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dandu3 ,

Same shit company bought the pixel minimal watch face, and they’re now charging like 18$ PER WEEK for premium features.

I had already bought it thankfully and I kept my premium status but still. I was not happy

gogosempai OP ,
@gogosempai@programming.dev avatar

$18 per week?! Damn Netflix and Disney+ prices aren’t even that high.

dandu3 ,

Yeah, I was REALLY pissed off that the guy sold his app to this shitty company. Now this. I didn’t use the simple apps but I’ve heard of them since I was a pretty big f droid user.

They must give a lot of money to devs in exchange for ruining their work lol

Gooey0210 ,

Look, he got money, we got forks, the creator of the app might create a new project and run it on money they got from this sale

The company that purchased the app will soon find out that their whole userbase was foss people and they left for forks

fmstrat , (edited )

For posterity, but also for forks if the repos go down, I have created github.com/SimplerMobileTools and downloaded all the original repos, branches, and tags which will soon be uploaded there.

I have already got SM Gallery compiling, so thats a start, and will upload all the repos tomorrow when its not so late.

Note: Any former maintainer of SMT will be added on to SrMT upon request.

EDIT: All forks updated with notice of rationale and link to this discussion.

EDIT2: github.com/FossifyOrg is a soft fork created by one of the current maintainers. I will keep the hard fork up just in case.

sadbehr ,
@sadbehr@lemmy.nz avatar

Not all heroes wear capes. Thank you for your service. A hero among thieves. The hero we didn’t know we needed and didn’t deserve. Insert other hero quips.

Na but thanks. What a legend.

Sphks ,
@Sphks@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

Now you need to change the names and make these new names famous, since that’s the thing that the company has really bought. The brand.

fmstrat ,

Not my intent. I’ll do this, but don’t have the time to fully maintain or distribute. Maybe I’ll organize releases for Obtainium, where FOSS elites will grab them, but I’m not in it to “promote”, just to “save”.

Hopefully someone with more motivation comes along and does what you are saying, though.

CrayonRosary ,

Thank you!

Swedneck ,
@Swedneck@discuss.tchncs.de avatar

fossify link is a 404

fmstrat ,

Thank you, they changed the org name. Updated.

stifle867 ,

All the code is GPLv3 so it will remain FOSS. There’s no need to immediately switch to other apps. You can optionally fork then build the apps for yourself.

csolisr ,

Unless you use the Play Store version, in which case the tainted new versions will be coming any time soon.

madcaesar ,

I got it from fdroid. Am I safe?

csolisr ,

If the next version is close-sourced, that means that it won’t be published in the repository that F-Droid follows to build their version. Yeah I think you’re safe.

stifle867 ,

AFAIK the code is all GPLv3 so they won’t be able to close-source it.

csolisr ,

I mean, a fork is indeed possible and in progress. But the main version on the Google Play Store will almost certainly be no longer open-source.

stifle867 ,

Why do you say that? Unless they completely rewrite the app from scratch it is not even possible to have a closed-source version of the app. That’s what the GPLv3 does.

csolisr ,

If all the developers of the GPLv3 version agree to relicense their contributions, it’s unfortunately possible to close-source further versions of the source code. Does somebody know if Simple Apps accepted external contributions?

stifle867 ,

There’s like 100-200+ individual contributors to each of the apps. Practically impossible for everyone to agree to relicense especially considering the community reaction to the sale.

csolisr ,

Hopefully that’s the case! And hopefully somebody steps in legally in case the new developers decide to just ignore the GPL terms.

stifle867 ,

I was talking about immediately switching. There is enough time to build the apps from source for yourself before they upload their shittified version.

01189998819991197253 ,
@01189998819991197253@infosec.pub avatar

Sigh.

Anyone used Etar calendar app? I use Simple Calendar for its ability to export everything to one ICS file. I see Etar can use ICS, but is it a full calendar import/export? Or one event at a time? Related question, is there anything better?

ExtremeDullard ,
@ExtremeDullard@lemmy.sdf.org avatar

Etar lacks features compared to SMT Calendar - mostly for me, the ability to assign different notification / sounds, and of course the ability to export the entire calender as ICS.

Re your question: no. If you try to import an ICS calendar generated by SMT Calendar, Etar only imports the oldest event.

Etar isn’t as good as SMT Calendar but it has suddenly become very attractive. I’ve uninstalled SMT Calendar, and CalyxOS comes with Etar preinstalled. So now I rock Etar. Not super happy, but it’s better than nothing. The next step for me is to install a CalDAV server on my home server. That way I’ll never get caught unable to import my calendar into a new app. And I’ll live with a single notification sound for all my events / appointments.

01189998819991197253 ,
@01189998819991197253@infosec.pub avatar

Oh. I didn’t realize that Etar was the default in CalyxOS. That’s disappointing, as I don’t like the default CalyxOS calendar. I may stick with SMT Cal and just not update, and wait for someone to fork. I thought about forking it myself, but I’m not a developer, so won’t be able to maintain it :/

Signal3r ,
@Signal3r@troet.cafe avatar

@01189998819991197253 @gogosempai
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Install Etar, import the ICS file
and see what happens!

01189998819991197253 ,
@01189998819991197253@infosec.pub avatar

But if it tastes like shite and rotten fish, and someone has already tried and can warn me, why not learn from them lol

Signal3r ,
@Signal3r@troet.cafe avatar

@01189998819991197253 😂

01189998819991197253 ,
@01189998819991197253@infosec.pub avatar

😂 hahaha

NiaTheCat , (edited )
@NiaTheCat@lemmy.world avatar

deleted_by_author

    •
    linuxdweeb ,

    I’m not a lawyer either, but the GPL doesn’t say anything about commercial use. Zipo can sell the code in the apps without having to ask permission from contributors. The only restriction is that they have to keep their modifications open source (which that Github response says).

    But the main point is that the Zipo people bought out the Google Play listing, giving them access to the millions of users who have those apps installed on their phones. They likely don’t give a shit about features/keeping the apps closed source. It’s just a purchase of the userbase, likely for shady reasons.

    This also means that forking the Simple Mobile repos isn’t even likely to accomplish much. Sure, it’ll put control of the repo in the hands of a more trusted party (which is significant), but since it’s open source anyways, it’d be easy to catch any attempts to sneak malware into the apps. And if all development effort moves to the fork, Zipo can still take that fork and redistribute it under the “Simple Mobile Tools” name.

    Ultimately, the fucked up thing here is that the original developer, Tibor Kaputa, sold out millions of users. Forking isn’t going fix that. Fuck him. The only thing that will fix this situation is if Google takes down their store listing, but that’s not going to happen. Hopefully F-droid does.

    BrioxorMorbide ,

    The only restriction is that they have to keep their modifications open source

    And since it’s GPL that any additions are compatible with the GPL, which the ad / tracking stuff they’re likely to add likely isn’t.

    And if all development effort moves to the fork, Zipo can still take that fork and redistribute it under the “Simple Mobile Tools” name.

    Only if they don’t add their own proprietary shit, and if they don’t, how would their “bully users to pay for features” business model work?

    According to github.com/SimpleMobileTools/…/241#issuecomment-1… “like 99% of the current code has been written by me and other paid devs, so no need to overreact the licensing thing” it seems like the remaining 1% is going to be ignored or possibly even removed if they think that leaving that in might open them up to DMCA claims by disgruntled contributors - which taking code from an open source fork would definitely do.

    linuxdweeb ,

    And since it’s GPL that any additions are compatible with the GPL, which the ad / tracking stuff they’re likely to add likely isn’t.

    That’s a good point, although I wonder if there are any ad SDKs that are GPL compatible? There’s no reason that couldn’t exist AFAIK.

    However, there’s also the much simpler scenario where they straight up replace the apps with something completely different. This company buys apps all the time, so I’m sure they have at least a few calendar, gallery, file browser, etc apps lying around that they can reuse.

    BrioxorMorbide ,

    "we specialize in acquiring under-optimized apps in an industry that is highly fragmented. We use our optimizing operations, deploy its technology, and generate cash flow from the apps. "

    “we developed an AI technology that knows how” “to monetize the right user at the right stage of their app experience”

    (everything-pr.com/zipoapps-tech-talk-with-the-ent…)

    Sounds like they just keep the apps around and try to squeeze as much money out of the users they have bought.

    kzhe ,

    I always try to avoid these because of how they had held users data hostage on their calendar’s play store version, glad this happened so there can be a foss fork by more trustable parties. Yay!

    MargotRobbie ,
    @MargotRobbie@lemmy.world avatar

    Part of the reason why I prefer to use open source apps whenever possible is because of this, you never really know if an app will be bought out by someone shady and start adding gross stuff to it, but open source apps can and will be forked.

    Not an ideological reason, but a practical one.

    ICastFist ,
    @ICastFist@programming.dev avatar

    Time to download all those apks and keep them mirrored elsewhere, I fear for their future now

    9488fcea02a9 ,

    Wtf. I paid for the apps to avoid exactly this…

    Too many people think the “free” in free software means “without monetary cost”. Development costs money. If nobody pays, it gets sold

    Yamayo ,

    Well, you paid and still got sold.

    9488fcea02a9 ,

    Yeah… Fuck me, for trying to compensate someone for their work so that they dont have to sell it to a spyware company… I’m the moron here

    /s

    itsmect ,

    Same here. Donated not only to cover my installs, but also for everyone I recommended it to. I hope the f-droid version wont be affected, otherwise I have to uninstall the upcomming bloat- and spyware ridden versions manually from a bunch of devices smh.

    I mean I am fine with apps not being maintained and eventually break, but selling out and breaching trust like this is exactly how regular companies would treat me and why I chose FOSS in the first place.

    rucking ,

    Looks like the community is already forking the project. It would be cool if fdroid has a clean transition to the fork.

    9488fcea02a9 ,

    That would be a terrible precedent…

    Oh we’ll just “cleanly” (silently) update to a different fork by a different dev.

    Thats exactly what we are trying to avoid google play “cleanly” updating our apps to the new, spyware apps

    Sanyanov ,

    Agreed

    F-Droid should halt updates if app stops being FOSS (which F-Droid is all about) and then introduce the most popular fork as a standalone app.

    veniasilente ,

    Wtf. I paid for the apps to avoid exactly this…

    And this is why I never pay for apps. You never know what changes (external or internal) are going to enshittify it next.

    9488fcea02a9 ,

    If you dont pay for apps, they will 100% be enshittified

    Hilarious that you read enough cory doctorow to know the term “enshittification” but don’t know what “free” software really means

    JustEnoughDucks ,
    @JustEnoughDucks@feddit.nl avatar

    Yeah I also paid for it.

    I would rather let the project die than my data being sold out to a gang of parasites like it has been

    kratoz29 , (edited )

    Hmm, I think I got Simple File Manager Pro from F-droid, would I need to do something else for it?

    What is a good alternative?

    Also I had the simple music player app, although I have no music downloaded ¯_(ツ)_/¯

    EDIT: hmm, strange acquisition actually, only the fee apps? Or the deal ain’t over?

    JackGreenEarth ,

    Material files and Auxio

    kratoz29 ,

    Material files

    Dude, I actually had it already installed when I was on my quest to have a sane file manager 😅

    (Why is it so damn hard to have a file manager which shows your “root” folder when you open it 😑).

    The only thing I went for Simple File Manager Pro and not for Material Files was because the former allows me to check the file size of multiple items, and I’m finding many file managers don’t.

    JackGreenEarth ,

    Does fx fulfil your needs?

    kratoz29 ,

    I like FX a lot on ATV, on mobile I never got used to it ¯_(ツ)_/¯

    Ataraxia ,

    Phonograph plus seems to work for me. A little buggy but nothing problematic.

    sabreW4K3 ,
    @sabreW4K3@lemmy.tf avatar

    Auxio is really well made. Just wish it supported the artist tag rather than the artists tag.

    amanneedsamaid ,

    Symphony or Auxio

    emergencyfood ,

    F-droid version will remain open-source, but if the new owners decide to no longer support it, then it might not get any more updates.

    Sanyanov ,

    Damn, I recently donated to them, and this is how it turned out.

    Terrible to see.

    gogosempai OP ,
    @gogosempai@programming.dev avatar

    Now that’d feel like paying for adware :(

    Signal3r ,
    @Signal3r@troet.cafe avatar

    @gogosempai

    So the most important question is - what happens to the F-Droid versions? Will the apps still be listed in F-Droid in the future, and if so, should they still be updated?

    AbeFroman ,

    Terrible news. These apps are really great. Reminds me of what happened to Quick Pick and ES file explorer and u could also add Nova Launcher. More apps assigned to the graveyard. Hopefully they get forked quickly and updated when needed.

    RandomLegend ,
    @RandomLegend@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

    Is there something in the making with Nova Launcher? I love it and didn’t hear any bad news

    winkerjadams ,

    androidpolice.com/nova-launcher-acquired-by-branc…

    Kind of old article, but yea, they were sold.

    RandomLegend ,
    @RandomLegend@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

    Darnit… Thanks

    Buddahriffic ,

    So the owner claimed in the article that any data tracking added would be opt in. I looked at the settings and found error and usage tracking hidden under an advanced button at the bottom of the settings. It was enabled and I don’t remember ever being asked about it (or else it would have already been disabled because I never opt in to that shit).

    itsmect ,

    Try Neo Luncher (IzzyOnDroid repo). It supports a lot of the customization options as Nova, but is completely FOSS.

    Salix ,

    I just don’t recommend using Neo Launcher if you have Android 14. Been having very annoying issues with it on Android 14, but not on any other Android version. Hopefully they’ll release an update soon; the last update was 10/28/22.

    There is active development though.

    AbeFroman ,

    I have been using Total launcher since the Nova Sale. A bit of a learning curve but very pleased with it. Would recommend.

    RandomLegend ,
    @RandomLegend@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

    Nice ! I’ll look into it and try to migrate from my veeeeeeeeeeery customized Nova to it^^

    bdonvr ,

    ES File Explorer, those were the peak days of the XDA rom and root scene

    MonkderZweite ,

    Aren’t the Simple Apps open source?

    Signal3r ,
    @Signal3r@troet.cafe avatar

    @MonkderZweite @AbeFroman
    Probably not after the sale! It will certainly no longer be available in F-Droid!

    Xttweaponttx ,

    My god you really nailed that on the head - I’d forgotten about quickpic (rip) but I’ll never forget about ES file explorer.

    Anti_Weeb_Penguin ,

    Damn, i will really miss the Gallery app

    gogosempai OP ,
    @gogosempai@programming.dev avatar

    Keep using the current version for now, it’s perfectly stable.

    CrayonRosary ,

    Just turn off auto updates in the Play Store.

    CrayonRosary ,

    Noooooo! I love their gallery app. Guess it’s time to turn off auto-update on it.

    Thank you for sharing this!

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