> What I wish I could have is a phone that I can copy an arbitrary python script to, then execute it. No "Android Studio" or "Xcode" monstrosity to create and load software. Just my text editor and a shell.

You can already do this on Android no problem: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/31564123/run-python-in-a...

If you're on Android, install Termux, then apt install python and an editor and you're done. The future is now :)

That's pretty much a Linux installation pretending to be an app. I'd see it as a workaround not a solution.

The underlying problem with android, as touched on in the article, is that your hardware vendor is the administrator of your phone.

Security on Android relies in the idea that who ever built the OS signs it, and any changes to system libraries, with a secret key. That's a lot of control. Couple that with lack of root and its not your phone.

Termux is like saying... 'I wish I owned my flat so I could remodell it how I want " "it is possible to redecorated your rented flat if you only put plasterboard over the walls"

Will solve thier problem, doesn't fix the insidious loss of power over our computerised lives these platforms (Android, Web applications) lead to.