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What if we made an alternative to everything on Android? (lemdro.id)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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It's a big question. I know.

But given that we have the source code to Android (AOSP) and the community to collaborate with, couldn't we just create an entire ROM filled with the necessary applications and utilities, all open source, and with modern UI?

It'll take a shit load of time, and effort. Definitely. But maybe if we banded together? A unified OS running only open source software, with the option for Google Services via something like MicroG, so that we don't need to worry.

I'm no expert. I'm just floating an idea. But I'd love to know if this is possible, step-by-step...

Edit: I know custom ROMs are a thing. I use one. I'm just saying, what if we go ahead and make an open source ecosystem that runs under the same project, so that there's a set of services and apps that are free, open source and non-corporate.

Edit2: I forgot the Lineage project exists. Nevermind 🤦🏻‍♂️. Let's just try to support it. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It can never work, because most (if not all) payment related apps check in with google safetynet to see if your phone runs approved software and if it is locked down from your access.

Actually, there are workarounds.. but that either involves installing closed source system mods (because they rely on security through obscucity to avoid their ways being patched), or always patching banking apps themselves to not actually check for it.. until that's not enough anymore.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Ahh I was kinda fearing that but had no idea how that would wotk, thanks!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

If you are interested and are a little techy, look up the Xposed framework. Here's a medium sized summary: https://github.com/rovo89/XposedBridge/wiki/Development-tutorial
This is one thing that can be used for patching apps (the 2nd workaround)