Gander

Gander's pitch is refreshingly simple: an Android file viewer that asks for zero permissions. We've all installed apps that immediately demand access to photos, media, and storage, and it's easy to forget how invasive that feels. Gander flips the script, and for privacy-conscious users, that's a big deal. When should you pick Gander? If you're the kind of person who reads permission dialogs carefully, or you've ever denied an app storage access only to watch it break, Gander is worth a look. It's also great for secondary devices or kids' phones where you want to minimize what an app can touch. The fact that it's ad-free and collects no data is the cherry on top. When should you pass? If you live in your file manager, juggling cloud drives, editing documents on the go, or needing root-like access to system folders, Gander isn't for you. It's a viewer, not a full-featured manager. There's no cloud integration, no editing, and no access to protected directories—that's by design, but it means Gander occupies a niche. The closest alternative is any mainstream file manager—Solid Explorer, FX, or even Google Files. Those apps offer far more, but they also ask for permissions up front. Gander gives up those features in exchange for zero permission requests. That tradeoff is exactly what some users want, but it's not going to satisfy everyone. One caveat: Gander is early-stage. The Show HN launch in July 2026 suggests it's a project that could evolve, but it's also unproven. Expect updates to change things, and don't be surprised if it takes time to add features—or not, if the developer stays committed to radical minimalism. Where it bites: if you need to move files between apps or work with files in protected directories, Gander will frustrate you. It's a one-trick pony,