Is it just me or can’t Fedora Silverblue install Flatpaks downloaded from the web (flatpakref) in GNOME Software?
(This is a valid, decentralised way of distributing software that doesn’t require centralised services like Flathub, etc. and should be supported as a first-class citizen in free and open operating systems.)
Summary GNOME Software fails with “Failed to install file: not supported” error when opening a flatpakref file downloaded from the web. Installing Flatpaks from the web site of the app author thems...
From time to time I got this message under Ubuntu Budgie too. And another thing is, that it takes sometimes much too long until the installation will start. Installing directly flatpak from the software center is (mostly) working.
The delay could be due to a platform file being downloaded. Sounds like there is no progress indication for that.
It’s really sad (but not unexpected) to see the bigger distros (backed by large corporations like Canonical and IBM) embrace the centralised software distribution model.
At least independent distributions like elementary OS support decentralised software installation (even if the default is a centralised repository and the dialog shown is scary).
this is where I actually prefer the elementary Sideload approach with a small dedicated utility. Less to break, and more clear that it’s a sideload. Theoretically one could install Sideload on a GNOME distro and it should just work, too! You’d have to compile it in a toolbox or something on Silverblue, though.
Yeah, and I’d really love to see the approach evolve so that the assumption is not “Beware: app from web bad… are you sure you want to potentially ruin your life?" to things like “Ah, this app is free and open source so you can verify the code (gorgeous check mark), etc.”
In other words, an approach that is supportive of decentralised app distribution :)
Perhaps even a whole new app (not just a dialog) that builds a great experience and community around this use case… 🤔
not a fan of this tbh. Stalkerware and ransomware can easily be open source. Curation and trusted institutional app sources are a really good match for end user software.
Herr Ungewiss 🐘
in reply to Aral Balkan • • •Aral Balkan
in reply to Herr Ungewiss 🐘 • • •It’s really sad (but not unexpected) to see the bigger distros (backed by large corporations like Canonical and IBM) embrace the centralised software distribution model.
At least independent distributions like elementary OS support decentralised software installation (even if the default is a centralised repository and the dialog shown is scary).
danijohni
in reply to Aral Balkan • • •Cassidy James Blaede
in reply to Aral Balkan • • •Aral Balkan reshared this.
Aral Balkan
in reply to Cassidy James Blaede • • •Cassidy James Blaede
in reply to Aral Balkan • • •Aral Balkan
in reply to Cassidy James Blaede • • •In other words, an approach that is supportive of decentralised app distribution :)
Perhaps even a whole new app (not just a dialog) that builds a great experience and community around this use case… 🤔
DNA schedule
in reply to Aral Balkan • • •Sheogorath
in reply to Aral Balkan • • •Aral Balkan
in reply to Sheogorath • • •