On 6 March 2012 11:24, Brian May wrote:

Hello,

One thing that has been nagging me recently in that the official method of finding android apps - the Google market - is geared towards generating profit, as such Google haven't done anything to make it easy to find free (as in freedom) android apps, even when they exist.

I can't find it now (wish I had saved a link), however I am sure I have seen an free app in the market where the description strongly discouraged downloading the source code because it would take away from profits required for future development.

The only (rather incomplete) list of free software I can see is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_open_source_Android_applications

Also try F-Droid, there is a bunch of relevant resources on the fsfe website. http://fsfe.org/campaigns/android/liberate.en.html

I suspect the fact free (as in freedom) software isn't very visible just encourages more software that isn't free.

Any thoughts? -- Brian May

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On 6 March 2012 11:24, Brian May wrote:

Hello,

One thing that has been nagging me recently in that the official method of finding android apps - the Google market - is geared towards generating profit, as such Google haven't done anything to make it easy to find free (as in freedom) android apps, even when they exist.

I can't find it now (wish I had saved a link), however I am sure I have seen an free app in the market where the description strongly discouraged downloading the source code because it would take away from profits required for future development.

I also suspect that Google wanted to get as close to a one-click install. It can be a little tricky finding any app that is not popular (in a niche market). Anyway...

The only (rather incomplete) list of free software I can see is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_open_source_Android_applications

I suspect the fact free (as in freedom) software isn't very visible just encourages more software that isn't free.

Any thoughts?

As Android permits side loading without a whole lot of fudding around(pun created!), this is could be an relatively easy project to pull off. Possible objectives: 1. Create a Free and Open marketplace providing links to trusted application in an Android Bazaar 2. The bazaar would allow for easy install links either back to the developers web site, or better host the application binary on a Bazaar server themselves (allows for a more consistent binary) 3. Provide one stop to find how to root your Android device. 4. Instructions on compiling the application yourself. One apparent issue with the Google App Marketplace is that the developer can't comment about their application (fair enough) but their competition can say whatever drivel they like without providing the developer a method to respond. Google are also not tracking which device (table or phone) a application is optimised for. The above is a few thoughts that I have had at the back of my mind for a bit. There could be a flaw or may not be totally relevant. Reflashing a phone is not going to be an option for everyone as they can't afford to be without a phone for a day or so, due to work, family or health reasons. Regards George