Android & sideloading: What Google's new policy means for Zenith TV

📌 In a nutshell

Google announced a new policy that will make installing third-party applications (APKs) much more difficult on Android, effective from September 2026.

Concretely, any developer wishing to distribute an app outside the Play Store will now have to Sign up with Google, provide official identification, and pay a fee. Applications from unregistered developers will blocked or subject to a deliberately deterrent installation process (9 steps, mandatory 24-hour waiting period, multiple warning screens).

💡 The good news:
➡️ Your current Android devices remain compatible with Zenith TV, and nothing changes immediately for the vast majority of you.
➡️ For the new purchases, we have carefully selected devices independent of Google and Amazon, built to last and withstand these growing restrictions.

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What is Google doing?

In August 2025, Google announced the Android Developer Program, effective September 2026. This program requires any developer wishing to distribute an Android application — even outside of the Play Store — is centrally registered with Google. This includes:

• ❌ Payment of fees to Google
• ❌ Google's Terms of Service
• ❌ Providing a government-issued ID
• ❌ Disclosure of the app signing key

If a developer doesn't comply, Its application will be silently blocked on all certified Android devices worldwide.

For those who still want to install an unverified app, Google has provided what it calls an «advanced flow» — which boils down to A deliberately deterrent 9-step course, including enabling developer mode, several warning screens, and a mandatory 24-hour waiting period. All this is to install an application on a device you own and have paid for.

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💬 Our opinion — and why we say it clearly

We experienced the same thing with Amazon and Vega OS last year. Today, Google is following suit — and we need to call a spade a spade.

The official pretext is «security.» But as noted by over 71 organizations including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, F-Droid, Proton, KDE, the Free Software Foundation, and many others: Verifying a developer's identity does not make code more secure. It makes it identifiable, controllable, and potentially censored.

What Google actually does:

• 🔒 Extend one's control beyond the Play Store, on ALL Android distribution channels
• 🔒 Eliminate the competition Alternative app stores (F-Droid, etc.) and independent apps
• 🔒 Reward large companies to the detriment of independent developers, volunteers, and open-source projects

Android has always distinguished itself from iOS with its openness. Google is backtracking on this promise — on devices you've already bought and paid for.

At Zenith TV, we can't stay silent about this. We stand up for your freedom to use your device as you see fit. That's why we've taken the initiative and selected for you devices that do not depend on Google or Amazon — and will remain open no matter what.

Learn more and join the movement: keepandroidopen.org

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Is my current Android device still compatible with Zenith TV?

Yes, absolutely. If you already own an Android TV or Google TV device (Chromecast, Formuler, BuzzTV, Nvidia Shield, Android box, etc.), You can continue to use Zenith TV normally., without changing anything.

Google's policy goes into effect on September 2026 and concerns new installations on devices that will receive the concerned Android update. For the vast majority of existing devices:

• ✅ Zenith TV is already installed and working — nothing changes
• Zenith TV updates will continue to apply normally through our integrated update system
• ✅ No action is required from you at this time

⚠️ In the longer term, new installations on Google-certified Android devices could become more complex. We will keep you informed every step of the way.

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⚠️ What will change starting September 2026

On Android devices Who will receive the update imposing developer verification:

• ⚠️ Installing an app from outside the Play Store will intentionally complicated (9-step process, 24-hour waiting period)
• ⚠️ Warning repeated warning screens will try to discourage installation
• If Zenith TV is not registered with Google according to their new terms, The installation might be blocked on these devices

This is exactly why we anticipated the situation and fully review our device recommendations. This time, we have chosen solutions truly independent of the major platforms.

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🛒 Our new recommendations — free, powerful, and lasting devices

After the Firestick / Vega OS episode, we learned our lessons: Relying on Amazon or Google for your TV experience exposes you to their restrictions.. So we have carefully selected devices that:

• Do not use the certified Google Play Store as the sole installation channel
• ✅ Runs on Android systems open and independent
• ✅ Are powerful, stable, and optimized for streaming
• ✅ Will allow you to install Zenith TV freely, today like tomorrow

Here are our recommendations:

• 🔹 BuzzTV E5 SE Signature Edition — Economic Choice · TV box made in Canada, open Android, free installation, perfect for getting started
• 🔹 Formuler Z11 Pro — Functionality level · Standalone Android, dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, optimized and very smooth TV interface
• 🔹 Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 — Premium choice · The best of the Formuler range: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, Gigabit, premium remote control, maximum stability and power for an uncompromising experience
• 🔹 Formuler Z12 Ultra — The absolute peak · The ultimate Formuler reference: high-end performance, backlit Bluetooth remote control, Wi-Fi 6, the choice of the most demanding users for an impeccable long-term TV experience

⚠️ These devices do not come with a Zenith TV subscription. The subscription must be purchased separately on our website.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

Will my Android box or Chromecast be immediately affected?
No. The changes apply starting September 2026 and primarily affect new installations on devices receiving the relevant Android update. If Zenith TV is already installed, It will continue to function normally.

Is my Chromecast with Google TV still recommended?
For now, yes—if you already have it. But for a new purchase, we now recommend that you favor the devices listed above, which do not depend on Google certification and will remain free no matter what.

Will Zenith TV register with Google to remain accessible?
No. And it's a deliberate choice. Registering with Google would be equivalent to condone a dangerous drift for the digital freedoms of all. We will continue to distribute Zenith TV outside of the Play Store, by direct sideloading — as we have always done. We are thus joining organizations like Proton, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, F-Droid, KDE and dozens of others who also refuse to comply with this program. We also invite all independent developers to do the same: Not playing the game is the only way to resist. Digital freedoms are under attack from all sides right now—and staying silent or submitting is abandoning them.

Can I still install Zenith TV on an existing Android TV device?
Yes., without any restrictions for now. The usual installation procedure still applies. In case of changes, we will inform you immediately with the appropriate instructions.

Why is Google doing this?
Google invokes «security.» But dozens of organizations (EFF, F-Droid, Proton, KDE, FSF...) and hundreds of thousands of users and developers mainly see it as consolidation of the Play Store monopoly and a way to control what you can install on your own device. To learn more: keepandroidopen.org

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🔐 In conclusion

If you're already using an Android TV or Google TV device, You can continue to enjoy Zenith TV as usual.. No immediate action is necessary.

For everything new purchase, we highly recommend turning to our new selections — BuzzTV E5 SE, Formuler Z11 Pro, Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1, or Formuler Z12 Ultra — devices carefully chosen for their independence, power, and longevity in the face of growing restrictions from Google and Amazon.

Zenith TV will not register with Google. We will continue to distribute our applications freely, through direct sideloading, as we have done from the beginning. This is our commitment to you — and to digital freedom.
🔔 We will notify you immediately if the situation changes and if any action is required from your end.