GrapheneOS: first impressions, stumbling blocks, and opinions

[@iustinraznic5811]

I like the vibe of these unscripted, but minimally edited videos. It's really nice!

[@stevepoling]

Veronica's personality is quite winsome and she comes across quite well

[@names_are_useless]

I have to agree, gives a better feel for what a First-time User is more likely to experience. In this case, running into Aurora Store Errors has me doing my own research before I might go ahead with GrapheneOS since I know now I'll have to find an App Store option.

[@tekdragon]

There are some phone cases that use materials which can detune the antenna a bit making them less efficient. (Ham Radio operator here). It really is insane how locked-down the smartphone ecosystems are as a whole. Thanks for bringing us along on your exploration of GrapheneOS! (Also, DANG that PowerPC Macintosh looks sooo good!)

[@paulconnelly9206]

Agree with @tekdragon - try wrapping the phone in a metal box.. pretty sure no radio signals will work🤣🤣

[@MrWaalkman]

Graphite would be one of those materials.

[@ScottVargovich]

@tekdragon - I'm KE8CQC. What's your call?

[@moetocafe]

bigcorp locking down their services (and you along), gee, I wonder why would they do that 🙂

[@michaelwright2986]

I guess one reason for saying it's ok for 5G on the box is that it's a question a lot of people might ask in a store (given all the uncertainty that is being generated about 5G), so it's nice to have the answer out there. And, to my surprise, you point out that it's not a dumb question. Plus, of course, it's a marketing gimmick.

[@Ben-zf2rv]

Having been around tech for over 50 years, I wish I had the enthusiasm you bring to each of your videos. Thanks for keeping the tech fires burning...

[@DavidJones-pi8rl]

Absolutely agree! I'm not quite 50 years 👏, although only by a year or two short! 😁

[@alex-fddz]

I'm only 27 and I already feel dead inside

[@emiyakiritsugu6329]

gonne be 17, and I can't feel the BURNING enthusiasm for everything related to tech i had few months ago like slowly i feel dead inside/tired to even open my phone and head to KZbin or discord to have fun

[@alex-fddz]

@@emiyakiritsugu6329 that's not it xD by tech we mean the tech industry, electronics, computer science etc, and specifically working in it... But do reduce your screentime and enjoy the rest of your teenage years!

[@calabi-yau4894]

Great video, Veronica! Regarding the drama behind GrapheneOS, the head developer at the heart of the drama was reported to have stepped down 3 weeks or so ago, so hopefully the drama will evaporate and allow the GrapheneOS team to continue development based on its merits.

[@madness1931]

Wait, he's left? That's actually pretty good news. The guy might have been good, but he was ruining the GrapheneOS community, and general vibe of the project. Hopefully we'll see things change for the better.

[@zigzag8338]

@@madness1931 I did hear from Louis Rossman about his way of talking, looks like he has communication issues.

[@BenjaminWheeler0510]

This is informative and fortunate!

[@TheLazyJAK]

Sauce?

[@stevepoling]

It's a pity that we get our knickers in a twist over difficult people. In grad school (math) and my early career I worked with difficult people. One of my most fruitful collaborations was with a fellow I disagreed with constantly. The company owner thought we were enemies, but our work product was a dialectic synthesis greater than my thesis or his antithesis. We need to learn to work through such difficulties. My daughter at UMich (Engineering) described some of the guys there as having "low social skills," and those of us who can cope are wise to make allowances.

[@fiecylick3981]

I've used GrapheneOS for about 2.5 years now. Basically when it was first introduced and love it ever since then.

[@yomajo]

what is your go to appstore? Do techies such as you self, still use messenger, or another "tracked" phone? Thanks in advance!

[@russianbear0027]

​@@yomajo not op but to answer your question graphene comes with its own app store with a small selection of things for most basic functions and can download more. The selection is limited. For things not in there, such as a calendar or eBook reader, I either download the apk myself or use fdroid mostly. Using the play store is also an option: google play services is sandboxed in this os and theoretically shouldn't be able to access anything without your explicit permission. I have KZbin and FB messenger etc on my phone. The former also works in the browser of course, but I stay logged out of google etc in my browsing. Departures from stock graphene have the chance to introduce vulnerabilities. So someone whose goal is less degoogle and more security would probably curate their apps more carefully than I do. The phone comes with most things you'd want. For messaging specifically you'd need to pick something you can get other people to use. Tbh the best option would be to say "this is not a phone conversation" when discussing sensitive info and do it in person. Like the old days.

[@bloodfarmer]

@@yomajo i personally just google what app i want and install the downloaded apk

[@stopthink9000]

"It's not a power button if it's the Talk to Google button!!" Yes, I feel your pain. Another example of when Marketing overrules the Hardware team.

[@erica1399]

My samsung phone did likewise, opening the bixby app I never wanted, never used, and never will use instead of turning off the phone, luckily I could change what the button does back to how it used to be before, just a power button.

[@mskiptr]

Organic Maps is surprisingly nice. Since I started using it, I've discovered a bunch of new cool biking trails that just do not show up on Google Maps by default All thanks to OSM!

[@colbyboucher6391]

Thanks for the recommendation, I should check it out :)

[@wyterabitt2149]

And if you do want the Google like extras, Mapy is pretty good.

[@cameronmoore136]

I've heard of that6. Does it offer real-time positioning? Like, if I drive will it constantly update my position on the map? I was of the impression that you just put your current location and your intended destination.

[@mskiptr]

@@cameronmoore136 That totally works

[@DFPercush]

That's what I use, although the OSM data seems to be somewhat lacking in address information. if you want to look up a specific address or business, it's not going to be in there. It can at least get you to the street you need to be on though. And it can use raw GPS sensors without location services being on. It's surprisingly accurate. And yes you can have a live view of your position.

[@accountid9681]

Google can't lock you out of apps downloaded through aurora, the downloaded files aren't liked to any particular account by default, despite the login requirement for google play itself. Also, CalyxOS is a bit more user friendly than Graphene in it's post install phase, so you might want to review that one too.

[@ghosthunter0950]

Great comment, that was informative.

[@seigfredancay4963]

Many Thanks for Sharing!

[@wmgthilgen]

Regardless of which OS one choose's to utilize. It's not the cell phone itself that is the issue with giving access to one's personal data. It's the various "FREE" app's a smart phone relies on in order to be a smart phone. NO app is "FREE" ! The price or cost of any "FREE" app, is the ability to accesss your data. Regardless of it being personal or not.

[@realEchoz]

@@wmgthilgen Patently false. The software that respects your privacy the most is completely free (not only free of charge, but also free to study, modify and redistribute.)

[@artist81317]

@@wmgthilgen instead of spouting off about what you think is happening, and your theories behind how these apps in this OS operate do some research yourself instead of trying to dissuade people on the grounds of uneducated, speculation.

[@BHNative]

When I saw this, I thought it was going to be click-baity, but damn, was I impressed with this process! Anyone who might not be familiar with booting something on a phone might think it's kind of obvious, but the level of automation in this is next level. Cool stuff, I'll look more into GrapheneOS!

[@VeronicaExplains]

I thought it was pretty neat, and I'm looking forward to comparing the installation process against other OSs in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@ronb6182]

I would like a comparison to the brax operating system. I myself would go to a Linux operating system but the phones they offer don't have the latest cameras. Also I want my pictures stored on a chip drive I don't want to use any cloud storage. 73

[@uroboloss]

I haven't tried a custom rom ever since I got my current phone but I remember it being super annoying to unlock the bootloader and install stuff via recovery menu. It wasn't really hard if you followed the instructions it just had a lot of steps where you could mess up. This web based installation on the other hand seems super easy and straightforward, I'm really impressed with how simple averything was.

[@lainerdonet]

I liked the video. It looks like it took you more than a day to do it. This demonstrates your commitment to your community and to the task of offering us the best or at least the most complete analysis of your experience. I just want to say, thank you for this.

[@VeronicaExplains]

I appreciate that! Yes, this video took a while- a couple of hours over the course of a few days to film, but then about 15 hours of editing all that footage down!

[@JustinEdge-i3i]

@@VeronicaExplainshem 3rd party app,stores have malware n all that still gets your information and google apps won’t run without google services

[@ronb6182]

​@@JustinEdge-i3iI thought the idea was to get rid of Google. That could be an oxymoron wanting a de googled phone and try to use Google services. Find other options to replace Google. Use waze instead of Google maps and other map apps. 73

[@y28w9D]

19:30 they kinda did! Graphene OS prefers sandbox Google play as the app store. That's why they put so much effort into providing a sandbox version and also give you the ability to install it natively.

[@altbinhax]

Yes, it works fine and after using and hearing of some short comings of other app stores I found the sandboxed play worked well which is where I got most of the standard apps. Overall a good experience; just not so sure about the battery as my experience with Graphene vs standard OS was it seemed a bit less efficient - what about your experience?

[@greywolfe6444]

Any further updates on your use of Grapheneos?

[@tombanzxt]

certain cases that use *metallic* colours can act as sort of shield against frequencies, sort of like (partial) Faraday's cage as those metallic colours have some conductivity

[@tylertvgla967]

Wow, this was an eye-opener. I've got a bunch of old cell phones lying around and I'm hoping the install process gets to a point that it allows me to breathe new life into these old devices. Just like how my love of Mint has me re-enjoying my 10 year old Dell.

[@yetinaut]

I, like you, used to flash android devices in the early days. To see this process simplified into a step-by-step and even interactive and semi-automatic web interface is truly astonishing! Thanks for the video, might even try this on my pixel just for the shoos and goos

[@gotoastal]

I would be happy if we had more hardware options. I don't have interest in phones without a 3.5 mm headphone jack, but Google Pixel devices don’t offer this once-standard feature.

[@VeronicaExplains]

I get to that a bit at the end- I agree that keeping old hardware up and running is super important and that means supporting greater numbers. At the same time, I get the idea of not being able to do much for phones where the vendor stopped supporting the firmware, etc. Makes me grateful for LineageOS and other projects which take a different approach.

[@gotoastal]

GrapheneOS drops support after the device manufacturer does (as does Calyx OS, etc.) so most phones with locked-out firmware are headed to e-waste if the postmarketOS community doesn’t keep them out of the grave. Flagships-esque with a headphone jack and community support limits one to ASUS Zenfones and Omni ROM it seems til eventually Lineage or postmarketOS support lands much later. Compiling Android takes so much hardware that we’re all reliant on the community to share builds. 😢 EDIT: Sony Xperia is the last major flagship out there with a headphone jack. ASUS shutdown their device unlock servers so I wouldn’t recommend buying their devices. Xperia phones don’t tend to pick up official Lineage support until their measly 2 years of updates period has ended. If hardware updates are not concern to you, they can be considered as Lineage OS & Lineage OS for microG will keep a device ticking for quite a while.

[@timurtheterrible4062]

For me the big problem is the lack of SD-Card slot.

[@wadewithcoffee1207]

​@@timurtheterrible4062 Seems like no sd is way to force on to cloud storage ie google photos😂

[@frankbutterworth4257]

i recently watched a video about infinix gt10, had the 3.5 jack and sd card option, pretty nice phone.

[@phil2768]

Jumping straight in at the deep end is exactly how I have installed every custom OS's or new app. I VERY rarely read instructions or guides, I just want to give it a try without having to jump through hoops. To me, if it passes that intuitive test then it's a good start in my books.

[@phil2768]

@@christopher480 for many things instructions are not needed, and I know a few people who learned to drive without formal instruction. My niece was driving fork lift trucks at 13 without instruction and her dad's car (on private land) starting at 15 too. I was driving go karts well before I was driving on the road and no need for instruction. At 6, I learned to setup the time and program VCRs back in the 80s without using any instructions so my parents could record TV shows at set times and have it stop automatically. There are many many "technical" things that can be self learned to discover how they work, in fact it is one of the best ways to learn some things. No, not everything can or should be learned by trial and error.

[@thatjpwing]

This is a great introduction to GrapheneOS, thanks for sharing your experience. I have nearly zero experience with Android based phones, so this was quite interesting. Back in the day I was hoping Canonical would get their smartphone experience based around Ubuntu into wide adoption, but alas, 'twas not meant to be. Your video has me intrigued about this ecosystem; I may have to find myself a second handle Pixel to give GrapheneOS a whirl.

[@michael49789]

Hi, @thatjpwing, For years, I only used the top iPhone models. Months ago, I researched the topic of data protection and privacy very intensively and found out that Apple's iPhones are not the best solution for this. Since GrapheneOS has offered the best solution for privacy and data protection for years, I bought a Pixel 7 Pro in March 2023 to finally try out GrapheneOS myself. Conclusion: I am still thrilled and can only recommend it to everyone!

[@floatinglasgnacreature627]

I appreciate how your channel is always so positive! It's just refreshing to watch a tech channel like this because you always find things to appreciate and don't overly criticize, and that makes trying new things look like fun!

[@LeifEricsonYT]

Great review! I've been daily driving Graphene for a couple months now (Pixel 5a). It was a big adjustment from stock at first, but I am enjoying it now that I am adjusted. It's also seriously reduced the number of apps I keep on my phone.

[@radikal8485]

How long will 5a be supported?

[@TheJamesM]

What would you say the main adjustments you've had to make have been? I'm curious as to how the day-to-day experience differs from Android.

[@jeremybaker6283]

The final fantasy 2 sleep melody immediately brought me back 25 years and watching my older brother play this for hours on end. Probably what got me interested in D&D.

[@michaelwright2986]

That's a great video. What was particularly heartening was seeing Veronica struggling with some of the set-up. I'm a very non-technical user, and I get frustrated at installation/set-up instructions which probably make sense if you know all about the software, but which are totally opaque to the newb. I realise that when I'm trying out Linux distros, the installer is pretty much make or break (like, I kind of know about partitioning and mount points, but I'd like the installer to offer sensible defaults for a first try). And the video made me interested in GrapheneOS. Oh, small phones. You, me, and my wife too, Veronica. But it seems there ain't a market for rationally sized devices, because Apple has stopped the Mini, and I don't think there's anything reasonably powerful with a screen smaller than 5.8".

[@archie-127]

Great video! Thank you for taking us along the journey - i’d love an update video around the 1 year mark and hear your perspectives again 😊

[@jjflash2611]

I have used Calyx OS everyday for the past 2 years on my Pixel 4. Love it. It uses Google Services anonymously through MicroG and I download from the Play Store through Aurora Store so never actually log in. And after a full charge, Battery lasts 2 full days with regular use. No complaints. Take your privacy back. Graphene OS and Calyx OS are the way to go.

[@debtminer4976]

Love the format and presentation of your vids. Has a wholesome/educational vibe, that i feel comfortable sending to someone like my nephew.. Great work, Veronica.

[@bradg8635]

This is great. I have been watching many Graphene OS videos over the past year or so. I have Pixel 6a on order already and am hoping to get Graphene installed in the next week or so. Thanks for the good information.

[@ghostindamachine]

Hi! I really like your unscripted video. To comment on your remarks around 27:19 why GrapheneOS is available only on Pixel phones. This is due to the fact that these phones have the Titan M security chip. And GrapheneOS security model makes really good use of it. KZbinr "The Hated One" did an interview and technical dive with the founder / head developer of GrapheneOS. The video is called: "Here's How They Built The Most Secure Phone On The Planet".

[@oasntet]

The number one point of Aurora is granting access to the google play store without requiring that you install Google Play Services and all of the other privacy-ignoring, battery-eating Google services that comes with. On my previous phone, I used microG to provide exactly the APIs that I needed to get a couple features working (GSM notifications in particular, and apps that fail to run without those APIs - even if I don't use them - in general). Aurora allows this. However, on my new phone I don't intend to use apps that won't run without Google's bloatware. This does mean dropping Google Maps in favor of a good-enough FOSS replacement, namely OrganicMaps, available from F-Droid.

[@dovedozen]

Super cool to see the setup process for a nonstandard mobile OS like this! I still have my Pixel 3axl, & it's going strong on plain be-google'd android for now, but I definitely want to go full Linux Weirdo with my next phone (& make sure I can do a decent job of playing tech support for my wife, too). I'll keep an eye out for your longer-term review!

[@ExpediteTravels]

I’ve been running graphene OS for a couple months now. Absolutely love it. I have Google play sandbox on a burner account so far so good no problems.

[@qwfp]

Hearing "cyanogenmod" and seeing the logo gave me some major flashbacks to ~8 years ago when I was trying to install them on my phone (because it was "cool" at the time) and, in turn, bricking my phone because I didn't know anything about how stuff works. And I probably couldn't read very well... Later, once the new phone became not-so-new, I tried it again, but after switching between different ROMs I bricked it again. But the fun I had!

[@anonamos225]

Tinkering in the modern world 😂

[@FactsBeFacts]

Really? 8 years ago? I was using cyanogenmod in 2011 when it was actually cool.

[@gourabmahapatra3342]

WoW! Veronika Madam, you explain stuff easily and make them simple for us. You are an asset for us. I don't like vs code and have been using codium as an alternative to it, without any tricky extensions in it. Running very fine and is a charm to use.. i don't like big corporations stealing my data..

[@Psevdonim123]

I love custom OS's for Android phones, and LineageOS was one of my favorites, but I stopped doing them, because I'm kinda spoiled with contactless payments, and the app I use in my country can actually detect unlocked bootloader, permissive SELinux, installed root, installed magisk, that you suck in vim and that your cat has barfed at the kitchen and if any of these is present it just won't start, and it's kinda pain in the butt to hide all these from it...

[@johnroster9942]

Which country you talking about? Russian here, just wondering which other repressions could our regulators enforce on us.

[@Psevdonim123]

@@johnroster9942 да, я про Mir Pay, для него теперь нужен LSPosed, и это не то чтобы репрессивная мера, просто защита усиленная, но всё равно бесит

[@-iIIiiiiiIiiiiIIIiiIi-]

It seems the Developer in question has stepped down from the project. It's always good to be aware of these things even though drama is that last thing I want to think about when it comes to using a security focused phone OS.

[@borisattva]

CyanogenMod/LineageOS expanded lives of so many smartphones that i've flashed for myself and others. I'm intrigued by Graphene, but it being limited to Pixels only is basically a show stopper for me. Out of all the brands it gets to benefit the least from something like this being already a fairly customizable device in the first place.

[@sean640]

There's so many phones though and I remember people bugging like 1 dev for updates to specific roms 😂

[@AnotherSkyTV]

Yeahhh, I so, so don't want to get a pixel...

[@thetaspen]

Your pre g3 power pc tower in the background gave me a flash back. Like from highschool.

[@CDRZK22]

I'm blown away by this, didn't know this was even an option. It would be great to have a wizard guide the installation. I will be trying this out soon. Thanks Veronica.

[@ArthurKhazbs]

The Google side screen, the powerless power button… I forgot how ridiculous the default settings on Pixels are. I'm so glad we can tweak them to be actually useful.

[@ZijZijnZijnZoons]

I enjoy your videos. You do a really good job of presenting the information. The tone of your voice, the editing, it's all done really well.

[@ma3xiu1]

I love the little bee-bop interludes 🙂

[@nickfmt]

Cool, I love Improv!

[@happysprollie]

Just read the blog post and your use of a smartphone pretty much mirrors mine, except I spend even less time using it as a phone. So that made this episode even more interesting. Thanks.

[@Raymond0_0]

I just subscribed, I like your sense of humour 🖤

[@jitsivoip4367]

23:33 - What's even more incredible is that I was able to install GrapheneOS onto my Google Pixel Tablet using a Debian LiveISO because I don't use Linux on my main PC and it worked just fine. Pretty great.

[@FarrellMcGovern]

Wonderfull look at GrapheneOS. In days of future past, I would regularly unlock my phone, and install CyanogenMod...I loved the idea of having a small, portable Linux box. Then Samsung started to lockdown their phones, and that was that. I had Google phones before, but they were manufactured by LG, and the quality was...not great. I don't know who is making Googles phones these days (looks it up...Foxconn who make many of Apple's phones) so the quality will probably have improved. I always try to keep at least one spare phone for when Muphy happens, and I sound like a fun project putting GrapheneOS on a Pixel phone. Thank you for your video!

[@bsdslacker]

I got it installed on the pixel 8 and it runs pretty well, no complaints at all. The installation process is a bit weird and you feel you're gonna brick the damn thing because it restarts several times, so just be ready for that. Aside from that, if you can set a microwave to make popcorn, you can install GOS on your Pixel. The experience after using all my apps, same thing as regular Android. I totally recommend install it. I like not having all the bloatware on my device.

[@meroinheroin]

I also have a pixel 8. What doesn't work? I head NFC payment won't work anymore

[@UnknownUnrecognized]

@@meroinheroin if u use graphene os u should be using cash too

[@bukeksiansu2112]

Rooting smartphone to install any custom ROM (LoS, Mokee and others AOSP) is my daily hobby around 7 years ago. But now it's little bore to do that anymore. GrapheneOS is new for me so I want to try it. Thanks for your upload. Keep good content.

[@WildMidwest1]

Great video, and your Linux tutorials are fantastic also - subbed.

[@conorohagan9947]

Wait, is this MY first impression of a pixel? Lol the beginning resonated with me

[@subaquaticsleepwalker7240]

Vanadium is one of the metals that were compounded to make wolverines claws, which is the metal known as adamantium. I know it’s a rabbit trail, but my 10 year old comic book geek would not let me not comment. Also I can listen to you. Talk all day for some reason your explanations of things a very calming for me. Not really sure why but it’s appreciated. Bonus. Have a great day

[@vintprox]

OOOHH, installation right from the browser is a very sleek experience. Snap!

[@Soranima]

It's quite funny to see the difference in enthusiasm from a desktop OS setup to a mobile OS setup.

[@jamesmarchetti3286]

I am learning alot here technically and appreciate your simple approach !!! 😊 !!!

[@pctlc]

That's a great video Veronica, I dived into custom roms a few years ago when my Galaxy S5 was performing poorly, it was no where near as easy as this one, I was very surprised! I've been considering buying a Google Pixel 3a or 3a XL phone I think it was to try ubuntu touch which is supported 100% including a couple of others, is that something you've considered? The Gnome Maps seems to work a lot better these days. Thanks for the video, I enjoyed watching!!

[@DeathProductions200]

For the google pixel, as one who has the same phone, you can change the power button to actually act as a power button. I 100% understand that frustration as there is zero need for that to act as a google button.

[@Willpowerstudios]

very cool video. I am thinking of grapheneOS so it was great to see your process. thanks for sharing :)

[@rmcbryde]

My fav part of your videos are the bee boop skat noises you make in between scenes!

[@zacha157]

Michael Bazzell, author of Extreme Privacy is a big advocate for GrapheneOS. He offers a lot of information on it in his books along with a wide variety of privacy topic.

[@queens.dee.223]

Really great video. Thank you! The overnight tent reference was fun too!

[@Redwan777]

I believe this video effectively demonstrates the installation process of a custom ROM from the perspective of an average user. Veronica astutely identified the noticeable lack of features, such as the absence of an app store during the installation. I must acknowledge that, as a power user, I overlooked these apparent issues that can pose challenges for individuals without extensive expertise and wrongfully blamed many for not trying to do "a little bit more" learning. Nevertheless, her review of this ROM remains commendable, considering the aforementioned shortcomings.

[@VeronicaExplains]

Thanks for watching! I do think that something as simple as a pop-up saying "there's no app store here, this is why, but you can download these alternatives if you want" would go a long, long way toward making a new user feel at home. Linux desktop systems are increasingly adding first run guides and I've seen how that helps beginners dipping their toes in the water.

[@Tabbytoffee]

Wow! That installer is incredible! I remember following a blury video and installing a new kernel and ROM from an SD card then wiping everything. All using the volume keys and the power button and taking half an hour!

[@nuclearnyanboi]

yay new Veronica Explains video

[@LupusMichaelis]

You're not alone Veronica. I spent 2h not understanding why buttons were grayed off in Firefox… Thanks for the video, it made me buy that Pixel phone and finally install a cleaner OS

[@moetocafe]

you buy Google phone and you think you get something "cleaner" ?

[@LupusMichaelis]

Well, the next step would be to have a libre firmware, but for now, it's way cleaner than anything I got in the past as a phone

[@GowrishankarLeGrand]

Wow that intro was slick! Nice video btw.

[@jejunamja]

Hey, thanks for the video. I really enjoyed that. You just tried it without doing a whole bunch of research cause that’s the level of my knowledge with us and so watching you do it was helpful.

[@user-un8bc2ku9y]

I love love love GrapheneOS, I can use my favorite Android apps without Google knowing every damn thing I do with my phone. Heck little by little im moving away from Play Store apps to open source equivalents, so far the hardest to replace looks to be Google Maps, but they are ways to minimize their data collection on you.

[@petshwark]

Dig the MST3K visual reference at the beginning

[@Quarky_]

Great first look! I can very much relate to the initial button confusion, and the installer is indeed fantastic!

[@Tobsson]

I thought the custom rom/os scene was pretty much dead. I will probably try this on an old phone.

[@jrksoldierx1436]

What do you do on a pixel phone when a flash fails? I'm so used to Oneplus and having a MSM tool to save me.

[@atarigalore]

I love that PowerMac behind you.... I have a PowerMac 9600 among others. That is still to this day i think the coolest case ever made when you open it up.

[@VeronicaExplains]

It's so fun. I can't wait to play with it on the channel.

[@esaedvik]

OMG, that rate limitation notification is so timely as I'm watching this late...waow :D

[@theDane70]

That’s a really good video...!!! And really good info for those who are questioning Graphene OS...

[@send2gl]

Interesting video, some people do get a wee bit paranoid about security but, having said that it is important.

[@LillyAnarkitty]

Looking forward to hearing more about your experience with Graphene OS, and other de-googled Android ROMs in the future!

[@MeriaDuck]

Love it that there is magic allowing web browser to connect to a bootloader, that makes life so much easier to do things like this.

[@GSBarlev]

Ironically (and if memory serves) the *very first* smartphone jailbreak method was web-based, leveraging an exploit in Safari on iOS 1.0. I used it to install a third-party app store on my OG iPod Touch back before the first-party store even existed.

[@CodyCLI]

Tbh its kind of sketchy, I don't want an unknown website having access to my phone.

[@Justsomeone99987]

I needed to comment just to say I appreciated your Final Fantasy 2/4 sleeping music 😊

[@Kerastes33]

Your astonishment and delight mirrored my own as I installed GrapheneOS a little over a year ago. I could never have handled CyanogenMod. The initial user experience was easier for me because I started from the opposite position, using as few non-FOSS apps as possible and no Google apps, later adding sandboxed Google Framework Services (but not Play Store) to run Google Camera. I have never used Play Store and never signed in to a Google account on any phone I've owned. It was fun to see your reactions. I intensely loathe the default Android experience. The first thing I do setting up loved ones' phones is turn off all those obnoxious notifications, tighten privacy settings as much as Google allows, and uninstall or disable bloatware. Did you know Facebook is now baked into many phones, can't be uninstalled but only disabled? I wish I could afford to give every loved one a de-Googled phone. Still, my Pixel 6 running GrapheneOS does everything I need it to do: I even keep my calendar online on a non-Google server that syncs to my calendar app, Etar. For me it's a keeper, but I continue to cautiously add functionality. In recent months I installed sandboxed Google Play Services and Play Store on a secondary profile for the sole purpose of occasionally running a bank app. One thing I wish my phone could do is voice recognition (voice typing), that is, without sending everything I say to Google.

[@KodiakWoodchuck]

This was super cool, as someone who used to flash cynaogen and other custom androids.... This is SO easy compared to that. I like the unscripted format here too.

[@MickeyMishra]

5:59 I had one of those I gave away. I maxed that thing out so much and expanded EVERY port I could. At one time? I even had 20 HDD's hooked up to it. It was CRAZY how cool the Old Mac's were to mess with. OSX 10.2 using it as a Server with some modifications to the UNIX code I got from a book I still have someplace. I think I was one of the first to DUmp in CCFL's and Leds at the time inside the case. And the Golden days of Firewire!

[@HasHHasHBaby919]

good review ive been using graphene os for a few months im quite happy with it as i had concerns with privacy

[@david486038]

'What? This... It's for another video!' CAN'T WAIT!

[@tavo_wasd]

Awesome video! It would be awesome to see more content about this from you!

[@zatsando]

Using GrapheneOS instead of the stock PixelOS, the only thing missing is the Google Pay and the Android Auto. If you don't know them/use them/care, you are gonna have the same experience aesthetically and app wise. Under the hood it has all the good privacy and security issues already solved for you without breaking any stuff. So far I 've never had any issue with any apps.

[@andreamitchell4758]

Seems like a huge waste fo time to me you reallly think you will not be tracked? I highly doubt any of this crap makes a damn bit of difference al lthe processeors are hardware back doored, spectre and meltdown say hello. just a huge inconvience for security theater IMO, what is the point if GPD is "sandboxed" anyhow , especially if you sign in to your account LOL pelple make me laught, really the only way to avoid what you think you are avoiding is to liv elike uncle Ted and get yourself a hovel innna woods and becoame a full on lluddite, otherwise it is excercize in futility and you are just giving yourself an even worse experience than pure stock android which is still pretty shitty in and of itself like all mobile OS's are

[@zatsando]

@@andreamitchell4758 It's not only the enhanced privacy and security you are getting. You get a very clean look with just the very basics of apps and not a ton of things you don't need.

[@miavelvet]

@@andreamitchell4758 bad take. There is a difference between * possible * backdoors which can give them a very limited information about you vs stock os which can literally scan EVERYTHING you do and doesnt even hide this

[@Lucywalker34]

Really enjoyed this video. Thanks! I'm a noob to all of this stuff and your videos really help me understand :)

[@FredPilcher]

Excellent Veronica! Thanks, GrapheneOS looks as if it may be a real goer. :D

[@michael49789]

Hi, Veronica! Thank you very much for this video! It's something different, from the perspective of a normal user. I'm sure it helps other people who are not nerds and would otherwise never dare to do something like this. And it can help software developers to better understand ordinary users and make their products better. I'm looking forward to more videos from you on GrapheneOS and I hope you stick with it, because there's really nothing better at the moment if you value privacy and data protection. I have been using it since March 2023 and have had many other smartphones and mobile operating systems before that.

[@tobias3643]

Cool Personality there!!!

[@El.Duder-ino]

Thx for this sneak peak tour/guide vid, cheers!

[@Kehvarl]

"I hate big phones." Thank you! I don't object to having a smartphone, but why does the smallest reasonable one get bigger with every generation? Thank you for the video and your insights, this seems like an intriguing option next time I set up an android phone or if I want to put a new OS on my old Pixel. The setup seemed pretty straightforward, but as you said a First-Run wizard to help set up a store and some other basics would make it almost perfect.

[@thomasrichards8055]

1:58 I love how well this reflects the average video thumbnail these days!

[@whatever-s9o]

Thank you Veronica! You just sold me, I've been on the fence, can't decide if I want a linux phone vs. a hardened android, but think I'll grab a pixel 8 and put grapheneos on it. As for the drama, I'm an engineer, and almost all engineers have no couth or tact, so I couldn't care less if they get into a pissing match with each other, it's not only normal, it's expected. As you said, as long as the phone works fine, we're good! Sub'd, cheers!!!!

[@VeronicaExplains]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for the sub! I've used it consistently since I published and am planning a followup at some point, but yes, I enjoy GrapheneOS and the clean experience of it, no real complaints at all! About the only thing I routinely miss is the accuracy of Google Maps, but I've used Organic Maps for a while now and it works well enough for most of my navigation needs.

[@whatever-s9o]

@@VeronicaExplains we guys don't need maps, we just think our way to the destination... after all, how hard can it be? :P

[@eskikanal6325]

for genuine ease of use no drama and great privacy I recommend /e/ OS which is based on lineage it comes with its own fork of aurora store that is open source ofc and has privaxy ratings for each app based on the permissions they require and trackers they include, more on that comes with its own tracker blocker fro the system that blocks trackers from apps comes with micro g so if you absolutely need them google apps are also compatible without an account whatsoever

[@AldrickTanith]

Loved the video Veronica. I'm glad you touched upon the issues with the developer. I believe he stepped down after the most recent incident. I believe, based on what I've seen, he's an individual with some serious mental health issues, so it is my hope that he gets the help that he needs and is then able to return and be a productive member of the open source and privacy respecting community. With that being said, I'd really love for you to look into the other alternatives to GrapheneOS. I am really considering going down this path myself, and I am not really certain I know what alternative platform would be best for me. I'm not sure I really understand the difference between GrapheneOS, Calyx, and Lineage. Heck, even throw in a look into a Linux phone. I basically use my phone for four things: texting (Signal), meetings while on the move (Zoom), navigation (Google Maps), and phone calls. It'd be nice to be able to evaluate what might be best for me before I invest time and money trying to make an alternative solution that respects my privacy work.

[@localblackman427]

Using a temp gmail might not actually offer more privacy since theyll tie all your gmail activity to that of the same household unless each device is on separate vpn networks

[@mysticbimmer]

I actually spit out my water at the "let's not copy that floppy!" remark. I wonder how many people were around when that saying was used.

[@pinaz993]

29:08 You earned a like with this statement. Negativity gets entirely too much traction.

[@fathermurphy218]

I've been using graphene on a pixel 4 xl for about 6 months now after hearing about it on Linux Unplugged. I'm not a big phone user either so it works well for me. I use New Pipe for KZbin, k-9 mail (usable but pretty basic) and I have downloaded google keyboard so i get swipe back but I've disconnected it from the network (connect if you want voice to text). Any android apps run well and so far I've been able to disconnect and connect them to the network at will. Sometimes it's quirky but calls and text always work (important stuff) and the other things only goof once in a while and resolve easily and quickly. I actually use it more than I did a normal android phone because I play with apps on F-droid (it's fun to tinker). NES emulator works pretty good as well, although the on screen controller is kinda crud. I used Arch and chromium to install and it was exactly as you experienced. Easy. Looking forward to you're in depth review.

[@fathermurphy218]

I almost forgot MAGIC EARTH for maps. No traffic notice but directions are great.

[@DeFrisselle]

Nice and simple I miss using Nexus Root Took Kit I'll be doing this late next week My Pixel 7 arrives Wednesday

[@DeFrisselle]

Like Torvold isn't rude

[@unsuccessfulhermit]

Thanks for the video, fascinating stuff, biggest thing was it looked good because it turned off all the rubbish that google and other manufacturers install - if you want a phone to make calls/messages and occasional note taking - as you said "I want my phone to be a phone" that sells it, thanks again for the deep dive! Also can;t wait to see what you do with the 486...