Just switched to a new phone carrier, and they had a promotion that included a free phone: the Google Pixel 8. I’m not a fan of Google, but I am a fan of free, so I took the bait.

It’s already bombarded me with pitches for their new AI bullshit. I’ve opted out of as much as the settings allow, but I’m under no illusion that doing so actually provides any real privacy.

So, damage control time.

On my previous device I used YouTube Vanced for music and videos, but I guess Vanced isn’t around anymore, and I’m pretty out of date on what the current options are… any insight on streaming specifically?

 

*I’m a medic who’s only surface-level competent with tech, so please idiot-proof any instructions.

Thanks all!

  • smeg@feddit.ukEnglish
    3·
    6 months ago

    What does the phone contract have to do with what you can do with the phone? Contracts are for the SIM card (and the network access that comes with it) which may include the cost of a subsidised phone, but you’re still paying that regardless of what you do with the phone, right? Or to put it another way I think they can network-restrict the phone but I don’t think they can stop you putting GrapheneOS on it.

    • SecurityPro@lemmy.ml
      5·
      6 months ago

      Not in the US. A phone “purchased” on contract is carrier locked and you can’t unlock the bootloader, which needs to be done in order to install a different OS.

    • Matt@lemdro.idEnglish
      3·
      6 months ago

      Google does not let you unlock the boot loader if the device is carrier locked. It needs to get paid off and unlocked before the boot loader can be unlocked to install custom roms.

      • smeg@feddit.ukEnglish
        3·
        6 months ago

        Oh wow, I thought we left that sort of thing behind in the 3310 era!