What if we made an alternative to everything on Android?
It's a big question. I know.
But given that we have the source code to Android (AOSP) and the community to collaborate with, couldn't we just create an entire ROM filled with the necessary applications and utilities, all open source, and with modern UI?
It'll take a shit load of time, and effort. Definitely. But maybe if we banded together? A unified OS running only open source software, with the option for Google Services via something like MicroG, so that we don't need to worry.
I'm no expert. I'm just floating an idea. But I'd love to know if this is possible, step-by-step...
Edit: I know custom ROMs are a thing. I use one. I'm just saying, what if we go ahead and make an open source ecosystem that runs under the same project, so that there's a set of services and apps that are free, open source and non-corporate.
Edit2: I forgot the Lineage project exists. Nevermind 🤦🏻♂️. Let's just try to support it. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Only thing really missing is Wallet and NFC support. Other than that I think Graphene and Lineage OS cover it all
It's for this reason I keep having to temper my recommendation of degoogled Android, because I often forget most people don't consider that a feature.
It would be nice if Wallet worked. A workaround for probably a pretty small subset of Graphene/degoogled users is to use a Garmin watch compatible with Garmin Pay.
I have a Garmin watch with Garmin Pay. It works with exactly one of my bank accounts. They seem to only support giant banks like BofA, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc., and only a few of the very large credit unions.
I suspect that a Venn diagram of FOSS fans and large bank haters/credit union enjoyers is probably pretty close to a circle.
I wish Garmin supported almost any Canadian banks
Is it something that can never work or something that is not yet implemented?
It can never work, because most (if not all) payment related apps check in with google safetynet to see if your phone runs approved software and if it is locked down from your access.
Actually, there are workarounds.. but that either involves installing closed source system mods (because they rely on security through obscucity to avoid their ways being patched), or always patching banking apps themselves to not actually check for it.. until that's not enough anymore.
Ahh I was kinda fearing that but had no idea how that would wotk, thanks!
If you are interested and are a little techy, look up the Xposed framework. Here's a medium sized summary: https://github.com/rovo89/XposedBridge/wiki/Development-tutorial
This is one thing that can be used for patching apps (the 2nd workaround)
My personal workaround is a smartphone book case with a spot for the debit card.
Also android auto would be nice.