Google has locked down Android, implemented measures to prevent rooting/customization
True that, especially with Samsung. The last time I read, Samsung has some sort of “e-fuse” in their security chip that destroys itself if you install an unauthorised OS version and voids your warranty, blocks Samsung Pay, and blocks their “Secure Folder” feature. At least Samsung has Goodlock. Which is blocked from running on my phone (a Samsung M52, so it is faster than newer Samsungs that support Goodlock).
made all their apps a constant A/B/C/D test controlled by server-side flags that constantly rearrange your UIs and prevent the ability to sideload specific app versions
Is this specific to Google’s implementation of the Android UI? This isn’t an issue on my Samsung.
been less generous with the free service offerings, and repeatedly shut down, re-launch, re-brand, and overhaul all their apps and services.
True that, that’s why the only Google services I use (besides ones my university requires) are YT, Gmail, Maps, and Play Store.
Is this specific to Google’s implementation of the Android UI? This isn’t an issue on my Samsung besides it blocking older apps due to system architecture issues.
I’m referring to the Google apps themselves (Google Play, Gmail, YouTube, etc). They enable/disable UIs based on server-side flags, it happens on all devices regardless of manufacturer.
True that, especially with Samsung. The last time I read, Samsung has some sort of “e-fuse” in their security chip that destroys itself if you install an unauthorised OS version and voids your warranty, blocks Samsung Pay, and blocks their “Secure Folder” feature. At least Samsung has Goodlock. Which is blocked from running on my phone (a Samsung M52, so it is faster than newer Samsungs that support Goodlock).
Is this specific to Google’s implementation of the Android UI? This isn’t an issue on my Samsung.
True that, that’s why the only Google services I use (besides ones my university requires) are YT, Gmail, Maps, and Play Store.
I’m referring to the Google apps themselves (Google Play, Gmail, YouTube, etc). They enable/disable UIs based on server-side flags, it happens on all devices regardless of manufacturer.