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 capacity over the last decade.

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.

  • majster@lemmy.zipEnglish
    76·
    5 months ago

    MS keeps making Windows worse but that is not a problem because Linux is great on PCs. The reason is that PC is made out of standardized plug&play components that you can make generic OS image for.

    There is no such thing in smartphone world. Each chipset is it’s own Linux fork that gets only most crucial bug fixes while in warranty. Same is true for ARM SBCs where I believe the only board that supports generic image are new RPis.

    • flop_leash_973@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      5 months ago

      The reason is that PC is made out of standardized plug&play components that you can make generic OS image for.

      Yep, given the history of consumer technology as a whole it is really more amazing that the standard PC became a thing more than it is that people put up with what phones are today.

      We all really owe a lot of gratitude to Phoenix for reverse engineering the IBM BIOS back in the day, and going to court to fight the IBM copyright lawsuit that resulted, as well as Compaq and all of the other IBM compatible clones.

  • BilboBargains@lemmy.worldEnglish
    351·
    5 months ago

    The obfuscated nature of compiled code does an incredible amount of heavy lifting on behalf of shareholders. Imagine a world where x-ray specs suddenly revealed source code. The flight to open solutions would be irresistible. Windows is hot garbage but it clings to its market share like a limpet, through the magic of closed source, occupying space like a flabby tumour. It doesn’t care if it kills the host because the top priority is growth and an unassailable market share. That’s the magic of capitalism.

    • brucethemoose@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      5 months ago

      Honestly I don’t think many people would care? Until the security holes became intractable, I guess.

      Its proven Android phones are doing awful stuff, even client side, and has that slowed them down?

  • AbidanYre@lemmy.worldEnglish
    41·
    5 months ago

    Up until about two weeks ago I could use wallet on my rooted pixel with lineage and play integrity fix.

    Some recent change on their end and it doesn’t work at all anymore. I guess they don’t want to know what I’m buying.

      • Khrux@ttrpg.networkEnglish
        4·
        5 months ago

        I’m trying to make my own smart watch as a hobby experiment at the moment, and one of my most important features is NFC payments. It’s a nightmare, although I understand why. Currently my plan is to buy another smart watch or smart ring and take the NFC chip from it, which is maddening, but more or less my only option due to contactless payment security.

        To do contactless payments, your bank must effectively permit the specific device, otherwise go through GPay or Apple Pay, who in turn just do the permitting themselves. Anything outside of the standard ecosystem just gets overlooked.

        The best workaround while avoiding these companies is to find a smart watch or ring that has compatibility with a proxy card, such as Curve. But beyond halving the price of the accessory, this is pretty much an arbitrary decision.

  • Valmond@lemmy.worldEnglish
    6·
    5 months ago

    I’m on hyperos and every time I have to touch anything pure Google I feel like I’m on a windows PC.

    Don’t get me wrong, hyperos isn’t a pinnacle of freedom, but all I do with my phone is basically using Firefox and take photos (+ signal, & SMS) and use the lichess app.

    It’s so infuriating, they steal our data, but just needs more. I’ll try a Linux FOSS system next phone.

  • No1@aussie.zoneEnglish
    391·
    5 months ago

    The stupid attempt to have everyone leave bluetooth always on pisses me off. They’ve made the BT quick tile 2 more presses to toggle on or off is ridiculous. It’s not a quick tile.

    I’ve just put a BT on/off widget on my home screen.

    • Eagle0110@lemmy.worldEnglish
      7·
      5 months ago

      There is an Xposed module to replace the tiles back to a simple on/off toggle, for both BT tile and WiFi tile.

      You need to grab your control back lol

      Also if you don’t have root on your personal Android devices these days… lol may Google have mercy on you lmao (hint: they won’t lol)

      • Turret3857@infosec.pubEnglish
        1·
        5 months ago

        root is a security risk on many security focused ROMs.

        See the 4th reply in this GrapheneOS thread

        and this from CalyxOS’s FAQ

        If you can link the xposed module though I wouldnt mind making a feature request and asking for the module itself to be integrated into their forks.

    • yopyop@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      13·
      5 months ago

      Could you develop on “attempt to have everyone leave bluetooth” ? What do they want us to use instead ?

  • Canuck@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    361·
    5 months ago

    Mobile GNU/Linux is getting better, but I think it is 5-10 years out from what’s needed. I suppose people need to adopt Desktop first. The nice thing is you can install Android apps including Google Play on it natively, and they appear in your app drawer like a regular app

        • sexybenfranklin@ttrpg.networkEnglish
          1·
          5 months ago

          When you use apple or android pay, it generates a temporary card number etc and uses that, which means if that payment terminal gets compromised, your card number etc isn’t exposed. Your bank could probably do something similar without Google or Apple as the middleman, but until they do, mobile pay will remain a killer app.

      • Canuck@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        1·
        5 months ago

        There are Google Play Android bank apps (mine works fine), and you can use mobile sites as dedicated app drawer icons. Their mobile site is top notch.

        NFC payments won’t come anytime soon to native GNU/Linux, but I don’t use them. Maybe Google Wallet works, I haven’t tried and don’t know if NFC can be passed through to Waydroid. OnePlus 6 is the best supported originally Android phone for GNU/Linux, someone with that would need to test.

        I just have my card in a silicon sleeve on the back of the phone and I get the same effect. I’d rather Google not have my purchase history anyways.

    • TeddE@lemmy.worldEnglish
      6·
      5 months ago

      I just saw KDE Bigscreen got reboot. While it’s not exactly the same (its for TVs, like Android TV and Steam Big Picture mode), it’s nice to see major desktop environments(DE) adopt new UI features for small and large devices. This compliments work done by groups like PinePhone, who laid the groundwork for Linux phones.

    • jabjoe@feddit.ukEnglish
      1·
      5 months ago

      My big problem is banks and satnav.

      SatNav need traffic info and there is none, so their routes are bad.

      Banks require apps to even use their website for “secure codes”. Those apps try to detect ROMs and refuse to run, not even really being Android is going to make passing that harder.

      Let alone random things like parking apps where the app is the only way to pay.

      This is a political problem as much as technical. Competition is basically dead. We need government to step in and make competition possible. But they are in big tech’s pocket and the status quo suits them too. Voters either don’t care or believe what big tech says. It’s a mess.

      • Canuck@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        2·
        5 months ago

        Satnav there is Pure Maps (OSM client), which can connect to sources like HERE to get traffic data to provide voiced guided turn-by-turn instructions. Of course there is also all the Android apps like Google Maps available, and their mobile site works fine.

        On the topic of mobile sites, you can also install them as dedicated app drawer icons via Gnome Web & Firefox PWA for any site.

        This means if your bank app doesn’t like vanilla Android, GApps, you can use a comparable dedicated web app.

        For parking, I’ve found a surprising amount have mobile sites, so I don’t need to install their bloaty Android app onto my GNU/Linux phone.

        • jabjoe@feddit.ukEnglish
          1·
          5 months ago

          Good to know. I’d really like to try a proper Linux phone as a daily driver.

    • douglasg14b@lemmy.worldEnglish
      22·
      5 months ago

      It’s a bit of a catch honestly.

      OSS/community Linux graphical environments have kind of always been ~5 years out from what’s needed. 15 years ago they were behind ~5 years, 5 years ago they where behind ~5 years.

      The only difference is today. I think they’re only behind by ~3-4 years thanks to the backwards movement of things like Windows and OSx staleness.

      Mobile operating systems are in a worse place.

  • forrcaho@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    5 months ago

    I’m thinking about getting the new FairPhone 6 when it comes out and running /e/ OS, but I’m so reliant on Google Maps and Gmail (my email account, not necessarily the app … but I do rely on the app).

    I’m afraid that I’ll either install Google apps and end up with a phone just as compromised as a stock Android install, or if I don’t it will be too much of a pain in the ass to use.

  • ohwhatfollyisman@lemmy.worldEnglish
    6810·
    5 months ago

    android peaked with the pixel 2. then everyone went overboard on bezel-less displays and fast refresh rates and smart assistant services and brought the whole damn thing crashing down.

    • TheGrandNagus@lemmy.worldEnglish
      29·
      5 months ago

      I don’t think the issue with phones is the smaller bezels or better displays.

      That’s not what’s ruining them.

        • brucethemoose@lemmy.worldEnglish
          11·
          5 months ago

          TBH getting a nice dongle like a Fiio KA5 is not so bad. It’s small enough to just hang off the cord, and sounds better anyway, and you don’t have to throw it away every phone switch.

            • brucethemoose@lemmy.worldEnglish
              21·
              5 months ago

              Sorry, I meant the KA1 or KA3, got them mixed up. My KA3 was like $50 used.

              I use it on my PC, too.

              Considering the cost in reference to the hardware, and that I can use it basically forever, and that it’s a lower distortion DAC than any phone? It’s not bad. And it’s a barely-noticable addon for my headphones that just lives on the cord.

      • AstaKask@lemmy.cafeEnglish
        1·
        5 months ago

        I think it varies from person to person. My gf can’t tell the difference at all, even when she really tries, neither can a friend of mine (who also use the most insane jerky screen settings on his TV). For me, I can’t imagine going back to 60hz ever again. It feels like something is physically wrong with my phone if I turn 120hz off.

    • rozodru@lemmy.worldEnglish
      7·
      5 months ago

      one of the best products Microsoft ever produced. I absolutely LOVED my old Lumia. great phone, the OS was perfect, just an awesome all around phone. wish I still had it.

    • Domi@lemmy.secnd.meEnglish
      6·
      5 months ago

      I loved my Lumia 1520, but it just doesn’t hold a candle to a modern Android phone with LineageOS installed. Both in functionality and in privacy.

  • SeeFerns@programming.devEnglish
    27·
    5 months ago

    I really want to try a pinephone or something with Ubuntu touch. It’s likely not daily driver ready but I’m still curious at how far along it is.

    • utopiah@lemmy.worldEnglish
      16·
      5 months ago

      Can’t speak for Ubuntu Touch but tried PostMarketOS on PinePhone and PinePhone Pro.

      The PP works well, good support for most things included SIM, camera, BT, etc but it’s big and bulky, also IMHO not powerful enough for Waydroid so no Android apps, “just” Linux. Relying on the browser to avoid using app is rarely practical as it’s too slow.

      The PPPro being more powerful should cover the gap… but some lack of support, specifically the camera, makes it tricky as daily driver.

      Both PP and PPPro don’t have great battery and/or power management so you can go through a day of usage, barely, and you might get stuck in a cycling loop if you depleted it entirely. That means also as daily driver, if you are not very cautious, it’s tricky.

      So… we are nearly there but unless you have a very VERY minimum usage of your phone, basically a dumb phone with a bit of CLI to remote connect to your own server from time to time, it’s probably not practical for now.

      Maybe the Liberux NEXX thanks to its power would have closed the gap but the failed crowd funding campaign shows that price point does not have a market fit right now.

      • SeeFerns@programming.devEnglish
        2·
        5 months ago

        Thanks for the write up! It honestly sounds like it’s be fine for me. My iPhone is already extremely bare and stripped down. I barely use the camera too, so like, idk I don’t feel like I’d be missing much?

        If I could buy a super cheap used one for testing, I’d do it. I’m waiting for my iPhone SE to die on me anyways before making the switch.

      • Vanilla_PuddinFudge@infosec.pubEnglish
        6·
        5 months ago

        So… we are nearly there but unless you have a very VERY minimum usage of your phone, basically a dumb phone with a bit of CLI to remote connect to your own server from time to time, it’s probably not practical for now.

        …and, that’s me.

        I gave up on my phones. There’s no way to remain connected to the modern world and my own without just keeping everything off of my phone and using it entirely in stock NPC mode. Trackers? Adware? Malware? Doesn’t matter, I only use it for calls, banking apps and cash apps. How do I access my personal, more 1337 haxxor shit?

        Laptop, although I can do a lot of work over ssh on phones and use things like syncthing and nextcloud to get around the ecosystem, still, but for the most part, I’m back in 2007, baby! We’re carrying messenger bags! We don’t care!

        • utopiah@lemmy.worldEnglish
          3·
          5 months ago

          banking apps and cash apps

          Unfortunately that’s prevents from switching to Linux proper over (hopefully deGoogled) Android.

          • Vanilla_PuddinFudge@infosec.pubEnglish
            1·
            5 months ago

            You just need a window into their world.

            Carry your Linux phone and tether it to an old android, install what you need and turn it off.

            carry two things, like some kind of asshole that carries two things!?

            When I was 19, we all carried cameras and mp3 players around too. It’s hardly a stretch.

  • Zink@programming.devEnglish
    13·
    5 months ago

    I find myself using desktop Linux more than my mobile device, even on the couch with the family. Monitors on arms that can swing out of the way ftw. No cute advice for keyboards though. We have wireless ones around but I still use my wired Deck Legend on my lap. It’s an old mechanical keyboard that’s built like a tank, with the PCB literally mounted to a sheet of metal that is mounted inside the housing, lol.

    It’s almost a shame, because smart phones are still absolutely amazing to me as far as the amount of scientific and technical advancement that can fit in the palm of your hand. But I look forward to the open options various parties are working on.

  • jjjalljs@ttrpg.networkEnglish
    631·
    5 months ago

    Google should be broken up and its leadership fined into oblivion for anti competitive behavior

  • VicksVaporBBQrub@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    42·
    5 months ago

    Can I get a rundown of the few non-flagship phonemakers that are currently out there? I have heard of The Nothing Phone. Are there more companies that put together Androids to operate within the US?

    • Prox@lemmy.worldEnglish
      23·
      5 months ago

      Would Moto count? I’ve been rocking their basic-ass phones for years now. Way, way less bloatware than Samsung, etc. and only like $200 unlocked.

          • dcooksta26@lemmy.worldEnglish
            6·
            5 months ago

            I think Moto’s are a pretty good budget friendly phone. Sure their update policy is lacking, but the Moto G Power or Moto G Stylus phones come decently equipped. Plus you can still get expandable storage and headphone jacks.

            • Jarix@lemmy.worldEnglish
              1·
              5 months ago

              Trying to find a 2025 moto g stylus currently. Recently rediscovered hired much I enjoy a headphone jack. Headset runs out of power? Plug in and continue. Also expandable memory wouldn’t have lost me hours of recording that I won’t ever get back because my phone got a little wet and shit the bed

          • macaw_dean_settle@lemmy.worldEnglish
            51·
            5 months ago

            This is false. Lenovo has some of the highest marks for reliability, customer service, and upgradability; not to mention price.

          • imetators@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
            5·
            5 months ago

            Been using Moto since Z1 and would say that their phones are fine. $200 for a phone that lasts 4 years is a decent deal.

    • MysteriousSophon21@lemmy.worldEnglish
      18·
      5 months ago

      Besides Nothing Phone, you’ve got Fairphone (sustainable/repairable), Sony (great cameras), Asus (gaming focused), Nokia (budget-friendly), OnePlus (speed/value), and Xiaomi (if you can import) all working to varying degreees in the US market - tho carrier compatibility can be trickly so always check bands before buying.

    • Tollana1234567@lemmy.todayEnglish
      3·
      5 months ago

      i have oneplus12r this my first non-pixel phone, you might want to visit the oneplus sub to look for other peoples experience. if you are looking for good deal on phones, online stores like swappa is a good start. i like the battery life of it. midsize cost, if your looking for budget , you can go motorola series, i did consider it at first.

      • dukatos@lemmy.zipEnglish
        2·
        5 months ago

        Motorola is full of bloatware. Can not recommend.

        The hardware is fine, though.