So Android is now no better than iOS - and Apple has privacy. Any HN'ers out there with an iPhone but no other Apple devices? Do you face any limitations or so forth?
I'm not sure the release of Google Pixel phone binaries is what made Android distinct from iOS. I'm pretty sure I still cant choose what software runs on iOS outside of Apple saying so, and that's one of the largest distinctions that's brought up. If Apple were to change that, then I'd fully agree.
This was largely true before already. Once the security updates stop, the hardware is best used as a paperweight. And with practically all phone hardware, only the hardware vendor (and all their suppliers!) are the ones capable of updating the device drivers and various chipset firmwares.
Blame the hardware that relies on binary blobs and vendor-forked kernels that never contribute to mainline.
> However, the lack of the binaries makes the situation with the OS effectively the same. Once the device is EOL it's e-waste.
Agreed, I'm definitely disappointed in this. The coupling of the hardware and software makes the Pixel phones worthless outside of Google's supported android version for it. I'd love to see some kind of consumer protection laws against this, mandating at least some level of usefulness of the hardware outside of the vendor sanctioned OS.
One limitation is for example when an update goes wrong (rare, but can happen). You need a MacBook or anything else running MacOS to restore the device. Or might have to go to an Apple Store. Otherwise, no real limitations.
I run an iPhone but my main personal laptop is an old T480 with FreeBSD. I do have a spare MacBook Air flying around just in case though.
