←back to thread

268 points tech234a | 2 comments | | HN request time: 0.46s | source
Show context
janwillemb ◴[] No.43513321[source]
It is very hard to use Android without a Google account. Most people accept that. They must have learnt from that.
replies(4): >>43513348 #>>43513396 #>>43514058 #>>43516583 #
1. aboringusername ◴[] No.43514058[source]
This isn't true at all. Getting a Pixel and GrapheneOS running requires no Google account (but does require the internet initially to enable OEM unlocking).

Once GrapheneOS is installed, no further interaction with Google is required. You can happily and easily use a main profile without play services/Gapps (and Graphene allows you to block 'network' at the socket layer if you do need to use apps).

You could then have a 'work' profile or use private space which is isolated from your main profile that uses play services/app store but it is absolutely not required.

It _is_ a learning curve for sure, but I do not feel Google is going out of its way like Microsoft is here to make it burdensome. (In fact, Google is quite welcoming to OEM unlocking unlike some other phone manufacturers)

replies(1): >>43515319 #
2. theandrewbailey ◴[] No.43515319[source]
I've been running LineageOS without MindTheGapps for about 2 months. (I was using LineageOS + MindTheGapps for several years on the same phone, but recently reflashed it.) My "app stores" are Fdroid and Aptoide. Not only what I have is usable, it feels faster and doesn't slow down after a week without rebooting.

My brother is stunned that I'm still using such an old phone (8 year old Moto). Unfortunately, no recent model Moto phones can run Lineage. My next phone will probably be a Pixel with Graphene or Lineage.