DeGoogle Yourself

8018 readers

4 users here now

A community for those that would like to get away from Google.

Here you may post anything related to DeGoogling, why we should do it or good software alternatives!

Rules

Be respectful even in disagreement
No advertising unless it is very relevent and justified. Do not do this excessively.
No low value posts / memes. We or you need to learn, or discuss something.

Related communities

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

founded 4 years ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

Probably a stupid question, but what can I do to 'degoogle' a Google Pixel 8? (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

55 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Just switched to a new phone carrier, and they had a promotion that included a free phone: the Google Pixel 8. I'm not a fan of Google, but I am a fan of free, so I took the bait.

It's already bombarded me with pitches for their new AI bullshit. I've opted out of as much as the settings allow, but I'm under no illusion that doing so actually provides any real privacy.

So, damage control time.

On my previous device I used YouTube Vanced for music and videos, but I guess Vanced isn't around anymore, and I'm pretty out of date on what the current options are... any insight on streaming specifically?

*I'm a medic who's only surface-level competent with tech, so please idiot-proof any instructions.

Thanks all!

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] [email protected] 10 points 3 weeks ago (2 children)

This must be some weird American thing. I've gotten pixels on contract before in my country and I can OEM unlock and flash them no issue. If you don't pay the cell carrier will just blacklist the IMEI. They don't lock down the device itself.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 weeks ago

American telecoms are some of the sleaziest companies on the planet.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

Yes, it's an American thing. It can sometimes be worked around with a VPN with an exit IP in Europe.