https://github.com/SimpleMobileTools/General-Discussion/issues/241
https://www.reddit.com/r/SimpleMobileTools/comments/187w64x/simple_mobile_tools_bought_by_zipoapps/
Confirmation in linked github discussion.
Welp, time to start looking for alternatives...
Can't blame the dev for wanting to cash out on his work, but I am not going to keep using apps that will get ridden with ads and trackers.
The f-droid version should be ok for now, but if you installed this from the malware distribution channel aka the Playstore I would recommend to deinstall them before the next update hits.
I understand the developer, but the complete lack of communication with the community is appalling. and even the subsequent app updates to ad-supported/tracker-packed versions is just disgusting. i understand why tibbi burned out, but the sale process was handled in extremely poor way
Alternatives list on a Reddit post --
Teddit:
https://teddit.net/r/SimpleMobileTools/comments/18929pq/simplemobiletools_was_sold_alternatives/
Reddit orig:
https://www.reddit.com/r/SimpleMobileTools/comments/18929pq/simplemobiletools_was_sold_alternatives/