GrapheneOS has been around for a while, and it's a pretty neat piece of software.
  • ZebraGoose@sh.itjust.works
    491·
    2 months ago

    Here’s a summary of the article and the seven key points mentioned about switching to GrapheneOS:

    Summary: The article discusses GrapheneOS, a secure, privacy-focused mobile operating system based on Android. It highlights the benefits of switching to GrapheneOS, its features, compatibility, and user experience. The article also addresses potential concerns and provides information on reverting to standard Android if desired.

    The seven things you should know before switching to GrapheneOS:

    1. Compatibility: Currently only supported on Google Pixel devices (Pixel 3 or newer) due to their strong hardware-based security features.

    2. App compatibility: Most apps are compatible, but some may require alternatives. A sandboxed version of Google Play can be installed for popular apps.

    3. User interface: Similar to standard Android, but with enhanced privacy controls and a decluttered, ad-free experience.

    4. Regular updates: Frequent security updates are provided to protect against the latest threats.

    5. Community support: A dedicated community of users and developers is available to offer help and tips.

    6. Reversibility: It’s possible to switch back to standard Android if you don’t like GrapheneOS.

    7. Privacy and security features: Includes end-to-end encryption, revocable permissions, randomized MAC addresses, and strict app data access controls.

  • soFanzy@lemmy.world
    22·
    2 months ago

    I love graphene as much as the next guy, but this article is pretty terrible. Badly researched, just spitting out talking points that are either flat out wrong, not the point of graphene or just scratching the surface. Look up the graphene homepage, if you actually want useful info.

  • M500@lemmy.mlEnglish
    8·
    2 months ago

    Can someone give an example of an app that doesn’t work? I always hear about apps that do work, but is it mostly banking or some other category that doesn’t work typically?

    • Broken@lemmy.ml
      9·
      2 months ago

      Like you said, banking apps. The logic behind that is they use google to security check their apps. A random non-bank example would be the slick deals app. Without play services it would just open then crash.

      Many apps use play services for their notification system. So for instance, proton mail works fine but notifications do not.

      NFC is not supported, so anything that uses that won’t work.

      Not an app, but I was surprised that widgets don’t work unless you’re in the primary profile. Technically they work on any profile, but they randomly get deleted, and frequently. It’s a known bug that probably will never get fixed because the source of it comes from stock android.

      I will mention that you can have a profile running play services, which gives you access to many apps that wouldnt normally work. And it’s sandboxed so it has less impact on your information (I don’t know all the specifics but it does limit in some way how much it can snoop into the rest of the OS). Then you can also set up granular controls on your apps to limit them from snooping.

      • M500@lemmy.mlEnglish
        1·
        2 months ago

        Thanks! I don’t think this will work for me. Where I live, most of the payments are made directly through banking apps by scanning a qr-code.

        • Broken@lemmy.ml
          3·
          2 months ago

          Yeah, that’s why I mentioned having a secondary profile. Some stuff like bank apps you just can’t get away from so a profile with play services running is a workable solution. If you have a pixel phone already, you can give it a shot. One very nice feature of GOS is that it’s super easy to install - and uninstall if it’s not for you.

  • shapis@lemmy.ml
    4·
    2 months ago

    Tried to switch to graphene for a bit. Way too many apps don’t work in it.

  • sweetpotato@lemmy.ml
    3·
    2 months ago

    For how long will the older pixel phones be supported? Is it worth it to buy a cheaper older model like pixel 6 and have graphene in it?

    Cause I’m not giving more than 200-300 for a phone. I’ll stick to cheap android phones that lack nothing compared to expensive phones for my needs.

      • sweetpotato@lemmy.ml
        3·
        2 months ago

        Wait what do the android updates have to do with Graphene? Does the phone need to still be supported by Google and android for Graphene to be secure and work?

      • toastal@lemmy.ml
        21·
        2 months ago

        5a is EoL so no headphone jack for you. This is a nonstarter for portable devices to me.

        • Dust0741@lemmy.world
          2·
          2 months ago

          USB C to AUX adapters work for me.

          Having a secure and up to date device should likely be more important

          • toastal@lemmy.ml
            2·
            2 months ago

            Flimsy awkward adapters + having to choose between charging or audio? But they had matching earbuds with irreplaceable batteries to sell…

            • helpImTrappedOnline@lemmy.world
              2·
              2 months ago

              Ugreen sells a dual adapter. I’m sure other make one too. Don’t choose, just have both.

              https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Magnetic-Adapter-Charger-Charging/dp/B0CJXWJ596/

              As for flimsy, unless you get apple’s piece of crap, they are resonably durable. Headphone cables were never know for duarbilty either.

              Lastly, just leave the adapter plugged into your headphones or aux cable.

              I’ll agree, they are awkward and I do miss my headphone port, but the solution work around is not that deep.

              • toastal@lemmy.ml
                1·
                2 months ago

                While the greater knowledge tells us the jack integration costs the manufacturer less than a greenback, the narrator buys @ 20× the price a dangling dongle whose DAC quality is an unknown. Strolling with cellular apparatus in hand, the narrator’s new phone tails are inserted—one side waving in the wind & the other causing a weird, uncomfortable cinch in the junction with 3.5mm jack. Additional stress is forced upon the singlar USB-C port. Who will last longer on this phone, port, battery, screen? “This is fine” he tells himself lifting the screen searching “best Bluetooth headphone 2024” just to see what’s out there—even tho his headphones have no performance issues & a replaceable, detachable cable already built to last.

  • Lightscription@lemmy.world
    3·
    2 months ago

    Unfortunately, Tinder doesn’t work and that is helpful to get in touch with the ladies. That app is too hell bent on location data which GOS handles more privately.

    NFC should work, it is just scheduled to be deactivated after 3 months if not used for security reasons.

    I think GOS is very user friendly and has many positive privacy and security enhancements. I would like to see if they can surpass sandboxed Google Play and officially support other repositories and updaters like Accrescent. Also, a standard way of securing traffic beyond encrypted DNS would be good such as a tor client like Orbot.

    Looking into the Veilid ecosystem might also be a source for further development ideas.