Free software version of Android OS

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t3g
t3g
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Joined: 05/15/2011

I did some research and couldn't find one immediately, but are there plans to make a free software compatible Android operating system? I ask because it would be a great option to people and computing in general as more and more smartphones and tablets become part of our everyday life.

I'm guessing it would be a lot of work (or not?) with all the proprietary drivers and hooks in the base operating system. Still, I bet that this idea may have been on your minds.

oysterboy

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I am a translator!

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Joined: 02/01/2011

At least one such project already exists:

http://replicant.us/

t3g
t3g
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Joined: 05/15/2011

How does Replicant compare to CryogenMod? I know CryogenMod is way more
popular but not everything about it is considered free software.

FitzLT
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Joined: 12/31/2011

Early last year, I found articles on two separate projects that were both
working on making completely free software versions of Android OS. I'm
having a hard time finding the articles now, but as soon as I do, I will post
it.

On a side note, for those wanting to root your android phones--read these
links.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooting_%28Android_OS%29
http://www.copyright.gov/1201/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_lock

You might even be able to talk your service provider into doing it for you.
I have Sprint. I will give it a try and let you all know what happens.

tash
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Joined: 09/20/2010

A FOSS app repository
http://f-droid.org/

is not what you're looking for, but, maybe it will be useful when you need
install something.

FitzLT
Offline
Joined: 12/31/2011

Early last year, I found articles on two separate projects that were both working on making completely free software versions of Android OS. I'm having a hard time finding the articles now, but as soon as I do, I will post it.

On a side note, for those wanting to root your android phones--read these links.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooting_%28Android_OS%29
http://www.copyright.gov/1201/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_lock

You might even be able to talk your service provider into doing it for you. I have Sprint. I will give it a try and let you all know what happens.

t3g
t3g
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Joined: 05/15/2011

How does Replicant compare to CryogenMod? I know CryogenMod is way more popular but not everything about it is considered free software.

aloniv

I am a translator!

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Joined: 01/11/2011

CyanogenMod includes the proprietary drivers while Replicant doesn't. Either way neither is really free as the modem can access the CPU on most phones and spy on the user (e.g. remotely turn on the microphone and record the user). A few phones do not provide the modem access to the CPU (e.g. Neo Freerunner, N900, Nexus S). For more, see here:
http://libreplanet.org/wiki/Group:Hardware/Freest/SmartPhone

aloniv

I am a translator!

Offline
Joined: 01/11/2011

CyanogenMod includes the proprietary drivers while Replicant doesn't. Either
way neither is really free as the modem can access the CPU on most phones and
spy on the user (e.g. remotely turn on the microphone and record the user). A
few phones do not provide the modem access to the CPU (e.g. Neo Freerunner,
N900, Nexus S). For more, see here:
http://libreplanet.org/wiki/Group:Hardware/Freest/SmartPhone

tash
Offline
Joined: 09/20/2010

A FOSS app repository
http://f-droid.org/

is not what you're looking for, but, maybe it will be useful when you need install something.