Mastodawn

Alex Kretzschmar Apr 27

Thank the stars for Linux.

Seriously, I mean, it is such a gift to have it. The fact that I can download all software I need from the internet, for free, legally, to make my computer work - and it’s arguably as good or better for the most part on the desktop than any commercial option - is nothing short of a miracle in this age of surveillance and enshittification.

To all of you who see this that contribute to this modern marvel, I thank you. 🙏

except that doesn't apply to the one device that billions of people now use as a "computer": their mobiles.

While grateful for the gift of Linux, the revolution is still incomplete, the stars must align once more for a second miracle to happen.

And when that transpires, the world will have changed, dramatically 🙏

@openrisk @ironicbadger There are alternative operating systems for mobile phones. Have you heard of e/OS or GrapheneOS?

#eos #grapheneos #android #degoogle #google #unplugbigtech #unplugtrump

toolboxxblogger🏳️‍🌈Apr 27

@mosiwo @openrisk @ironicbadger Yes! I use a alternative Smartphone with linageOS, and it works fine.

Open Risk Apr 27

@mosiwo @ironicbadger I have heard of them. And of Ubuntu Touch and Sailfish OS/Jolla etc. A tiny group of enthousiasts probably heard of other options too 🤣. There is simply no comparison. Linux on the desktop is now arguably the dominant option for general purpose computing. Holdouts are those locked on Windows-only games or Apple "creativity" tools. On mobile, the first question people ask: will I brick my phone. The second question: does it run banking apps. Very different level of maturity.

@openrisk @ironicbadger I installed e/OS myself and have all the banking apps I need running. I didn't damage my smartphone either. Of course, you have to pay attention to the compatibility list. I made sure of that when I bought my phone and got it used for a very good price. (I'm not a techie and not experienced with installing software on phones). I got along with it very well. The installation was very easy and I'm really happy with it.

Mark Hughes Apr 27

@openrisk This is where the desktop was a few years ago. You can wait or you can help in various ways.

@mosiwo @ironicbadger

Open Risk Apr 27

I think the Linux desktop has been reasonably usable for almost a decade now.

The duopoly has cornered the mobile market much more effectively and we have at least "a lost decade", including all the failed projects (Firefox OS, Ubuntu etc.)

And its not even obvious that there is now a clear path forward (e.g Android-based versus pure Linux etc.)

@mosiwo @ironicbadger

@openrisk @markhughes @ironicbadger As long as Google has to have its fingers in every pie, nothing will work – unless EVERYONE is prepared to offer their apps for Linux in addition to versions for iPhone and Android. Since truly "official" apps with sufficient security are needed here (e.g., for banking!), open source is inconceivable for me. Furthermore, the planned mandatory registration for programmers with Google doesn't make things any easier.

https://f-droid.org/en/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html

F-Droid and Google's Developer Registration Decree | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

For the past 15 years, F-Droid has provided a safe and secure haven for Android users around the world to find and install free and open source apps. When co...

@mosiwo @openrisk @markhughes @ironicbadger Yeah, 'official' banking apps.

What do the banks need those for?

To track you?

To spam you with product offers?

What does an 'official' blackbox app offer over an audited opensource app in terms of security?

God forbid that you could use one app for all banks, and would not have to learn new app to switch banks. Or features could be added to the app without paying for premium banking services.

Alex Kretzschmar Apr 30

@bunny @mosiwo @openrisk @markhughes having previously worked in the mobile payments space there’s quite a lot you can do with official access to the Secure Enclave’s - especially the Samsung Knox stuff - to increase security. Not a fan of this as a user but I can see why a bank might be.

Mark Hughes Apr 27

@openrisk
Apps are pretty bad for us anyway. I've long minimised app use in preference to web apps and get by very well.

I do use some apps, but they are for convenience and not essential.

The switch away from Android and iOS is going to be slow, but as with all things with lock in, enshitification both becomes inevitable and brings about the demise of those prisons.

Being pestered by a company website to switch to the app tells you very clearly not to use the app.
@mosiwo @ironicbadger

El Duvelle Apr 27

@mosiwo @openrisk @ironicbadger
/eOS/ working fine for me too! it has some annoying aspects (for example I can't see or fill in reviews for apps in the app store thing) but it works surprisingly well so far..

BlingoAli Apr 27

@openrisk
I can run LineageOS and download #CoMaps from f-droid. But if I want to link it to my car screen, I have to use Android Auto and I have to have downloaded CoMaps from the Play Store.

First world problem, but they do try really hard to lock you in to their shitty ecosystem.
@ironicbadger

TheFwGuy 🇪🇺🇮🇹🇺🇸🖖Apr 27

@openrisk @ironicbadger Do you know that Android is based on Linux right ?
And do you know you can use other mobile systems ... Linux included right ?

Open Risk Apr 27

yes and yes

but no, this doesnt mean that mobile is anywhere close to what Linux on the desktop has achieved in *a shorter timeframe*.

The Linux kernel was released in 91 (one decade after Microsoft MS-DOS (81). The first CDE desktop: 93.

The first Nokia smartphone was in 2001. The iPhone 2007. Thats a quarter century ago(!)

There are some valid reasons for the difference but overall the gap is undeniable and its impact is dramatic: many more people use mobiles.

Jasper 🍉Apr 27

@openrisk it seems like no-one has mentioned PostMarketOS in this thread yet. https://postmarketos.org/

Probably not really viable as main device for most people & phones, but i might not totally be up to date on that. @ironicbadger

postmarketOS // real Linux distribution for phones

Aiming for a 10 year life-cycle for smartphones

postmarketOS

Luna / Miika ☭ => GPN24

@openrisk @ironicbadger @jasper and mobian https://mobian-project.org/

Mobian

Mobian, Debian for mobile devices