Android has always been a fairly open platform, especially if you were deliberate about getting it that way, but we've seen in recent months an extremely rapid devolution of the Android ecosystem:
- The closing of development of an increasing number of components in AOSP.
- Samsung, Xiaomi and OnePlus have removed the option of bootloader unlocking on all of their devices. I suspect Google is not far behind.
- Google implementing Play Integrity API and encouraging developers to implement it. Notably the EU's own identity verification wallet requires this, in stark contrast to their own laws and policies, despite the protest of hundreds on Github.
- And finally, the mandatory implementation of developer verification across Android systems. Yes, if you're running a 3rd-party OS like GOS you won't be directly affected by this, but it will impact 99.9% of devices, and I foresee many open source developers just opting out of developing apps for Android entirely as a result. We've already seen SyncThing simply discontinue development for this reason, citing issues with Google Play Store. They've also repeatedly denied updates for NextCloud with no explanation, only restoring it after mass outcry. And we've already seen Google targeting any software intended to circumvent ads, labeling them in the system as "dangerous" and "untrusted". This will most certainly carry into their new "verification" system.
Google once competed with Apple for customers. But in a world where Google walks away from the biggest antitrust trial since 1998 with yet another slap on the wrist, competition is dead, and Google is taking notes from Apple about what they can legally get away with.
Android as we know it is dead. And/or will be dead very soon. We need an open replacement.
OC Author @Ulrich@feddit.org
I used a Oneplus 6T on PMOS/Phosh for a week.
It ain't ready. I work in an iffy area as far as coverage is concerned and I missed a lot of messages. My 7pro on Lineage can deal with it, but sometimes I'd turn the OP6T on, and find networking off entirely with it working, or vice versa.
Software-wise, if you know and comfortably use a Linux laptop, you'll be at home. Having said that, realize that 90% of people won't be. You will absolutely have to use the terminal and will be entirely lost and confused if you don't already have experience with the system.
Also software-wise, know that most Linux software is made with the idea that you're not sipping data. Open Jellyfin for the 40th time and it will redownload the same images,... for the 40th time, or a random firefox tab sipping data off of you 24/7 without you even being aware of it. Laptops are different, and it's what the system thinks it is, so it's going to perform that way, not like the phone that's stapled and duct taped to it.
That's useful info, and something I didn't think about before. I guess programs with a low bandwidth mode are your friend.