As long as it is based on AOSP, it is at the mercy of Google to release source code and updates. Given recent trends, I wouldn't be surprised if Google stops shipping Android source completely.
I would love if there were a different OS name to designate "Android phones with Google Services snooping in the background" but with the Android Open Source Project being called what it is, I fear "Android" will continue to be understood as a word for either variant
> I fear "Android" will continue to be understood as a word for either variant
Well, "Android" generally means either variant. I run GrapheneOS and I call it Android. If someone asks, I say I run Android, not GrapheneOS. Actually in terms of experience, it is Android to me.
But in a context where we oppose GrapheneOS to Android, then I think it's important to be clear. GrapheneOS belongs to the family of OSes that are based on AOSP (like Android, LineageOS, IodeOS, /e/OS, CalyxOS), while Android is itself a "subfamily" of that, including the Google Android, the Samsung Android, the Xiaomi Android, etc.
In a way, I personally feel like GrapheneOS is closer to Google Android than the Samsung Android is from the Google Android, if that makes sense. Moving from GrapheneOS to Google Android, I really don't see significant differences. Now Moving to a Samsung Android, I need to adapt a little.
All that to say, I really only make a difference when we are talking about AOSP-based systems as a distinct group, by opposition to "Android certified" systems. Just like it sometimes make sense to talk about GNU/Linux in specific conversations, but generally, we refer to a Linux distribution as "Linux".
It's not necessary to spam the comments with your personal reinterpretations of widely known project names that don't match how these names are actually being used. If you really feel the need to be wrong on the Internet at least try to not repeat yourself.
It should probably be "break free from Google and Apple"?
As long as it is based on AOSP, it is at the mercy of Google to release source code and updates. Given recent trends, I wouldn't be surprised if Google stops shipping Android source completely.
You are right! I will change the title :)
how will it help you to break free from apple if it only supports pixel phones?
One reason that people use Apple phones is they are seen as a less privacy-invasive option than Android/Google.
So it would follow that a valid privacy-respecting third option would potentially help Apple customers as well as Google customers.
They are working on making their own phone hardware.
...on a google phone.
They are working with a partner to provide their own hardware.
GrapheneOS is not Android. It's AOSP-based.
You may be surprised to learn what that "A" stands for.
You may be surprised to realise that you actually don't understand the difference between AOSP and Android :-). See https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47047167
You're vastly exaggerating that difference. It's ridiculous to say it's incorrect that GOS is not Android based.
I would love if there were a different OS name to designate "Android phones with Google Services snooping in the background" but with the Android Open Source Project being called what it is, I fear "Android" will continue to be understood as a word for either variant
> I fear "Android" will continue to be understood as a word for either variant
Well, "Android" generally means either variant. I run GrapheneOS and I call it Android. If someone asks, I say I run Android, not GrapheneOS. Actually in terms of experience, it is Android to me.
But in a context where we oppose GrapheneOS to Android, then I think it's important to be clear. GrapheneOS belongs to the family of OSes that are based on AOSP (like Android, LineageOS, IodeOS, /e/OS, CalyxOS), while Android is itself a "subfamily" of that, including the Google Android, the Samsung Android, the Xiaomi Android, etc.
In a way, I personally feel like GrapheneOS is closer to Google Android than the Samsung Android is from the Google Android, if that makes sense. Moving from GrapheneOS to Google Android, I really don't see significant differences. Now Moving to a Samsung Android, I need to adapt a little.
All that to say, I really only make a difference when we are talking about AOSP-based systems as a distinct group, by opposition to "Android certified" systems. Just like it sometimes make sense to talk about GNU/Linux in specific conversations, but generally, we refer to a Linux distribution as "Linux".
It's not necessary to spam the comments with your personal reinterpretations of widely known project names that don't match how these names are actually being used. If you really feel the need to be wrong on the Internet at least try to not repeat yourself.