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Is it possible to allow sideloading and keep users safe?

(shkspr.mobi)
205 points ColinWright | 5 comments | 30 Aug 25 12:03 UTC | HN request time: 1.137s | source
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m463 ◴[31 Aug 25 05:39 UTC] No.45080628[source]▶
"sideloading" connotates something that is negative.

On systems before apple's locked-down iphone, it was just called "installing".

The PC revolution started with people just inserting their software into the comptuer and running it. You didn't have to ask the computer manufacturer or the OS vendor permission to do it.

And note that apple doesn't allow you to protect yourself. You cannot install a firewall and block arbitrary software on your phone. For example, you can not block apple telemetry.

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scarface_74 ◴[31 Aug 25 10:29 UTC] No.45082064[source]▶
Yes and called viruses, dozens of toolbars on your computer, key loggers, malware, ransomware, etc.

If you want an open phone, buy one. But I instruct all of the older members of my family to buy iPhones and iPads.

I’ve been programming computers since 1986 and even I have never said it would be cool to side load on my phone.

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1. bakugo ◴[31 Aug 25 10:35 UTC] No.45082096[source]▶
> If you want an open phone, buy one.

There are none that are usable.

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2. JustExAWS ◴[31 Aug 25 10:46 UTC] No.45082144[source]▶
People on HN that run non Google Android phones seem to argue otherwise.
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3. Intermernet ◴[31 Aug 25 12:29 UTC] No.45082677[source]▶
This is becoming more difficult with every android release. Unfortunately, Google are on track to be as opaque as Apple within a couple of versions.
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4. scarface_74 ◴[31 Aug 25 16:16 UTC] No.45084325{3}[source]▶
What does a Google Android release have to do with nom Google Android releases?
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5. Intermernet ◴[01 Sep 25 09:22 UTC] No.45091011{4}[source]▶
More core functionality with every release. The open source parts of Android are shrinking and it's becoming more and more difficult to fill the gaps in a functional way. Right now it's ok, but it gets harder with every release.