To clarify, GrapheneOS have not switched. They still intend to support Pixels for as long as Google also enables full hardware security support on alternative OSes.
I think the partnership with the OEM is more to do with having early access to AOSP as well as security patches (due to Google’s publishing changes for AOSP). It’s also nice to be able to provide users a choice. There is the benefit that they have an alternative if Google stop supporting altOSes on their devices, but that hasn’t changed with the Pixel 10 series.
Even with “worse” security and specs, I will probably buy the first generation of this new device at least to show my support to the OEM and GrapheneOS.
I guess I’m the only one very happy being on Pixels.
I always wanted one myself, I guess there’s that.
But hey, if the OEM can make something sturdy, with a nice battery life and affordable, I’m also fine jumping ships.
I just hope they won’t be partnering with some weird brand like…Razer.
I know Google has made some changes that made it harder for GOS to support. That doesn’t mean the P11 series won’t be supported. I do like Google’s hardware. I am somewhat concerned that the partnership could be with a lower-tier OEM.
Anyway, I am all in “vote with your wallet”. So I will happy when the times come to support the new OEM and GrapheneOS while showing Google I am not happy with their changes lately by not giving them my money. It would still be a win-win situation for me and the projects I support.
As for security wise, I don´t think GrapheneOS will make any compromises for their user base. So it should be fine.
Pixels aren’t going anywhere as long as Google allows proper alternate OS support. I’m pessimistic they will continue to do that. Once you declare these are no longer reference devices, why bother doing extra work, especially since they’ve been on a penny pinching campaign?
If Google continues to support Pixel phones alongside these new OEM devices, GrapheneOS motivated Pixel sales will certainly eat into those of the other OEM as not everyone who wants to run GrapheneOS necessarily wants to do it on a Motorola phone. I’m sure this collab is part of a bigger strategy for the OEM in question. It has to be.
I think you misunderstood me. More choice is better, and that’s for sure. However, will it tempt us to upgrade? If it’s not any better than a Pixel with GOS in terms of security, then what’s the point for existing users?
For me, just the fact it’s not a Google device is enough for a reason to switch. I have a feeling I’m not alone in that line of thinking.
Also, even if this new device is “less secure” than a Pixel, it will still be a Graphene supported device, so I think it’ll more than enough for my needs in terms of security.
It will also have much broader appeal if it uses Graphene OS out of the box. They did say they will target the high-end market, so don’t expect anything cheaper than the P10 (Pro?) price.
Yeah I tend to agree. If you want to support GrapheneOS, just donate to them directly. I don’t think this vote with your wallet stuff is very effective, especially compared with direct donations.
Of course if you need a new phone anyway, it sounds like a good, less volatile option compared with the Pixel lineup. Having manufacturer buy in and collaboration is huge.
I agree. I think Google has one of the best cameras for a North American phone, so GOS support will be crucial going forward. I was disappointed when Google made it harder for GOS to port its software over. Made no sense to me. I think most people use their phones for web browsing, communication, and imaging. I want my next GOS phone to be better than what is currently on the market. Better security wouldn’t hurt either. I would never say no to that!
The point is to show the OEM there is a market for secure and private devices. It isn’t about donating to GOS, it is about showing a mainstream company that privacy can be profitable.
With that said, very few people have the disposable income to shell out $1000 or more just to send a signal to a company, if there is no other reason to switch. (I know I don’t have that kind of freedom with my spending)
No but that would be my guess. I doubt they would install another OS, but perhaps no OS at start and you need to sideload, but that would limit its appeal.
This is harder than it sounds and probably would require different builds for different markets, or something untoward, to say nothing of needing to navigate Google’s Android Compatibility Commitment (ACC) or some stuff like that. GrapheneOS is awesome precisely because it is distributed the way it is.
What the general public needs is a good out-of-the-box experience. If you want to expand market share, then that will have to be the way forward. Otherwise, we’re just a niche.
