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Google Gemini is about to control your messages and calls, even if you say no
(www.laptopmag.com)
this post was submitted on 01 Jul 2025
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Privacy
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If you don't want this stuff on your phone, lemme point you to:
GrapheneOS (Pixels only, has Most Security at Tinfoil Hat level while also providing compatibility for Google Play (optional, sandboxed) and SafetyNet)
CalyxOS (Pixels, Some Moto G 5G, Fairphone 5, 4, SHIFTphone 8, less Security than GrapheneOS but has Security)
LineageOS (Many older devices, runs unlocked boot so least Security but still can run sans google)
If we are on an old pixel (eg pixel 4) is it more or less secure to switch to graphene? Neither Google nor graphene are doing updates for that model anymore
I've thought of getting an 8 to put graphene on but the recent news from the project about Google making it harder on them has me pausing since I don't fully understand what is affected.
I don't want Gemeni anywhere near my messages and phone content.
You can put graphene on a 4. It won't be supported but will be more secure. Still not recommended by me or grapheneos. They say that the reason they support pixels is due to the security, not the aosp support, and that they will continue to develop grapheneos. Android 16 is the first new build with the changes and grapheneos is testing it now iirc. I would personally recommend seeing how 16 goes (possibly post after the update hits stable asking for user feedback) and decide based on that. You should probably get something new as the complete lack of security updates is quite bad but that could help you decide whether to go with graphene. Personally, I am on grapheneos and am not worried about it.
...How about a 3?
Edit: Nevermind, just checked. I swear this is still a great phone.
You should not be worried according to GrapheneOS's team.
Yup. They're going to continue support as promised.
https://xcancel.com/GrapheneOS/status/1936420921931084075#m