No DRM in the Itch.io build, but also there are no leaderboards or achievements.
Updates will make it here more or less on parity with the updates on Google Play. I have to upload the latest build here tomorrow. You will have to download and install it again though, as far as I know there is no auto-update feature on itch.
Viewing post in Nova Drift (Android Version) comments
No concerns about manual installation. I started on computers pre-internet, so it feels like home. Though, no notifications when an update hits is a bit of a drawback. Then again, if I degoogle my phone, I won't get those anyhow.
The other features I'm not too worried about, either. I've got the game on steam if I wanna care about my score. I'm just looking at a nice on-the-go option (and don't own a steam deck).
Thanks again for the reply. I'll likely end up picking the game up here rather than Play, when I do.