Max-Zorin

  • 25 Oct
  • Joined Sep 7, 2022
  • snafu

    That's a good question and I really can't answer it. Like I said in my original post, maybe I'm fooling myself on some things with my setup.

    I was hoping with the location permission denied to Whatsapp, even if I gave it Network permission somehow the location would not be included through WiFi scanning or Cell tower scanning. But to know that someone would need to understand the inner workings of GOS and Android.

    • This is unfortunate.

      Wired, in my opinion, became nothing much better than a rag a few years back. Guess times are tough in the online journalism sphere and they have to revert to fear and division to get clicks.

    • This doesn't have the full functionality as a full Google Maps install, but there is GMaps VW which a restricted WebView wrapper for accessing the web version of Google Maps and a few other perks when copying locations into other OpenStreetMap navigation apps (e.g. OSMAND+)

      https://github.com/divested-mobile/maps

    • jackFang I haven't seen any cases that cover both the front and rear cameras. Just the rear ones.

    • Depending on your phone model and preference for aesthetics, you might be able to find a case with a camera slider where you can cover and uncover the camera when not in use or in use.

      • Not sure if the Pixel 8 Pro is an anomaly, but you are not forced t install it. It's like many of the other GOS Apps in the GOS "App Store", you're not forced to install any of them.

        • I just came across this thread as I was having issues when doing file transfers and copy / paste with the file transfer protocol. I'm using Android 14 a Pixel 8. Never had this problem on my old Pixel 5 with GOS. Used the same cable and tried other cables and computers but my Pixel constantly loses connection as described by the OP. I have not cleared caches.

          Is this a bug in GOS? Does anyone know what will fix it? Factory reset?

        • Dan-cer

          Coming from a Pixel 5 with GOS to a Pixel 8 with GOS, I find this annoying as well. My Pixel 5 did not have this issue. The only fix was to create a shortcut to turn on and off Bluetooth on the desktop. You can do that with certain launchers.

        • I have to agree with other8026 here. I've got some paid apps that work perfectly fine when I log into Aurora with my google account associated with the app purchase, and then install them (e.g. Moon Reader Pro). Once that is done I can log out of that personal account and the app works perfectly fine.

          Others won't, and need me to have play services / store installed and me permanently logged into my personal account to work. I no longer use those apps.

        • Thank you for the quick answer. Much appreciated! One less app I need to install on my phone.

          I guess this thread can be marked Solved / Closed.

        • The title of the thread essentially says it all. Is there any way to unzip zip files using the GOS File Manager app? I see you can compress files, but I can't see an option to unzip them. Or am I just blind?

          • applesbana

            There have been a few Reddit posts (sorry I don't have links) where people who owned 6's and 7's (and sometimes returned them) and now bought an 8 said the fingerprint reader on the 8 is a huge improvement.

          • idontknow

            I wouldn't pay attention to Reddit comments like that.

            The way I look at it, I was providing a service. For some people time is money and the time for them to secure a proper phone, learn about GOS, setting up their computer with the proper drivers to install it and setting up the phone is a significant cost in time. This is time they could be making more money (than it would cost to hire someone to do the above) or could spend doing other things like spending time with family, or recreational activities. I know a few directors and executives at my employer and they work 60 to75 hours a week. They use all sorts of services a "regular person" could do themselves (house cleaners, grocery delivery, vehicle cleaning and maintenance etc.) because their time is more important than doing these menial tasks in addition to their job. And it's not just executives that use these services, a lot of "regular people" do as well for their own reason.

            Many of the naysayers look at the situation from their own perspective. "Well I bought a phone and installed GOS myself, why would anyone hire someone to do that?". Might sound harsh to say this, but those people have a limited view and likely will never be entrepreneurial.

            They themselves probably use many services (go to restaurants, hire a plumber etc) that someone else with different skills could easily turn the table and say the same thing (well why don't they just cook food themselves, well why don''t they just unclog the drain themselves).

            I think if you keep your overhead down, and start out slow then you could see where it goes. You might also start out consulting people on how to set up GOS on their own phones and installing their GOS devices for privacy. There is a lot of research involved in setting up a GOS device to be private, secure and everyday functional for the needs of an average person.

            And like @matchboxbananasynergy said, make you sure you are clear with your clients you in no way represent or are directly involved with the GOS project, are not involved with developing the OS and are only a 3rd party installer. Any support would have to be done by you during the support period you define, and not the GOS team.

            Good luck with this!

          • idontknow

            I've operated a small online business in the past selling bicycle parts so I knew a bit about online marketing, website creation etc. With that business I put myself through university and grad school with zero debt and money in the bank. I ended that business after my suppliers dried up.

            Since I had extra time over Covid I decided to create a business pretty much exactly as you have described using many of the markups and services you already mentioned. I secured 50 pixel phones from a reputable wholesale refurbisher. The phones looked brand new.

            I created a marketing and information / privacy tutorial website, created a Youtube presence with various phone and setup tutorials, set up a social media presence etc. Some of my Youtube videos received over 35,000 views. Initially I was only asking a top up of $125 for what I paid for the phones and what those same models (in worst shape) would be selling for on eBay. This was all before the GOS web installer worked well (IMO). Sold a few but sales were not great. The customers I did have were very satisfied and said I offered the best customer service they've experienced in a long time.

            Every month that went by, the end of life date for updates for the phones came closer. Eventually I gave up and sold them on eBay for maybe a $25 to $35 markup (after fees). I'm a seller on there with a 1000+ feedbacks and a 100% satisfaction rating. There were other guys selling on eBay at the time for more money but I never saw their phones moving much. Not sure what happened to them.

            After all the work I did to set this up, it would of been better for me to to get a second job delivering pizzas in the evening. With the profit I made and the hours I put in, it was maybe $1.25 / hr.

            I'm not saying don't do it but unless you have good marketing knowledge, are willing to risk some money, can identify and target a ready audience, and want to play a long game, then I would say there are easier ways to make money.

            • I highly doubt if there are any initiatives for the GOS Developers to implement something like this.

              Best bet is to use something like NextDNS as your DNS provider and use custom porn filtering or family safe search filters with that service. You can also create custom blocklists to block specific sites.