Google’s Android, the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, started life as open-source software. In its quest for ever-greater profits, the tech giant has been gradually eroding Android’s open-source nature over the last decade.

Originally published on The Lever, but that one asks you to sign up.

  • @[email protected]
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    57 days ago

    I’m on GrapheneOS on tablet/phone for time being, but I’m fine going back to a dumphone and a Linux or BSD tablet or convertible.

    • @[email protected]
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      36 days ago

      What messaging apps work well on GrapheneOS? I want to make the switch but I’m not sure what will work and what won’t

      • @[email protected]
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        36 days ago

        Matrix (Element), Signal, Telegram. Other stuff probably requires Google services which I don’t use on the tablet. Phone has Google services, but I don’t really use it for messaging other than Signal.

        • @[email protected]
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          16 days ago

          Have you tried Briar, SimpleX or Session? Also do you get the same quality of mobile service on Graphene as you do on the default OS?

          • @[email protected]
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            16 days ago

            No use cases for this so far.

            Mobile service quality is defined by the baseband, which is an immutable blob to the OS. I phone rarely and currently use my old LineageOS phone for it.

            I’ve got a support case for my Pixel 7a open due to potential battery issue. If I return it I will buy a different, bigger (6.7") Pixel model. My new Pixel tablet is doing fine so far.

    • @[email protected]
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      16 days ago

      If in the future i’m ever forced to drop smart phones because of further proprietary/removal of open source option then i’m definitely going this route.

      have a dumb phone and just rely on a good laptop.

      On second thought… maybe this is the way.