should at least know about.
From what I understand, Google's planned changes could make distributing apps outside the Play Store much harder for independent developers by requiring developer verification through Google. Whether you're into open source software, custom ROMs, privacy focused apps, or just like having the choice to install software from wherever you want, this could have a real impact on the openness of Android.
I'm only 16, so I'm definitely not an expert, and maybe there are parts of this I'm overlooking. But if Android slowly becomes more restricted over time, I think that's something worth discussing now instead of after it happens.
I'm not posting this to tell anyone what to think. I just think more people in the Android community should be aware of what's being proposed and decide for themselves.
Website:
https://keepandroidopen.org/
I'd really like to hear what you all think. Is this a reasonable security measure, or do you think it goes against what has always made Android different?
https://redd.it/1v4fvwy
@reddit_android
keepandroidopen.org
Keep Android Open
Your phone is about to stop being yours. In 2027, Google will block every Android app whose developer hasn't registered with them.
Daily Superthread (Jul 24 2026) - Your daily thread for questions, device recommendations and general discussions!
Note 1. You can search for previous daily threads.
Note 2. Join our IRC and Telegram chat-rooms! Please see our wiki for instructions.
Please post your questions here. Feel free to use this thread for general questions/discussion as well.
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@reddit_android
Note 1. You can search for previous daily threads.
Note 2. Join our IRC and Telegram chat-rooms! Please see our wiki for instructions.
Please post your questions here. Feel free to use this thread for general questions/discussion as well.
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Reddit
r/Android
Android news, reviews, tips, and discussions about rooting, tutorials, and apps. General discussion about devices is welcome. Please direct technical support, upgrade questions, buy/sell, app recommendations, and carrier-related issues to other subreddits.
Exclusive: Nothing to exit 12 markets as global shipments decline, despite India growth
https://www.digit.in/news/mobile-phones/exclusive-nothing-to-exit-12-markets-as-global-shipments-decline-despite-india-growth.html
https://redd.it/1v5d245
@reddit_android
https://www.digit.in/news/mobile-phones/exclusive-nothing-to-exit-12-markets-as-global-shipments-decline-despite-india-growth.html
https://redd.it/1v5d245
@reddit_android
Digit
Exclusive: Nothing to exit 12 markets as global shipments decline, despite India growth
Nothing was India's fastest-growing smartphone brand in Q2 2026, posting 105% year-on-year growth according to Counterpoint Research, driven by the Phone (4a) series and the company's title sponsorship of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the IPL 2026.…
Google confirms Pixel 11 price increase, reveals ‘dedicated’ effort to make Android more RAM-efficient
https://9to5google.com/2026/07/24/google-pixel-11-price-increase/
https://redd.it/1v5jaow
@reddit_android
https://9to5google.com/2026/07/24/google-pixel-11-price-increase/
https://redd.it/1v5jaow
@reddit_android
9to5Google
Google confirms Pixel 11 price increase, reveals ‘dedicated’ effort to make Android more RAM-efficient
Ahead of the Pixel 11 launch, the Google hardware division detailed how it's impacted by the “severe, supplier-driven RAM memory crisis.”
Android May Soon Restrict On-Device ADB, Affecting Shizuku, libadb and Developers
https://kitsumed.github.io/blog/posts/android-may-soon-restrict-on-device-adb/
https://redd.it/1v5jxaz
@reddit_android
https://kitsumed.github.io/blog/posts/android-may-soon-restrict-on-device-adb/
https://redd.it/1v5jxaz
@reddit_android
Kitsumed Blog
Android May Soon Restrict On-Device ADB, Affecting Shizuku, libadb and Developers
Changes proposed for ADB could kill an entire ecosystem of open-source power-user apps, mobile developer setups, and rootless privacy tools based on Shizuku.
Qualcomm Tells Customers That Prices Are Going Up by Double Digits
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-07-24/qualcomm-tells-customers-that-prices-are-going-up-by-double-digits
https://redd.it/1v5mbzo
@reddit_android
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-07-24/qualcomm-tells-customers-that-prices-are-going-up-by-double-digits
https://redd.it/1v5mbzo
@reddit_android
Bloomberg.com
Qualcomm Tells Customers That Prices Are Going Up by Double Digits
Qualcomm Inc., the biggest maker of smartphone processors, plans to increase prices by a percentage in the double digits, a move that’s likely to ripple through much of the tech industry.
Nothing calls 'fake news' on shutdown report while confirming key changes
https://9to5google.com/2026/07/24/nothing-shutdown-report-denial/
https://redd.it/1v5o9ol
@reddit_android
https://9to5google.com/2026/07/24/nothing-shutdown-report-denial/
https://redd.it/1v5o9ol
@reddit_android
9to5Google
Nothing calls 'fake news' on shutdown report while confirming key changes
Following a report earlier today, Nothing says that it is not exiting markets, but it is making some key changes...