Murena is in the business of deGoogling Android smartphones in the name of privacy. The French/European firm has been doing this for around five years, as We recently got our hands on a Fairphone 4 running Murena's tracker-blocking /e/OS. Our curiosity was piqued to see an alternative OS running on alt hardware. Step in for a closer look...
This article really highlights all the fears I have of moving away from stock Android. I value my privacy but when I pick up my phone I want it to work, I don’t want to have to use some weird app store and another phone to get apps I need. I know Google maps sucks for privacy but it works so well, that’s obviously how they plan to keep you there, but nothing else can offer such a close experience.
I’ve actually been enjoying OsmAnd / OsmAnd+, which was recently recommended by someone here. It’s open source and runs more fluidly than Google Maps (which is locked to 60 hz). With that said, it doesn’t have live traffic built-in (and while you can add Google live traffic overlays, it doesn’t seem to get used for routing).
I think people are going to extremes when it comes to Google and privacy.
Google has no need to track you personally. They use the location service so YOU can get directions and have a history of where you’ve been, if you want. You can turn this off of course.
The same with all their other services.
I’m not saying they are innocent children, for example I don’t like their web tracking tech (cookies, trackers) and I don’t care for ads. Not a fan of them scanning my email either, even if it’s anonymous.
But you don’t have to use Gmail and your can use as blockers and tracker blockers etc.
Their privacy settings are quite robust and you can turn anything off your don’t like.
But they are very convenient with all their services. Having everything synced and available on literally any device is a significant service which is not easy to replicate. Even self hosting this stuff becomes a real pain and expensive.
I’ve tried ungoogled ROM’s and it’s simply not worth it. A phone without Google services is near useless and much harder to use.
My neighbour has a Huawei and it has no Google apps and it’s a nightmare to get anything done on that thing. Even something simple like cast to your Google TV is impossible on that thing. He has to use 3rd party maps apps which suck, has no device backup, if he loses the phone he’s lost all his photo’s and contacts and notes etc.
Basically it sucks.
Just use full milk Android and be aware of what permissions you grant apps and don’t sideload anything dodgy and you’ll be fine.
Plus I pay only €20 a year for Google One with 100GB storage which I can also share with me wife. You simply cannot beat that price even if you self host. Plus they backup everything so your stuff should be 100% safe.
Read carefully… They don’t need to track you personally. Aka there isn’t someone sitting at a pc watching every step you take. Instead a machine uses your location to advertise nearby partners, provide you with services etc.
No actual human at Google gives a f where you are right now and what you’re doing…
This article really highlights all the fears I have of moving away from stock Android. I value my privacy but when I pick up my phone I want it to work, I don’t want to have to use some weird app store and another phone to get apps I need. I know Google maps sucks for privacy but it works so well, that’s obviously how they plan to keep you there, but nothing else can offer such a close experience.
I’ve actually been enjoying OsmAnd / OsmAnd+, which was recently recommended by someone here. It’s open source and runs more fluidly than Google Maps (which is locked to 60 hz). With that said, it doesn’t have live traffic built-in (and while you can add Google live traffic overlays, it doesn’t seem to get used for routing).
Sucks that the one feature that would get me to use (Android auto) is locked behind a paywall.
The fully unlocked OsmAnd+ is available via F-Droid for free (dev welcomes donations though).
Didn’t know that. I’ll check it out. Thanks!
Use magic earth
Checking it out!
I think people are going to extremes when it comes to Google and privacy.
Google has no need to track you personally. They use the location service so YOU can get directions and have a history of where you’ve been, if you want. You can turn this off of course.
The same with all their other services.
I’m not saying they are innocent children, for example I don’t like their web tracking tech (cookies, trackers) and I don’t care for ads. Not a fan of them scanning my email either, even if it’s anonymous.
But you don’t have to use Gmail and your can use as blockers and tracker blockers etc.
Their privacy settings are quite robust and you can turn anything off your don’t like.
But they are very convenient with all their services. Having everything synced and available on literally any device is a significant service which is not easy to replicate. Even self hosting this stuff becomes a real pain and expensive.
I’ve tried ungoogled ROM’s and it’s simply not worth it. A phone without Google services is near useless and much harder to use.
My neighbour has a Huawei and it has no Google apps and it’s a nightmare to get anything done on that thing. Even something simple like cast to your Google TV is impossible on that thing. He has to use 3rd party maps apps which suck, has no device backup, if he loses the phone he’s lost all his photo’s and contacts and notes etc.
Basically it sucks.
Just use full milk Android and be aware of what permissions you grant apps and don’t sideload anything dodgy and you’ll be fine.
Plus I pay only €20 a year for Google One with 100GB storage which I can also share with me wife. You simply cannot beat that price even if you self host. Plus they backup everything so your stuff should be 100% safe.
☑ You have no clue about the advertising market.
Read carefully… They don’t need to track you personally. Aka there isn’t someone sitting at a pc watching every step you take. Instead a machine uses your location to advertise nearby partners, provide you with services etc.
No actual human at Google gives a f where you are right now and what you’re doing…