How do the Linux Phones already on the market (like the Furi Labs one I saw posted recently that has physical switches to disable GPS, mic, baseband, etc.) work? Do they just use cellular for data and require you to use wifi-calling and messaging apps?
The phone you mentioned has a specific custom OS bud on Debian. It does get mobile data, and unless I missed it, no mention of calling. No E-sim option either. So it’s basically just a fancy small Linux iPad.
The issue becomes then installing apps, like Signal, which is a point they mention, gets down to finding an APK and then just reinstalling for updates. While these phones are “commercially” available, they’re still buggy and janky AF. None of them are ready for anyone beyond Linux nerds willing to tinker and accept the jank. Additionally, only the most ideologically anti-Western of the edge of the privacy community would be OK with full Chinese equipment as the PRC requires manufacturers to include hardware back doors.
Thanks for the response! I’ve been confused about that for a while now and wasn’t sure if there was a major leap in the Linux phone space with that release.
How do the Linux Phones already on the market (like the Furi Labs one I saw posted recently that has physical switches to disable GPS, mic, baseband, etc.) work? Do they just use cellular for data and require you to use wifi-calling and messaging apps?
Depends entirely on the device and custom OS.
The phone you mentioned has a specific custom OS bud on Debian. It does get mobile data, and unless I missed it, no mention of calling. No E-sim option either. So it’s basically just a fancy small Linux iPad.
https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/03/furiphone_flx1/
The issue becomes then installing apps, like Signal, which is a point they mention, gets down to finding an APK and then just reinstalling for updates. While these phones are “commercially” available, they’re still buggy and janky AF. None of them are ready for anyone beyond Linux nerds willing to tinker and accept the jank. Additionally, only the most ideologically anti-Western of the edge of the privacy community would be OK with full Chinese equipment as the PRC requires manufacturers to include hardware back doors.
Thanks for the response! I’ve been confused about that for a while now and wasn’t sure if there was a major leap in the Linux phone space with that release.
Sadly, no. All our thoughts and prayers do not a mobile OS make.