In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile applications, the Play Store has become a sprawling marketplace reminiscent of a bustling flea market. Here, familiar names coexist with newcomers, all vying for attention amidst an overwhelming array of choices. While the “Top Charts” are often dominated by well-known titles, the influx of new apps can be both exciting and daunting. However, lurking within this digital bazaar are also less savory offerings—apps that may appear appealing but are designed to exploit unsuspecting users.
Enough apps to make your head spin
As of early February 2025, the sheer volume of applications available on the Play Store is staggering, with 42matters reporting nearly 2.1 million apps. Each day, over 1,100 new apps are introduced, leading to an average of almost 42,000 fresh options monthly. This abundance raises a critical concern: the effectiveness of the search function. While it performs adequately for specific queries, searching for broader terms often yields chaotic results, leaving users frustrated. The inability to sort by criteria such as “recently updated” or “highest rating” only compounds the issue, making it challenging to discover the latest and most relevant apps.
Moreover, the experience can be further marred by the lack of transparency regarding app updates. Users frequently find themselves waiting for updates to download, despite having set their devices to update automatically overnight. This minor inconvenience can disrupt the user experience, especially when expectations are not met.
Stepping into the world of FOSS
Amidst the chaos of the Play Store lies an alternative realm of applications known as FOSS, or free and open-source software. F-Droid serves as a dedicated platform for these apps, offering a refreshing departure from the mainstream marketplace. However, accessing F-Droid requires sideloading its app or utilizing clients like Neo Store or Droid-ify, which present a more modern interface compared to the original F-Droid app.
This journey into the world of open-source applications unveils a treasure trove of innovative tools that often go unnoticed. Although the process of discovering and maintaining these apps may involve additional effort, the rewards are substantial for those willing to explore beyond the conventional boundaries of the Play Store.
Obtainium to the rescue
For those who curate a specific collection of open-source applications, Obtainium emerges as a valuable ally. Initially discovered during a quest for reliable retro gaming emulators, Obtainium allows users to bypass the Play Store and F-Droid, accessing apps and updates directly from their sources. With support for over a dozen repositories, including GitHub and GitLab, users can seamlessly keep their favorite applications up to date.
While the process of adding apps can be intricate, especially when dealing with rate limits on platforms like GitHub, Obtainium offers solutions to streamline the experience. Users can export their curated lists of apps, ensuring that their selections are easily transferable across devices. This feature not only simplifies the setup process for new devices but also enhances the overall management of open-source applications.
Additionally, Obtainium allows users to track updates for applications without downloading them, providing notifications for new releases. This functionality is particularly useful for keeping tabs on drivers and various app forks. By integrating their app lists with GitHub, users can maintain a cohesive ecosystem of open-source software, making it easier to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.
While the path to discovering and managing applications outside the Play Store may not appeal to everyone, those seeking greater control and a more tailored experience will find that tools like Obtainium offer a compelling alternative. In a world where choice is abundant yet often overwhelming, exploring these options can lead to a more satisfying and enriching app experience.
