The issue is that of network effects. Making it harder to sideload for example f-droid makes the already small market for it even smaller, leading to less apps. It also forces people developing Apps that they don't want to reveal to be developing for completly valid reasons (Imagine developing a porn app in saudi arabia or an abortion support app in the USA) to validate against google aka the US Government.
I'm just presenting my exotic point of view - since that developer verification would only be needed to run apps on the "stock OS" (which I consider bad), then deliberately excluding it could promote using LineageOS/GrapheneOS which would be a good thing.
But of course I'm talking about non-commercial apps, but commercial app developers would already be on Google Play.
>Yes, Steam Machine is optimized for gaming, but it's still your PC. Install your own apps, or even another operating system. Who are we to tell you how to use your computer?
In a world of locked bootloaders and ever more locked down device, valve is pushing the envolope with a linux based gaming console.
Reporting indicates one of the use cases they designed for is swapping an SD card between steam deck, steam machine and steam frame to bring your installed games along with you, which is technologically unimpressive, but so far against the grain that it's shocking a company would include that kind of functionality.
This is especially interesting in context of Steam Frame. It's easy to get an unlocked mini-PC, but an unlocked "mainstream" standalone VR device with first-class Linux support would bring something new to the table.
> OpenAI had also shariah policed plenty of people for generating erotica.
That framing is retorically brilliant if you think about it. I will use that more. Chat Sharia Law for Chat Control. Mass Sharia Surveillance from flock etc.
> can't monetize this from Iran:
> Stripe, PayPal, Western payment processors (sanctioned)
> AWS, GCP, Azure (sanctioned)
> Western bank account (sanctioned)
> Credit card payments from customers (no processor works here)
Good. That's the whole point of economic sanctions.
^ This, and nothing else. There is a dark, evil underbelly to the data broker ecosystem that is largely powered by random apps people install on their phones.
Than you haven't been watching the EU enough. They are currently working on MULTIPLE different omnibus laws that will make owning an Google or Apple Approved Phone, running Google or Apple Approved Firmware and using the Google or Apple App store de-facto mandatory for living in the EU.
You vill download ze app and you vill accept the TOS.
They don't care because they don't understand the possibilities of the tech. I've tried to give my extended family members some quick info on what not to do online and how to safely use their gizmos. Most of the time I get a blank stare.
Caution, incoming naive comment(s): Companies should put their customer's well being before profits, because we all know most people don't understand what's going on with their digital devises. (Yes, customers should care more, but companies shouldn't be allowed to take advantage of those who can't grasp the techiness of the products.) Techiness, I just made that up. :)
> Caution, incoming naive statement: Companies should put their customer's well being before profits, because we all know most people don't understand what's going on with their digital devises.
This might be illegal for publicly traded companies. Shareholder maximization forces them to deceive their customers.
Public companies aren’t disallowed from making long term investments such as building brand loyalty. You are excusing the braindead executives for their choice to burn their brand in exchange for some imaginary ad paycheck. Like I’m going to buy a branded pack of eggs based on an ad on my fucking fridge (and somehow that’s going to make them a ton of dough). I can’t get over how simple-minded and gullible the people running these companies are.
If you wanna skip some chapters and see where all of this ends up, go check out how Unity is doing after John Riccitiello fucked them.
You sir are misjudging me and the effort I put into not only protecting myself but also other from this overreach and intrusion into the life and privacy of myself and others.
But the comment above me argued "Companies should put their customer's well being before profits" which as a general statement may VERY well fall under my argument.
The reality is that i believe shareholder value optimization and unregulated capitalism is the problem.
> Please connect the Samsung^R Family^tm H.U.B.^TM^R to the internet to start the refrigeration cycle.
> Please connect the Samsung^R Family^tm H.U.B.^TM^R to the internet to continue the refrigeration cycle. You refrigeration cycle will end in 28 hours unless reconnected to the Samsung^TM KNOX^R Server System for your security
> Please reposition the Samsung^R Family^tm H.U.B.^TM^R so that 6G Connectivity can be established to start the refrigeration cycle.
> Please unblock all visual obstructions the Samsung^R Family^tm H.U.B.^TM^R Camera and reauthorize usage to continue the refrigeration cycle.
> Please unblock all visual obstructions the Samsung^R Family^tm H.U.B.^TM^R Camera and Reauthorize using your government ID, fingerprint, iris scan and cryptographically singed anus print to continue usage. Failure to comply will cost you 25 Social Credits. You have 27 hours left.
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