The UI is a little crazy but I am a big fan of copyparty. I have moved my entire family off of Google Drive and we use copyparty, and it works great. Uploads are fast, lots of features, easy to stand up and doesn't consume lots of resources. But like I said, the UI could be better.

I wonder if the generic tablets with made up Asian sounding names that you see on the big marketplaces could work? They could have slightly larger or smaller screens if they're cheaper than current phone screens, and could have Linux with something like Signal on them for calling.

They'd probably be lower quality to begin with, but could potentially get better if people start to buy them. They seem to have generic hardware, so might be able to offer the drivers and unlockable bootloaders too

I’ve never heard of that, so I looked it up. There definitely appear to be non-Google alternatives.

Email? Its about the only thing leaving me on googles platform ATM. I can self host (with mailinabox) but....I kinda dont want to? Its so much work and I would rather do other things with my time.

What I wouldn't give for a very simple linux phone. Not android based. That I can call/message from.

Closest I came across that was neat: https://www.wiphone.io/

What? You can't use an alternative app. It's government issued identification and required for life here.

I (and as far as I can tell, all others) can't get it to work outside of android

I mean… it's hilarious that people still use Chrome when it has been a known back actor for years and years. Firefox is an excellent option and the more people that use it, the more it encourages companies to keep supporting open web standards.

Likewise, if you set an iPhone to use Advanced Data Protection, it's probably quite a bit more secure from intrusion than a similar Android phone. (And definitely more secure from subpoena.)

Oh, thank god Apple lets users install whatever software they want—hey, wait a minute...

Yes! Being active politically is always important.

Be civil and polite at first, you want these people on your side after all. But don't be afraid to hold back if they respond with bullshit either. They are your representative, make them represent you and hold them to account if required.

Encouraging friends and family to write is usually a good idea too.

Not being politically engaged, I feel, is one of the main reasons for the downfall of democracy throughout the globe. Too many people think ticking a box every 4-5 years is all they need to do.

I do, but as far as I was aware my Fairphone can't run Graphene? I would love to keep using my Fairphone over buying Google's hardware at this point

https://international.kk.dk/live/online-self-services/mitid/mitid.

1. Android app
2. Apple app
3. “Code display”
4. “Code reader”

Does not appear to “require” Android.

You've got some good suggestions, I think most of the suggestions I can think of. Nextcloud is of course the big one but after using it for quite a while, I think it's important to break down your needs. If you need file sharing/syncing only, there are better options that are easier and faster. If you only need chat/voice, rocket chat is really lightweight and easy. If you need file sharing, online office suite, chat, etc. Then Nextcloud is the right option. Just keep in mind, even if you think you need some of those things, will anyone but you ever actually use them? No, they won't, because they don't appreciate how cool it is to self host and how much effort you put into it.

I wouldn't self host email. But I would pay for a host and get away from Gmail. Wait until Black Friday and get free/cheap services from a bunch of places. Maybe even proton if you're okay with them. Also, using your own domain for email is pretty cool (to me).

The question wasn’t how to switch OSs without losing current capabilities, it was how to stop using Android. Switching OS is how.

Losing side loading is something being lost either way.

You are correct, Graphene only runs on Pixel phones. I know there's a few open mobile OS options out there but I've not spent any time researching them. There is a very good chance if you absolutely need an identification, then you can't get away from Android. Hopefully someone else sees your comment and has an answer.

Apologies if this is the wrong place to ask, but I literally have no idea in which community this question goes.

I just got Samsung Galaxy A16, and then I learn just how controlling Google/Android is becoming. Research says I SHOULD be able to deGoogle and flash a linux OS custom Android ROM

My question is, as a beginner, which one should I go for? does it have any issues I need to look out for?

Note: Edited for clarity.

Ios is bad. I'd rather have locked down android with the official terminal, rather than go back to using the iSh[1] app for terminal on ios

[1] https://ish.app/

Ive got the 7T. What OS are you gonna use?

De-Google

The complaint is side loading is being restricted and the only long term alternative Apple. Google already began the process of shutting down Graphene by cutting drivers out of AOSP.

AOSP isn't dead, but Google just landed a huge blow to custom ROM developers

Google has confirmed it isn't discontinuing AOSP, but it's making a change that makes it harder for devs to build Android for Pixel phones.

Android Authority (www.androidauthority.com)

Mozilla foundation is putting together a paid product under the Thunderbird brand. Folks are excited for that, the Firefox people are good people.