News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Google is not a tech company. Parent comment

Re:Google is not a tech company by steelframe on Sunday November 19, 2023 @12:23PM (#38334952)
> But on one hand I prefer cheaper choices in many cases and often don't pay for premium products. And as a tinkerer or hacker I would certainly not pay extra to get into a walled garden. So the only "choice" I would have is to prostitute my privacy and let Google track my whole life.

I've recently purchased a Pixel 7a and installed GrapheneOS on it. That's been working out for me pretty well for me. They're on sale at the Google Store for $374 right now.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Google is not a tech company by usr1106 on Sunday November 19, 2023 @04:25PM (#38338245)
Yes, when my current phone running Sailfish OS dies that will probably one of the choices.

Although buying the hardware from the devil doesn't feel like the most comfortable thing...

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Google is not a tech company by steelframe on Sunday November 19, 2023 @07:11PM (#38340205)
> Although buying the hardware from the devil doesn't feel like the most comfortable thing

I mean, if you want to get religious about this, okay. But at $374 I doubt Google is making much money from the hardware itself. They're likely counting on the value of getting/keeping you in their ecosystem. By installing a privacy-focused ROM you're beating them at their own game, if that makes you feel any better.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Google is not a tech company by usr1106 on Sunday November 19, 2023 @08:44PM (#38341091)
Haven't followed prices for years, but now that you mention it I checked.

Common price for the Pixel 7a is 549 EUR ($599) here, Black Friday 449 EUR.

Considering 24% sales tax, which is included in my quotes but probably not in yours the difference is not that high.

Probably Google charges some extra to cover for the millions of GDPR fines they regularly get here ;)

[ Parent | on HN ]