New user. Smart watch, earphones

Goritong

Hello there! I have been an Apple user for the last 10 years, but with all the advancements in AI and concerns about screen monitoring, I’ve realized that end-to-end encryption may not be as effective as I thought. I recently discovered GrapheneOS and would love to switch to a Pixel phone when my current one eventually dies, installing GrapheneOS right away. I’m not from the US, and my phone is a bit old to handle AI, but since Apple isn’t open source, I want to step away from this lack of privacy and feel like I can regain some control over my personal data.

I have already installed Linux on my laptop and started using Proton. I’m curious about how Garmin watches and Garmin Pay work with GrapheneOS, and whether there’s a possibility that GrapheneOS might eventually support Google watches, for example.

Additionally, what earphones are compatible with GrapheneOS that are considered secure? I worry that some brands, like Huawei, might be listening in while I use my earphones. I might be overthinking it, but I don’t fully understand how privacy can be compromised in this way, so I’m seeking more clarity. Lastly, is there any chance that GrapheneOS could be available for devices like Pixel Buds?

I would love to hear your thoughts and insights!

Xtreix

Goritong Hello and welcome.

Goritong I’m curious about how Garmin watches and Garmin Pay work with GrapheneOS, and whether there’s a possibility that GrapheneOS might eventually support Google watches, for example.

You'll need at least the Google Pixel Watch app via Sandboxed google play services to connect the Google Pixel Watch with GrapheneOS, you'll find more info in this thread.

Goritong Additionally, what earphones are compatible with GrapheneOS that are considered secure?

All headphones are compatible with GrapheneOS, Bluetooth is fully supported and USB-C Jack adapters are available for wired headphones.

Telemetry can be performed via the music application you're using unless you don't grant it access to the network, I'm not aware of any serious studies on earphone-side telemetry, if you're worried about this, use a wired headphone.

m4ri0g

garmin connect works perfectly fine with grapheneos I have an edge and a fenix that sync as they should.

garmin pay is configured on garmin connect you add the card and verify it. i use it with my fenix 7x perfectly fine.

any bluetooth device works like a charm with graphene... you can even use in some cases gadgetbridge to connect a large number of smartwatch and other weareables. if you don't want to use proprietary apps
you can also install using aurora store the manufacturer app and it will mostly likely work. in some cases the app will require google play services.. you can also install that.. in a sandbox.

i use pixel buds and Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-cancelling headphones. you don't need to install any app to use them. just pair them by bluetooth.
you can install the app as well and if you are worried, in graphene you have the possibility to deny network permission per app.. this way you sort of make sure the app don't call home. If you need to update the firmware you can grant permission temporary.

DeletedUser217

1) Garmin watches work as normal on GrapheneOS including Garmin Pay.

2A) Google Pixel watches are similarly fully functional alongside a GrapheneOS device including Google Wallet although sandboxed Google Play Services with various permissions granted is required.

2B) I get the sense you are actually asking whether Google Pixel watches support running GrapheneOS, in which case I would refer you to this post: https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/9616-grapheneos-on-pixel-watch-series/2
The unfortunate TL;DR is that up-to-date Wear OS is largely closed source, unlike other Android versions (Automotive, TV, etc.) which are, at their core, open source.

3) If you want you could look at getting some wired IEMs which would have the benefit of not requiring Bluetooth to be enabled. (You can try searching around the forum for recommendations.)

4) This is an interesting question but I am almost certain that the bootloader on Pixel Buds is not unlockable which makes this a non-starter even compared to the Pixel Watch, where the bootloader at least has proper alternative OS support.