Living with GrapheneOS, One Year Later!

Summary

In this video, the creator reflects on a year of using Graphene OS, a privacy-focused ROM for Google Pixel devices. Initially impressed by its sandboxing of Google Play services and robust multi-user features, the creator details improvements like Android Auto support, new app integrations, and better hardware compatibility. While noting some bugs, such as multitasking issues and the lack of 60fps video recording, the creator still highly recommends Graphene OS for its security and privacy benefits. Suggestions for future improvements include limiting charging speeds and scheduling updates.

Takeaways

• 😀 GrapheneOS is a privacy and security-focused custom ROM for Google Pixel devices.
• 😀 The most popular video on the channel is about GrapheneOS, with almost 350,000 views and significant subscriber growth.
• 😀 GrapheneOS enhances privacy by sandboxing Google Play Services, limiting data collection.
• 😀 Multi-user profiles in GrapheneOS allow for separating apps into different profiles, such as for open-source and proprietary apps.
• 😀 Major improvement this year: Android Auto now works on GrapheneOS, allowing users to connect their phones to compatible cars.
• 😀 New features in GrapheneOS include the Google Markup app, which allows easy editing of screenshots.
• 😀 EIMS (for managing subscription apps) now works without Google Play Services on GrapheneOS.
• 😀 GrapheneOS now supports newer Pixel devices, including the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold.
• 😀 A bug in GrapheneOS causes the multitasking button to randomly stop working, requiring users to switch to gestures.
• 😀 Battery life has decreased over the year, but the phone still lasts all day with power-saving mode.
• 😀 The stock camera app on GrapheneOS lacks the ability to record video at 60fps, which is a significant drawback for video enthusiasts.

Q & A

What is GrapheneOS?

GrapheneOS is an open-source, privacy-focused operating system designed for Google Pixel devices. It enhances privacy and security by sandboxing Google Play Services and providing better control over app permissions, as well as offering features like multi-user switching and auto-reboot for security hardening.

How has GrapheneOS evolved in the past year?

In the last year, GrapheneOS has introduced several important updates, including Android Auto support, the Google Markup app for editing screenshots, improved eSIM functionality without Google Play Services, and broader compatibility with newer Pixel devices such as the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold.

What is Android Auto, and how does it work on GrapheneOS?

Android Auto is an app that allows you to connect your phone to your car's display system, offering easy access to apps like navigation and music. On GrapheneOS, it now works by isolating apps and allowing them to communicate on the back-end, making Android Auto fully functional when connected via USB or Bluetooth.

Why doesn’t Google Pay work on GrapheneOS?

Google Pay doesn’t work on GrapheneOS because the OS cannot support Google's SafetyNet, which is essential for the functionality of apps like Google Pay. This limitation is due to the privacy-focused nature of GrapheneOS, which prevents it from passing the SafetyNet checks that Google requires.

What is the multi-user feature in GrapheneOS, and how can it be used?

The multi-user feature in GrapheneOS allows users to create separate profiles on the device, each with different app configurations. This is useful for separating apps for privacy reasons, such as having one profile with free software from F-Droid and another with non-free apps that you need.

What are some of the bugs and issues reported in GrapheneOS?

A major bug reported is the multitasking button randomly failing to open the app switcher, which forces users to switch to gesture controls. Battery life has also worsened over time, but this is expected as the phone ages. Additionally, the stock camera app lacks the ability to record videos in 60 FPS, which is a significant limitation for some users.

Can GrapheneOS support eSIM functionality?

Yes, GrapheneOS now supports eSIM functionality, and it can work without requiring Google Play Services. This is an important update for users who want to keep their device free of Google services while using eSIM for mobile connectivity.

What is the Google Markup app, and why is it important for GrapheneOS users?

The Google Markup app is a tool that allows users to edit and annotate screenshots immediately after capturing them. It was added to GrapheneOS to improve the screenshot experience, replacing the previously unstable Simple Gallery app for screenshot management.

What are some recommended improvements for GrapheneOS in the future?

Two key improvements that could enhance GrapheneOS are the ability to limit charging speed beyond 80% to preserve battery health, and the option to schedule updates so they only occur overnight when connected to Wi-Fi, avoiding random updates throughout the day.

Why does the review recommend GrapheneOS despite its bugs and limitations?

Despite some bugs and limitations, the review recommends GrapheneOS for its strong privacy and security features. The OS is well-maintained by a small team of developers and offers significant control over user data, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing privacy.