Preparing a megathread about android FOSS apps - Part one (Contacts, SMS & Dialer)
Preparing a megathread about android FOSS apps - Part one (Contacts, SMS & Dialer)
After read this thread, I have an idea. Why not build a megathread with the best and most reliable FOSS apps too help someone who want to join on the bright side of open source?
I want to know if you agree with that. And if you agree, I will create one thread per week to discuss the best options to use on android. Dont know nothing about iPhone, so, if you want contribute, lets go, say what you feel.
But, this require your help. Help from all communities. We (because this is not from me, this is from us) need to share thoughts, ideas and all things you want to say. Dont be shy. Upvote the comments you like and agree; disagree and tell why you disagree. This is will be different from others threads because this need a proper user opinion, and your opinions will be VERY important to build this. In short, your opinions and thoughts will be the fundamental source to build this.
I will read ALL comments to build this. Even if this has a million comments, I'm going to waste time reading it. Whatever it takes.
If you need help, use Exodus site too see if any app has trackers.
(Apps from Simple Mobile Tools will not be accpeted, because they was bought from a shady guy)
I'm going to divide this by threads, as I said.. After one week, I will open the second thread. This first topic will be to discuss:
#1 - Contacts, SMS and Dialer
>The next ones will be
spoiler
#2 – Calculator, Camera and Calendar
#3 – Manager files, Recorder and Gallery
#4 – Keyboard, Notes and Maps
#5 – Meteorology , Stores and social media
#6 – WebBrowsers and Important utilities
For now, this is my suggestions for this part one. Only on final (megathread) this is will be matters.
spoiler
>Contacts
- Right Contacts (from goodwy) – This app is only avaiable from PlayStore, however, the code is open as you can see here. Tell me if you agree with that, please. If you all disagree, I will delete this suggestions.
- Simple Contacts Pro SE – This is will not update anymore, however I put it because, for now, I guess it works. Is a fork from Simple Concacts (SimpleMobileTools).
>SMS
- QKSMS – If you like a minimal and simple sms app, you probably gonna like this.
- Right Messages (from goodwy) – Again, the code is open and you can see here. I like a lot these apps from goodwy.
>Dialer
- Right Dialer – Again, same thing from RightContacts and RightMessages. Code here.
- Koler – Simple and beautiful app dialer. I used it. However, dont have the option to block anonymous calls.
QKSMS hasn't been updated in almost three years, QUIK is an actively maintained fork. For contacts, I use ConnectYou (which also has integrated SMS, I just ignore that feature though)
I'd personally avoid apps that aren't distributed through F-Droid or available through Github. Part of the appeal of FOSS on Android is de-Googling, which is incompatible with being exclusive to the play store.
27ty! My suggestions from goodwy was cutted. On final megathread I will not put them.
4
Simple Mobile Tools have been forked by one of the maintainers. They have released the Gallery and File Manager so far. Check out their github : https://github.com/FossifyOrg
22Ty for your tip!
That will be appear on final list, for sure!
5
I have been using Koler for a while, but my experience with it has been very buggy and confusing. Is there any alternative other than waiting for Fossify's Dialer?
7Dialer apps are a mess, waiting for Fossify also here
5I can't even figure out why nobody in Open Source has had the bright idea to have the dialer app inside of the contacts app.
You can't access call history in Simple's dialer, yet the very same contact display in dialer won't let you access the groups screen and make your calls from there.
Why are these two separate apps?
2
Obtainium is pretty good to get apps from the git repos directly, Librera is pretty good to read and track the progress of the books you are reading, Termux based terminal for android, Feeder for rss feeds, newpipe to watch youtube. Aurora store for proprietary google play apps that you have to install cause work and whatnot (also has anonymous mode, so you don't need a google account).
Keyboard: OpenBoard
Webbrowser: iceraven
Calendar: Calendar (By Fossifyorg)
5Please, dont put links. Dont get me wrong, but if everyone will gonna put links, this is not help me. On top of that, that link is about EVERYTHING, and now the discussion is only about Sms, contacts and dialer FOSS apps. If you can help with your thoughts about this apps, I appreciate.
7Who are you and why are you using my phone? 😄 With only a few exceptions it looks like we have the exact same apps.
2
Yep, It's really a good idea but I don't know about any Dailer or contact apps. But I will contribute in next discussions.
Also Maybe I am asking for too much but when you post next discussion can you tag me in comment. So, I get reminded about this.
4Created a new thread right now.
1Thank You man
1
For this category, this time last year I would have recommended Simple Mobile Tools' apps. Now that they're sold off to a dodgy company I guess the baton has been passed to Fossify.
I mainly want simple apps that Just Work for basic purposes like this. "Everything apps" are not a concept I believe in. I used QKSMS in the past but it just ballooned in features I didn't care about. I looked once at Koler and decided all the swiping wasn't for me.
4This is a great idea! Will it be limited to smartphone apps?
My go to page when looking for app suggestions is privacytools.io although its focused on privacy there's a lot of overlap with open source.
Is there any phone app that allows to record calls?
3Recommend privacyguides.org over .io. The site you mentioned is full of bad advice because they use paid links to less-private services
1Thanks! I didn't know about that.
2
iceraven is a good foss android browser
1