Re:NewPipe – ad-free, open-source Android YouTube client
by rex_lupi on Saturday July 18, 2020 @12:45PM
(#23882656)
vanced is just the normal youtube app with just some modifications to block ads and background playback. It is closed sourced, not to mention, and uses a modified version of MicroG that works in unknown ways to access/sync with the google account, which is very different to the original MicroG (which has been developed to replace Google Services from your phone to minimize google tracking your activities.) . If you don't want unknown apps get access to your google account or if you care about your privacy/security, don't use Vanced, stick with NewPipe.
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Re:NewPipe – ad-free, open-source Android YouTube client
by ss3000 on Saturday July 18, 2020 @03:08PM
(#23883936)
Yes the app itself is closed sourced, but FWIW their MicroG fork is not: https://github.com/YTVanced/VancedMicroG
Their stance on why they can't open source it sounds reasonable: https://github.com/YTVanced/VancedWebsite/issues/10
But I agree that if you have sensitive data on your google account you should make a value judgement yourself on if the extra convenience/features on Vanced is worth the risk over NewPipe.
I personally use a different mail provider so I don't have much sensitive information on my Google account, basically just using it for YouTube and Play Store.