Keep Android Open

Post by bigfishrunning » Thu, Oct 30, 2025, 11:36 PM UTC

graemep wrote: post #373

bigfishrunning wrote: post #349

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you're worried about a for-profit company having sway over your computer, Ubuntu is not really the choice to make. Please consider running upstream Debian; there are very few downsides, but the upside is that it is run by an organization that is not (and never will be) driven by profits. Also, it seems a little silly to donate to Ubuntu, which is maintained by a for-profit company.

> If you're worried about a for-profit company having sway over your computer, Ubuntu is not really the choice to make. Why not? The point is not to not have anything supplied by a business. The point is to avoid being controlled by a business. Ubuntu does not have the same hold over your computer that Google has over your phone. The software is open source. You can switch distros easily as it does not have lock-in.

Post by binaryIsBetter » Fri, Oct 31, 2025, 2:51 AM UTC

willtemperley wrote: post #51

codedokode wrote: post #29

Before buying a smartphone I tried to find an inexpensive model that supports open source OS, but I couldn't. What open OS support is ether expensive Pixels, or outdated models. The solution, I think, would be a regulation that forbids manufacturers of any chip or device CPU from making obstacles to reprogramming the device (using fuses, digital signatures, encryption etc). So if you buy a device with CPU and writabl…

Looks like GrapheneOS will be available on another "major Android OEM” soon [1]. Regulation should prevent Google from subsidising manufacturers to use Android. Arguably the recent antitrust legislation [2] applies in this case because they're effectively paying manufacturers to place that horrendous and impossible to remove search bar on the home screen. [1] https://www.androidauthority.com/graphene-os-major-android…

Post by jb1991 » Fri, Oct 31, 2025, 8:22 AM UTC

greycol wrote: post #859

jb1991 wrote: post #849

Earlier quoted context omitted.

These are the most hyperbolic metaphors I have seen on HN within at least the last few months.

Thanks and of course, it's used to highlight how ridiculous you are being in considering an app, that doesn't function as an app, an app. The tesla car is a vehicle traveling through space, technically a spacecraft it's just literally not what anyone thinks of when they mean spacecraft. The prisoner reference is an allusion to the usual philosophical debate on how small man made borders need to be to be considered a…

Post by iggldiggl » Fri, Oct 31, 2025, 9:36 AM UTC

kevincox wrote: post #240

AnthonyMouse wrote: post #140

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Security is important The argument that this is actually a security benefit is a farce. It doesn't do anything. If the device is compromised then it's going to capture your password and send it to the attacker without attempting any attestation. So the only time the attestation is attempted is when the device isn't compromised.

Yes, if it was a measure of device security they would revoke attestation of devices that are behind on security updates. But no, a 5 year old device that never got security updates is A-OK according to Google but a completely up to date custom ROM is not. It's clearly not about real security. It is about control. You follow the rules and get Google's blessing or no SafetyNet for you. These rules include things like…

Post by gf000 » Fri, Oct 31, 2025, 10:04 AM UTC

codedokode wrote: post #786

gf000 wrote: post #271

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can get a new Pixel 8 for ~500$, I would say that has a very decent price to value, and will be supported for longer.

It's hard to find. Pixel 8 costs $670 here, and the cheapest Pixel is 9a for $470. At this price, it is overpriced. Pixel 8 has 8 GB RAM, Samsung A16 with 8 GB costs just $230. It's almost 3 times cheaper. And Samsung supports 2 SIM cards, unlike Pixel, so you can have, for example, one SIM for Internet and another for calls.