Escalating Tensions with Google Review Lead to the Halt of Android Open Source File Sync App, Syncthing
Brook.X
The open-source and free Android file synchronization application, Syncthing, will release its final version in December 2024 through Github and F-Droid, after which the application will cease development and no longer introduce any new features (versions for other platforms will remain unaffected).
It's quite regrettable, as Syncthing has a substantial number of active users thanks to its practicality. The app's primary function allows for the synchronization of Android data to other devices, particularly over local area networks. For instance, users can synchronize music or video libraries between an Android device and a Windows PC, sync KeePass databases, or transfer other files to Android devices.
Why Development Is Stopping:
The trigger for this decision was an issue with Google Play's listing review process that began in February 2024. Developer Imsodin (Simon Frei) revealed that Google prohibited the app from accessing device storage space—a capability essential for Syncthing to transfer files.
Despite multiple negotiations with Google, the issue remained unresolved, leading to the developer's decision to completely stop the development of the Syncthing app.
Why Not Continue to Publish on Github?
For the developers, abandoning Google Play was not seen as a significant issue, given that the software is open-source and does not require payment through Google Play.
Thus, the Google review issue was merely the last straw; the underlying reason is that the developers are exhausted. Another main maintainer of Syncthing stated that the app has been in a support phase for a long time, meaning it was functional but no longer receiving new features.
The ultimate decision was for the developers to entirely give up on the project, ceasing development. Although the app is currently usable, it will no longer receive bug fixes or updates for subsequent Android versions, potentially impacting user experience.
Lastly, another software, SyncTrayzor, is also in a non-active development phase, leaving it uncertain whether other developers will take over Syncthing's development to continue its availability.
