Google removed Island and Shelter apps from the Play Store
Google removed Island and Shelter apps from the Play Store
Shelter may have been taken down a while ago, not sure if by Google or the developer.
According to the Island developer Island was removed because it's not supposed to use
REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES, so it's probably the same for Shelter. They're appealing but if/when it returns it might be "with limited functionality" which one would be able to restore with an "extension" downloaded on github but at that point why not just install the apk from github in the first place.
As for Shelter and Insular (fork of Island), they're also available on F-Droid.
Wonder if they're cracking down on these "hacks" to leverage the work profile on purpose, like they do local VPNs that block ads.
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It's not a hack. I think they don't want things that can install apps in the Play store.
But I'd love to learn more about their reason
Technically Google Chrome and Google Files can install packages. Wonder if they'll remove those too.
Can wait for Pinephone to go mainstream.
I really wanted to upgrade from my S5 to a linux phone, but the NAND died on me. I'm on a Fairphone now, hopefully the Linux phone ecosystem gets better so I can make the jump there next in a few years time 👌
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I have the older FP3+ model (last one with a headphone jack) - if you've got the S22 it's definitely going to be a downgrade sadly.
My previous device was over half a decade old, so I got a boost in performance and better cameras, however I do find myself using Gcam if I want a point-and-shoot experience (particularly in the dark with Night Sight), and OpenCamera otherwise. The cameras are ok, just the apps don't make the most of them IMO.
The FP4 I believe improves on these quite a bit, especially in the performance department, but it hasn't got a headphone jack. There FP forums are really active with people discussing the device - there's a thread dedicated to photos taken with the device if you want a better feel of the camera's capabilities in particular
https://forum.fairphone.com/t/fp4-pictures-gallery/78667
As for my FP3 device in general, I really like it. It's well supported by various custom ROMs, quite a few documented teardowns on the forum. I've replaced my vibration sensor, the last one burned out due to my love of haptic feedback 😅. I believe there's also a PostmarketOS linux distro available for the device too. Taking it apart is really easy, all the screws are identical sizes and no special tools are needed.
I just wish Fairphone had additional resources to pour into the software side of things - the device supports partially charging the battery, and reducing the quick charge speed, but these are not options available the settings... You can only set these via the command line/Termux with a rooted device. Google has also been giving them a hassle over the fingerprint sensor and certification - as of Android 13 I believe the fingerprint sensor in my device no longer will work in most apps as it does now on Android 10
Consider a Google Pixel 7 (Pro) running CalyxOS or preferably GrapheneOS.