Description
Right now, the only way to get our Android app is through the Google Play Store.
We want to change that by making it available in more places. Some of our users run privacy-focused setups like GrapheneOS, which don't use the Play Store at all, so they currently have no way to install the app. On top of that, if we publish the APK ourselves through official channels, we stay in control of distribution rather than relying on someone else to repost it.
Outline of solution
- Publish the APK as a free download on GitHub Releases, so anyone can grab it directly
- List the app on F-Droid. F-Droid is an open-source app store built for Android users who care about privacy and open software. Think of it like the Play Store, but community-run and focused on trust and transparency.
- Keep the app free at the download level across all these new channels
- Review other app stores too
A note on how we plan to make money
For now, direct APKs and app stores without payment gateways will have a free distribution. Down the line, we will likely either add a one-time purchase step inside the app ("Buy Whisper AI"), or keep the app entirely free and lean into our marketplace as the main revenue path.
We need to fund development, but it's early days. We're prepared to pivot as we figure out what works best for our users, with privacy always unaffected.
Checklist
Additional context
Follows from #76 - discussion around helping users get other builds.
GrapheneOS users are already asking on socials for a way to install outside the Play Store (@followbenparry has had this request in particular). Team agrees the marketplace is the planned revenue path, so giving the base app away free makes sense as a growth strategy.
Description
Right now, the only way to get our Android app is through the Google Play Store.
We want to change that by making it available in more places. Some of our users run privacy-focused setups like GrapheneOS, which don't use the Play Store at all, so they currently have no way to install the app. On top of that, if we publish the APK ourselves through official channels, we stay in control of distribution rather than relying on someone else to repost it.
Outline of solution
A note on how we plan to make money
For now, direct APKs and app stores without payment gateways will have a free distribution. Down the line, we will likely either add a one-time purchase step inside the app ("Buy Whisper AI"), or keep the app entirely free and lean into our marketplace as the main revenue path.
We need to fund development, but it's early days. We're prepared to pivot as we figure out what works best for our users, with privacy always unaffected.
Checklist
Additional context
Follows from #76 - discussion around helping users get other builds.
GrapheneOS users are already asking on socials for a way to install outside the Play Store (@followbenparry has had this request in particular). Team agrees the marketplace is the planned revenue path, so giving the base app away free makes sense as a growth strategy.