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We need an open source OS for tablets and phones


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Old 11-11-2013, 15:58
davor
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Google is evil, and so is Apple! Google doesn't allow ad blocking apps to appear on Play Store, and there is only one ad blocker available for android devices - Ad Blocker plus, and you need a rooted device to install it. Aren't we all sick and tired of the big companies doing whatever they want and getting away with it? We need a true open source operating system (Linux-based or whatever) for mobile devices. If nothing, an OS like that would teach big companies a lesson and show them that there are people out there skilled enough and willing to try and change the way game is being played.

Whatever happened to hackers nowadays? I remember back in the 90's we had very active hacking community, we had Linus Torvalds and Richard Stallman who knew how to make a change and always worked for the people. Unfortunately, young developers today are only interested in how to make a quick cash, and they lack enthusiasm and curiosity, preventing them from being creative and wanting something more.

While we have an open source Ubuntu linux on mobile devices and The Mozilla project also leaning towards the mobile market, I think that is far from what we need. A standardized easy to use open source mobile platform. For that to happen, we need our regulators to start doing something to make mobile carriers to allow users to easily unlock their devices and if they don't like to use Android or iOS, to be able to install any free alternative they want. Mobile manufacturers and carriers are doing everything to make unlocking devices difficult. If we had that freedom, I think more developers would work on bringing a new,fresh and open OS to mobile devices. Your thoughts on this?
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Old 11-11-2013, 16:03
barky99
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http://www.ubuntu.com/phone ??
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Old 11-11-2013, 16:05
davor
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Admit it mate, you posted it before you read everything I wrote?
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Old 11-11-2013, 16:16
Roush
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Who's going to finance and develop this new, truly open source platform that you want to introduce? It took 5 years and millions of dollars to develop Android from an idea to a product, and that's with paid engineers working full time on it.
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Old 11-11-2013, 16:18
Zack06
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Android is open source. It can be compiled and it is possible write your own code for it. Android forks are very popular, e.g. MIUI and CyanogenMod which are separate from Google but use Android code.

Google and Android are not tied to each other. Android can exist without Google, though personally I think Google Android is a brilliant mobile experience, especially given the amount of money Google has poured into it.
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Old 11-11-2013, 16:23
corf
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Just be grateful that the carriers seem to have lost the OS war and we have independant OS's.

I truly hated the time when Carriers seemed to think they owned the customer, and modified every firmware to add their crap in or take features away.

Imagine if this had become a reality http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-...bile-os-717412
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Old 11-11-2013, 17:42
Voynich
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Yes the adblock thing is annoying. Especially when sites like this mess up and you can't read the webpage! I've got it installed on my unrooted Nexus 7 but it's direct from the company's website of course. I wonder how Tizen will get on?
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Old 11-11-2013, 18:05
Smiggs
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The problem with mobiles is the hardware often needs closed source drivers to even function, attempts have been made at open source hardware but they have never really gained traction as they have been underpowered and lack features. The only practical way is to use Android drivers and a Linux kernel, at which point you might as well build on top of Ubuntu or Android. There are plenty of Android variations, checkout Replicant a fully open source version.
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Old 11-11-2013, 20:26
pi r squared
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Google are evil, but installing an adblocker to deny a much needed revenue stream to free-to-view websites is not? There's some substantial double standards there!

Additionally, what Google allow in the Play store is irrelevant - you do know you can install third party apps from anywhere you like. A quick Google for android ad blocker yielded hundreds of results (which the "evil" Google haven't blocked) where you can find as blockers to your heart's content. Surely that's better than trying to start up a completely new open source mobile OS and hoping you've got more than a cat in hell's chance of gaining any traction?
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Old 12-11-2013, 07:32
davor
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Google are evil, but installing an adblocker to deny a much needed revenue stream to free-to-view websites is not? There's some substantial double standards there!

Additionally, what Google allow in the Play store is irrelevant - you do know you can install third party apps from anywhere you like. A quick Google for android ad blocker yielded hundreds of results (which the "evil" Google haven't blocked) where you can find as blockers to your heart's content. Surely that's better than trying to start up a completely new open source mobile OS and hoping you've got more than a cat in hell's chance of gaining any traction?

You need to have a rooted device to install those ad blockers.
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Old 12-11-2013, 10:43
Voynich
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No you don't. As I said, my Nexus 7 isn't rooted. You install via the adblock website and follow their instructions.
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Old 12-11-2013, 14:57
clonmult
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No you don't. As I said, my Nexus 7 isn't rooted. You install via the adblock website and follow their instructions.
Indeed, this is true, its an easy install. I had it on mine for a week but it broke a few too many games.

You need to have a rooted device to install those ad blockers.
Be honest, you've never tried it, have you? Android is open, you can install an adblocker if you want to quite easily. So what if it doesn't come from the Play Store, one of the advantages is that Android allows installation of applications from sources other than their own.
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