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my previous device I used YouTube Vanced for music and videos, but I guess Vanced isn’t around anymore, and I’m pretty out of date on what the current options are… any insight on streaming specifically?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

  • Lemongrab
    2·
    6 months ago

    Ditching your gmail account is the hardest step of degoogling and really isn’t one step. Ditching Gmail the app is good because it is one less permissive google app you have installed.

    Tubular is just newpipe with sponsorblock and return YouTube dislike, which have their own Privacy Policies to worry about but are great features to have. Either way, you should be using a VPN because otherwise it isn’t much different then the scenario you mentioned with a FOSS client for a proprietary google service.

    • tmpod@lemmy.pt
      2·
      6 months ago

      Yes, it is a hard step, but it is perhaps the most relevant one, hence why it’s important to get started with it, unless some external factor prevents the change. If you still have other Google apps (including Google Services), then uninstalling Gmail really does very little to nothing.

      • Lemongrab
        1·
        6 months ago

        The assumption I was under for the parent comment’s scenario was that the device would remain with its default ROM, in which case Google services are installed as a system app and disabling/uninstalling through ADB would do little to change things (cus of the proprietary kernel and all). Moving to alternative FOSS clients helps a new user get used to alternatives and learn better compromises they can use in the future on a degoogled ROM with services they maybe be forced to use.

        • tmpod@lemmy.pt
          1·
          6 months ago

          I see, that’s a good point indeed, it can be a good learning step. From a privacy standpoint, however, it’s not that effective.