I have a Pixel 7, stock Android 14. It is my only phone and I love the stock system. But I am trying to gradually ditch Google and its services, for reasons well-known in this community and Lemmy in general. How much would I gain/lose using a custom ROM with/without GApps?

Update: Switched to GrapheneOS, no regrets :)

  • lemmyvoreEnglish
    9•1 year ago

    If you still want to improve your quality of life you can take the middle ground, which is to keep the stock ROM but unlock bootloader and install one that includes Magisk, which in turn will give access to root and Magisk modules that can do all kinds of interesting things.

    Some examples:

    • Backup and restore apps and their data.
    • Low-resource firewall and controlling network access for apps.
    • Faking permissions for apps (like allowing contacts but giving out an empty list).
    • System-wide adblocking.
    • Interface customizations.
    • Call recording.
    • Automation (Tasker).
    • All kinds of other tweaks and features too many to list, like using Mozilla or Apple’s location services instead of Goggle’s, or adding undo/redo to the long press menu etc.
    • @nolight@lemm.eeOPEnglish
      3•1 year ago

      Thanks! I’ve tried rooted stock for a while, but gave it up because the updates weren’t showing up. I didn’t know you could use any FOSS solutions to location services, I’ll have to research it more. I’ll give it a try once I finally decide to unlock the bootloader (I’ve relocked it afterwards, a big mistake).

      • lemmyvoreEnglish
        3•1 year ago

        The location solution is also part of MicroG, it’s an apk called UnifiedNlp that takes modules that can do all kinds of cool location things. Alternative online services like Mozilla and Apple are just one example, you can also download offline maps for wifi hotspots or mobile cells, or create your own mapping as you go by using GPS (when available).