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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.)

github.com/fedora-silverblue/i…

#linux #flatpak #gnome #fedora #silverblue

Screenshot of GNOME Software showing an error message in an in-app notification: “Failed to install file: not supported”

[BUG] Cannot install Flatpaks from the web using GNOME Software · Issue #267 · fedora-silverblue/issue-tracker

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...
GitHub
#linux #gnome #Flatpak #fedora #silverblue
in reply to Herr Ungewiss 🐘

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Aral Balkan

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).

in reply to Cassidy James Blaede

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Aral Balkan

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… 🤔

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