# Blog - Bloco The Bloco team's thoughts on developing great products. We discuss product design, development and marketing, from generic subjects to specific Android details. This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## Snowflake Volunteer open-source app DevFeed: [Snowflake Volunteer open-source app]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Cláudia Published: 2026-05-13T14:19:29Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [tor](), [Android](), [Virtual Private Network](), [Open Source](), [proxy](), [Internet](), [Protocol (disambiguation)]() Tags: [android](), [app](), [apps](), [automatically](), [design](), [development](), [network](), [open-source](), [proxy](), [tor]() ### AI overview Snowflake Volunteer is an open-source Android app that lets people run a Snowflake proxy to help others access the Tor network where it is blocked. The article explains installation and configuration options, including limiting operation to Wi-Fi or charging, and points to the source repository, bug reporting, feature requests, and translation work. ### Source excerpt Snowflake Volunteer is an open-source app that helps others reach the Tor network in places where Tor is blocked. It turns your phone into an anonymous Volunteer proxy, without you having to worry about the technical stuff. Similar to VPNs, which help users bypass Internet censorship, the Snowflake protocol disguises Internet activity as if someone were making a video or voice call, making it less detectable to Internet censors. ## Bloco's 2024 Android app development update and return to client work DevFeed: [Bloco's 2024 Android app development update and return to client work]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Sérgio Published: 2025-01-09T18:12:32Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [android-apps](), [Android](), [Google Play](), [QR Code](), [App]() Tags: [about](), [android](), [android-apps](), [app](), [dependencies](), [google-play](), [performance](), [qr-code](), [update]() ### AI overview Bloco describes its 2024 shift toward developing Android apps, including the release of a Caderno remake and the launch of QR Friend. The company also fixed bugs, updated dependencies, improved performance, experimented with Google Play listings, and returned to client work while continuing to invest in its apps. ### Source excerpt You may have noticed we've been sharing less about us. At the end of 2023 we decided to shake things up at Bloco. ## Introducing our new QR Friend app DevFeed: [Introducing our new QR Friend app]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Sérgio Published: 2024-10-17T16:33:21Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [QR Code](), [App](), [Android](), [Google Play](), [Risk]() Tags: [android](), [app](), [dark-mode](), [google-play](), [projects](), [qr-code](), [risk]() ### AI overview Bloco released QR Friend, an Android app for scanning QR codes without ads or accounts. It supports WiFi, contact, GPS location, and barcode scans, with scan history, favorites, optional premium features, and link safety checks using Google's Web Risk service. ### Source excerpt We released a new app for scanning QR codes: QR Friend. ## What the Android ecosystem could learn from Flutter DevFeed: [What the Android ecosystem could learn from Flutter]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Cláudia Published: 2023-10-11T13:22:22Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [Flutter](), [Android](), [android-development](), [Jetpack Compose](), [Mobile]() Tags: [android](), [android-development](), [animations](), [bug-fixes](), [compose](), [development](), [flutter](), [jetpack-compose](), [reload](), [team](), [work]() ### AI overview An opinion piece compares Flutter with native Android development, focusing on Flutter's hot reload and widget ecosystem. It argues that Android development could benefit from more immediate code updates and a more unified set of UI components, while noting comparable capabilities in Jetpack Compose. ### Source excerpt We recently had the opportunity to work with Flutter on a project. Here's our honest opinion of the advantages of Flutter that we would like to see in Android development. ## We're hiring an Android Developer DevFeed: [We're hiring an Android Developer]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Cláudia Published: 2023-04-17T15:18:51Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [Android](), [android-development](), [Mobile](), [Development]() Tags: [android](), [android-development](), [developer](), [development](), [hiring](), [mobile](), [mobile-development](), [team]() ### AI overview Bloco is hiring an Android developer to build Android applications for clients and internal products, advise clients on Android best practices, help design apps, and contribute to technical writing and community activities. The role offers a four-day workweek and other listed benefits, is based at least half-time in the Coimbra office, and has a stated monthly salary range of EUR 1250-EUR 1750 adjusted for experience. ### Source excerpt We're looking for a developer to build Android apps with us. Want to join us? Take a look at our offer. ## Bloco's Annual Transparency Report - 8th Year Edition DevFeed: [Bloco's Annual Transparency Report - 8th Year Edition]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Cláudia Published: 2023-04-12T15:09:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [Development](), [Mobile](), [Android](), [Open Source](), [App]() Tags: [about](), [android-development](), [app](), [business](), [clients](), [life](), [mobile](), [open-source](), [report](), [transparency]() ### AI overview Bloco's eighth annual transparency report covers the period from April 2022 through March 2023. It reviews client projects, internal projects, revenue and expenses, and the development and performance of its Cabinet Android app. ### Source excerpt Another year went by, one marked by many challenges and great satisfactions. This is our annual transparency report from the 1st of April'22 to the 31st of March'23. We believe companies should be as transparent as possible and this is another step in that direction. ## 6 strategies for updating software dependencies DevFeed: [6 strategies for updating software dependencies]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Sérgio Published: 2022-12-15T15:26:21Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [Software](), [Android](), [SDK]() Tags: [android](), [dependencies](), [development](), [maintenance](), [sdk](), [software](), [updating]() ### AI overview This developer article presents six strategies for checking and updating software dependencies. It explains the benefits and maintenance costs of dependencies, then examines approaches including ignoring updates and checking them sporadically. ### Source excerpt Rare is the software project that does not have external dependencies. But dependencies need to be maintained. We go through 6 different strategies for checking and updating your dependencies. ## Presenting Cabinet to the World! DevFeed: [Presenting Cabinet to the World!]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Cláudia Published: 2022-11-30T17:17:35Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [App](), [Android](), [Jetpack Compose](), [Mobile](), [Google Play](), [Ktor](), [User experience (UX)](), [Template]() Tags: [android](), [android-development](), [app](), [design](), [development](), [directory](), [games](), [google-play](), [internship](), [jetpack-compose](), [ktor](), [launch](), [open-source](), [template]() ### AI overview Bloco introduces Cabinet, a paid Android app directory designed to help users discover hand-picked apps and alternatives without download-based rankings or false marketing. The article describes its categories, launch results, business goals, and implementation with technologies including Jetpack Compose, Paging 3, DataStore, Ktor, and Coil. ### Source excerpt Presenting Cabinet, Bloco's new app! Cabinet helps you discover amazing new apps and alternatives to the ones you use every day. ## Hi Lili! Welcome to Bloco. DevFeed: [Hi Lili! Welcome to Bloco.]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Cláudia Published: 2022-05-31T10:07:28Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [Development](), [Mobile](), [android-development]() Tags: [about](), [android-development](), [career](), [developer](), [development](), [intern](), [internship](), [learning]() ### AI overview Bloco welcomes Liliana, a new Android development intern, in an interview about her background, interests, personality, and plans to build a career as a developer. She is studying computer engineering and is learning electronics and Paging 3. ### Source excerpt Welcoming Liliana, our new Android development intern. Learn more about her likes and dislikes. ## Wrapping-up 2021 DevFeed: [Wrapping-up 2021]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Cláudia Published: 2022-02-23T11:43:46Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [Development](), [Android](), [Mobile](), [Internet](), [Template]() Tags: [about](), [android](), [business](), [clients](), [dev](), [internet](), [mobile](), [template]() ### AI overview Bloco reviews its 2021 highlights, including the launch of the Stationhead Android app, the Awala app suite, work on OONI Probe, the Circles authenticator app, updates to Large Text Mobile and its Android App Starter Template, and changes to its publishing and work schedule. ### Source excerpt A ritual we do every year is to write our annual highlights. We always start with the feeling "we haven't done much" but then we realise it's not true. ## We're hiring an Android Developer DevFeed: [We're hiring an Android Developer]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Cláudia Published: 2022-01-31T18:11:21Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [Android](), [android-development](), [Mobile](), [Development]() Tags: [android](), [android-development](), [developer](), [development](), [hiring](), [mobile]() ### AI overview Bloco's Android Developer job posting sought someone to build Android applications for clients, advise on Android best practices, contribute to internal products, and write about technology. The position required office work in Coimbra for at least half the time and has been filled. ### Source excerpt WE ARE HIRING! We're looking for a developer to build Android apps with us. Want to join us? Take a look at our offer ## Android Edge to Edge 101 DevFeed: [Android Edge to Edge 101]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Cláudia Published: 2021-11-23T17:19:19Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [Android](), [navigation](), [screen](), [configuration]() Tags: [android](), [configuration](), [development](), [navigation](), [product](), [screen]() ### AI overview This tutorial explains Android edge-to-edge layouts and the three system navigation modes. It describes implementation considerations, including differences across Android APIs and devices, and discusses ways to provide a consistent experience on older versions. ### Source excerpt Android users now expect their apps to look good fullscreen. No more black bars below the notch and the navigation. But the official documentation does not cover everything. Learn how you can become an Edge to Edge master. ## 7 things you should know before using Jetpack Compose DevFeed: [7 things you should know before using Jetpack Compose]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Sérgio Published: 2021-09-28T13:10:26Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [Jetpack Compose](), [Android](), [android-development](), [Kotlin](), [API]() Tags: [android](), [android-development](), [android-studio](), [coroutines](), [development](), [google](), [jetpack-compose](), [kotlin](), [material-design](), [multiplatform]() ### AI overview This article outlines seven considerations before adopting or migrating to Jetpack Compose for Android development. It discusses production readiness, Kotlin-only usage, minimum Android and Android Studio requirements, AndroidX migration, Material Design customization, and claimed effects on performance, build time, and APK size. ### Source excerpt Are you looking for information on the latest UI Toolking for modern Android Development by Google? Here are seven things you probably should know before using or migrating to Jetpack Compose ## Building a test suite for the OONI Probe Android app DevFeed: [Building a test suite for the OONI Probe Android app]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Cláudia Published: 2021-09-20T11:10:34Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Blog - Bloco]() Topics: [Android](), [test](), [test-coverage](), [unit tests](), [ci](), [Dependency injection](), [ui]() Tags: [android](), [clients](), [code-coverage](), [continuous-integration](), [dependency-injection](), [test](), [ui](), [unit-tests]() ### AI overview This article describes work with OONI to improve the quality of its Probe Android app by building a comprehensive test suite. The work included test infrastructure, continuous integration, dependency injection, fake-data factories, UI tests, and unit tests. Over 15 days, the team wrote 43 UI tests and 201 unit tests, increasing code coverage from 10% to 73%. ### Source excerpt Let us tell you how we've worked with OONI to improve the quality of their Probe Android app.