Privacy Protection – Android and iOS Alternatives

avatar
(Edited)

You are all aware that your iPhone and Android smartphones track you wherever you are and steal your data. You are aware that Google and Apple went over the creepy line and are now deeply in the territory of crime. What can you do?



You have to stop them somehow, and protect your privacy. First logical question would be: Would you give up a smartphone? Never! Alright, what then?

You can try to modify Google’s Android, as it was tried by Cyanogen project (abandoned in 2016) and its successor Lineage OS – operating system for mobile devices, developed as free and open-source software based on the official releases of Android. The idea was noble, but it was not possible for the developers to follow a rapid hardwer and sofware improvements of a various manufacturers models.

A Better Solution

Another possibility would be a development of a deGoogled operating system which could work with multiple hardware platforms. For example, like /e/ Project of /e/ foundation – completely deGoogled, open source, privacy-enabled version of Android:

Duration: 15:22

You can install /e/OS at many (mainly older) smartphnes, or you can buy a new phone with preinstalled /e/OS.

Here is, for example, the cheapest model, Gigaset /e/-GS290 which goes for 259,90€, and has following specs:

Hardwarespecifications
Networks2G/3G/4G LTE
Sim SlotsDual Nano-SIM
Display size6.3 in/16 cm, 14.5 x 6.7 cm
Screen resolution2340 x 1080 – 19.5:9
Internal Memory4GB
Internal storage64GB
Front facing camera4 megapixel
Rear facing camera16 megapixel
Bluetooth5.0
Wifi802.11a/b/g/n
Expandable storageyes, up to 256 GB
NFCyes
VoLTENot yet supported by /e/OS on this phone
VoWi-FiNot yet supported by /e/OS on this phone
Headphones3,5mm stereo
Charges viaUSB-C
Dimensions(HxWxD) 157 × 75.1 × 9.65mm
Weight190 g
SAR0.46w/kg

And you get /e/OS synchronised free account with your email address that ends with “@e.email”, 1GB of free and private storage, convenient backup and access for your mail, calendar, contacts, documents, tasks and notes…

Hmmm, not bad at all for the price. That is, unless you can believe Android could be deGoogled completely. If not…

The Best Solution

The third, and arguably the best solution, is to ditch Android completely, and go for a new platform with a new operating system. People have already done that. A company named Purism have made a modular hardware platform driven by the new PureOs, linux based operating system. Their model named Librem 5 has several interesting features. For example, it is completely modular…

…it has hardware kill switches for the key components, like WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular signal, microphone & camera…

…and thank God, you can replace (and upgrade) your battery again:

Furthermore, with PureOS you will get a true convergence between the smartphone and Librem laptop line, as this is one and the same operating system on all Librem devices:

And contrary to the Apple pirates, you get lifetime updates for your device:

Updates20201221_013018.jpg

Hardwarespecifications..
CPUNXP® i.MX 8M Quad core Cortex A53, 64bit ARM @max 1.5GHz (auxiliary Cortex M4)..
GPUVivante GC7000Lite..
RAM3 GB..
Storage32 GB eMMC internal storage..
External StoragemicroSD (2TB max)..
Screen5.7″ IPS TFT 720×1440..
BasebandOption 1
Broadmobi BM818
Option 2
Gemalto PLS8
SIM Size
nanoSIM
WLANRedpine Signals RS9116: 802.11 abgn 2.4GHz/5GHz..
BluetoothBluetooth 4..
GPSTESEO LIV3 multiconstellation GNSS receiver..
NFCNo..
DACWolfson Media WM8962..
3.5mm JackYes (stereo out and mono microphone in)..
LoudspeakerYes..
FM RadioNo..
Battery4,500mAh, user-replaceable..
USBUSB C: USB 3.0 data, PowerDelivery (Dual-Role Port), video out (DisplayPort)..
ButtonsPower, volume ± buttons..
Kill Switches3 – WiFi, Cellular, Microphone/Cameras (all 3 will turn off GPS)..
Accelerometer“9-axis” by ST, LSM9DS1 (gyro, accel, magnetometer)..
Ambient light and Proximity SensorYes (VCNL4040)..
Back Camera13 Mpx with flash LED..
Front Camera8 Mpx..
Notification LEDYes (RGB LED with PWM control per color)..
Smartcard Reader3FF format smart cards (microSIM card size)..
Haptic MotorYes..

Price? $799.00 A lot, I know. But we also can ask: How much do you value your privacy and freedom? Where else can you find accessories like this?



If it all is still to expensive for you, try with the cheapest option: Pinephone. It’s a ‘barebone’ $149.99 or $199.99 phone option supported by all major Linux phone projects. Battery is nothing to write home about… I meant to send an SMS home about, but if we presume you won’t be gaming and watching movies on the privacy dedicated phone, then it is usable. If you want a serious comparison with Librem and iPhone, try here:

Duration: 21:37

Now all we need is a device with a good scrambler inside…



PS Speaking of alternatives, we have to mention again more alternatives alongside other Google Alternatives: The best Google Chrome alternative is TOR (The Onion Router) Browser and one more solution to detach yourself from omnipresent Google search would be an excellent Startpage.com search alternative.




Never forget Julian Assange was the first to expose global criminals



* * *

Related posts:

A Technology of Enslavement [eng/срп] Технологија поробљавања

NSA Surveillance: Justice Too Late

Google Alternatives

Алтернативе централизованим медијима (Serbian)





HIVE blog20200320_205320.jpg

hive.blog.lighteye_cr.jpg


Universal Basic Income


Google detox starts here!

PocketNet


Check out ABRA and easily invest in 28 cryptocurrencies or BIT10, an index of the top cryptos. Use this link to sign up and get $25 in free bitcoin after your first Bank/Amex deposit, or 1.5% cash back when you exchange cryptos

1GZQG69sEKiMXKgGw9TcGcUCBoC4sC1ZYp



0
0
0.000
10 comments
avatar

pixresteemer_incognito_angel_mini.png
Bang, I did it again... I just rehived your post!
Week 36 of my contest just started...you can now check the winners of the previous week!
9

0
0
0.000
avatar

upvoted from my pinephone - running manjaro (phosh).

free julian assange!

0
0
0.000
avatar

That is great, @mjhomb. Can you make a post with your user experience?

0
0
0.000
avatar

Yeah, I should do that. Maybe over Christmas break. Pinephone is nearly daily driver ready :)

0
0
0.000
avatar

Curated for #informationwar (by @aagabriel)

  • Our purpose is to encourage posts discussing Information War, Propaganda, Disinformation, and Liberty. We are a peaceful and non-violent movement that sees information as being held back by corrupt forces in the private sector and government. Our Mission.
  • Discord, website, youtube channel links here.

Delegate to the @informationwar! project and get rewarded

0
0
0.000