Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.
In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.
much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)
Something worth noting is that F-Droid is both an app to download other apps but they also maintains a repository of apps. You can use alternative store apps (like Droid-ify) with the F-Droid repository OR you could use the F-Droid app with a different repository (like IzzyOnDroid). You can mix and match to meet your needs.
I use the Droid-ify app with the F-Droid, IzzyOnDroid, microG, NewPipe, and Collabora repositories.
Once you start down this rabbit hole, give Obtanium a look.
Been using Fdroid to the point where my first boot into a new phone is:
Open chrome > download fdroid > open settings > uninstall/disable every single application I can > open fdroid > install all the relevant apps I require for making my phone useful
I'm just waiting for a small life upgrade in order to be able to support some app developers; it will be money better spent than using the standard google apps.
I know this thread is already a little old, but here is the list of my favorite apps from F-Droid/Izzy. I use a lot of these almost daily and just thought I would share these in case someone might find a new app they find useful
Geometric Weather has a more active fork called Breezy Weather.
Quillnote has a more active fork called Quillpad
Fdroid basic allows automatic updates!
The guadian project repos are also preset, albeit not enabled by default.
What kinda good stuff is on F Droid they the average User might want?
Most of the apps of tibor kaputa. I really like the simple gallery. The simple dialer and simple contacts are also really good. Just clean default apps that do what they should.(adfree)
Endless Sky and Mindustry are some good, fun, deep games.
oh and shattered pixel dungeon also...
NewPipe lets you listen to youtube videos without the screen on (and also download them or just the audio).
Probably the main thing I use
redreader, newpipe, session messenger(needs repo thing from website), aurora store, simple gallery pro
Osmand (offline GPS maps)
Same version as the android store but free.
Are they planning on modernizing the app for Material You? It feels out of place in my phone in 2023.
edit: all the people who suggested Droid-ify know what's up. Thanks, guys!
I have a lot of complaints about this too, but namely lack of seamless updates is baffling to me.
Luckily I found Droid-ify and solves both those problems. Also has the common repos frequently added, like IzzyOnDroid, easily pre-available to enabled in the settings.
This definitely replaced the archaeic fdroid client for me, they desperately need an overhaul as it's a terrible first impression.
Even better obtanium installs direct from the Devs host. You could use fdroid to find the homepage/where they host and add it to obtanium
Installing through F-Droid is way easier tho and the IzzyOnDroid repo actually uses the binaries from the developer
Love F-Droid but be aware of the risks and always try to use a developer repo when possible..
I've always had a niggling worry that downloading apps from 3rd party app stores came with a higher risk of getting apps with viruses and spyware.
any truth to this?
Not really.
Fdroid is a secure repositorie and the applications are reviewed before being made available for end users.
The repository is also highly focused on privacy and security and will warn if applications have security flaws or depend on non free services.
As an example, I use NewPipe instead of the standard YT app and it has a warning it depends on non-free services.
One other example I can give is Librera. It's a very feature rich ebook/pdf/etc reader. At some point, a security flaw was discovered and the app was instantly flagged has having such problems and users were advised to not install it.
The benefit of open source apps is anyone can view the code to see if there is malware or other installed.
I have never found anything useful in it. And god I have tried. I end up uninstalling it every time.
I made a website to help finding well-maintained F-Droid apps through Github/Gitlab metrics here: https://dbeley.github.io/fdroid-insights/
I can't use F-Droid without the Play Store but I tend to check there first to see if there is something available there before installing something from the Play Store.
Neo store is a nice layout for f-Droid if you want a more modern look
F droid is EXCELLENT
I use iOS now though had f-droid installed on my old android phones :)
If you sell your IPhone now it may not be too late for you! :-)