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Android’s desktop interface leaks

9to5google.com

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Re: Android’s desktop interface leaks

#111

Post by kelnos »

I enjoy cool features like this, but as usual, I'm wary of the consequences.

Android is becoming more and more locked down like iOS. Even if it weren't, it's still always been more locked down than a standard desktop or laptop machine running an operating system of the user's choice.

With the advent of smartphones and tablets, already I see non- and semi-technical users often dropping their laptop or desktop and just using their phone or tablet. (I know people who don't even have a laptop/desktop anymore.)

Android having a full desktop interface will just add fuel to this fire, and further normalize running a locked-down OS and device that users don't truly own or control as their only computing platform.

Re: Android’s desktop interface leaks

#112

Post by bigstrat2003 »

dfajgljsldkjag wrote: post #69

This looks like it will help a lot of students and families who are on a budget. If you can just plug your phone into a screen you do not need to buy a separate laptop anymore. The browser extensions are the most important part because that is what makes a computer useful. I am glad to see they are thinking about this.

What makes a computer useful is the form factor (decent size screen, mouse and keyboard instead of touch controls) and having full control of the system. It has nothing to do with browser extensions.

Re: Android’s desktop interface leaks

#113

Post by joe_mamba »

cogman10 wrote: post #105
joe_mamba wrote: post #93

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>A 2-3 generation old pixel on the second hand marker is not expensive at all though. Sure but at around 300 bucks is still way over 50 bucks. And even if you get a used Pixel 8, having separate phone and computer adds a priceless layer of redundancy and flexibility. If someone steals my phone, I don't want to also loose my work PC with it.

You are also buying a soon to be unmaintained device which will fall out of security support. That $50 PC can run linux with the latest kernel for the next 20 years (maybe longer).

There's lineageOS for outdated pixel device, but I think you loose device attestation if you flash that, so your banking, payment and digital-ID apps won't work anymore which is kind of important features for a lot of people.

I still think separating a phone for phone apps and a PC for productivity, is the best choice even if that PC is a 20 year old rustbucket from the dumpster, it will still do more tasks than a phone. You can't learn photoshop on a phone.

Re: Android’s desktop interface leaks

#115

Post by dizhn »

gf000 wrote: post #90
ivell wrote: post #77

If it comes with fully functional command line, unix utils and ability to install linux apps from different stores, that would be great OS.

That's already here. Android has native terminal in the developer settings and it even has a Wayland graphical environment. I have run Weston with a desktop chromium inside, playing a youtube video with sound.

But no root.

Re: Android’s desktop interface leaks

#116

Post by ssl-3 »

kelnos wrote: post #111

I enjoy cool features like this, but as usual, I'm wary of the consequences. Android is becoming more and more locked down like iOS. Even if it weren't, it's still always been more locked down than a standard desktop or laptop machine running an operating system of the user's choice. With the advent of smartphones and tablets, already I see non- and semi-technical users often dropping their laptop or desktop and just…

It wasn't always so locked-down as it is today.

The OG Motorola Droid, for example: While it clearly wasn't a design intent, there was really nothing of any gravity to stop people from using it in any way they wished.

Rooting was a simple matter of running a hacked su command, and voila: One becomes root. The bootloader wasn't locked at all. Custom kernels and userlands were normal. It was a great little pocket computer to goof around with for anyone who cared enough to give it a swing.

Just install the "missing" su binary and...done.

At the time, I felt that this was a perfectly acceptable way to keep it working reliably for regular folk.

Re: Android’s desktop interface leaks

#117

Post by cogman10 »

joe_mamba wrote: post #113
cogman10 wrote: post #105

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You are also buying a soon to be unmaintained device which will fall out of security support. That $50 PC can run linux with the latest kernel for the next 20 years (maybe longer).

There's lineageOS for outdated pixel device, but I think you loose device attestation if you flash that, so your banking, payment and digital-ID apps won't work anymore which is kind of important features for a lot of people. I still think separating a phone for phone apps and a PC for productivity, is the best choice even if that PC is a 20 year old rustbucket from the dumpster, it will still do more tasks than a ph…

The lineageOS kernel isn't guaranteed to be super up to date. It's often based on the manufacturer's kernel. There's also possibly binary blobs involved which can't be checked or updated.

Re: Android’s desktop interface leaks

#118

Post by palata »

kelnos wrote: post #111

I enjoy cool features like this, but as usual, I'm wary of the consequences. Android is becoming more and more locked down like iOS. Even if it weren't, it's still always been more locked down than a standard desktop or laptop machine running an operating system of the user's choice. With the advent of smartphones and tablets, already I see non- and semi-technical users often dropping their laptop or desktop and just…

I have mixed feelings as well.

The security model of Android and iOS is vastly superior, and for "normal" users it is not so much of a problem if they don't have control they neither need nor want.

On the other hand, I obviously don't like it when I don't have control over my hardware. But what I hate the most is when the manufacturers prevent me from installing an alternative OS. I like being able to install something like GrapheneOS.

Also the fact that I'm forced (in practice) to use the Play Services is not really about the device being locked down.

Re: Android’s desktop interface leaks

#119

Post by charcircuit »

dizhn wrote: post #115
gf000 wrote: post #90

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's already here. Android has native terminal in the developer settings and it even has a Wayland graphical environment. I have run Weston with a desktop chromium inside, playing a youtube video with sound.

But no root.

A root account violates principle of least priviledge. With proper design a root account should not be needed.

Re: Android’s desktop interface leaks

#120

Post by peyton »

AuthAuth wrote: post #114

The visual design is just so bad. Its so ugly and souless. I actually feel bad for the UI designer that had to put their name behind that.

Looks great. Hope the team polishes it up before release. The visual nits in shipping Google products make my eyes bleed.
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