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. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
This would be easier if more hardware was easier to put custom OSs on. For example, my phone is dumb and doesn’t have an unlockable bootloader, so i’m stuck with android forever on it. For devices you can actually work on, lineage and graphene are cool projects that i’d love to see embrace the sort of holistic experience you’re talking about~
Same 😔 As soon as this one shatters or stops working in 10 years I’ll get on that does work
This is exactly what I did. I hat a poco X3 NFC. I did install lineageOS on it which was a absolute pain due to MIUI and their unlocking method. A few weeks ago it flung off the motorcycle on the highway in Germany. got my self a google pixel and instantly installed GOS on it. and i am loving it it works great is secure and privacy focused. i do not miss any google services at all.
I found a great bargain on a refurbished Pixel 6 identical to the one I owned, and I can safely say I prefer GOS to an extreme degree. I am slowly degoogling my other pixel and backing up to swap it to GOS as well.