Linux phones are more important now than ever.
Linux phones are more important now than ever.
Android has always been a fairly open platform, especially if you were deliberate about getting it that way, but we've seen in recent months an extremely rapid devolution of the Android ecosystem:
- The closing of development of an increasing number of components in AOSP.
- Samsung, Xiaomi and OnePlus have removed the option of bootloader unlocking on all of their devices. I suspect Google is not far behind.
- Google implementing Play Integrity API and encouraging developers to implement it. Notably the EU's own identity verification wallet requires this, in stark contrast to their own laws and policies, despite the protest of hundreds on Github.
- And finally, the mandatory implementation of developer verification across Android systems. Yes, if you're running a 3rd-party OS like GOS you won't be directly affected by this, but it will impact 99.9% of devices, and I foresee many open source developers just opting out of developing apps for Android entirely as a result. We've already seen SyncThing simply discontinue development for this reason, citing issues with Google Play Store. They've also repeatedly denied updates for NextCloud with no explanation, only restoring it after mass outcry. And we've already seen Google targeting any software intended to circumvent ads, labeling them in the system as "dangerous" and "untrusted". This will most certainly carry into their new "verification" system.
Google once competed with Apple for customers. But in a world where Google walks away from the biggest antitrust trial since 1998 with yet another slap on the wrist, competition is dead, and Google is taking notes from Apple about what they can legally get away with.
Android as we know it is dead. And/or will be dead very soon. We need an open replacement.
OC Author @Ulrich@feddit.org
I really want to stop using Android, but I feel like linux mobile isn't functional enough yet.
And especially very very expensive for what it is
PinePhones are fairly cheap linux phone devices
the used phones that postmarketos supports are pretty cheap aren't they?
I already own a fairphone, and those are supposed to be the best fitting for ubuntu touch. I'm contemplating installing it, but am not really exited to backing up everything properly. I'm also a little worried about breaking something :/
Yeah. Hopefully the increasing importance will drive more development time and users that way incrementally, and things will improve.
My impression is that for the moment things are still a rough, just have to hope it won't stay that way.
Which project is best to back, though?
I'm waiting for the followup to this where he's going to talk about Ubuntu Touch:
https://tilvids.com/w/rupHv17eDSj1bUbDzgunGC
I used a Oneplus 6T on PMOS/Phosh for a week.
It ain't ready. I work in an iffy area as far as coverage is concerned and I missed a lot of messages. My 7pro on Lineage can deal with it, but sometimes I'd turn the OP6T on, and find networking off entirely with it working, or vice versa.
Software-wise, if you know and comfortably use a Linux laptop, you'll be at home. Having said that, realize that 90% of people won't be. You will absolutely have to use the terminal and will be entirely lost and confused if you don't already have experience with the system.
Also software-wise, know that most Linux software is made with the idea that you're not sipping data. Open Jellyfin for the 40th time and it will redownload the same images,... for the 40th time, or a random firefox tab sipping data off of you 24/7 without you even being aware of it. Laptops are different, and it's what the system thinks it is, so it's going to perform that way, not like the phone that's stapled and duct taped to it.
That's useful info, and something I didn't think about before. I guess programs with a low bandwidth mode are your friend.
Earlier this year I did a trial run again with a Linux phone and functionality is, at least for me, still too limited for it to be a viable replacement. Tried the JollaPhone with Sailfish for about a month, I really wanted it to work. Gave it up since at some point it simply was costing me a lot of productive time just to keep up with things.