this post was submitted on 27 Oct 2023
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RIP the only reliable website for grabbing APKs. I don't even actually have an adblock on my side.

It's still somewhat usable after you dismiss that message but CSS screws up.

Any good alternatives? I know I can use Aurora Store to get older versions of apps, but then I'll have to find version codes for those somewhere. The advantage of APKMirror also was that it showed the minimum API required to run a specific version of an app (so I could find the last working version to install on Android 5 for example).

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[–] Armacadia@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I don't consider resorting to (any) ad trackers being an ethical way to earn revenue. First, because the site/app owner doesn't really have much control over the relevancy or legitimacy of ads shown to users (ad network admins may be doing their best, but scams will still make their way through - hey there, Unity Ads). Second, no, I'm not letting you to fingerprint me across basically all websites I visit to enhance ad relevance, since most of it ends up being like intrusive thoughts anyway, with no real use for me. In the end, it's just distracting, annoying garbage cluttering the view. I'm sorry I couldn't explain my position better.

The internet was better when the only kind of ads out there was contextual, for money or just by friendship. "Hey, so you're on my site reviewing various types of coffee? Check out my aunt's coffee shop in Prague, they're making excellent cappuccino! Click here to visit their site!"

Likewise, I would much rather prefer a service with limited functionality (e.g. ability to download only the latest version of an app in this case) in its free version to a service that throws a pile of shit at you, then asks if you want to clean yourself from it for a monthly (quarterly, yearly) fee.

[–] Moltz@lemm.ee 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Sadly the rest of us have to live in reality. Have fun railing against one of the few sites left that makes an effort. Soon there won't be any and your fantasy world will magically come true. You've definitely thought this through. ;)

[–] Armacadia@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I do understand your point, however, the reality sucks and you're sounding like not trying to do anything about it is the only possibly right thing to do. I certainly don't feel like living in an infospace consisting of 90% of ads and possibly-maybe 10% of actually useful information

[–] Carighan@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

But isn't that the point? Support the few times someone runs ads decently?