Keep Android Open

By chimo on (updated on )

I use DAVx5 (installed via F-Droid) to sync my contacts and calendars with my Nextcloud instance.

I don’t open the app very often, and I mean that in the most positive way. I configured it a long time ago and it has been doing its thing in the background since then. For whatever reason, I opened the app recently and saw a small banner at the top saying:

Android’s openness is under threat. Learn how you can help at keepandroidopen.org.

Some random thoughts that crossed my mind while reading the page:

  1. The link above is the only thing I read about this topic (at least so far). As such, I don’t consider myself informed on the matter.
  2. My Pixel 6 Pro will stop receiving security updates on October, 1st 2026, and as such;
  3. I am already considering moving to an alternative operating system such as LineageOS or GrapheneOS without Google Mobile Services.
  4. I do realize that switching to a different OS doesn’t really do anything to address the issue at hand.
  5. From a security/accountability perspective, I understand how a corporation would want more control over its ecosystem.
  6. I also understand that individual rights (e.g.: privacy) can be eroded in the name of “security” while being thinly veiled attempts at surveillance.

Anyway, I don’t really have any insights on this it except a general “I don’t like this” feeling. I don’t publish anything on Google Play, and I’m planning on migrating away from the “Google Android” ecosystem, so it doesn’t directly affect me (a flawed point-of-view, I know). But I might migrate away from “Google Android” before the planned Oct. 1st deadline I had set for myself.

I ran Cyanogenmod/LineageOS as my daily-driver for about three years (~2015-2018). I’m sure it’ll be nice to be back in a lot of ways.