Google Messages APK teardown shows app eventually won’t work on “uncertified” devices

21 January 2021
This will tentatively go into effect on March 31.

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WillieD, 21 Jan 2021So let me get this straight...Google forces RCS onto their ... moreActually, what they're saying is, you're free to use our product UNLESS you decide to unlock your device, opening it up to possibly being hacked. It's their product, they can do as they please. But honestly, I am behind this decision. You want to use their apps, keep your bootloader locked, pretty simple.

    Anonymous, 21 Jan 2021Stock Android's messages sucks. The app preinstalled i... moreUhmm, no. No spam detection and no RCS. The AOSP version is plain AF

      Anonymous, 21 Jan 2021They are probably working on completely shutting out uncert... moreTwo completely separate things. Forcing people to use secured devices in order to use their software, make complete sense. Side loading, however, can be done regardless of unlock status. Side loading apps is one of the only trump cards that Android still holds over Apple, I don't see them giving up that major edge anytime soon.

        abigfanoftechs, 21 Jan 2021Download Signal[or other apps] & set it as your default... moreIf you decide to unlock your device, removing a crucial security measure and still expect to use their software, they sure as hell can.

          abigfanoftechs, 21 Jan 2021Average users just use whatever is the default on their pho... moreTheir device's are certified because they're not unlocked. This is just another part of Google's big plan(which I support)to get people to choose between security and customization, you cannot have both anymore. They have been flipping switches for months on unlocked devices that try to pass CTS(safetynet), forcing them to make the same decision. Bottom line, you unlock, you give up any and all support from Google. Completely understandable.

            nanagdad, 21 Jan 2021F Google! They're trying to discourage unlocking our p... moreLol, they're not trying to discourage anything. They are just saying that if you choose to compromise your device, you're not going to be able to use their apps. Completely understandable. Same thing they are doing with CTS, you want to use your banking apps, feel free, but you're gonna need to be locked to do it. 🤷

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              • CR45H 0V3RR1D3
              • 4D$
              • 24 Jan 2021

              What part of this is a surprise? Nothing is stopping you from using this app, unless you feel like the security of your device is worth throwing out the window. I find it comical that people are talking about using more secured messaging apps on an unlocked device. That's like saying, I'll keep my front door wide open, but I am going to have a secure bedroom door. I love the RCS features and IDC if it's not as secure as other apps. I don't wear tinfoil on my head, so messaging encryption means nothing to me. The bottom line, you want Google services to q6ork properly, don't compromise your device's security by unlocking your bootloader. If you choose to unlock, then be prepared to play the cat and mouse game with google and magisk. Personally, there's nothing worth unlocking for anymore, but I also have a P4XL. I have tried all of the kernels available for this device and not one actually makes it perform any better than Google's kernel. As far as ROM's go, it takes at least 6 months before all the pixel specific sh*t even works on them and even then, it's janky at best.

                • C
                • CR45H 0V3RR1D3
                • 4D$
                • 24 Jan 2021

                What part of this is a surprise? Nothing is stopping you from using this app, unless you feel like the security of your device is worth throwing out the window. I find it comical that people are talking about using more secured messaging apps on an unlocked device. That's like saying, I'll keep my front door wide open, but I am going to have a secure bedroom door. I love the RCS features and IDC if it's not as secure as other apps. I don't wear tinfoil on my head, so messaging encryption means nothing to me. The bottom line, you want Google services to q6ork properly, don't compromise your device's security by unlocking your bootloader. If you choose to unlock, then be prepared to play the cat and mouse game with google and magisk. Personally, there's nothing worth unlocking for anymore, but I also have a P4XL. I have tried all of the kernels available for this device and not one actually makes it perform any better than Google's kernel. As far as ROM's go, it takes at least 6 months before all the pixel specific sh*t even works on them and even then, it's janky at best.

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                  • Paul Bayagbag
                  • XTL
                  • 24 Jan 2021

                  Just use Signal Messenger App and your problem is solved

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                    • Nijoo
                    • 7R{
                    • 23 Jan 2021

                    This is already happening fellas. Happened to me personally for Phone by Google, Gboard. This is sick. BTW, I wondered why it was force closing without a proper reason. Well, after seeing this post, took counter measures. So, if you're facing force closes for Google products, try to use Magisk hide. It might come in handy

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                      • Janis
                      • nTW
                      • 22 Jan 2021

                      Most useless messaging app will stop working? Fine by me. I hated when Xiaomi replaced their messaging app with crippled google sms app. Never asked for it.

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                        • Gykes
                        • Nu6
                        • 22 Jan 2021

                        abigfanoftechs, 21 Jan 2021Average users just use whatever is the default on their pho... moreYou know signal don't receive OTP right?

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                          • Anonymous
                          • smP
                          • 22 Jan 2021

                          strong of text

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                            • Gsus
                            • pk4
                            • 22 Jan 2021

                            Use signal it has SMS fallback

                              Lumia 950 XL, 22 Jan 2021Pulse ?I looked into pulse and it was asking me for a subscription for something.
                              No thanx.

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                                • Dawn
                                • 39y
                                • 22 Jan 2021

                                Google

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                                  • Lumia 950 XL
                                  • 39y
                                  • 22 Jan 2021

                                  Uncle D, 21 Jan 2021Who wants Google messages when we have "Pulse" ✔️✔️✔️Pulse ?

                                    Lyndino, 21 Jan 2021I almost want to say 'f' it all and go off grid c... moreLOL.

                                      Anonymous, 21 Jan 2021Maybe they don't want to live a super paranoid life? I am paranoided, that's why I lock all the doors/windows to my house. :-)

                                        This is going to push me even more to only using Google Pixel a series phones. The smartphone market appears to get worse by the day.

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