I recently got myself a Google Pixel 4a - yes, actually a Google phone. But not because I think Google is so cool, but because I wanted to test the Google-free operating system GrapheneOS. Since the cell phone only cost €100 because the display was damaged, I thought I'd give it a try.
After it arrived I was able to use Graphene OS via the Website install, which was actually pretty easy. All I needed was the Chrome browser, which I briefly installed for this purpose and then deleted again. After that I just went through the instructions and about an hour later I had a clean GrapheneOS on my new phone (it took a bit longer to download…).
At first I was amazed at how simple it comes across, quite minimalist without any bullshit apps that you can't uninstall anymore, such as Gmail, Google Drive, Chrome, Google Photos, Google Duo, Google Play Movies, Huawei AppGallery, Huawei Pay etc .- have you ever noticed how little control you have over your phone?
If you get an Android phone these days, it's a data-gathering machine for Google - nothing else.
And what many may not understand is that big corporations like Google, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram are just as bad as climate change or pollution. Why?
Because they want people's attention! As much of it as possible, because then they can find out more about you (what you like, what you don't like, how long you watch, when you watch, when you click away, etc.) - and that's the data that makes money earn because personalized ads make you buy something.
here is a good article that explains this in detail.
Of course, this makes people not care about the planet or their fellow human beings, but about their new purchase or any other unnecessary bullshit...
That's why we live in a war for attention. If we really want to live in a world where there are fewer problems, then we need to live in reality and not in a Facebook/Instagram/TikTok or YouTube bubble.
Luckily there is an alternative to the Google Play Store F-Droid Store where there are thousands of apps that come with no trackers and no ads.
After installing it from the website I was able to install some cool apps. This is how it currently looks on my phone:
I currently have Paypal, Comdirect, Trustroots, BeWelcome, the TROM news and the trade-free directory as a web app (the Vanadium browser opens when I click on it).
That's how they see it TROM news and the trade-free directory out of:
It's still hard to completely ditch the other phone because there are many apps only available through the Google Play store such as DB Navigator, Flixbus, BlaBlaCar, photoTan and a few more, but hey, me can over Tusky or Fedilab access my Friendica instance which is pretty cool 🙂
Also, I've read on the website that it's possible to use the Play Store and install such apps, but I haven't delved deep enough into the topic yet. Anyway there is here to read more about it.
All in all, GrapheneOS is another step away from Google and having my own clean digital space that's closer to reality than living in TikTok or Snapchat bubbles. And if I can do it, then so can you! 😉
Ultimately, we have to ask ourselves what do we want technology for – to improve our lives and learn more about the world and ourselves, or to watch ads and be monitored?
On my travels in Australia and Asia I was very interested in permaculture and not really averse to technology, but not very interested in it. Over time I had to admit to myself that without science and technology we would still be living in caves and we can do amazing things with/through technology.
Just think of a modern operating room, laptops, cell phones and the internet! Yes, in our trade-based society, technology is misused for various purposes (advertising, surveillance, etc.), but that's why I'm also trying to create trade-free tools as an alternative. However, I am not averse to the 'holistic' lifestyle on a biodynamic farm or a self-sufficient farm and could also imagine it at some point 😉
Finally, I recommend that Article by Mike Kuketz about GrapheneOS for all those interested in technology 🙂
2 replies on “GrapheneOS”
Hi aarontrom.de I think I am the first comment posted even though your article is very well written, clear and relevant!
GrapheneOS is an excellent alternative in terms of privacy, I have nothing to say about it, on the other hand for the Facebook/Instagram duo you write:
“Because they want to get people’s attention! As much as possible, because then they can learn more about you (what you like, what you don't like, how long you watch, when you watch, when you click, etc.) – and that's the data which makes money because personalized ads make you buy something. ”
I totally agree in principle on the user aspect, but on the other hand I have an electronic repair company (telephone, game consoles, consumer multimedia (TV, DVD player, radio etc.) and household appliances). And it’s a reality that Instagram, more than Facedebouc, attracts me more views, followers and more view/buyer conversion.
As it happens, I often have this problem: on my personal side I want to get rid of GAFAM and on the other hand they allow me unprecedented visibility. Although I have a clean website, great SEO, it’s often through FB/Insta that I have contacts ^^
So my question is: Can I still access Instagram on GrapheneOS? I read that they have a sandbox system for apps that suck data giving them the bare minimum but I don't know what that's worth. Afterwards there remains the classic solution of using a browser in the worst case.
Hello Petit,
Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for your comment and yes you are right. It is possible to download apps via the Google Play Store and activate Play Services so that you can use Instagram on GrapheneOS.
There is also Pixelfed (https://pixelfed.org/) as an Instagram alternative, but there aren't nearly as many people there as on Instagram...