The browser-first approach is a bigger deal than it sounds. Every time I've looked at reverse engineering, I got stuck somewhere between "install this ancient compiler" and "patch this SDK". Being able to just open a tab and start experimenting removes a huge amount of friction.
> I’m planning a non-intrusive in-app prompt to remind users about donations something subtle, because many users forget once they start using the app, rather than only seeing the donation info in the README.
As I mentioned previously, the above approach seems to be well enough and good.
Thanks! I feel the same there’s a lot of room for small, focused utility apps that do one thing well without ads, trackers, or dark patterns. That’s largely the motivation behind this project too. Competing on care, simplicity, and respect for users really feels like a worthwhile direction.
Thanks for the suggestion, that’s a fair point. I currently rely on a couple of mainstream platforms mainly to keep things simple, but I do see the value in more open and permissionless options like Bitcoin/Lightning or Monero.
I’ll definitely consider adding at least one of them going forward. Really appreciate the willingness to support.
I already done much research about it (the same as you've mentioned here) related to OSM vector maps. See:(https://github.com/CompassMB/MBCompass/releases/tag/v1.1.4), for Android, the available map rendering libs like Maplibre-Native are an excellent choice, but obviously, it is a high-level library that adds a huge binary to the APK itself, its usecase doesn't fit for MBCompass at least as of now. But thanks for your valuable suggestion :)
Yep, if it were close to the power line, it might cause accuracy loss, but you can obviously easily find the compass accuracy in the top app bar, and if it goes 'very low', the alert dialog automatically popsup to notify you to recalibrate it.
The reason I included that note is that, as an open-source developer, I’ve seen many projects that weren’t actively maintained get picked up by bad actors as they modify the code and publish it on Google Play with ads or IAPs. I wanted to discourage that.
Other than this notice, MBCompass is fully licensed under GPLv3 or later.
Yep, I’m aware that many FOSS projects use in-app payments, but for MBCompass, I want to keep it free on every platform, regardless of the audience. Without funding or community contributions, it’s hard to maintain a FOSS project with meaningful features and improvements, rather than just vague “bug fixes/version bumps.”
As a FOSS advocate, I started this project as a community contribution to address the gap between user needs and available apps.
I can maintain it long-term without major contributions, but support really helps (especially maintaining in different apps stores). I’m planning a non-intrusive in-app prompt to remind users about donations something subtle, because many users forget once they start using the app, rather than only seeing the donation info in the README.
MBCompass uses sensor fusion for accuracy, combining sensor data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer.
It is one of the most accurate compass apps. Don't trust my words, try it with different apps on Google Play and with some FOSS options like Compass by Philip Bobek: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.bobek.compass
And importantly, for true compass accuracy, I'd recommend you use the "true north" (magnetic declination) function, which requires location access. It takes some time to lock GNSS hold (the same goes for the current location button on the map view, default map location is Paris, France), but if you're moving, it locks pretty quickly and shows your current location with tracking (if you're moving.)
Beyond donating, the best way to support MBCompass is simply spreading the word. That helps more people discover it, contribute to it, and make it better for everyone.
Thank you, that really means a lot. Consistency has been important to me, whether it’s shipping regular releases with real improvements (https://github.com/CompassMB/MBCompass/releases) or writing about Android development and FOSS alongside the project. I really appreciate the encouragement and support.
TBH, that’s a great idea! It’s actually on my roadmap for MBCompass, something like waypoint tracking, where you can mark a location and get a directional arrow to it. Appreciate the suggestion!
Exactly! That’s exactly the philosophy behind MBCompass keeping the core functionality focused and lightweight, without unnecessary frameworks or bloat.
People are often surprised by how much you can do in under 2 MB.
Thanks! MBCompass will stay fully FOSS and free. Donations are extremely rare (tbh, I've not received a single one), especially from the Foss Android community, but they’re still very helpful for long-term sustainability (given Google's non-sense Play monthly policies) and greatly appreciated, especially for users new to open source.
Good question! “Offline-friendly” mainly refers to the core compass and sensor features, which work fully offline.
For maps, it’s a bit different users initially see an online basemap (requires internet). Instead of forcing them to download an entire map upfront like some libraries (e.g., MapsForge), they can crop or select specific areas to download.
This makes it convenient to get only the map they need.
Of course, if they prefer online maps, the app will cache tiles automatically. In remote areas, offline maps can be used as planned.
Thanks! Currently, MBCompass can show both magnetic north using Android’s sensor fusion and true north (based on WGS84 geodetic coordinates).
Adding a magnetic compensation map sounds like a great fit for improving global accuracy without changing the app’s core goals. Thanks for the suggestion.