Remove android project from GSOC ideas.

[mohamedAdhamc]

@ice0, @rodolforg unfortunately I think as @BobSynfig said, android is indeed moving in a direction that would make it hard for this project to still make sense. Especially given how big of an effort this project would actually need beyond the GSOC timeframe. If you have any other thoughts though please let me know.

p.s.
I will also try to think of (or refetch) some other ideas and propose them.

[YUVAN0907]

@mohamedAdhamc Hi, I’m Yuvansankar, a pre-final year student. I understand the concern around scope and long-term feasibility.
Just to clarify my side, I’ve already started working on the UI design and thinking through how a minimal Android-oriented interface could map onto existing Synfig concepts.

For me, the GSoC period would serve as a clear milestone rather than a hard stopping point for the work.

The goal wouldn’t be to complete a full
Android version during GSoC, but to deliver a solid, reviewable foundation — such as UI direction, integration points, and an initial implementation — that could realistically be continued afterward. I’m personally interested in carrying this work forward beyond the program as well.
That said, I understand if this direction no longer fits Synfig’s current priorities, and I’ll take this feedback into account while refining or rethinking the proposal.

[BobSynfig]

I understand the concern around scope and long-term feasibility.

Not a problem of feasibility, it is about license and terms of use of Android that are more and more incompatible with the spirit of Open-Source.

I’ve already started working on the UI design and thinking through how a minimal Android-oriented interface could map onto existing Synfig concepts

It is always good to study concepts and to try to implement them. But it doesn't mean that this direction has been approved nor that you would be chosen because you would have already started something before the official start of GSoC.
This is against its purpose.
Note that you are not the only one to try to do "forcing" to be selected.

For me, the GSoC period would serve as a clear milestone rather than a hard stopping point for the work.

The goal wouldn’t be to complete a full Android version during GSoC, but to deliver a solid, reviewable foundation (...)

The purpose of GSoC is to develop a fully working feature associated with an open-source project, not something half-developed.
And during the time-frame expected, not before, not after.

I understand if this direction no longer fits Synfig’s current priorities

Once again, it is not a matter of priority, it is about the fact that Android is becoming hostile to the spirit of open-source licenses.
I invite you to read https://f-droid.org/en/2026/02/24/open-letter-opposing-developer-verification.html
and to visit https://keepandroidopen.org/.
Also to read (and understand) the terms of GPL in its different flavours to see how much incompatible it is.
Like for example the requirement of verification of a registered developer before to install the software, which is a form of activation.

• Terms of GSoC https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/faq?hl=en

[YUVAN0907]

I understand the concern around scope and long-term feasibility.

Not a problem of feasibility, it is about license and terms of use of Android that are more and more incompatible with the spirit of Open-Source.

I’ve already started working on the UI design and thinking through how a minimal Android-oriented interface could map onto existing Synfig concepts

It is always good to study concepts and to try to implement them. But it doesn't mean that this direction has been approved nor that you would be chosen because you would have already started something before the official start of GSoC.
This is against its purpose.
Note that you are not the only one to try to do "forcing" to be selected.

For me, the GSoC period would serve as a clear milestone rather than a hard stopping point for the work.

The goal wouldn’t be to complete a full Android version during GSoC, but to deliver a solid, reviewable foundation (...)

The purpose of GSoC is to develop a fully working feature associated with an open-source project, not something half-developed.
And during the time-frame expected, not before, not after.

I understand if this direction no longer fits Synfig’s current priorities

Once again, it is not a matter of priority, it is about the fact that Android is becoming hostile to the spirit of open-source licenses.
I invite you to read https://f-droid.org/en/2026/02/24/open-letter-opposing-developer-verification.html
and to visit https://keepandroidopen.org/.
Also to read (and understand) the terms of GPL in its different flavours to see how much incompatible it is.
Like for example the requirement of verification of a registered developer before to install the software, which is a form of activation.

• Terms of GSoC https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/faq?hl=en

Yes @BobSynfig, thank you for the clarification. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain your perspective, especially regarding licensing and GPL compatibility.
I’ve gone through the GSoC guidelines and the GPL points you mentioned, and I understand more clearly now that GSoC is meant to deliver a complete, working feature within the official timeframe, and that alignment with open-source principles is essential.
Regardless of GSoC, I’m really interested in contributing to open source and in understanding Synfig better. I’ll continue exploring the codebase and look for areas where I can start contributing in a way that aligns with the project’s philosophy and long-term direction.

Once again thank you for your kind reply...❤️

[BobSynfig]

You will always be welcome to contribute :)
Freedom in any domain is one of the most important concepts.
Sometimes better to renounce to something (like boycott), even attractive, instead of accepting despicable conditions.
Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος! (Freedom or Death)

[YUVAN0907]

You will always be welcome to contribute :)
Freedom in any domain is one of the most important concepts.
Sometimes better to renounce to something (like boycott), even attractive, instead of accepting despicable conditions.
Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος! (Freedom or Death)

I learned something new from you about gsoc and very important thing is contribution is not a task or anything else its a Freedom given by that domain❤️😄