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by rebeccaskinner 752 days ago
This completely changes the chances that I'll buy this. I love the idea, but I just can't see myself ever buying an android device that is running Google's panopticon. I also noticed there's nothing on the product page about privacy, and was about to write this off as another nice gadget that I'd never be able to use.

I'm very hopeful with an unlocked bootloader that the community will provide a more privacy-focused operating system so that I can enjoy this product.
1 comments
boesboes 752 days ago
Same for me, if your product asks me to login with google I'm out. Just out.

I've considered, for instance, getting a fair phone. But the only way to get a pre-de-googled one is through a third party at a 20% premium..

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Vinnl 752 days ago
If an unlocked bootloader would satisfy you for this device, then surely the Fairphone should be good for you too? At least for the FP4, you don't even need the CLI or anything - just install the desktop app [1], connect your phone, and run the app.

[1] https://doc.e.foundation/easy-installer

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rebeccaskinner 752 days ago
I'm currently using an old iPhone, but my plan once it finally dies is to buy a pixel phone and immediately wipe it and install Graphene. It seems really weird to buy a google device if I want better privacy, but based on the research I've done it really does seem like the best option if you value privacy, are willing to deal with a little bit of pain to get privacy, but also need a phone that can at least sometimes do things like run banking apps that force you into the panopticon of bullshit.

I know you specifically said pre-de-googled, but as you said it seems like the options there are really bad, but graphene does seem to make it pretty easy to install (although I haven't actually tried it yet).

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