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Google Removing Ad-Blockers From Play
SirJorgelOfBorgel writes "It appears Google has begun removing ad-blocker apps for Android from the Play store, citing breaches of the Play Store Developer Distribution Agreement. The apps would be welcome back as soon as they no longer violated the agreement, though that doesn't seem possible while keeping the apps' core functionality intact."
Update: 03/18 20:06 GMT by U L : You can still easily install ad blockers using F-Droid, the Free Software only replacement for Play.
Way to miss the point. It's about Android, not Chrome.
Can you use Android without serving yourself up to Google?
Yes.
Is it true that you have to have a Google account to start up your phone?
No.
Can you (easily) install apps by just downloading them to your computer and then transferring to the phone?
Yes, generally referred to as 'sideloading'.
Do you have to give up your credit card info and name/address to sign up for the Google app store? (In light of the recent story that app developers get all your info, I don't know if I want every 2-bit app to get that info. The info itself could be worth more than the 99 cents for the application.)
No, you can use a regular google account. However, to pay for an app you will need to do so.
Also, do free apps also get your personal information?
Each app has a list of what features it requests access to available on the store page (and you will be notified of them before installation). There are apps that allow you to enforce your own arbitrary restrictions on any app, but it may casue some to stop working.
Any hints or links re: using Android without the all-seeing eye?
Try some of the various alternative Android distros like Cyanogenmod. XDA Developers is a good place to start.
Of course they did. This threatens their business model. A corporation will do ANYTHING to defend its cashflow. Any corporation, even Google. You want to play in their walled garden- you have to do it by their rules.
:)
I'm quite glad Android is not completely closed, and projects like F-Droid exist:
http://f-droid.org/
It's not half as good as official Google store at the moment, but it's open source, and it will get improved.
As for me, I won't be happy until I can apt-get install apps on my mobile
--Coder
No, Chrome's store is called Chrome Web Store and doesn't appear to be affected, Adblock et al. are still available.
Google's point here is to obviously make them as invisible as possible to minimize users that block ads. Most people won't go around other android stores or internet sites searching for software, they're fairly happy with google play.
Quite right! Until today, I didn't know that there were ad blockers for Android. With today's action, not only has Google made me aware that there are, but, thanks to TFA, I know where to find them: F-Droid. Excellent!!