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Comment by bdz | Hacker News Reader

I wish open source projects publish the compiled .apk file not just the source code.

If I want to install this on my Fire HD I either have to download the .apk from some dodgy mirror site or install Google Play with some workaround on the Fire HD. Cause Firefox Focus is not available in the Amazon App Store. I mean yeah I can do both in the end, not a big deal, but I just want the .apk nothing else.

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https://github.com/mozilla-mobile/focus-android/releases

In case anyone else didn't click through, AaronMT's succinct post is a link to the github release page for the Android version.

It includes apk download links in addition to source code links and Google play store links.

The thing GP was complaining Mozilla weren't doing.

Uh thanks... My fault!

You should be able to download such APKs from F-Droid or its fancier "frontend" - https://fossdroid.com/a/firefox-klar.html

At least there is Yalp Store now [1]. But I agree it would be nice if more oss projects would provide the apk directly (or even better prepare the project for easy F-Droid inclusion).

[1] https://f-droid.org/packages/com.github.yeriomin.yalpstore/

You should absolutely install Google Play store on the Fire HD. It's not difficult.

That drags in all the other google services and "telemetry" and gives google root on his phone, which he may not want

It's on Fdroid

Same issue for every Chinese user... just pray its on Fdroid or get shady apps from the Xiaomi store

It is on FDroid[1], and they provide official builds[2]. I really wish people would actually check stuff like this (that takes a few minutes) before spreading FUD.

As an aside, I only use FDroid on my devices to install APKs (the only exception being Signal which now provides bare APKs[3]).

[1]: https://f-droid.org/packages/org.mozilla.klar/ [2]: https://github.com/mozilla-mobile/focus-android/releases [3]: https://signal.org/android/apk/

I did check. And it's not at all clear from FDroid that Klar and Focus are the same thing (and reading the other comments here.. it sounds like maybe there is some difference?)

I almost only use FDroid, but it can be sometimes of a pain. Like not even having Firefox and VLC is kinda bananas

apkmirror.com is not dodgy. It is also the only apk website I'd trust.

Can you offer more information about why you trust it?

Sure. Sorry for the late response! It is basically maintained by a reputable source (android police) and they also seem to take security seriously. If they cannot verify the origin of an APK for sure, they rather reject it.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/11/19/meet-apk-mirror/

https://www.apkmirror.com/faq/#What_measures_do_you_take_to_...

Agreed. Perhaps send them a note.

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