A well researched, informative article that presents essential Open Source options for mobile users, which is to say, practically everyone on the planet. Thank you for making this informative known on this platform.
I've been using an Above phone (de-Googled Android with Graphene OS and VoIP phone) for over a year, mostly seamless. I could not do it myself so Above does that, they also setup Linux computers with their new Above OS. Mothership = Take Back our Tech.
Thanks for the info, Above looks great! They are a lot like Murena -- but specifically for Pixels on Graphene OS. I have heard great things about GrapheneOS and its level of attention to the security side of things. Another great alternative!
GrapheneOS is an excellent open source, privacy first and secure operating system with an active community. Definitely one to include here. https://grapheneos.org/
Omg this is perfect timing. I cannot stomach Apple anymore. The latest update links you to starlink an if u don’t update it in time your phone stops working! So in my attempt to decouple from apple anymore do the same with all tech it’s my iPad I sadly now will have to part with. Do you know of any good options that are smooth to replace an iPad Pro that are open source and also have good resolution. Because I love my iPad. But starlink. The internet that allows election rigging to be possible an more with them gaining more info on us from it and Elon in general I simply cannot…
Thanks for sharing. I hadn't heard about the forced starlink connection. It is one thing to have it as an option -- but to be the only option seems pretty suspicious.
I don't own a tablet or use them very often. I know that there are plenty of tablets that run on Android (and therefore run e/OS, Graphene, or other Goggle-free alternatvies). But I cannot vouch for how they compare to iPads.
Thank you for getting back to me. And your suggestions help none the less. I will explore. Yes I’m truly horrified about the star link thing. I only learnt about it from people who actually rang Apple to see if the could opt out of it. Horrifying to find out no and that no one seems to know. I’m shouting it from the rooftops wherever I can.
I support anyone doing good work to improve circular economies, reduce waste, and simply make a better product, regardless of their location.
But yes, it does seem that Europe is leading the charge in many sectors here. It'd be nice to see other regions catch up and start focusing on modularity, repairability, sustainability, etc -- instead of simply products for profits. If you know of any, I'll happily add them to the alternatives list.
Does the FairPhone e/os work with any provider (Verizon, ATT, etc.)? Couldn’t find that info on their site. I’m interested in a sustainable, privacy-forward smartphone when my iPhone kicks the bucket
The only "official" supported setup that I know of in the US is through Murena and T-Mobile.
However, it does accept physical and virtual SIM cards. And there is an option to buy the phone without the Murena plan. The reddit threads I've seen have had mixed success with carriers other than T-Mobile.
Thank you! Bummer because I had terrible luck with service quality when I was a T-Mobile customer. Can’t imagine going back to them but maybe they’ve gotten better
If things take off here, I'm hoping to get FairPhones for more of my family. In that case, we'll use the opportunity to test other networks and plans outside of Murena/T-Mobile. If we do, I'll keep you posted!
Yes! I have a feeling you'll dig it, if you're already enjoying Linux. I'd also check out the other "flavors" that some other users have mentioned, LineageOS and GrapheneOS (if they support your device).
I degoogled and old tablet but the only e/os available doesn't have up to date security so I've stopped using it. What's the solution for older kit. I have two old Samsung devices that work well but the os that are available for them aren't secure
Dang. It is tough for a small OpenSource team to maintain backwards compatibility and long-term support for older devices. I don't know all the specifics, but the more energy we send their way, the better chance they have of being able to support more devices.
It's worth mentioning that most search engines aren't truly independent from US search engines like Google and Bing. Most "alternative" search engines are actually using Bing's APIs to respond to your query.
A truly independent alternative is Mojeek, although its performance is a bit limited by its smaller index. I use it, but I cannot use it for 100% of queries.
My eyes glaze over and I don't begin to follow. I'd like privacy and no tracking but I have cellphone from Walmart pay cash monthly in person plan. I could not begin to figure out how to do this.
Maybe they can figure out how to sell phones in person for cash.
I'm a long time Luddite on my first ever "smart" phone I had to get when I was required to get it for work when the restaurant delivery service I worked for went with "delivery logic" online company.
Ironically in September 2024 when I lost my car and my delivery job too due to theft and vandalism I stopped working. Now Delivery Logic won't let me see my financial records.....and I have not received the 1099 ....but they won't let me see my records if I don't first allow them to track me 24 hours a day 7 days a week.....and I don't even have a car anymore......
Yes, it is sad. They have not prioritized repairability, but lean towards planned obsolescence and driving constant consumption.
I don't advocate that anyone ditches their current tech immediately -- it carries a cost to the planet, and I don't want to see more e-waste. There are still plenty of positive changes to make in the meantime.
And when that phone eventually gives up too, you know what to look for on the next round!
Sadly, no. Apple's devices are locked down to a proprietary operating system. There isn't a "boot loader" like Android devices have to enable that kind of flexibility.
A well researched, informative article that presents essential Open Source options for mobile users, which is to say, practically everyone on the planet. Thank you for making this informative known on this platform.
Thank you! I'm delighted to share our journey so others can learn and follow.
I've been using an Above phone (de-Googled Android with Graphene OS and VoIP phone) for over a year, mostly seamless. I could not do it myself so Above does that, they also setup Linux computers with their new Above OS. Mothership = Take Back our Tech.
Thanks for the info, Above looks great! They are a lot like Murena -- but specifically for Pixels on Graphene OS. I have heard great things about GrapheneOS and its level of attention to the security side of things. Another great alternative!
GrapheneOS is an excellent open source, privacy first and secure operating system with an active community. Definitely one to include here. https://grapheneos.org/
Thank you, I'll add it!
I second GrapheneOS. I have been using it for several years now and I have no regrets. Just make sure you have a compatible phone model.
What phones use Graphene? Is this some you can swap out on an existing phone?
https://grapheneos.org/faq#supported-devices
Omg this is perfect timing. I cannot stomach Apple anymore. The latest update links you to starlink an if u don’t update it in time your phone stops working! So in my attempt to decouple from apple anymore do the same with all tech it’s my iPad I sadly now will have to part with. Do you know of any good options that are smooth to replace an iPad Pro that are open source and also have good resolution. Because I love my iPad. But starlink. The internet that allows election rigging to be possible an more with them gaining more info on us from it and Elon in general I simply cannot…
Thanks for sharing. I hadn't heard about the forced starlink connection. It is one thing to have it as an option -- but to be the only option seems pretty suspicious.
I don't own a tablet or use them very often. I know that there are plenty of tablets that run on Android (and therefore run e/OS, Graphene, or other Goggle-free alternatvies). But I cannot vouch for how they compare to iPads.
Thank you for getting back to me. And your suggestions help none the less. I will explore. Yes I’m truly horrified about the star link thing. I only learnt about it from people who actually rang Apple to see if the could opt out of it. Horrifying to find out no and that no one seems to know. I’m shouting it from the rooftops wherever I can.
Fairphone is from the Netherlands, so for anybody who want to support European brands more, time to go for it!
I support anyone doing good work to improve circular economies, reduce waste, and simply make a better product, regardless of their location.
But yes, it does seem that Europe is leading the charge in many sectors here. It'd be nice to see other regions catch up and start focusing on modularity, repairability, sustainability, etc -- instead of simply products for profits. If you know of any, I'll happily add them to the alternatives list.
Does the FairPhone e/os work with any provider (Verizon, ATT, etc.)? Couldn’t find that info on their site. I’m interested in a sustainable, privacy-forward smartphone when my iPhone kicks the bucket
The only "official" supported setup that I know of in the US is through Murena and T-Mobile.
However, it does accept physical and virtual SIM cards. And there is an option to buy the phone without the Murena plan. The reddit threads I've seen have had mixed success with carriers other than T-Mobile.
Thank you! Bummer because I had terrible luck with service quality when I was a T-Mobile customer. Can’t imagine going back to them but maybe they’ve gotten better
If things take off here, I'm hoping to get FairPhones for more of my family. In that case, we'll use the opportunity to test other networks and plans outside of Murena/T-Mobile. If we do, I'll keep you posted!
T-mobile has hooked up with Starlink now. Time to move on. I will be checking on your recommendations.
As a casual Linux user, I am tempted to try e/os now.
Yes! I have a feeling you'll dig it, if you're already enjoying Linux. I'd also check out the other "flavors" that some other users have mentioned, LineageOS and GrapheneOS (if they support your device).
Waiting for Apple/iOS alternatives…🫤
Unfortunately, Apple has their devices locked down to iOS. The only way out of that is a completely different ecosystem.
I degoogled and old tablet but the only e/os available doesn't have up to date security so I've stopped using it. What's the solution for older kit. I have two old Samsung devices that work well but the os that are available for them aren't secure
Dang. It is tough for a small OpenSource team to maintain backwards compatibility and long-term support for older devices. I don't know all the specifics, but the more energy we send their way, the better chance they have of being able to support more devices.
OpenSource sounds nice, doesn’t it! Check out Alison McDowell on YouTube for more.
Thank you, great resource!
It's worth mentioning that most search engines aren't truly independent from US search engines like Google and Bing. Most "alternative" search engines are actually using Bing's APIs to respond to your query.
A truly independent alternative is Mojeek, although its performance is a bit limited by its smaller index. I use it, but I cannot use it for 100% of queries.
My eyes glaze over and I don't begin to follow. I'd like privacy and no tracking but I have cellphone from Walmart pay cash monthly in person plan. I could not begin to figure out how to do this.
Maybe they can figure out how to sell phones in person for cash.
I'm a long time Luddite on my first ever "smart" phone I had to get when I was required to get it for work when the restaurant delivery service I worked for went with "delivery logic" online company.
Ironically in September 2024 when I lost my car and my delivery job too due to theft and vandalism I stopped working. Now Delivery Logic won't let me see my financial records.....and I have not received the 1099 ....but they won't let me see my records if I don't first allow them to track me 24 hours a day 7 days a week.....and I don't even have a car anymore......
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Dodobbird.pixels.com (art site)
https://www.gofundme.com/f/my-puppy-wants-a-cheeseburger (creative arts and survival campaign)
sadly i have a newish phone because apple makes the process to exchange batteries so incredibly onerous that no one does it.
Yes, it is sad. They have not prioritized repairability, but lean towards planned obsolescence and driving constant consumption.
I don't advocate that anyone ditches their current tech immediately -- it carries a cost to the planet, and I don't want to see more e-waste. There are still plenty of positive changes to make in the meantime.
And when that phone eventually gives up too, you know what to look for on the next round!
Is there a possibility to switch to this using an iPhone?
Sadly, no. Apple's devices are locked down to a proprietary operating system. There isn't a "boot loader" like Android devices have to enable that kind of flexibility.
Ok it’s ok I’ll manage something. Thx for your kind reply