Just switched to a new phone carrier, and they had a promotion that included a free phone: the Google Pixel 8. I’m not a fan of Google, but I am a fan of free, so I took the bait.

It’s already bombarded me with pitches for their new AI bullshit. I’ve opted out of as much as the settings allow, but I’m under no illusion that doing so actually provides any real privacy.

So, damage control time.

On my previous device I used YouTube Vanced for music and videos, but I guess Vanced isn’t around anymore, and I’m pretty out of date on what the current options are… any insight on streaming specifically?

 

*I’m a medic who’s only surface-level competent with tech, so please idiot-proof any instructions.

Thanks all!

  • tmpod@lemmy.pt
    63·
    5 months ago

    While others have mentioned the great GrapheneOS, I will throw two other options:

    • CalyxOS — privacy oriented Android OS. While Graphene focus on security pretty much above all else, Calyx focus on privacy (and usability) more. Both essentially only target Pixel phones and are great choices.
    • LineageOS + MicroG — AOSP fork, continuation of the old CyanogenMod, with an open implementatinon of Google Services. This is perhaps the most “normal” OS, seeing as Lineage’s core is user freedom and not exactly privacy; however, with MicroG, you get a pretty private system with very few to none of the side effects of deviating a lot from standard Android.

    Graphene is a great project, but I think it may be a bit too much for someone that is just entering the privacy world, hence why I’m suggesting these two options as alternatives that are less strict and “cumbersome” to use, so to speak, while not really sacrificing privacy.

    In the end, as all things privacy, it depends a lot on your threat model, your tech proficiency and willingness to make “sacrifices” and adapt.

        • jetAEnglish
          2·
          5 months ago

          I agree that graphene is the easiest. Because you can install the Google subsystem in the work profile, everything will just work there no problems. It’s very clear what you’re doing, and what has access to what.

          Because when you start graphing you have nothing on your phone, everything you install becomes a deliberate choice. So it’s very very very simple, oh I need a web browser I’m going to choose a web browser etc.

        • LoveSausage@lemmy.ml
          1·
          5 months ago

          As alredy mentioned, but also install wise , very easy compared to installing twrp and Micro-g etc. Also Installing GOS and sandboxed playstore in main profile, hand it to someone completely oblivious and they will have no problems using it as they would normally do on stock. Learning to use it in separate profiles is just a matter of getting used to it.