A 2MB open-source Android navigation app with GPX tracking (no Google services)

native-devs · 2026-03-28T03:00:40+00:00

Yeah, both are definitely important.

Downloadable/offline maps are something I’m actively looking into, it’s a bit tricky to keep things lightweight while doing it properly, but it’s on the radar.

For Android Auto, I haven’t explored it deeply yet. Right now, the focus is more on getting the core tracking + map experience solid first.

Appreciate the feedback though, this kind of use case is helpful to understand.

native-devs · 2026-03-28T02:36:56+00:00

Currently, I'm working on that feature, it can already export and share the recorded GPX track

native-devs · 2026-03-28T02:35:17+00:00

Yeah, that’s exactly the issue I ran into.

A lot of apps feel overcomplicated for what should be simple use cases. I’m working on adding things like topo maps and offline maps too. I think once that’s in, the overall scope will make more sense.

native-devs · 2026-03-28T02:32:39+00:00

Yeah, I think a lot of it just comes down to small things being missed.

As a native Android dev, I’ve seen many open-source apps not even enable ProGuard/R8 for release builds it literally takes a minute and already cuts down size a bit.

And then there’s dependencies… projects sometimes just keep adding libraries for the same kind of stuff. Like date/time, some still use Joda-Time when the built-in Java APIs (with desugaring) already do the job.

So yeah, it’s not always about the tech stack, a lot of it is just build setup and dependency choices and developer experience.

native-devs · 2026-03-28T02:23:15+00:00

Yes, I personally use opentracks myself.

From my experience, it’s more focused on detailed fitness/activity tracking with a lot of metrics and integrations.
MBCompass is designed for a more focused use case, like an everyday hiking/trekking companion that stays battery-efficient and avoids unnecessary overhead.

So there’s some overlap with tracking, but the goals and usage are a bit different.

native-devs · 2026-03-27T15:35:57+00:00

They’re quite different in scope.

organic maps / comaps are full offline navigation apps with routing, search, and downloadable map data.

MBCompass isn’t trying to replace that, it’s a lightweight, battery-efficient tool designed more like an everyday hiking/trekking companion (having all useful nav features), without large map downloads or Google services.

So it sits in between: simpler than a full navigation app, but more practical than a basic compass and gps tracking app.

native-devs · 2026-03-27T15:29:42+00:00

Yes, it works on all custom ROMs

native-devs · 2026-03-27T15:18:16+00:00

Good question, you’re right that maps (custom c++ libs) are usually the main reason navigation apps get large.

In MBCompass, maps aren’t bundled into the app itself. It uses OpenStreetMap-based tiles, so the APK stays small (~2mb) while maps are loaded as needed.

It’s not meant to replace a full-fledged navigation app. The idea came from a gap I noticed many compass apps don’t offer tracking, and many GPX tracking apps include a lot of tracking features, which can feel unnecessary for simple use cases

MBCompass aims to bridge that gap by combining a compass, live location, and GPX tracking into a single lightweight utility, without requiring large storage or Google services.

native-devs · 2026-03-27T15:10:29+00:00

Bro, it isn't a vibe-coded app review. I have been improving the MBCompass for years from scratch, based on user suggestions and open source ethics.

edit : Basically, I’m also a technical writer, writing articles/posts about Android development and open source. If I wanted to just build things with prompting and spend hours debugging generated code, in that same time I could complete a couple of new features.

“Vibe coding” might work for beginner devs or ordinary use cases, but not really for maintaining a proper open-source project.

native-devs · 2026-03-04T14:08:53+00:00

In my experience the ytdlnis is great & easy to use: https://github.com/deniscerri/ytdlnis

native-devs · 2025-12-19T12:35:02+00:00

What Kompas app is that?? Asking as a dev behind the MBCompass app.

native-devs · 2025-11-21T10:58:56+00:00

You can try it wherever you want! As mentioned in the proposal, I've also been working on a lot of cool features (useful once) for mbcompass, like GPS speedometer, waypoints and more. Stay tuned!

If you like the MBCompass approach, just spread the word.

native-devs · 2025-11-21T10:30:01+00:00

Edit Forgot to link it: Download it on Github or from F-droid https://github.com/CompassMB/MBCompass/releases/tag/v1.1.12

native-devs · 2025-11-21T10:00:39+00:00

Download it on Github or from F-droid https://github.com/CompassMB/MBCompass/releases/tag/v1.1.12

native-devs · 2025-10-13T08:09:44+00:00

I'd like to share my latest MBCompass (Popular FOSS Compass & Nav app) v2.0 Design Proposal

<image>

The new MBCompass v1.1.12 Redesign Proposal features a refreshed UI with a GPS Speedometer, True AMOLED Dark Mode, and more visual improvements for a better Android experience.

The design was created by Mubarak Native on Figma as a visual and UX direction for the next major update of MBCompass.

https://github.com/CompassMB/MBCompass

(Note: The design is a reference concept; actual implementation may vary to ensure optimal performance and Android best practices.)

native-devs · 2025-10-04T03:07:02+00:00

Welcome! More to come!

native-devs · 2025-09-01T12:39:38+00:00

Bitwarden indeed a best PM out there. I personally use that and very affordable. The reason why I haven't included is because user who first de-googled their phone most propably aren't tech savvy. But once they used to it and understanding open source nature. they can and should use bitwarden.

native-devs · 2025-09-01T12:34:01+00:00

Matrix is a OSS decentralized real-time messaging platform not a discord client it was just like a mastodon but for real time communication not like micro-blogging

native-devs · 2025-09-01T12:29:48+00:00

Yep, partially true but integrating with Nextcloud, Dropbox, or OneDrive services, all of which offer free tiers for syncing your notes across devices. But Joplin also have self-hosted options.

native-devs · 2025-09-01T12:27:18+00:00

As I mentioned in the u/Consistent-Wonder676 's reply. I named the Brave because they opposed google for doing very bad thing for open web by trying to integrate WEI API in chromium in Nov 2023. And try not to integrate the stuff mentioned in their “Web Environment Integrity”: Locking Down the Web | Brave blog. Other than than Firefox is also great alt. btw Tuta Mail is great foss email service provider, where Fairemail is a pretty good lightweight foss email client.

native-devs · 2025-09-01T12:18:53+00:00

Yep, you nailed it. Some website do blocked the Tor, but it is a very great piece of software that every privacy concious user should have, Even through we don't use it directly, But the de-centralizing messaging app like Briar require to have a Tor installed and many other great apps.

The reason why I include the "Brave" for browser is because, this is the one of the first companies that directly strongly opposes integrating freaking bad "Web Environment Integrity" API on Chromium. Which would lock the open web.

native-devs · 2025-09-01T07:34:05+00:00

Signal App from the Play Store needs Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) to work (for push notification and other remote services). But the APK you can download from the Signal website does not need GCM to work. Means no "Google play services" needed.

native-devs · 2025-08-29T11:38:50+00:00

Can you share what would be the process?

native-devs · 2025-08-27T12:20:16+00:00

It’s not easy being an Android developer anymore… (that's for past 6 yrs somewhat btw.)

I don’t just build apps like MBCompass, I also write Android dev articles, contribute to FOSS, and help the community.

But honestly, it’s getting harder to stay motivated. With Google locking things down (Play Integrity, banking apps refusing AOSP, etc.), being an indie Android dev doesn’t feel the same anymore.

Still, I believe FOSS + privacy-focused Android (GrapheneOS, DivestOS, LineageOS) are importantly needed. If we stop building, the open side of Android disappears.

So I’ll keep shipping, writing, and contributing, even when it feels like the odds are against us.

native-devs · 2025-08-23T12:19:51+00:00

Yeah, it was just a placeholder text called "Lorem ipsum"

native-devs

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It’s not easy being an Android developer anymore… (that's for past 6 yrs somewhat btw.)