Freedom was the Feature

Around October of last year, I began receiving emails from Google about upcoming changes to the developer program. The wording, of course, hid much of the intent. But soon enough, posts and videos started surfacing that revealed what was really going on.

Where to begin?

I honestly don’t know when this became a thing. When did the term side-loading start being used in the context of installing apps? It feels intentional. Charged language. Framing the user as if they’re breaking some rule.

Oh, you want to side-load an app? Oh wow… you do? Much wow? Okay… you shouldn’t, but… okay…

Side-loading is not a thing — or at least it shouldn’t be. Once you own a device, you install things on it. It’s yours, after all.

For example, I might want to install Discord on my laptop to make communicating with friends easier. Notice how “side-loading” doesn’t apply there at all. It’s my machine. I operate the darn thing. I install what I want. Simple.

With that flag planted firmly in the center of the room, allow me to present my theory:

Google wants to be Apple.

I genuinely think that’s the intention. They want to close their system for good. After all, they already secured the largest share of the market, so tightening their grip “just makes sense.”

I suspect Google may experience a rude awakening... but maybe I'm very wrong.

I’ll say it plainly, as someone who has used both iOS and Android for years: Apple is better. It’s faster, more efficient, and it just works.

And yet… I keep switching back to Android. Am I insane?

No.

It’s about freedom.

I’m a tinkerer. I like breaking things. I like understanding how they work and why they work. Android lets me explore. It lets me install whatever I want. It lets me try obscure apps from F-Droid or alternative markets.

That has always been the sales pitch.

Android isn’t faster on average. And unless you’re buying a flagship from Samsung or the newest Pixel, you’re probably getting a device that feels inferior to almost any modern Apple product.

But it’s open.

Or at least… it is right now.

The Conundrum

Lots of content creators, lots of devs, lots of geeks are calling for a boycott. Don’t sign up. Don’t accept. Don’t comply.

I see the videos. I read the tweets. I understand the frustration.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: giants don’t move because developers complain. They move because users care.

And the average user? The average user is perfectly happy with Apple. Convenience outweighs almost everything else. That seems to be the default software running in our brains.

So maybe, the battle may already be lost- before it began.

When I say this kills Android, I mean it kills it for me. Why would I use the slower, buggier OS if both ecosystems are going to hold me down by the ankles anyway? At that point, it feels pointless.

And before you mention GrapheneOS — yes, I know it exists. I know it’s an option. But for now, installing it requires buying a Pixel, which means feeding the very beast I’m considering opposing.

Let me end with a question for you — if you’re an Android user.

Would this make a difference to you? Would you care if things close off? Or do you think developers are overreacting?

Interesting path ahead.

– MenO