Google's Sideloading Crackdown Moves Closer to Enforcement

Formuler devices run AOSP-based Android:

  • Z10 Pro – Android 10 FORMULER
  • Z10 Pro Max – Android 10 FORMULER
  • Z11 Pro Max – Android 11 FORMULER
  • Z12 Ultra – Android 12 FORMULER
  • Z mini – Android 12 FORMULER
  • BuzzTV also runs AOSP-based Android (not certified Android TV/Google TV)

  • Ugoos AM9

  • Ugoos X4 Pro / X5M Pro

  • Beelink GT King Pro

  • vSeeBox V6 Plus

FFS, i just started the process of upgrading the 10 Fire Stick 4k MAXs I support to all be Google TV Streamer 4ks :confounded_face:

On the Fire Sticks, I had implemented TDUKs Update Blocker so I haven’t gotten any updates on them from Amazon in YEARS, i.e., I can still sideload Cinema HD (if I wanted to lol) because my sticks do not have any of the recent blocks by Amazon so they actually perform VERY well.

What can I do to stop my Google TV Streamer 4ks from accepting Google/Android patches without my explicit approval?

Just to be precise. BuzzTV Powerstations run a mix of AOSP and Android TV.

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Last Sept I installed Troy’s Exploit hack on all my Amazon devices and - so far, so good. Is this sustainable now that Google are becoming so aggressive? And will they eventually degrade due to a lack of software updates?

Can we stop the panicking about what Google may or may not do and enjoy our ONN Boxes? The Boxes you are contemplating to replace your ONN because of panick in this thread may very well be blocked before the ONN boxes are. :rofl:

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Appreciate the advice. The current intention is to just enjoy using my Amazon devices…..until I can’t

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What are ASOP boxes?

AOSP Android Open Source Project.

The Android Open-Source Project (AOSP) is

Google’s open-source initiative providing the base source code, tools, and documentation for the Android operating system. It enables developers and manufacturers to create, customize, and port Android for various devices without including proprietary Google apps (GMS).

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I have google tv. I just purchased an ONN streaming box. Can I still use it. My husband downloaded google tv awhile ago and I hate it. Can I take it out and proceed with the ONN?

Use your ONN Boxes there is no blocking of anything at this time and probably won’t be in the future

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I bought a Greva. 8K, 4Gig RAM, 64gig storage, Android 14 AOSP. Great Streaming device. Moderate price ($50). Have loaded multiple apps that all work perfectly. Have also side loaded multiple apps that work perfectly. I applied the FS fix that allowed me to designate my own launch app. (Wolf) I like having my apps all up front and simple. Unless they go south, Greva is my new streaming direction.

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I really hope it doesn’t happen.

I have far more stresses to worry about in my life than a Google enforcement that probably won’t happen lol. I believe there just might be a few extra steps involved to install a 3rd party app and that’s it.

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100% agree with you. Everyone needs to take a deep breath and just wait to see what happens. Google has already back-pedaled and said experienced users and hobbyists will still be able to side-load apps. We will provide in-depth tutorials that will cover this once it’s rolled out. Also, keep in mind that this probably won’t hit the USA until 2027 anyway.

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Thank you for sharing this list of “AOSP-based Android devices” to consider.

MCPattarozzi

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Just chill everyone.

Firstly, the most likely enforcement of this would be through Play Protect, which you can optionally turn off.

Secondly, it only impacts the apps themselves, not what you do in them. Apps like Kodi and Tivimate should be fine because the apps themselves are not malicious in any way. In fact, the developer for Tivimate is already registered because the premium version uses Google Play pay services.

Thirdly, this means the cinema app and every fork of it can finally die.

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My type B personality tells me not to get my bloomers in a bind over this. There will always be Plan B, Plan C, or Plan D.

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