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. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Running project zephyrus as my daily driver it is based on CLO project.
Better apps
Chromite - google chrome
Mull - firefox
YouTube revanced - stock youtube app
Sadly can't replace whatsapp with anything.
Beeper is free now and it's native chat is Matrix, but it also supports whatsapp, iMessage, and Signal along with Google RCS. It doesn't get rid of your WhatsApp entirely (unless you can switch your friends to Matrix) but it does seem like a good solution to at least consolidate all that stuff.
Interesting I'll look into this. Thanks. WhatsApp became a necessity here in my country almost everyone uses it.