I feel like a villain explaining Google integration

jackFang

My relatives recently brought the topic of smartphones, so it was a good idea to mention GOS. When I told them how deeply integrated Google is, and how they can't directly remove it from their phones it made me feel as if what I am saying is that they are powerless to do anything. They are not technical by any means. Then I felt I had to further elaborate how GOS protects you better by not having google included and how you can control which apps can connect to internet. I think its this convenience trap over privacy. We have to discuss it, even if its not the most pleasant discussion, I think because everyone is used to doing things one way. It also shows how dangerous an ecosystem can be.

Luckily they are keen to remove google, they said they tried but couldn't so I suggested to purchase a pixel 7/8/9 depending on budget and I would help them out with setup.

Just small story post

harp

jackFang I suggested to purchase a pixel 7/8/9 depending on budget

But you and they should keep in mind, that Pixel 7 will get support only about 2 years from today and 7a less than 3: https://grapheneos.org/faq#device-lifetime. If they just want to purchase initially an inexpensive device to see how that fits for them and if so willing to upgrade within the next 2-2.5 years, a 7/7a could be fine. But if they want the most affordable option over the entire period a series 8 Pixel would be a better choice.

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I've learned that I only mention GOS with family or friends, when security and / or privacy is the topic. I myself never set either of these topics, because this makes any discussion a waste of time.

It only happened once that a friend, who happily used every convenient google service, approached me with the wish to live his live as google-free as possible from now on, but with the wish to have privacy friendly replacements instead. Since I'm no expert for this (I don't want speech commands etc) I couldn't help him really.

What I want to say is: This is am incredibly difficult topic! The best thing we can do imho is to let people know that we are there to give guidance whenever they chose to live more private and secure in the online world.