Obtainium overview | My favorite way to track Open Source apps
3 min read
1 year ago
Published on Apr 27, 2024
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Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Tracking Open Source Apps with Obtainium
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Access Obtainium GitHub Page:
- Go to the official GitHub page of Obtainium by searching for "Obtainium GitHub" in your browser.
- Look for the correct repository and scroll down to the installation section.
- Select the appropriate download link for your device, such as "app-arm64-v8a," and proceed with the download.
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Install Obtainium:
- Once the download is complete, open the downloaded file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Obtainium app.
- After installation, you should see the Obtainium app icon on your home screen or in your app drawer.
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Explore Obtainium Interface:
- Open the Obtainium app and allow notifications for tracking updates.
- Familiarize yourself with the app's interface, which includes options for adding apps, importing from URLs, exporting, and settings.
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Add Apps for Tracking:
- Select the "Add App" option in Obtainium.
- Choose from supported sources like GitHub and Codeberg to search for apps.
- Customize tracking options like including pre-releases or fallback to older releases as needed.
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Install and Track Apps:
- Obtainium will automatically track and update the selected apps in the background.
- Verify the installed version and latest version of the tracked apps within Obtainium.
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Install Apps from Trusted Sources:
- Manually install apps from trusted sources before adding them to Obtainium.
- This ensures that the OS verifies the app's signature for security.
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Utilize Obtainium Features:
- Use Obtainium to automatically find and download APKs from sources like Malvad and Signal.
- Check for updates, download APKs, and update apps seamlessly within Obtainium.
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Explore Source Code of Open Source Apps:
- Use F-Droid website to find the source code of open source apps.
- Copy the source code link and add it to Obtainium for tracking and updates.
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Address Limitations and Considerations:
- Be aware of limitations such as asynchronous app installs and potential issues with web scraping for data gathering.
- Check for any strange behavior and relaunch the app if needed.
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Contribute to Obtainium Development:
- Consider contributing to the development of Obtainium, especially regarding unattended updates and feature enhancements.
- Check out the GitHub repository for open issues and contribute if you are an Android developer.
- Enjoy the Enhanced Tracking Experience:
- Experience the efficiency of tracking open source apps with Obtainium compared to manual methods.
- Stay updated on app versions and enjoy the convenience of automated tracking and updates.
- Stay Informed and Engage with the Community:
- Stay informed about app updates and improvements through Obtainium.
- Engage with the Obtainium community and developers to provide feedback and suggestions for future enhancements.
By following these steps, you can effectively track and update open source apps using Obtainium, enhancing your app management experience and staying up-to-date with the latest versions.