News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Google to require developer verification to install and sideload Android apps. Parent comment

Re:Google to require developer verification to install and s... by devmor on Wednesday August 27, 2025 @11:49AM (#45041296)
No, it's a prerequisite to doing business.

The OEM phones are cheap because the manufacturer sells them at a loss, recouping money by locking them down and pre-installing certain software.

The alternative is that Google is properly regulated, or cheap smartphones phones don't exist.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Google to require developer verification to install and s... by donkeybeer on Wednesday August 27, 2025 @02:58PM (#45043578)
Its possible the forced apps are a cost recouping mechanism. But how does a phone bootloader being locked down become Google's fault? Does it mandate that for some kind of Android certification?
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Google to require developer verification to install and s... by j4hdufd8 on Wednesday August 27, 2025 @04:52PM (#45045099)
Yes Google mandates a locked bootloader in order to meet Google Play Integrity's remote attestation. More generally it mandates a perfectly clean and valid secure boot chain. Among a variety of other requirements.
[ Parent | on HN ]