Android

Sony's AOSP on Xperia Open Devices page: https://developer.sony.com/open-source/aosp-on-xperia-open-devices

With the recent activity around Google restricting sideloading and not releasing device trees for Pixel, this is a possible alternative. I haven't tried it, but intend to switch to a Sony device for my next phone.

TL;DR

• MediaTek has announced the Dimensity 9500 processor, which is expected to power some flagship Android phones.
• The new chipset has an upgraded CPU with SME2 support, a GPU with major ray tracing upgrades, and plenty more features.
• OPPO and vivo are expected to be the first brands to launch Dimensity 9500 phones in the coming weeks.

cross-posted from: https://discuss.tchncs.de/post/45277582

Opening my weather app this morning I was greeted by this warning:

Google has announced that, starting in 2026/2027, all apps on certified Android devices will require the developer to submit personal identity details directly to Google. Since the developers of this app do not agree to this requirement, this app will no longer work on certified Android devices after that time.

It's the first time I hear about this, seems to be about:

Tech crunch article from august, "google will require developer verification for android apps outside the play store"

Cirrus app: Github

Was this a big thing I somehow missed? I hope more devs will follow suit.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/36145028

A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing human rights in digital spaces across West Asia and North Africa — is warning that Israeli-linked software secretly embedded in Samsung phones across the MENA region poses a serious surveillance threat.

According to SMEX, Samsung’s A and M series devices either come preloaded with the app “Aura” or install it automatically through system updates, without the user’s consent. The application reportedly collects a wide range of personal and device-specific data, including IP addresses, device fingerprints, hardware details, and network information.

​​In 2022, Samsung MENA partnered with Israeli tech company IronSource, integrating its Aura software into Galaxy A and M series phones across the region. The partnership was publicly marketed as a way to “enhance user experience” with AI-powered apps and content suggestions.

• Google is putting together its framework for Android developer verification, connecting dev names to even sideloaded apps.
• Recent additions to the Android SDK offer a little insight into how the system may ultimately operate.
• One variable suggests that users may not be able to sideload even verified apps without an active network connection.

Hi all!

Is it possible to prevent an Android device from providing power to a connected USB accessory? (I.e. I want the Android device to use USB/OTG devices, be charged by them, but never provide power to them)

The setup: I have a Lineage 21 / Android 14 device that is connected to a USB-C hub, which are all in a car. When USB hub has power, it acts as a host, charging the device, and everything is OK. But when USB hub loses power (car is turned off), Android device re-connects to the hub, but now Android device is powering the hub, which drains the battery very quickly.

What I want to achieve: When USB hub loses power, Android device acts as if the hub is entirely disconnected, enters sleep, and can be in sleep until it receives power again.

I did not find any straightforward solutions yet. Attempting to change USB setting for "powered by this device" did not work, nor did trying to write commands to some /sys/power files. My next thought is some form of an automatic hardware switch.

cross-posted from: https://lazysoci.al/post/34165636

Sorry if Reddit links are disallowed, but it has important information