The goals are degoogling and increased use of FOSS when ever possible. If FOSS isn't available I will have to stick with the app that hopefully won't require Google Play Services. I'm open for any app suggestions. When ever the apps support notifications it should be a solution without requiring FCM.
It's probably not smart to ask for so many apps in one thread but I don't want to clutter the forum with small single threats.
(DB) Train navigator
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.hafas.android.db
Is there an app available which supports Maps incl public travel options like Google Maps?
Video Portal
YouTube is likely the platform with the most media content available. There are several web-based interfaces that provide access to YouTube's features as far as I know.
Newpipe might be an option, although it currently doesn't support YouTube Shorts. On my other phone I use YouTube Revanced which is another choice, but it may require Google Play Services to function properly.
Password manager
Keepass or Bitwarden
I use 1Password on my computer as well as on my other smartphone (daily driver). But I don't want to use it on GOS.
Authenticator
Aegis
Keyboard
FlorisBoard looks promising. Only missing feature is word prediction. I need a clipboard with history and a spellchecker.
Gallery
Looking for an ente alternative which supports E2EE (ente does as well) incl. Backups to the cloud.
Maybe the use of Cryptomator and a mainstream clouddrive like Gdrive or Onedrive? Combined with x as a gallery app? But I would rather not use one of those clouddrives if possible.
Short: I'm looking for an gallery app with the ability for E2EE cloud backups or a solution with two apps (gallery and cloudsync).
Scanner app
Looking for a Genius Scan alternative
ToDo
On my main device I'm using Microsoft ToDo. But any other apps which supports reminders and notifications will be fine.
Calendar
I would appreciate the feature to store birthdays in contacts, with these birthdays automatically appearing in the calendar.
Cloud Backups
Cryptomator combined with a clouddrive like Protondrive might be a possibility?
Maybe I should invest some more time in Seedvault.
Emailservice incl App
Tutanota
Email client
Im hosting my mail on a VPS. Fairmail or K9 mail via IMAP should provide me the access I need.
Notetaking
Notesnook or Obsidian both look promising. I tested both and they both fit my needs.
FileManager
MiXplorer which is a really nice file manager incl. options to open clouddrives like (Gdrive, Onedrive, Dropbox and many more), ftp etc. If I need a simple one I'm using Solid Explorer on my other device. Open for alternatives.
Webbrowser
Vanadium or Brave both should be fine. The most important part for me is the ability to sync bookmarks. Are those sync transfers E2EE?
VPN
I will stick with Mullvad. The use of a VPN isn't necessary for me but I like the ability to use it when using public Wifi and for filtering via DNS. Or to circumvent geo blocking.
Adblocking
RethinkDNS or use of the filtered DNS server from mullvad. I have to put more time in this option. What I have found is the ability to use a custom DNS with a VPN. But that might not be smart due to the fingerprint. Is there an option to only filter DNS locally and keeping the standard DNS of the VPN provider?
RSS Reader
I'm usingFeedly on my main device. I like the simple layout. What I really dislike is the expensive monthly price (but it's fine without as well). But it's only available via Google Play. Beside that there are numerous other reasons not to use it. Suggestions?
Messenger
Signal, simpleX. This topic has been widely discussed on the forum here so I'm fine with the two.
WhatsApp might be needed due to the fact that most contacts only have this installed. I guess there are no third party solutions?
Social media
I guess most of you will suggest to not use the mainstream ones like Facebook, Reddit and X.
But how "clean" are the newer ones like Mastodon?
Music streaming
Spotube is a nice concept but I really would like to have a real spotify alternative because their standard app is full of unwanted things (trackers and other bloat). Many of those connections could be filtered via DNS but I rather would have an app without them in the first place. Web Version?
Same with Soundcloud.
MediaPlayer
I guess nothing is wrong with VLC.
Video streaming
Any experience with Syncler available?
IPTV
Everything which supports XC portals. MyTvOnline+ (only on Play Store), Televizo are two popular examples. Televizo premium features are account bonded and not only to Play Store purchases.
Weather
I haven't found anything FOSS which has the same features as Samsung Weather has.
Launcher
I like Nova Launcher very much but it requires Play Services installed as far as I know.