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Open source softwares on Android platform?

Hi everybody!
It's my first post here, I'm quite a noob at all these Android things, but I got my HTC Hero last year and have been using it quite a lot since then.
I'm also fond of FLOSS (Free/Libre/Open Source Software), and I always try to find an open source equivalent to what I'm using. That's how I switched to Ubuntu Linux 6 years ago and never came back to Windows
I've been looking on the Web, reading Android news websites, and I realized they never talk about open source software being developed for Android phones. At most, they will talk about free (as in beer) softwares, but most of the time these are ad-supported or quickly become ad-supported if they're popular.
For instance, I looked for a music player (cause the one offered by HTC is quite slow and poorly reads OGG music -- yes I'm also in open formats!), and I could only find ad-supported free-ish softwares (MixZing player for instance)... but no open source choice!
On Linux, there are dozens of music players, and of course they're all open source, so you just choose the one you like the best, and even if it doesn't suit you perfectly, you can modify it or develop a plugin for it!
I was wondering if all that was because of the Android Market. Could it be possible to push an open source application on the Android Market? Would it be accepted?
Anyways, to summarize: Is there an open source community on Android?
Thanks in advance!

I'd say yes, you can find many oss in android market, but generally the source is in devs personal page. For instance my apps are open-source, the rom hackers generally give out their source, and more. However i don't know if there are oss apps for all categories...

Hi!
Thanks for your answer! (and congrats for the supertux port )
I'm pretty concerned about the multimedia part... So far:
MixZing Player ==> Ad supported, closed sources
Tune Wiki ==> Ad supported, closed sources
Astro Player ==> Commercial software, closed sources
Cubed ==> Closed sources
etc.
The only one I see was Rock On, which used to be closed sources until the project was discontinued (now the sources are available on github I guess).
As for the other softwares, a lot of them are created by people who think they're going to be rich by selling 0.99 USD softwares... therefore all these softwares are (obviously) closed-sources!

not to be a smart ass but, as long as it works, does it really matter if the source is available?
Yes FOSS is great but if there's a closed source app that does the job I'll use it, there's nothing wrong with closed source vs open when it comes to functionality

Of course, it's mainly a philosophical/ethical topic.
But to give you an example, MixZing recently decided to add an ad-supported system. In the initial release after this system was applied, ads were displayed every 10 seconds, it became almost unusable!
Of course, because a lot of people complained, the MixZin developers changed that. Yet, it's still heavily invaded with ads everywhere...
Another thing is that if you like a software but think it lacks a functionality, with open source you can add it. Of course, it requires technical skills, but the most important thing is that it is possible. With closed source, the only thing you can do is to send a feedback to the developers, then cross your fingers and hope that your request will be implemented in the next version.
A last thing: if the software is discontinued (e.g. the main developers lack of time to keep maintaining the software), the source is available for anybody to maintain it. With closed sources, well... use your software until the next Android update tells you it's too old to run on your system!
By the way, I should twist my fingers 7 times before typing anything: the main developer of RockOn created a project called ^3 (Cubed) which is open source as well, and which has evolved a lot since the last time I checked it! It might become my music player of choice!

I personally use Music Mod. I'm not sure if it's open or not, it's based on the stock music player.
As for open source vs not, I use the best tool for the job. I've used Linux for 11 years and Unix for years before that but I'm no source code tree hugging hippy..
There are many open source software.. I'd have to guess most on code.google.com are open..

arcMedia is based off ffmpeg and so should be OSS
(appbrain playing up today so link here)
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/multimedia/arcmedia_jpez.html

[APP] FlowReader - Save this awesome RSS reader

This is a long shot, but I since the demise of Google Reader (which this app supported) the developer has decided to no longer continue the development of this app. A tragedy; I think we as a community should try and sway him to continue it instead, adding new back ends, both Feedly and TOR (TheOldReader) support would be great. I would love to continue using this app, as it is probably the best RSS reader I have encountered on Android. It is my hope that we can either convince him to continue the project or allow someone else to (any volunteers ?).
Flow Reader gives you an easy way to be on par with your RSS/Google Reader feeds on the go. It was built to provide a minimalist and seamless experience for offline browsing, while delivering additional features not found in similar apps.
Some of the main features include:
- A sleek and fast user interface;
- Offline item content and state caching;
- Multiple simultaneous downloads for fast content synchronization;
- Content filters that automatically mark as read the items you're not interested in;
- Sort items by state (latest/unread/starred) or author;
- Smart algorithms that remove ads and other undesirable content from items;
- No ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Developer posted this statement in the most recent app update:
As you sure know by now, Google has discontinued the Reader service, so this app is no longer functional.
Although I am very happy with the (unexpected) success of this app, I've decided to no longer update Flow Reader. This is due to several reasons: a) I built this app "for fun" and to my very specific RSS reading needs. Although I very happy to see that a lot of other people enjoyed it, I was in no way ready for attention it received (due to multiple technical and logistic reasons); b)This app was essentially just a prototype turned into a final product. The Code is very messy right now and it's becoming harder and harder to make any further changes, let alone any major ones (like background updates). c) The app is *very* tied to Google Reader backend, which means that giving proper support to another service would require a very significant amount of effort.
I am very thankful to all my users (especially the ones who donated and gave feedback!), but I hope you can understand the reasons behind this decision - continuing to work on this app would require a major rewrite and too much time trying to (once again) and make the pieces all fit with "spit and glue".
If you are interested in any future app I might develop, you can be notified about it by sending me an e-mail using the button below. You will know beforehand of any project I might be working on (and maybe even receive an alpha/beta version of it?).
Thank you again - and hopefully this won't be the end
The Developer
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Those who have used the app please voice your support to continue the project as I have emailed the developer the link to this thread.

(Flow Reader dev here)
Right, here's what's going on:
Personally, I'm not very happy with any of the current readers on the Play Store, so the idea of building the next iteration of Flow Reader is one that I really enjoy. Unfortunately, I simply don't have the time that I would need to keep developing it any further. I now have a full time job and not much patience to keep working on the app on my spare time.
The thing is, I have several unique ideas that I believe would greatly improve the experience of Flow Reader. Actually, some of these already graduated from just ideas, as some prototyping is already done and working. I also think there is a decent amount of money that could be made from them, so I'm not very willing to just leave them out in the open.
The fact is, though, it is very unlikely that I'll ever finish this new version of the app that I'm building. I can see two options right now:
OPTION 1 - The cooperation route:
- I will pair with another developer (or a small group of developers). Bear in mind that the code is reasonably complex, so i'd rather work with someone that feels confortable around code.
- The code of Flow Reader will remain closed, but shared with the people that want to be part of this project;
- I will take care of the things that I believe to be my greatest strength: UIX and prototyping. But I will always be open to suggestions on these areas.
- The profit of the app will be split 25% (for me) and 75% (for the other developer(s)).
OPTION 2 - The free route:
- I open up the code of Flow Reader under the condition that it will forever remain open-source and free (under an attribution, no derivatives and no commercial use licence).
- I will no longer will have any direct input or cooperation on the app.
Also, I honestly think it would be better to start the app from scratch. The code is a complete mess right now so trying to build more features upon it would just be less efficient. Still, some techniques and code used in Flow Reader could be reused to save some time.

Choices
I have been a user of Flow Reader for some time and was really sad when it stopped working and that the dev stated that there was no longer going to be updates to continue after the demise of Google Reader.
That said, I totally agree that it should be continued into the post-Google Reader era of RSS news. I originally created a post on Reddit in which I stated that for the continuality of Flow one idea would be to open source the code on a git site to allow others to progress his work further.
Understandably this poses the risk of Flow Reader loosing it's (work)Flow. All that time and effort the dev put in to creating a stunning, and above all easily functional, UIX could well be lost. On the other hand the simplicity of this RSS reader coupled with its parallel article downloading feature would live on and enrich many an Android RSS fans.
So here I am on XDA, stating my opinions for the two options presented.
For the Closed Sourced Approach:
The idea of sharing the workload will mean that whoever is chosen to work on Flow Reader will most likely have a great deal of knowledge to input in to this project. It also means that the UIX will not change without considerable thought first. This I applaud.
The fact that the developer says that the proceeds of the app will be divvied up indicates to a paid app, further indicating to (hopefully) a group of developers with the incentive to push great work "out the door".
For the Open Sourced Approach:
The hands of many a developer could make this app into something even better than it already is....
...or it could ruin it with out the guidance of the one who had the vision in the beginning.
Usually in the open source community when there is a bug and/or a missing feature, if someone with the appropriate know how can fix it, it shall be done.
A question, then, to WildMoves. Would those who have donated need to pay again once it arrives back on the play store? That is if you are going to make it a paid for only app?
Either way, with the way that Flow Reader handles feeds I honestly have never, and believe never shall, discover one better. To which I would like to say that no matter which direction the dev goes, I will support and give as much feedback as I can.
Again, great work mate and keep on coding,
Skinna a.k.a Skinnx86

Skinna said:
I originally created a post on Reddit in which I stated that for the continuality of Flow one idea would be to open source the code on a git site to allow others to progress his work further.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, when I posted my answer I was still trying to develop the next iteration of Flow Reader. I built a prototype to test several ideas before I came to the realization that I couldn't build the full app the way I wanted to in a feasible amount of time and still... well... live. :\ So I am now receptive to offset most of the workload to a developer or group of developers (hence the 25/75 profit split).
Skinna said:
A question, then, to WildMoves. Would those who have donated need to pay again once it arrives back on the play store? That is if you are going to make it a paid for only app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the email addresses of everyone who donated, so I could probably create a mailing list to deliver full versions of the (paid) app outside the Play Store. Assuming that I would have the approval from the other developers, it would be a good sign of gratitude to those who donated, IMO.

Reasonable Thoughts
Well a man has to live. To spend your free time developing and building something you would expect some payback of some sort. But thank you for remembering us early adaptors. I know I for one will be thankful, I can but imagine others will be too.
As much as I was appreciative of the beta's being sent to us, but in case you did not hear, Facebook updated some peoples app out side of the play store. Now Google have banned out-of-market beta testing. I believe that sending an apk to install initially will work and should update through the play store correctly.

[Challenge] App challenge! Bring Graph 89 into 2016, and profit!

The developer for Graph 89, a graphing calculator emulator for Android, popular for its ability to reliably emulate a range of Texas Instruments' most common academic calculators is up for grabs. The developer used code from multiple open source projects and released the full, paid editions code in 2013. The emulator is very useful but is somewhat in need of a UI/UX update. Also, seeing the paid version eventually make it to the play store with regular updates again would be nice.
Now for the challenge.
Many users of tablets would love to see an application like this get floating app support. Nothing would be nicer than to be able to have a good ol ti-84/89 hovering on my screen when I didn't pack either in my bag that day. So if you have any experience with developing for android, please at least take a look. Maybe even pick it up on your spare time as a pet project!
This is to check user interest AND see interested developers speak up about picking up the project again, as well as just make everyone aware that the source is available and will need some documentation updates.
Source here:
https://bitbucket.org/dhashoandroid/graph89-paid
As I am NOT the author a s have never built this one from source, I can only really answer any related questions with "Look at the code, use Google, peruse the comments, or just buy the compiled version on the play store".
Play store link is NOT here because I would rather draw interest to the code and not send money in the direction of someone who isn't maintaining it anymore. Thanks and let's do this!

App Reviews in a national UK magazine

Hello All,
I've been a mostly lurking member of XDA for a long time. I'm a tech journalist writing for The Inquirer (www.theinquirer.net) but I'm posting about my new role, which includes taking over the software reviews in Computer Shopper (UK) - the biggest selling print mag of its type. For the first time, 'software' is going to include apps. So I'm inviting devs and publishers to submit their apps for review consideration.
Rules are as follows:
1. Your app must be finished. It's in your own best interest not to send a work in progress.
2. Your app must be available in the Google Play store, and if there is a paid option, I need access to the full version via code, no apks please. Also outline all IAP please, so I know when I review.
3. Games are welcome but I'll be upfront and say that apps are more likely to get space than games, but try your luck if you want.
4. Apps must be new - either since the start of 2016, or had a major update/revamp/version
5. Submitting an app does not mean you will get reviewed. There are a millions of apps on the store, and I get two pages a month for software.
If you're interested, please PM me with details of the app you're proposing and I'll let you know if it will suit our audience.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Chris.

onsomethinguk said:
Hello All,
I've been a mostly lurking member of XDA for a long time. I'm a tech journalist writing for The Inquirer (www.theinquirer.net) but I'm posting about my new role, which includes taking over the software reviews in Computer Shopper (UK) - the biggest selling print mag of its type. For the first time, 'software' is going to include apps. So I'm inviting devs and publishers to submit their apps for review consideration.
Rules are as follows:
1. Your app must be finished. It's in your own best interest not to send a work in progress.
2. Your app must be available in the Google Play store, and if there is a paid option, I need access to the full version via code, no apks please. Also outline all IAP please, so I know when I review.
3. Games are welcome but I'll be upfront and say that apps are more likely to get space than games, but try your luck if you want.
4. Apps must be new - either since the start of 2016, or had a major update/revamp/version
5. Submitting an app does not mean you will get reviewed. There are a millions of apps on the store, and I get two pages a month for software.
If you're interested, please PM me with details of the app you're proposing and I'll let you know if it will suit our audience.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Chris.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should check Trese Brothers.

[APP] Arc Lighting Navigation Bar

Hey everyone, Nathan here!
Today, I'm proud to present my app developed with Symetium Corporation.
The app is called Arc Lighting Navigation Bar - PC Style Taskbar and is now available on the Google Play Store.
The app allows you to completely override your existing navigation bar and in its place, have an insanely customizable Navigation Bar. In just half an hour of playing around with it, you can create themes similar to different versions of Windows, ChromeOS, Linux or literally anything you can imagine. The app has numerous indicators similar to our first app, Arc Lighting. In addition to that, you can set the icons of the buttons to various pre-selected images or even add your own. The app has different setup options for Android newbies and experts alike so, while extreme customization IS possible, it isn't too confusing.
Unfortunately, the app isn't completely free because we need to earn back some of the development costs as well as fund our upcoming projects, HOWEVER, you get 2 FREE HOURS of use and can watch short video advertisements in exchange for additional hours of time using the app. If you can't afford to purchase the app, we understand but would still love it if you would take a moment and try the app for an hour or two!
Also, stay tuned for announcements on how you can get the app for free. Our goal is to work with other media influencers and do giveaways to make sure anyone can get a chance to use the app!
Compatible Devices
At the moment, most devices are compatible. There are a few exceptions and a couple of known issues with certain devices.
1. All Samsung devices have an odd glitch that will force you to use Simple Mode. We are working on a fix for this issue.
2. A couple of tablets are known to have issues with the app so please reach out to me if you encounter this issue and we'll work on it asap
Download
The app can be found on the Google Play Store here:
mod edit - link removed
We would absolutely love for you take a bit of time and try it out. Feedback is extremely crucial to us at this stage of development so we'd love to hear back from you! Thanks for your time!

epicality said:
Unfortunately, the app isn't completely free because we need to earn back some of the development costs as well as fund our upcoming projects, HOWEVER, you get 2 FREE HOURS of use and can watch short video advertisements in exchange for additional hours of time using the app. If you can't afford to purchase the app, we understand but would still love it if you would take a moment and try the app for an hour or two!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forum Rules
11. Don’t post with the intention of selling something.
Don’t use XDA to advertise your product or service. Proprietors of for-pay products or services, may use XDA to get feedback, provide beta access, or a free version of their product for XDA users and to offer support, but not to post with the intention of selling. This includes promoting sites similar / substantially similar to XDA-Developers.com.
Do not post press releases, announcements, links to trial software or commercial services, unless you’re posting an exclusive release for XDA-Developers.com.
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reference
A Guide to Paid Work on XDA-Developers
[Announcement] Changes to the paid theme policy (25-JULY-2015)
Paid Software Announcement and Discussion
Read BEFORE Creating a New Thread ** **UPDATED 12-Apr
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