To me it is super weird that GrapheneOS positions itself as a way to degoogle - but it is only supported on google’s Pixel hardware.
They only support Pixel hardware because it’s currently the only line that meets their list of requirements. I’d guess that if something came around which beat the Pixel line, they’d support it…but I also don’t see anyone positioned to do that right now.
Though it’s worth mentioning that the developers don’t emphasize degoogling all that much and their community often have a bit of tension with degooglers who come to join them. The OS certainly meets the needs of those of us getting away from Google but the developers have no problem recommending workflows that go through Google (albeit with regular app access rather than the privileged and deeply integrated access on stock Android) when they’re more secure than the alternatives. For example, they’ll regularly suggest using sandboxed Google Play over F-Droid or Aurora Store, again because of their stance of prioritizing security above all.
It can sometimes be a bit annoying when your priorities are more about avoiding corporate surveillance than protecting yourself from attackers or a snooping government, but their work ends up supporting both regardless.
That sounds like a reasonable position. Google would have an advantage in getting timely AOSP and security updates, but getting that stuff done should be a high priority for all manufacturers anyway. As for the rest of the list, there are things I don’t know about - but at a glance it looks fair enough. So I guess there could and probably should be other phones trying to meet those conditions.
For example, they’ll regularly suggest using sandboxed Google Play over F-Droid or Aurora Store
Because many of my used apps are only available in Google Play.
GrapheneOS gives you options that you don’t have to use. I don’t agree with you.
You know what Aurora Store is, right?
What is it?
An anonymous frontend for Google Play
Thanks. I thought there may have been some sort of controversy about it, that’s why I asked.
I’m betting it’s because Pixels have some unique hardware/ software quirks or something.
iirc they are the only phones that allow adding custom avb keys and then relocking the bootloader
Honestly this is one of the only things holding me back from going to graphene. Once this is available to non alpha users I might make the switch properly.
I’m on stable, and using it.
Absolutely. Android Auto is a must for me.
About time!
Awesome. I’ve been using GrapheneOS on my Pixel 7 for almost a year now and it’s been great. I won’t be using this feature, but am happy it might attract more users.
I’m still sour that Google disables hdmi/DP over USB-C on Pixels on purpose, and it bothers me that Graphene devs never bothered adding it back.
I think it’s available on the Pixel 8. Graphene OS enabled USB-C video out a couple of months ago.
Oh hell yeah. That was a big issue when I tried out gOS last year.
This is huge, but are there any navigation apps which work with Android Auto except Google Maps and Waze (which is re-skinned Google Maps)? Afaik OSMAnd or Organic Maps do not support it
oh wow! i doubt im going to use that feature because android auto is insufferable but that’s still really neat!
What don’t you like about Android Auto? What alternative would you use to interface with a vehicle head unit if you didn’t AA?
what baseless_discourse said. a windshield or dashboard mounted phone clamp. it is far cheaper, easier, and downright better, for myriad reasons. viewing angle is better, music playing is unspeakably easier, system resources are almost guaranteed to be better, software compatibility is better, etc.
I much prefer utilizing the head unit already installed in my car. Otherwise, before I did just use my phone.
