Developer Mubarak Basha released MBCompass, a free, open-source compass and navigation app for Android. Weighing under 2MB, it deliberately avoids ads, in-app purchases, and tracking. Built with Jetpack Compose, the project recently hit version 1.1.12 and has already gained traction on Hacker News and Product Hunt.

The app bridges the gap between a simple compass and a full navigation suite. It offers magnetic and true north readings, live GPS tracking on OpenStreetMap, and sensor fusion for better accuracy. This approach targets users who want basic location features without the massive storage and privacy costs of mainstream mapping apps.

MBCompass is fully licensed under GPLv3, which strictly forbids proprietary use or adding trackers. The project is currently seeking community translations via Weblate and accepting donations to fund ongoing development. A v2.0 update is in the works, proposing a GPS speedometer and an improved dark mode.

This release taps into a growing frustration with bloated mobile software. By offering a functional, privacy-respecting alternative, MBCompass appeals to Android purists and those looking to shed unnecessary apps from their devices.