Here's a problem I've been struggling with for a while: how to break my dependence on my Smartphone (specifically Android).
So far, so normal, everyone is addicted, but that's not my problem. My smartphone is mostly a tool, with some entertainment uses bolted on the side.
With the changes going on in the mobile ecosystem (enforced app signing, oncoming age verification, etc.), I don't think it's tenable to stay on Android.
1/?
The smartphone really has become a techno-socio-economic Gordian knot, that I can't see a way to unravel.
We've pushed everything into this one place (UNIX philosophy RIP) to the extent that it's impossible to even define all the use cases you have, let alone start replacing them.
And that's even before you get to the random system you might encounter demands immediate internet access or use of their app.
2/?
I don't think that Linux phones, or alternative Android ROMs solve the problems, because the hardware is invariably expensive, pushing out a large portion of the population (i.e. everyone who doesn't buy a flagship phone every 2 years).
That's even leaving aside the fact that most Linux phones still don't work for everyday use (no blame assigned here, this is just a fact).
3/?
Rob Connolly 🇳🇿 🇬🇧
trampinheavy