Mudita Kompakt gets unofficial app store upgrade

The Mudita Kompakt, a crowdfunded minimalist phone funded in October of 2024, has only recently announced that they will begin shipping the global version in late April. However, tutorials on sideloading apps onto the device have already surfaced to aid users in extending functionality to their limited, albeit purposefully, devices. The method for installing apps is reasonably straightforward, and YouTuber Andrew Folts makes quick work of showcasing the details in a recent video.

The tutorial relies on mainstays of the Android hacking scene, namely adb-tools and Android developer options. Additionally, Andrew downloads an Aurora store APK file to sideload onto the Kompakt to make installing additional apps even easier. For those unfamiliar with the Aurora store, it is an open-source alternative to the Google Play store that allows users to download apps from the Play store without a Google account or needing Google Play Services. Notably, the absence of Google Play Services on the Mudita Kompakt inherently means that some apps like Google Maps, Uber, and others will not work on the device. Thankfully, a much larger majority of apps will be functional but largely bottlenecked by the e-ink display.

As showcased by Andrew, the process is composed of a few easy-to-follow steps. The basic rundown involves installing Android Debug Bridge (adb-tools), enabling developer mode/USB debugging on the Mudita Kompakt, and using adb-tools to install the Aurora APK on the device. From there, users can explore the Aurora store and test the waters of the Kompakt's extended functionality. Curious users can find more information on sideloading and app performance in Andrew's video below.