Lottie is a JSON-based animation file format that renders vector graphics and animations across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Web, and Windows) using the Bodymovin extension. It allows designers to export After Effects animations directly into native apps, maintaining small file sizes while preserving high visual fidelity and performance. This simplifies the workflow for developers by removing the need to recreate animations manually, offering a streamlined approach to integrating complex and rich animations.
Google has introduced Gemma, a family of open-source, mobile-first foundation models optimized for on-device performance. Gemma comes in two sizes: Gemma 2B and Gemma 7B, and is designed for tasks like text generation, image captioning, and question answering on Android and iOS devices. The models prioritize both quality and efficiency, allowing developers to build AI-powered applications that run smoothly on mobile hardware. Google provides comprehensive documentation, tools, and examples to support developers integrating Gemma into their projects. The models are released under an Apache 2.0 license, fostering collaboration and wider adoption of on-device AI.
HN commenters generally express excitement about Gemma, particularly its smaller size and potential for on-device AI. Several discuss the implications for privacy, preferring local models to cloud-based processing. Some question the practical applications given its limited capabilities compared to larger models, while others see potential for niche uses and as a building block for federated learning. A few commenters note the choice of Apache 2.0 license as positive, facilitating broader adoption and modification. There's also speculation about Google's motivations, including competition with Apple's coreML and potential integration with Android. Finally, some express skepticism, questioning its real-world performance and emphasizing the need for benchmarks.
Racketmeter is a tool that measures badminton racket string tension using sound frequency analysis. By recording the sound produced when plucking the strings with the Racketmeter app, the software analyzes the dominant frequency and converts it into tension using a physics-based algorithm. The app supports a wide range of rackets and strings, and aims to provide an affordable and accessible alternative to traditional tension measuring devices. It offers various features like tension history tracking, string recommendations, and data visualization to help players optimize their racket setup.
HN users generally expressed interest in Racketmeter, praising its innovative approach to string tension measurement. Some questioned the accuracy and consistency, particularly regarding the impact of string type and racket frame material. Several commenters with badminton experience suggested additional features, like storing measurements by racket and string, and incorporating tension recommendations based on player skill level or playing style. Others were curious about the underlying physics and the potential for expanding the technology to other racket sports like tennis or squash. There was also a brief discussion of the challenges in accurately measuring tension with traditional tools.
The author experimented with coding solely on AR glasses and a Linux environment running on their Android phone for two weeks. They used Nreal Air glasses for display, a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and Termux to access a Debian Linux environment on their phone. While acknowledging the setup's limitations like narrow field of view, software quirks, and occasional performance issues, they found the experience surprisingly usable for tasks like web development and sysadmin work. The portability and always-available nature of this mobile coding setup proved appealing, offering a glimpse into a potential future of computing. Despite the current drawbacks, the author believes this kind of mobile, glasses-based setup holds promise for becoming a genuinely productive work environment.
Hacker News commenters generally expressed skepticism about the practicality of the setup described in the article. Several pointed out the limitations of current AR glasses, including battery life, field of view, and input methods. Some questioned the real-world benefits over existing solutions like a lightweight laptop or tablet, particularly given the added complexity. Others highlighted the potential for distraction and social awkwardness. A few commenters expressed interest in the concept but acknowledged the technology isn't quite ready for prime time. Some discussed alternative approaches like using VNC or a lightweight desktop environment. The lack of details about the author's actual workflow and the types of tasks performed also drew criticism.
The Nextcloud Android app recently lost its direct file upload capability due to changes in how Android handles file paths. Google's new restrictions, introduced in Android 10 and further tightened in later versions, prevent apps from directly accessing broad file system paths. This broke the existing upload mechanism in the Nextcloud app, forcing developers to implement a workaround using Android's Storage Access Framework (SAF). While SAF allows users to select and upload files, it presents a less intuitive and more complex workflow compared to the previous direct upload method. The Nextcloud team is working on improving the upload experience within the constraints imposed by Google's changes.
HN commenters discuss the Nextcloud Android app losing direct file uploads, attributing it to Google restricting background activity. Several express frustration with Google's approach, arguing it hinders app functionality and user experience, especially for open-source alternatives. Some suggest workarounds like using a foreground service notification or alternative clients like FolderSync. Others point out the inherent tension between Google's desire to control the Android ecosystem and its impact on apps like Nextcloud that prioritize user control and data privacy. The discussion also touches on the broader issue of Google's influence on app development and the potential negative implications for smaller developers. A few users suggest contributing to Nextcloud or exploring alternative solutions like Syncthing.
VMOS is an app that lets you run a virtual Android instance on your Android device. This creates a separate, isolated environment where you can install and run apps, including rooted apps, and modify system settings without affecting your main operating system. It's marketed towards users who want to run multiple accounts of the same app, test potentially risky apps in a safe sandbox, or experiment with different Android versions and customizations. VMOS Pro, a paid version, offers enhanced features like floating windows and improved performance.
HN users express skepticism and concern about VMOS. Several commenters point to its closed-source nature and potential security risks, particularly regarding data collection and privacy. Some suspect it might be malware or spyware given its request for extensive permissions and the lack of transparency about its inner workings. Others mention the performance limitations inherent in running a virtual machine on a mobile device and question its practical use cases. A few users suggest alternative solutions like Genymotion or running a dedicated Android emulator on a desktop. The overall sentiment is cautious, with a strong recommendation to avoid VMOS unless one understands the potential implications and risks.
This blog post analyzes "TM Sgnl," an Android app marketed as a secure messaging platform used by some Trump officials, including Mike Waltz. The author reverse-engineered the app, revealing it relies on the open-source Signal protocol but lacks crucial security features like forward secrecy and disappearing messages. Furthermore, TM Sgnl uses its own centralized server, raising concerns about data privacy and potential vulnerabilities compared to the official Signal app, which uses a federated server architecture. The analysis concludes that despite presenting itself as a secure alternative, TM Sgnl likely offers weaker security and potentially exposes user data to greater risk.
HN commenters discuss the implications of using an obscure, unofficial Signal fork, TM-SGNL, by Trump officials. Several express concerns about the security and trustworthiness of such a client, particularly given its lack of transparency and potential for vulnerabilities. Some question the choice, suggesting it stems from a misunderstanding of Signal's functionality, specifically the belief that official servers could access their data. Others point out the irony of using a supposedly more secure app while simultaneously broadcasting its usage, potentially defeating the purpose. The feasibility of sideloading this app onto government-issued devices is also debated. A few comments highlight the difficulty of truly secure communication, even with robust tools like Signal, if operational security practices are poor. The discussion also touches on the broader issues of government officials' use of encrypted messaging and the challenges of balancing transparency and privacy.
A Perplexity AI executive revealed that Motorola intended to make Perplexity the default search and AI assistant on its phones, but a pre-existing contract with Google prohibited the move. This contract, standard for Android phone manufacturers who want access to Google Mobile Services, requires Google Search to be the default. While Motorola could still pre-install Perplexity, the inability to set it as the primary option significantly hindered its potential for user adoption. This effectively blocks competing AI assistants from gaining a significant foothold on Android devices.
Hacker News users discuss the implications of Google allegedly blocking Motorola from setting Perplexity as the default assistant. Some express skepticism about the claims, suggesting Perplexity might be exaggerating the situation for publicity. Others point out the potential antitrust implications, comparing it to Microsoft's bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows. A recurring theme is the difficulty of competing with Google given their control over Android and the default search settings. Several commenters suggest Google's behavior is unsurprising, given their dominant market position and the threat posed by alternative AI assistants. Some see this as a reason to support open-source alternatives to Android. There's also discussion about the potential benefits for consumers if they had more choice in AI assistants.
This project reverse-engineered the obfuscated bytecode virtual machine used in the TikTok Android app to understand how it protects intellectual property like algorithms and business logic. By meticulously analyzing the VM's instructions and data structures, the author was able to reconstruct its inner workings, including the opcode format, register usage, and stack manipulation. This allowed them to develop a custom disassembler and deobfuscator, ultimately enabling analysis of the previously hidden bytecode and revealing the underlying application logic executed by the VM. This effort provides insight into TikTok's anti-reversing techniques and sheds light on how the app functions internally.
HN users discussed the difficulty and complexity of reverse engineering TikTok's obfuscated VM, expressing admiration for the author's work. Some questioned the motivation behind such extensive obfuscation, speculating about anti-competitive practices and data exfiltration. Others debated the ethics and legality of reverse engineering, particularly in the context of closed-source applications. Several comments focused on the technical aspects of the reverse engineering process, including the tools and techniques used, the challenges faced, and the insights gained. A few users also shared their own experiences with reverse engineering similar apps and offered suggestions for further research. The overall sentiment leaned towards cautious curiosity, with many acknowledging the potential security and privacy implications of TikTok's complex architecture.
Android phones will soon automatically reboot if left unused for 72 hours. This change, arriving with Android 14, aims to improve security by clearing out temporary data and mitigating potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited while a device is powered on but unattended. This reboot occurs only when the phone is locked, encrypted, and not connected to a charger, minimizing disruption to users. Google notes that this feature can also help preserve battery life.
Hacker News users largely criticized the proposed Android feature of automatic reboots after 72 hours of inactivity. Many considered it an unnecessary intrusion, arguing that users should have control over their devices and that the purported security benefits were minimal for average users. Several commenters suggested alternative solutions like remote wipe or enhanced lock screen security. Some questioned the actual security impact, suggesting a motivated attacker could simply wait out the 72 hours. A few users pointed out potential downsides like losing unsaved progress in apps or missing time-sensitive notifications. Others wondered if the feature would be optional or forced upon users, expressing a desire for greater user agency.
GrapheneOS, a privacy and security-focused mobile operating system, has released an experimental build for the Pixel 9a (codename "bluejay"). This release marks initial support for the device, but is considered experimental and may have some instability. Users are cautioned that this build is not yet suitable for daily use due to the potential for bugs and incomplete features. While core functionality like calls, messaging, and camera access should work, further testing and development are ongoing before it reaches a stable, recommended state. The announcement encourages users to report any issues they encounter to help improve the build.
Hacker News users discussed the experimental Pixel 9a GrapheneOS release, expressing excitement but also caution. Several praised GrapheneOS's security focus and the expansion of supported devices. Some questioned the practicality of using a less mainstream OS and potential compatibility issues with apps. The discussion also touched on the challenges of maintaining a hardened OS and the trade-offs between security and convenience. A few users shared their positive experiences with GrapheneOS on other Pixel devices, while others raised concerns about the "experimental" tag and potential bugs. Overall, the sentiment was positive but tempered with pragmatic considerations.
KOReader is a free and open-source document viewer focused on e-ink devices like Kobo, Kindle, PocketBook, and Android. It emphasizes comfortable reading, offering features like customizable fonts, margins, and line spacing, along with extensive dictionary integration, footnote support, and various text-to-speech options. KOReader supports a wide range of document formats, including PDF, EPUB, MOBI, DjVu, CBZ, and CBR. The project aims to provide a flexible and feature-rich reading experience tailored to the unique demands of e-ink displays.
HN users praise KOReader for its customizability, speed, and support for a wide range of document formats. Several commenters highlight its excellent PDF handling, especially for scientific papers and technical documents, contrasting it favorably with other readers. Some appreciate its minimalist UI and focus on reading, while others discuss advanced features like dictionaries and syncing. The ability to run on older and less powerful hardware is also mentioned as a plus. A few users mention minor issues or desired features, like improved EPUB reflow, but overall the sentiment is very positive, with many long-time users chiming in to recommend it. One commenter notes its particular usefulness for reading academic papers and textbooks, praising its ability to handle complex layouts and annotations.
Google is shifting internal Android development to a private model, similar to how it develops other products. While Android will remain open source, the day-to-day development process will no longer be publicly visible. Google claims this change will improve efficiency and security. The company insists this won't affect the open-source nature of Android, promising continued AOSP releases and collaboration with external partners. They anticipate no changes to the public bug tracker, release schedules, or the overall openness of the platform itself.
Hacker News users largely expressed skepticism and concern over Google's shift towards internal Android development. Many questioned whether "open source releases" would truly remain open if Google's internal development diverged significantly, leading to a de facto closed-source model similar to iOS. Some worried about potential stagnation of the platform, with fewer external contributions and slower innovation. Others saw it as a natural progression for a maturing platform, focusing on stability and polish over rapid feature additions. A few commenters pointed out the potential benefits, such as improved security and consistency through tighter control. The prevailing sentiment, however, was cautious pessimism about the long-term implications for Android's openness and community involvement.
Starting next week, Google will significantly reduce public access to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) development process. Key parts of the next Android release's development, including platform changes and internal testing, will occur in private. While the source code will eventually be released publicly as usual, the day-to-day development and decision-making will be hidden from the public eye. This shift aims to improve efficiency and reduce early leaks of information about upcoming Android features. Google emphasizes that AOSP will remain open source, and they intend to enhance opportunities for external contributions through other avenues like quarterly platform releases and pre-release program expansions.
Hacker News commenters express concern over Google's move to develop Android AOSP primarily behind closed doors. Several suggest this signals a shift towards prioritizing Pixel features and potentially neglecting the broader Android ecosystem. Some worry this will stifle innovation and community contributions, leading to a more fragmented and less open Android experience. Others speculate this is a cost-cutting measure or a response to security concerns. A few commenters downplay the impact, believing open-source contributions were already minimal and Google's commitment to open source remains, albeit with a different approach. The discussion also touches upon the potential impact on custom ROM development and the future of AOSP's openness.
Briar is a messaging app designed for high-security and censored environments. It uses peer-to-peer encryption, meaning messages are exchanged directly between devices rather than through a central server. This decentralized approach eliminates single points of failure and surveillance. Briar can connect directly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi in proximity, or through the Tor network for more distant contacts, further enhancing privacy. Users add contacts by scanning a QR code or sharing a link. While Briar prioritizes security, it also supports blogs and forums, fostering community building in challenging situations.
Hacker News users discussed Briar's reliance on Tor for peer discovery, expressing concerns about its speed and reliability. Some questioned the practicality of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi mesh networking as a fallback, doubting its range and usability. Others were interested in the technical details of Briar's implementation, particularly its use of SQLite and the lack of end-to-end encryption for blog posts. The closed-source nature of the Android app was also raised as a potential issue, despite the project being open source overall. Several commenters compared Briar to other secure messaging apps like Signal and Session, highlighting trade-offs between usability and security. Finally, there was some discussion of the project's funding and its potential use cases in high-risk environments.
Apple is reportedly planning to add support for encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging between iPhones and Android devices. This means messages, photos, and videos sent between the two platforms will be end-to-end encrypted, providing significantly more privacy and security than the current SMS/MMS system. While no official timeline has been given, the implementation appears to be dependent on Google updating its Messages app to support encryption for group chats. This move would finally bring a modern, secure messaging experience to cross-platform communication, replacing the outdated SMS standard.
Hacker News commenters generally expressed skepticism about Apple's purported move towards supporting encrypted RCS messaging. Several doubted Apple's sincerity, suggesting it's a PR move to deflect criticism about iMessage lock-in, rather than a genuine commitment to interoperability. Some pointed out that Apple benefits from the "green bubble" effect, which pressures users to stay within the Apple ecosystem. Others questioned the technical details of Apple's implementation, highlighting the complexities of key management and potential vulnerabilities. A few commenters welcomed the move, though with reservations, hoping it's a genuine step toward better cross-platform messaging. Overall, the sentiment leaned towards cautious pessimism, with many anticipating further "Apple-style" limitations and caveats in their RCS implementation.
Lynx is an open-source, high-performance cross-platform framework developed by ByteDance and used in production by TikTok. It leverages a proprietary JavaScript engine tailored for mobile environments, enabling faster startup times and reduced memory consumption compared to traditional JavaScript engines. Lynx prioritizes a native-first experience, utilizing platform-specific UI rendering for optimal performance and a familiar user interface on each operating system. It offers developers a unified JavaScript API to access native capabilities, allowing them to build complex applications with near-native performance and a consistent look and feel across different platforms like Android, iOS, and other embedded systems. The framework also supports code sharing with React Native for increased developer efficiency.
HN commenters discuss Lynx's performance, ease of use, and potential. Some express excitement about its native performance and cross-platform capabilities, especially for mobile and desktop development. Others question its maturity and the practicality of using JavaScript for computationally intensive tasks, comparing it to React Native and Flutter. Several users raise concerns about long-term maintenance and community support, given its connection to ByteDance (TikTok's parent company). One commenter suggests exploring Tauri as an alternative for native desktop development. The overall sentiment seems cautiously optimistic, with many interested in trying Lynx but remaining skeptical until more real-world examples and feedback emerge.
The Register reports that Google collects and transmits Android user data, including hardware identifiers and location, to its servers even before a user opens any apps or completes device setup. This pre-setup data collection involves several Google services and occurs during the initial boot process, transmitting information like IMEI, hardware serial number, SIM serial number, and nearby Wi-Fi access point details. While Google claims this data is crucial for essential services like fraud prevention and software updates, the article raises privacy concerns, particularly because users are not informed of this data collection nor given the opportunity to opt out. This behavior raises questions about the balance between user privacy and Google's data collection practices.
HN commenters discuss the implications of Google's data collection on Android even before app usage. Some highlight the irony of Google's privacy claims contrasted with their extensive tracking. Several express resignation, suggesting this behavior is expected from Google and other large tech companies. One commenter mentions a study showing Google collecting data even when location services are disabled, and another points to the difficulty of truly opting out of this tracking without significant technical knowledge. The discussion also touches upon the limitations of using alternative Android ROMs or de-Googled phones, acknowledging their usability compromises. There's a general sense of pessimism about the ability of users to control their data in the Android ecosystem.
Amazon is shutting down its Appstore for Android devices on August 20, 2025. Users will no longer be able to download or update apps from the Appstore after this date, and some services associated with existing apps may also cease functioning. Amazon will refund any remaining Amazon Coins balance. Developers will continue to be paid royalties for existing apps until the shutdown date. While Amazon states they're shifting focus to Fire tablets and Fire TV, the actual Android Appstore listing has been pulled from the Google Play Store, and development of new Android apps for submission is now discouraged.
Hacker News users react to the Amazon Appstore shutdown with a mixture of apathy and mild surprise. Many point out the store's general irrelevance, citing its limited selection and lack of discoverability compared to the Google Play Store. Some speculate about Amazon's motivations, suggesting they're refocusing resources on more profitable ventures or admitting defeat in the mobile app market. A few users express disappointment, having used the store for specific apps unavailable elsewhere or to take advantage of Amazon Coins promotions. The overall sentiment suggests the closure won't significantly impact the Android ecosystem.
Taner Şener, the creator of FFmpegKit, a commercial wrapper around FFmpeg for mobile development, announced that he's ceasing development and support. Due to complexities in maintaining FFmpeg across various architectures and operating systems, increasing maintenance burden, and inadequate revenue to justify continued development, he's chosen to shut down. Existing clients can continue using their purchased licenses, but future updates and support are discontinued. The core issue is the difficulty of sustainably supporting a complex project like FFmpegKit, even as a paid product, given the rapid pace of mobile development and the substantial engineering effort required for compatibility. While acknowledging the disappointment this will cause some users, Şener emphasizes the unsustainable nature of the project's current trajectory and thanks users for their support over the years.
Hacker News users discuss the author's decision to discontinue FFmpegKit, an iOS/Android FFmpeg library. Several commenters express disappointment, highlighting FFmpegKit's ease of use compared to alternatives like MobileFFmpeg. Some suggest the decision stems from the difficulty of maintaining cross-platform compatibility and the complex build process involved with FFmpeg. Others speculate about the author's motivation, including burnout or lack of financial viability. A few offer alternative solutions or express hope for a successor project. The lack of clear documentation for building FFmpeg directly is also a recurring concern, reinforcing the value of projects like FFmpegKit.
Memfault, a platform for monitoring and debugging connected devices, is seeking an experienced Android System (AOSP) engineer. This role involves working deeply within the Android Open Source Project to develop and improve Memfault's firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updating system and device monitoring capabilities. The ideal candidate possesses strong C/C++ skills, a deep understanding of AOSP internals, and experience with embedded systems, particularly in the realm of firmware updates and low-level debugging. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a fast-growing startup and shape the future of device reliability.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed interest in the Memfault position, inquiring about remote work possibilities and the specific nature of "low-level" work involved. Some discussion revolved around the challenges and rewards of working with AOSP, with one commenter highlighting the complexity and fragmentation of the Android ecosystem. Others noted the niche nature of embedded Android/AOSP development and the potential career benefits of specializing in this area. A few commenters also touched upon Memfault's business model and the value proposition of their product for embedded developers. One comment suggested exploring similar tools in the embedded Linux space, while another briefly discussed the intricacies of AOSP customization by different device manufacturers.
Waydroid lets you run a full Android system in a container on your Linux desktop. It utilizes a modified version of LineageOS and leverages Wayland to integrate seamlessly with your existing Linux environment, allowing for both a full-screen Android experience and individual Android apps running as regular windows on your desktop. This allows access to a large library of Android apps while retaining the benefits and familiarity of a Linux desktop. Waydroid focuses on performance and integration, offering a more native-feeling Android experience compared to alternative solutions.
Hacker News users discussed Waydroid's resource usage, particularly RAM consumption, with some expressing concern about it being higher than native Android on compatible hardware. Several commenters questioned the project's advantages over alternative solutions like Anbox, Genymotion, or virtual machines, focusing on performance and potential use cases. Others shared their experiences using Waydroid, some praising its smooth functionality for specific apps while others encountered bugs or limitations. The discussion also touched on Waydroid's security implications compared to running a full Android VM, and its potential as a development or testing environment. A few users inquired about compatibility with various Linux distributions and desktop environments.
Pixel 4a owners who haven't updated their phones are now stuck with a buggy December 2022 battery update as Google has removed older firmware versions from its servers. This means users can no longer downgrade to escape the battery drain and random shutdown issues introduced by the update. While Google has acknowledged the problem and promised a fix, there's no ETA, leaving affected users with no immediate solution. Essentially, Pixel 4a owners are forced to endure the battery problems until Google releases the corrected update.
HN commenters generally express frustration and disappointment with Google's handling of the Pixel 4a battery issue. Several users report experiencing the battery drain problem after the update, with some claiming significantly reduced battery life. Some criticize Google's lack of communication and the removal of older firmware, making it impossible to revert to a working version. Others discuss potential workarounds, including custom ROMs like LineageOS, but acknowledge the risks and technical knowledge required. A few commenters mention the declining quality control of Pixel phones and question Google's commitment to supporting older devices. The overall sentiment is negative, with many expressing regret over purchasing a Pixel phone and a loss of trust in Google's hardware division.
The article explores using a 9eSIM SIM card to enable eSIM functionality on devices with only physical SIM slots. The 9eSIM card acts as a bridge, allowing users to provision and switch between multiple eSIM profiles on their device through a companion app, effectively turning a physical SIM slot into an eSIM-capable one. The author details their experience setting up and using the 9eSIM with both Android and Linux, highlighting the benefits of managing multiple eSIM profiles without needing a physically dual-SIM device. While the process isn't entirely seamless, particularly on Linux, the 9eSIM offers a practical workaround for using eSIMs on older or incompatible hardware.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and security implications of using a 9eSIM to bridge the gap between eSIM-only services and devices with physical SIM slots. Some expressed concerns about the security of adding another layer into the communication chain, questioning the trustworthiness of the 9eSIM provider and the potential for vulnerabilities. Others were skeptical of the use case, pointing out that most devices support either physical SIM or eSIM, not both simultaneously, making the 9eSIM's functionality somewhat niche. The lack of open-source firmware for the 9eSIM also drew criticism, highlighting the difficulty in independently verifying its security. A few commenters saw potential in specific situations, such as using the 9eSIM as a backup or for managing multiple eSIM profiles on a single physical SIM device. Overall, the sentiment was cautiously curious, with many acknowledging the cleverness of the solution but remaining hesitant about its real-world security and usefulness.
The popular mobile game Luck Be a Landlord faces potential removal from the Google Play Store due to its use of simulated gambling mechanics. Developer Trampoline Tales received a notice from Google citing a violation of their gambling policies, specifically the simulation of "casino-style games with real-world monetary value, even if there is no real-world monetary value awarded." While the game does not offer real-world prizes, its core gameplay revolves around slot machine-like mechanics and simulated betting. Trampoline Tales is appealing the decision, arguing the game is skill-based and comparable to other allowed strategy titles. The developer expressed concern over the subjective nature of the review process and the potential precedent this ban could set for other games with similar mechanics. They are currently working to comply with Google's request to remove the flagged content, though the specific changes required remain unclear.
Hacker News users discuss the potential ban of the mobile game "Luck Be a Landlord" from Google Play due to its gambling-like mechanics. Several commenters expressed sympathy for the developer, highlighting the difficulty of navigating Google's seemingly arbitrary and opaque enforcement policies. Others debated whether the game constitutes actual gambling, with some arguing that its reliance on random number generation (RNG) mirrors many other accepted games. The core issue appears to be the ability to purchase in-game currency, which, combined with the RNG elements, blurs the line between skill-based gaming and gambling in the eyes of some commenters and potentially Google. A few users suggested potential workarounds for the developer, like removing in-app purchases or implementing alternative monetization strategies. The overall sentiment leans toward frustration with Google's inconsistent application of its rules and the precarious position this puts independent developers in.
Summary of Comments ( 19 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44088216
Hacker News commenters generally praised Lottie for its small file size, performance, and ease of use compared to GIFs or embedded video. Several mentioned using it successfully in production, particularly for mobile apps, highlighting its efficiency in terms of bandwidth and battery life. Some expressed concern about potential security issues stemming from its use of JSON, particularly for animations sourced from untrusted parties. A few commenters discussed alternatives, like Rive, comparing their respective features and performance characteristics, with some suggesting Rive might be more suitable for interactive animations. Others appreciated the accessibility Lottie offers designers, enabling them to easily export animations directly from After Effects. Finally, some pointed out the limitations of the format, such as difficulty handling complex animations or certain After Effects features.
The Hacker News post "Lottie is an open format for animated vector graphics" (linking to lottie.github.io) has a modest number of comments, generating a discussion primarily focused on the practical uses and limitations of the Lottie format.
Several commenters praise Lottie's efficiency and small file size, particularly for mobile applications where minimizing resource usage is crucial. One user highlights its usefulness for embedding complex animations without resorting to large GIFs or embedded video, significantly reducing app size. This efficiency is echoed by another commenter who appreciates Lottie's ability to keep animations sharp at different resolutions, unlike raster-based solutions.
The conversation also touches on the integration of Lottie with different design tools. One comment specifically mentions using Lottie with After Effects and points to the Bodymovin plugin as a key tool for the workflow. However, another commenter raises a concern about limitations in exporting certain After Effects features to Lottie, cautioning against assuming full feature parity. They suggest that while simple animations translate well, more complex effects or features might not be fully supported, requiring workarounds or simplification.
Performance is another recurring theme. One commenter praises Lottie's performance on both Android and iOS, while another mentions using it specifically for micro-interactions within a mobile app. This suggests that Lottie is well-suited for adding subtle animations to enhance user experience without impacting performance.
A few comments delve into technical details. One user mentions the use of a JSON format for Lottie files, contributing to the small file size and parsing efficiency. Another explores the rendering process, explaining how Lottie animations are rendered on the CPU rather than the GPU, which might impact performance in certain scenarios, although generally perceived as positive for UI animations.
Finally, some comments offer practical advice, such as recommending specific tools for converting SVG files into Lottie animations. This practical focus underscores the community's interest in using Lottie for real-world applications.
While the discussion isn't extensive, it provides valuable insights into the perceived advantages and limitations of Lottie, highlighting its strengths in mobile development, its reliance on specific tools and workflows, and some technical considerations related to performance and file format. The comments generally express a positive view of Lottie, particularly for its efficiency and ease of use in mobile applications.