• Re: Storage media availability over time [Android Newsreader]

    From Dave Royal@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, August 20, 2026 19:48:43
    AJL <noemail@none.com> Wrote in message:

    ...

    My favorite Android newsreader was Groundhog. I still used it for reading
    Usenet until just a few days ago When Amazon updated my Fire tablet and
    completely broke it. By Groundhog, it was a fun journey over the years
    (sniff)...

    Try Alfio's 2.02_M17_OC from here: <https://mega.nz/folder/7yhzFSYA#dGGTmFcuO_ags9lZRrFoqA>

    Filters are inadequate but it's quite usable.
    --
    Remove numerics from my email address.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From AJL@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, August 20, 2026 21:07:51
    On 8/20/26 11:48 AM, Dave Royal wrote:
    AJL <noemail@none.com> Wrote in message:

    My favorite Android newsreader was Groundhog. I still used it for reading
    Usenet until just a few days ago When Amazon updated my Fire tablet and
    completely broke it. By Groundhog, it was a fun journey over the years
    (sniff)...

    Try Alfio's 2.02_M17_OC from here: ><https://mega.nz/folder/7yhzFSYA#dGGTmFcuO_ags9lZRrFoqA>

    Filters are inadequate but it's quite usable.

    Thanks. I'll give it a try.



    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From AJL@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, August 20, 2026 22:25:07
    Dave Royal wrote:
    AJL wrote:

    My favorite Android newsreader was Groundhog. I still used it for reading
    Usenet until just a few days ago When Amazon updated my Fire tablet and
    completely broke it. Bye Groundhog, it was a fun journey over the years
    (sniff)...

    Try Alfio's 2.02_M17_OC from here: <https://mega.nz/folder/7yhzFSYA#dGGTmFcuO_ags9lZRrFoqA>
    Filters are inadequate but it's quite usable.

    Thanks. I'll give it a try.

    Unfortunately none of my current Android gear will load the apks. It's
    apparently a security issue. So when this PhoNews Pro newsreader app
    finally does give up the ghost I'll likely just go back to Windows
    Thunderbird. I suppose I really can't complain since I've gotten 7 years so
    far (per Google I purchased it on 6-24-19) out of the app for my $1.99
    (US). Course Thunderbird's cheaper (free) but buying the Windows laptop
    (I'm Windowless at the moment) to run it does make it a bit more
    expensive... 8-O Thanks again...


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Frank Slootweg@3:633/10 to All on Friday, August 21, 2026 18:55:54
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
    [...]

    So when this PhoNews Pro newsreader app
    finally does give up the ghost I'll likely just go back to Windows
    Thunderbird. I suppose I really can't complain since I've gotten 7 years so
    far (per Google I purchased it on 6-24-19) out of the app for my $1.99
    (US). Course Thunderbird's cheaper (free) but buying the Windows laptop
    (I'm Windowless at the moment) to run it does make it a bit more
    expensive... 8-O Thanks again...

    When (or before) your Android newsreader app(s) cease to function,
    perhaps you might want to have a look at accessing a Windows system from
    your Android phone. That way you could use Windows newsreaders, like Thunderbird, and access them from your phone.

    There are many, many such remote access tools. For example I have used TeamViewer in the past.

    And 'these days', there apparently is a new remote access 'app' called
    the 'Windows App' (What's in a name? :-)).

    With the Windows App, you can remotely access Windows systems from
    other platforms, such as Android, Chrome OS and many others.

    The catch is that the Windows App requires a Windows *Pro* version on
    the remote side, because the Windows App uses/needs 'Remote Desktop' functionality, which is not available on Windows Home..

    All the details:

    'Windows App documentation' <https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-app/landing>

    If you want to pursue this path, it's probably best to crosspost to comp.mobile.android and alt.comp.os.windows-11.

    I hope this is of some use to you (or/and others).

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From AJL@3:633/10 to All on Friday, August 21, 2026 19:39:04
    On 8/21/26 11:55 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

    when this PhoNews Pro newsreader app
    finally does give up the ghost I'll likely just go back to Windows >>Thunderbird.

    When (or before) your Android newsreader app(s) cease to function,

    PhoNews has been working fine on this tablet (and my Chromebook) so
    apparently (crosses fingers and toes) no rush yet. It just quit posting on
    my other tablet, unknown why.

    perhaps you might want to have a look at accessing a Windows system from
    your Android phone. That way you could use Windows newsreaders, like >Thunderbird, and access them from your phone.

    I doubt a Windows Thunderbird screen would work well from my phone. Things
    would be way too tiny. I even had that problem using TB on one of my
    earlier Windows tablet toys with my fat fingers.

    There are many, many such remote access tools. For example I have used >TeamViewer in the past.
    And 'these days', there apparently is a new remote access 'app' called
    the 'Windows App' (What's in a name? :-)).
    With the Windows App, you can remotely access Windows systems from
    other platforms, such as Android, Chrome OS and many others.

    The trouble with remote access is I need something remote to access.
    Currently I'm still Windowless and actually haven't missed it until this
    (possible upcoming) problem.

    The catch is that the Windows App requires a Windows *Pro* version on
    the remote side, because the Windows App uses/needs 'Remote Desktop' >functionality, which is not available on Windows Home..
    All the details:
    'Windows App documentation' ><https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-app/landing>

    Thanks but if I do retreat to a cheapie Windows LT I'll just use it. No
    remote.

    If you want to pursue this path, it's probably best to crosspost to >comp.mobile.android and alt.comp.os.windows-11.

    Ah. Another bug (some would say feature) is that PhoNews won't crosspost.

    I hope this is of some use to you (or/and others).

    Thanks for the effort...



    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Dave Royal@3:633/10 to All on Saturday, August 22, 2026 06:44:33
    On Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:25:07 -0000 (UTC), AJL wrote:

    Dave Royal wrote:
    AJL wrote:

    My favorite Android newsreader was Groundhog. I still used it for
    reading Usenet until just a few days ago When Amazon updated my Fire
    tablet and completely broke it. Bye Groundhog, it was a fun journey
    over the years (sniff)...

    Try Alfio's 2.02_M17_OC from here:
    <https://mega.nz/folder/7yhzFSYA#dGGTmFcuO_ags9lZRrFoqA>
    Filters are inadequate but it's quite usable.

    Unfortunately none of my current Android gear will load the apks. It's
    apparently a security issue...

    It's an old app, minimally modified a few years ago. I run it on Android
    13 and I know folk who run it on recent devices.

    It's ages since I installed it but IIRC:
    - you allow installation of non-playstore apps somewhere in settings,
    security
    - it says it won't install; you tap 'More info' and 'install anyway'
    - before running it you have to give it permissions manually to access the filestore - files? photos?

    Start a new thread if you want to persist with it.

    There's also a new app being tested in it.tlc.cellulari.android. I leave
    you to investigate that.
    --
    (Remove any numerics from my email address.)

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Nuno Silva@3:633/10 to All on Saturday, August 22, 2026 09:41:36
    On 2026-08-20, AJL wrote:

    Dave Royal wrote:
    AJL wrote:

    My favorite Android newsreader was Groundhog. I still used it for reading >>> Usenet until just a few days ago When Amazon updated my Fire tablet and
    completely broke it. Bye Groundhog, it was a fun journey over the years
    (sniff)...

    Try Alfio's 2.02_M17_OC from here:
    <https://mega.nz/folder/7yhzFSYA#dGGTmFcuO_ags9lZRrFoqA>
    Filters are inadequate but it's quite usable.

    Thanks. I'll give it a try.

    Unfortunately none of my current Android gear will load the apks. It's apparently a security issue.

    If the system is explicitly saying that it is a security issue, at least
    these days it most likely isn't, and is something you can configure
    that's just worded in a very convenient way to discourage changing the
    setting.

    So when this PhoNews Pro newsreader app
    finally does give up the ghost I'll likely just go back to Windows Thunderbird. I suppose I really can't complain since I've gotten 7 years so far (per Google I purchased it on 6-24-19) out of the app for my $1.99
    (US). Course Thunderbird's cheaper (free) but buying the Windows laptop
    (I'm Windowless at the moment) to run it does make it a bit more
    expensive... 8-O Thanks again...


    --
    Nuno Silva

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From AJL@3:633/10 to All on Saturday, August 22, 2026 14:08:02
    On 8/21/26 11:44 PM, Dave Royal wrote:
    On Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:25:07 -0000 (UTC), AJL wrote:
    Dave Royal wrote:
    AJL wrote:

    My favorite Android newsreader was Groundhog. I still used it for
    reading Usenet until just a few days ago When Amazon updated my Fire
    tablet and completely broke it.

    Try Alfio's 2.02_M17_OC from here:
    <https://mega.nz/folder/7yhzFSYA#dGGTmFcuO_ags9lZRrFoqA>
    Filters are inadequate but it's quite usable.

    Unfortunately none of my current Android gear will load the apks. It's
    apparently a security issue...

    It's an old app, minimally modified a few years ago. I run it on Android
    13 and I know folk who run it on recent devices.

    it says it won't install; you tap 'More info' and 'install anyway'
    before running it you have to give it permissions manually to access the >filestore - files? photos?

    Both my current Android tablets do the same. The popups first say install
    anyway? Then a refusal. Then an override line is offered and tapping that
    with your apk I got another popup that says not installed.

    There's also a new app being tested in it.tlc.cellulari.android. I leave
    you to investigate that.

    Thanks but I solved it the easy way. I ordered a new toy (Windows laptop)
    from Amazon last night and it will be on my doorstop in a few hours.
    Welcome back Thunderbird...




    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From AJL@3:633/10 to All on Saturday, August 22, 2026 14:42:27
    On 8/22/26 1:41 AM, Nuno Silva wrote:
    On 2026-08-20, AJL wrote:
    Dave Royal wrote:

    Try Alfio's 2.02_M17_OC from here:
    <https://mega.nz/folder/7yhzFSYA#dGGTmFcuO_ags9lZRrFoqA>
    Filters are inadequate but it's quite usable.

    Unfortunately none of my current Android gear will load the apks. It's
    apparently a security issue.

    If the system is explicitly saying that it is a security issue, at least >these days it most likely isn't, and is something you can configure
    that's just worded in a very convenient way to discourage changing the >setting.

    Since I do keep sensitive apps on this tablet I suspect it may be wise to
    just let things be. Perhaps clicking any link from most any Usenet post
    might be considered unsafe by many...



    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Frank Slootweg@3:633/10 to All on Saturday, August 22, 2026 18:54:59
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
    On 8/21/26 11:55 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

    when this PhoNews Pro newsreader app
    finally does give up the ghost I'll likely just go back to Windows >>Thunderbird.

    When (or before) your Android newsreader app(s) cease to function,

    PhoNews has been working fine on this tablet (and my Chromebook) so
    apparently (crosses fingers and toes) no rush yet. It just quit posting on
    my other tablet, unknown why.

    perhaps you might want to have a look at accessing a Windows system from >your Android phone. That way you could use Windows newsreaders, like >Thunderbird, and access them from your phone.

    I doubt a Windows Thunderbird screen would work well from my phone. Things
    would be way too tiny. I even had that problem using TB on one of my
    earlier Windows tablet toys with my fat fingers.

    I think you could use a seperate Thunderbird profile and configure
    that for a (relatively) large font, and as little waste of screen
    real-estate as possible.

    There are many, many such remote access tools. For example I have used >TeamViewer in the past.
    And 'these days', there apparently is a new remote access 'app' called
    the 'Windows App' (What's in a name? :-)).
    With the Windows App, you can remotely access Windows systems from
    other platforms, such as Android, Chrome OS and many others.

    The trouble with remote access is I need something remote to access.
    Currently I'm still Windowless and actually haven't missed it until this
    (possible upcoming) problem.

    Yes, that's why I suggested this combined phone/computer solution: You
    want to use your phone for reading/posting Usenet, but have no
    functioning newsreader (anymore) for Android.

    The catch is that the Windows App requires a Windows *Pro* version on
    the remote side, because the Windows App uses/needs 'Remote Desktop' >functionality, which is not available on Windows Home..
    All the details:
    'Windows App documentation' ><https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-app/landing>

    Thanks but if I do retreat to a cheapie Windows LT I'll just use it. No
    remote.

    Yes, a Windows laptop/tablet when at home, but what when you're out
    and about (read: when your wife is shopping)?

    If you want to pursue this path, it's probably best to crosspost to >comp.mobile.android and alt.comp.os.windows-11.

    Ah. Another bug (some would say feature) is that PhoNews won't crosspost.

    I hope this is of some use to you (or/and others).

    Thanks for the effort...

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From AJL@3:633/10 to All on Saturday, August 22, 2026 20:59:37
    On 8/22/26 11:54 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

    I doubt a Windows Thunderbird screen would work well from my phone. Things >>would be way too tiny. I even had that problem using TB on one of my >>earlier Windows tablet toys with my fat fingers.

    I think you could use a seperate Thunderbird profile and configure
    that for a (relatively) large font, and as little waste of screen
    real-estate as possible.

    When I earlier had my Windows tablets I came to the conclusion that the
    Windows OS just wasn't designed for a touchscreen as it was very difficult
    for me to use compared to my Android toys. I think your Thunderbird big
    font suggestion would be even harder on me...

    The trouble with remote access is I need something remote to access. >>Currently I'm still Windowless and actually haven't missed it until this >>(possible upcoming) problem.

    But now I'm no longer Windowless. I solved the problem the easy way.

    Yes, a Windows laptop/tablet when at home, but what when you're out
    and about (read: when your wife is shopping)?

    When PhoNews eventually quits on my phone I'll just have to read the news.
    Easy peasy. ;)




    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From AJL@3:633/10 to All on Saturday, August 22, 2026 20:45:17
    On 8/22/2026 7:08 AM, AJL wrote:

    I solved it the easy way. I ordered a new toy (Windows laptop)
    from Amazon last night and it will be on my doorstop in a few hours.
    Welcome back Thunderbird...

    Testing 1,2,3,4. Ah, so to have Thunderbird back...


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Kerr-Mudd, John@3:633/10 to All on Monday, August 24, 2026 17:27:51
    On Sat, 22 Aug 2026 14:28:41 -0000 (UTC)
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

    On 8/22/26 1:37 AM, Nuno Silva wrote:
    On 2026-08-20, AJL wrote:

    My favorite Android newsreader was Groundhog. I still used it for reading >> Usenet until just a few days ago When Amazon updated my Fire tablet and
    completely broke it. By Groundhog, it was a fun journey over the years
    (sniff)...

    And so you went to sleep and woke up to find that it was still working,
    and then live through Amazon updating and breaking it again, to go to
    sleep and wake up again to it working, until you realized you had to
    change *something* to move on to the next day, perhaps make it so that >Amazon can't break it?

    Actually Groundhog had never worked on any of my Android toys past about
    version 9. It quit posting but still received posts ok. I liked it because
    it was a quicker and easier receiver than this PhoNews which has a PITA
    receiver. So I read with Groundhog and when needed posted with PhoNews.

    Groundhog didn't break completely until the latest Amazon update which was
    not surprising as though the Amazon Fire OS is always a few Android numbers
    behind it always advances and so I always knew the day was coming... 8-O



    A new, to me, poster (MCSM) posted an AI generated app (NeReo) that he? specced:
    Message-ID: <1161qtg$3er12
    to alt.comp.software.newsreaders and alt.comp.freeware

    I haven't gone far into it, but have connected with authentication to E-S;
    and have read an article or 2 on the (8?) free-to-air ngs there, so it
    seems to work, though it is twice the size of Alfios. I've not trusted it
    with my E-S account or tested to see if there's anything else embedded in
    the bloat.


    --
    Bah, and indeed Humbug.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From AJL@3:633/10 to All on Monday, August 24, 2026 10:52:51
    On 8/24/2026 9:27 AM, Kerr-Mudd, John wrote:
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

    Groundhog had never worked on any of my Android toys past about
    version 9. It quit posting but still received posts OK. I liked it
    because it was a quicker and easier to read posts than PhoNews
    which is a PITA to read. So I read with Groundhog and when needed
    posted with PhoNews.

    A new, to me, poster (MCSM) posted an AI generated app (NeReo) that
    he? specked: Message-ID: <1161qtg$3er12 to
    alt.comp.software.newsreaders and alt.comp.freeware

    I haven't gone far into it, but have connected with authentication to
    E-S; and have read an article or 2 on the (8?) free-to-air ngs there,
    so it seems to work, though it is twice the size of Alfios. I've not
    trusted it with my E-S account or tested to see if there's anything
    else embedded in the bloat.

    The non-Play Store apps that I've tried refuse to side-load on my
    current Android tablets. Apparently a security issue. And since there
    are sensitive items not to mention possible danger to my Google account
    I'm not going to attempt to bypass them. So unless someone puts a new newsreader in the Play Store, when my PhoNews app finally breaks I'll
    just continue on with this Windows Thunderbird app. I'm currently using
    an older TB version (with no update nagging) and no security complaints.
    Yea...

    BTW I'm not as worried about security on this Windows toy since I'm
    signed in with my fake name. I'll bet you can guess its initials...



    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Kerr-Mudd, John@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 09:28:38
    On Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:27:51 +0100
    "Kerr-Mudd, John" <admin@127.0.0.1> wrote:

    On Sat, 22 Aug 2026 14:28:41 -0000 (UTC)
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

    On 8/22/26 1:37 AM, Nuno Silva wrote:
    On 2026-08-20, AJL wrote:

    My favorite Android newsreader was Groundhog. I still used it for reading
    Usenet until just a few days ago When Amazon updated my Fire tablet and >> completely broke it. By Groundhog, it was a fun journey over the years >> (sniff)...

    And so you went to sleep and woke up to find that it was still working, >and then live through Amazon updating and breaking it again, to go to >sleep and wake up again to it working, until you realized you had to >change *something* to move on to the next day, perhaps make it so that >Amazon can't break it?

    Actually Groundhog had never worked on any of my Android toys past about
    version 9. It quit posting but still received posts ok. I liked it because
    it was a quicker and easier receiver than this PhoNews which has a PITA
    receiver. So I read with Groundhog and when needed posted with PhoNews.

    Groundhog didn't break completely until the latest Amazon update which was
    not surprising as though the Amazon Fire OS is always a few Android numbers
    behind it always advances and so I always knew the day was coming... 8-O



    A new, to me, poster (MCSM) posted an AI generated app (NeReo) that he? specced:
    Message-ID: <1161qtg$3er12
    to alt.comp.software.newsreaders and alt.comp.freeware

    I haven't gone far into it, but have connected with authentication to E-S;
    *without*
    and have read an article or 2 on the (8?) free-to-air ngs there, so it
    seems to work, though it is twice the size of Alfios. I've not trusted it with my E-S account or tested to see if there's anything else embedded in
    the bloat.


    --
    Bah, and indeed Humbug.


    --
    Bah, and indeed Humbug.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Kerr-Mudd, John@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 09:30:48

    On Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:52:51 -0700
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

    On 8/24/2026 9:27 AM, Kerr-Mudd, John wrote:
    AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

    Groundhog had never worked on any of my Android toys past about
    version 9. It quit posting but still received posts OK. I liked it
    because it was a quicker and easier to read posts than PhoNews
    which is a PITA to read. So I read with Groundhog and when needed
    posted with PhoNews.

    A new, to me, poster (MCSM) posted an AI generated app (NeReo) that
    he? specked: Message-ID: <1161qtg$3er12 to
    alt.comp.software.newsreaders and alt.comp.freeware

    I haven't gone far into it, but have connected with authentication to
    E-S; and have read an article or 2 on the (8?) free-to-air ngs there,
    so it seems to work, though it is twice the size of Alfios. I've not trusted it with my E-S account or tested to see if there's anything
    else embedded in the bloat.

    The non-Play Store apps that I've tried refuse to side-load on my
    current Android tablets. Apparently a security issue. And since there
    are sensitive items not to mention possible danger to my Google account
    I'm not going to attempt to bypass them. So unless someone puts a new newsreader in the Play Store, when my PhoNews app finally breaks I'll

    It costs money to have an app "authenticated",IIRC. Certainly it does for iPhone (tm) apps.

    just continue on with this Windows Thunderbird app. I'm currently using
    an older TB version (with no update nagging) and no security complaints. Yea...

    BTW I'm not as worried about security on this Windows toy since I'm
    signed in with my fake name. I'll bet you can guess its initials...




    --
    Bah, and indeed Humbug.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)