117
Google's assault on F-Droid has begun (techhub.social)
submitted 5 months ago by to c/technology@hexbear.net
40 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/45946938

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 11 points 5 months ago (10 children)

Can anyone recommend phones you can get which Google don't have dominion over?

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 10 child comments
    •
  • [–] 20 points 5 months ago* (6 children)

    Ironically Google made the Pixel very easy to unlock and flash with other firmwares, so from a practical point of view, a refurbished pixel phone flashed with CalyxOS or GrapheneOS might be an accessible and not too expensive way to get out from under their thumb yourself.

    I also have an android device intended for the Chinese domestic market and its Android firmware does not come with Google Play Services or Play Store installed and you don't need to use either to use the device just fine. I don't know but I assume this is common with other major manufacturers but mine is made by Lenovo.

    The clock is still ticking because nothing gets security patches and support forever. I know there are people making alternative phones I just don't know if they're any good or how many made it to market etc. Hopefully Motorola and Graphene's partnership isn't just for big contract vendor stuff and that we'll see a retail market Graphene phone in the next year or two.

    European governments are starting to realise The Problem with US tech, so hopefully it'll buy Graphene a bit more good will than its been getting in recent years and drive some of the demand for genuinely secure phones. Probably a pipe dream tho.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 6 child comments
    •
  • [–] 3 points 5 months ago (5 children)

    wrt pixels, many secondary market devices are carrier OR bootloader locked, in either case you can't use them for custom ROMs. In the latter case, they are commonly sold as "unlocked" because most people don't care to install a ROM.

    It is not simple to get the correct device. If you buy new, direct from google, it will be bootloader unlocked. otherwise you have to find a seller who can tell the difference, which isn't most of them,

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 5 child comments
    •
  • [–] 2 points 5 months ago (4 children)

    It is not simple to get the correct device.

    I didn't realise this was such an issue. Very important point, in that case.

    I would hate for someone to blow their budget on something that ends up being nerfed and compromised and they end up stuck with THE MOST google phone rather than the least. That would be a nightmare.

    Don't suppose you know of any other handsets that still get reliable aftermarket support?

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [–] 2 points 5 months ago (3 children)

    I don't have extensive knowledge off the top of my head. I usually take a look only when existing device dies. See GrapheneOS devices list and a bit further down the page there is a table of expected EOL dates. Most other similar ROMs have the same list. LineageOS being the exception with much wider support. I beleive that some compromises have been made to allow that but can't elaborate more than that. There are zillions of nerds debating online about it. Same caveat about bootloader locking applies in any scenario.

    IME the best thing is to make sure the device can be returned for any reason, and plan to attempt install ROM asap upon arrival so you have enough time to send it back if unsuitable.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 3 child comments
    •
  • [–] 2 points 5 months ago (2 children)

    Similar boat here. Just did the whole song and dance catching back up at the end of last year.

    Your prudence in making it clear that people should get something they can return is appreciated. I was taking it for granted that refurbishers provide warranties but that's not true everywhere.

    Might edit my comment to highlight that.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
  • [–] 2 points 4 months ago (1 child)

    Well they will provide a warranty on their work generally. If it's different than advertised, not working etc, then you should be able to send it back. But warranty on the customer buying the wrong thing because they didn't know is a lot to ask for, especially if they are the ones paying for shipping. A large company can afford that, or a vendor who is specialized can give precise info on what they are selling and are prepared to back that up.

    But I really don't understand why these ROM devs are not more clear about this requirement. They are fully advertised as "all you need is a pixel phone" which is false. I think a lot of the user base is wealthy enough to go to the google store and buy a new phone in cash. It is the only explanation. The forums have frequent threads of people who are having problems installing due to this.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 1 point 4 months ago

    But I really don't understand why these ROM devs are not more clear about this requirement. They are fully advertised as "all you need is a pixel phone" which is false. I think a lot of the user base is wealthy enough to go to the google store and buy a new phone in cash. It is the only explanation. The forums have frequent threads of people who are having problems installing due to this.

    Yeah for real. I was just trying to confirm whether my belief (apparently, not knowledge) that carrier locking and irreversible e-fuse bootloader locking a phone like the Pixel would be a violation of consumer law here. We did have some major changes ages ago, but its been years since I've personally had to worry much and its still ambiguous grey area stuff with irreversible e-fuse protections altering / downgrading trust attestation and widevine support etc being common.

    I'm off on this tangent to say "oh, wow I see what you mean" because I'm done with this search, the results are an endless repetition of "pixels are always unlockable."

    I didn't end up editing my post cuz I realised your warnings start far enough up the chain to be visible. I appreciate this conversation though cuz I am guilty of believing and promoting the "pixels are worth the cost but you don't have to pay google for one" line without hesitation in the past.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent