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FSF announces Librephone project

fsf.org

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Re: FSF announces Librephone project

#21

Post by koolala »

bigstrat2003 wrote: post #4

Ultimately, I don't think the most important challenge is in binary firmware blobs, but the software which people depend upon to run their lives. What does it matter if you can run a completely free software stack on your phone, if your bank software (or your required government ID, as is looking depressingly likely) requires you to run a Big Tech approved phone OS? Perhaps the FSF can't do much about that, but that…

In an emergency, can't you call your bank over the phone? Do you depend on it still if you have a Computer?

Re: FSF announces Librephone project

#22

Post by monero-xmr »

bigstrat2003 wrote: post #4

Ultimately, I don't think the most important challenge is in binary firmware blobs, but the software which people depend upon to run their lives. What does it matter if you can run a completely free software stack on your phone, if your bank software (or your required government ID, as is looking depressingly likely) requires you to run a Big Tech approved phone OS? Perhaps the FSF can't do much about that, but that…

Most importantly is to continue supporting web browser access and open web protocols. Then anyone with a web browser and device can use all the apps.

Re: FSF announces Librephone project

#23

Post by monero-xmr »

le-mark wrote: post #3

> Practically, Librephone aims to close the last gaps between existing distributions of the Android operating system and software freedom. The FSF has hired experienced developer Rob Savoye (DejaGNU, Gnash, OpenStreetMap, and more) to lead the technical project. He is currently investigating the state of device firmware and binary blobs in other mobile phone freedom projects, prioritizing the free software work done…

If rich techies on this website want to support something worthwhile, here you go

Re: FSF announces Librephone project

#24

Post by koolala »

jojobas wrote: post #8
bombcar wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you really NEED to be forced to attest if you can make your phone look like any damn PC using a browser?

Some banks require app confirmation for PC-initiated transactions, using play integrity requiring apps. Cause security, you know.

What kind of transactions require this? Normal bank transactions don't, right?

Re: FSF announces Librephone project

#25

Post by soupy-soup »

its-summertime wrote: post #10

https://librephone.fsf.org/FAQ.html Currently scope only seems to go as far as the operating system

That's really as far as they need to go; if the userland is compatible with Linux, it can use all of the work that KDE and other organizations have put into building mobile interfaces.

These projects have stuff that works, but the lack of firmware for chips that can connect to modern cell infrastructure means that they can't really create an appealing product. The OS layer is where all previous Linux phone efforts have failed, and I hope the FSF makes it farther than everyone else has.

Re: FSF announces Librephone project

#26

Post by ocdtrekkie »

bsimpson wrote: post #11

Interesting that they chose Android as a base and not one of the desktop-Linux-for-mobile ports like postmarketOS.

It's an incredible waste and an amazing example of how useless the FSF is today. Instead of supporting real Linux phones they're focusing on trying to degunk Android even more.

Re: FSF announces Librephone project

#27

Post by SoftTalker »

bigstrat2003 wrote: post #4

Ultimately, I don't think the most important challenge is in binary firmware blobs, but the software which people depend upon to run their lives. What does it matter if you can run a completely free software stack on your phone, if your bank software (or your required government ID, as is looking depressingly likely) requires you to run a Big Tech approved phone OS? Perhaps the FSF can't do much about that, but that…

Use the website. I’ve never seen a bank where a mobile app is the only option for remote access. If my bank did that, I’d switch banks.

Re: FSF announces Librephone project

#28

Post by _blk »

bsimpson wrote: post #11

Interesting that they chose Android as a base and not one of the desktop-Linux-for-mobile ports like postmarketOS.

yes, but it's probably the quickest path to market with a reasonably certain customer satisfaction.

Doesn't stop you on working from there once that milestone is reached.. I would certainly welcome more alternatives in light of the recently announced changes from do-no-evilG

Re: FSF announces Librephone project

#29

Post by ttoinou »

bigstrat2003 wrote: post #4

Ultimately, I don't think the most important challenge is in binary firmware blobs, but the software which people depend upon to run their lives. What does it matter if you can run a completely free software stack on your phone, if your bank software (or your required government ID, as is looking depressingly likely) requires you to run a Big Tech approved phone OS? Perhaps the FSF can't do much about that, but that…

Banking might be the wrong example to choose from here since we discovered with cryptos how to handle money without governments

Re: FSF announces Librephone project

#30

Post by lostmsu »

monero-xmr wrote: post #23
le-mark wrote: post #3

> Practically, Librephone aims to close the last gaps between existing distributions of the Android operating system and software freedom. The FSF has hired experienced developer Rob Savoye (DejaGNU, Gnash, OpenStreetMap, and more) to lead the technical project. He is currently investigating the state of device firmware and binary blobs in other mobile phone freedom projects, prioritizing the free software work done…

If rich techies on this website want to support something worthwhile, here you go

Not rich but is there a way to contribute specifically to this project? The donate button on the website does not work.
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