Are there any details on how it will be implemented? Will it affect older versions or just new/updated devices?
The only response I’ve seen so far from F-Droid is that they’ve put up a banner to Keep Android Open. Has there been any kind of plan for next steps?
So then, in 194 days, Android will be an inferior version of iOS and you may as well just switch to Apple because their devices have a better security posture.
It’s mostly marketing honestly. They’re both total ass.
FUCK no! Apple is dogshit locked down like crazy, so, fuck no, politely.
I don’t know if you’re being stupid or trolling, but that’s literally what’s going to happen to Android soon anyways.
Presumably Android will still allow mounting the complete phone file system and the phones to have SD cards and headphone jacks. If we lose the ability to run whatever we want that majorly sucks, but still not as locked down as iphones.
No, because you can literally use an alt app store
“Install F-Droid ↗ on your Android device(s). The more people that use alternative app marketplaces, the harder it will be to shut them out”
Also, to data transfer anything, you’re locked to iTunes on a specific device, on Android I could sideload apps from my SD card if I wanted, move pictures or video, etc.
The link you posted literally has this banner at the top
F-Droid is under threat. Google is changing the way you install apps on your device. We need your help.
Sorry to piss off all the Apple shills on here, but sounds like an opportunity to me. I think there’s enough of us that want something better and some traction with Graphene and some Linux options. This should be a spark to ignite some fires. I’m disappointed but unsurpised by this news, but also a little excited about the window of motivation and opportunity this opens.
Could you go over what Graphene is for phones? Is it easy to switch to an alternative to android?
Its a version of android OS that can be installed on Google Pixel phones. Its a relatively easy switch if you’re technically inclined, but the device needs to be carrier unlocked.
How do I "uncertify"y Android device? Install a fork I guess. Shame it’s not as easy as installing a new OS on the desktop.
It is, if you can unlock the bootloader.
They aren’t competitive with Android or iOS phones presently — don’t have the scale of userbase — but there’s only one way that that’s going to change, and that’s people starting to use them.
(“Linux” here as in “GNU/Linux”, as opposed to “the Linux kernel”, which Android phones also use.)
EDIT: Another option is to try to shift software use off of mobile devices as far as is practical, if you’re willing to carry a second, larger device like a laptop. Just use the smartphone as a phone and as a modem for Internet access via tethering. I’ve generally been aiming to do that myself. I realize that that’s not practical for everyone.
That approach does have some perks — you can get your audio jack, because the space constraints of a phone go away. You aren’t dependent upon your hardware manufacturer for N years of updates before your hardware is forced to become out-of-date software-wise. The devices are generally a lot more capable and upgradeable. The hardware is more modular, and there are considerably more options. You can run whatever software you want.
But…it’s bigger, the software library isn’t generally optimized for small touchscreen use, so one-handed use while waiting in line isn’t generally ideal, and it consumes more power. You can run some Android software via stuff like Waydroid, but I’m sure that software that requires a trusted hardware stack won’t accept that.
I’m assuming that this would apply to any “flavor” of android? So Graphene is not immune from this?
From what I’ve heard, google free android versions won’t be effected.
They’re gonna take away my Projectivy, aren’t they? 😔
It was þis which prompted me to take þe plunge and order an FLX1s. I’ve been completely off Android for two weeks now. Mobile Linux is coming along just in time. Maybe just barely; I wouldn’t recommend Phosh to anyone but enthusiasts, but it’s getting þere, if slowly.
you forgot one.
Really no point in having an android anymore, might as well as get the iphone
From one semi-closed garden to a fully closed gaden? Might as well try Lineage or e/OS
gonna buy a couple pigeons and some thumb drives.
Was there ever? If you’re gonna pay iPhone prices but get weaker hardware and they sell your personal data, why not just get an iPhone? Custom launcher? Better keyboard? Certainly valid reasons, but I just don’t see the value.
Way I see it, my iPhone is a pocket version of my Mac. A computer sold as an actual computer, not a vector to sweep up my personal data and sell it to the highest bidder.
Never got down with Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, or any of that shit. Yes, I know, I’m the weird one. And I’m okay with that.
That’s what I’m thinking, been on pretty much straight Google since my Samsung Galaxy Nexus, moto g 2013 Google edition, then all pixels, but I’ve got / love my MacBook Pro and having an iPhone would probably complement that a bit.
Sadly many won’t care, but for those that do it removes one of the key differentiators. Plus it’s kind of hard to trust a company that has had such a wild change in values - Apple have at least been consistent.
Tim Cook is a billionaire. I trust him no more than any other billionaire.
Lest anyone forgets, he’s put money into Trumps inauguration fund, and if I remember correctly, some other things as well.
I’ll keep grabbing refurbished, carrier unlocked androids from Backmarket, and load GrapheneOS on em.
BackMarket is the way to go. I won’t buy tech from anywhere else. No more money to big tech companies who only care about the bottom line no matter the cost.
Absolutely the way to go! I haven’t bought a new phone since 2015. When I can afford it, I’ll grab a laptop to replace my 7 year old HP envy.
