this post was submitted on 21 May 2024
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Privacy

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Having used iOS my entire life, the switch to GrapheneOS will be a big change. I have learned over the past year about Android, GrapheneOS, and apps to use. I managed to find most of the apps I was looking for, but there are some I struggled with. I had trouble finding privacy respecting, open source apps for the following categories (I've listed what apps I did find, but want to see if there are better alternatives.)

  • Local AI: For AI I was able to find MLC LLM, but the iOS version is a bit broken so I'm unable to confirm if it's what I'm looking for. I want something capable of running Llama 3. This was by far the hardest category to find an app for.

  • Backup: I found Neo Backup and Seedvault. I want to be able to backup files, photos, app data, etc.

  • IDE: I was only able to find Neovim (which I'm not even sure is an IDE). I primarily code with Python (but also code in Java as well as others), and I want to be able to run quick scripts when I'm out and about.

  • Torrent: While torrenting on a phone isn't necessary, it has certain scenarios when it's useful. If this is a major hole in privacy and security, I don't mind leaving this off my list. I found LibreTorrent as an option.

  • Local file sharing: This is one I'm most curious about. I want a way to share files between my Linux computer and phone. LocalSend and Warpinator seem to be tied as far as popularity, maybe I can get some insight here. I want it to be strictly over the local network.

  • Network monitoring: This is nice to have for a variety of reasons. I want something like Wireshark for Android. I couldn't find many great options, but I found Vernet.

  • eBook reader: I'm sure the option I picked here is fine, but I wanted a second opinion about Libera Reader.

  • Terminal: I've heard a lot of different opinions for terminal emulators for Android, so please put up a good case for whichever one I should go with. Neovim is apparently (technically?) a terminal emulator. I'm increasingly confused about what Neovim actually is. I also found Termux and I eventually found too many options to find a clear choice.

  • Movies: Because many movie streaming services are privacy invasive, I'm looking for an ethical way to watch movies. I found Stremio which I have never heard of before. This isn't a topic that gets covered very often.

I am aware of AlternativeTo, and it's what I used to find some of these trickier apps, but nothing beats hearing first hand experiences. Thank you all for your help!

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 6 months ago (3 children)

Local file sharing:

I use KDEConnect on all my devices (Windows, Linux, GrapheneOS, Work Galaxy Tab) and it works just fine. Never needed to try anything else.

Syncthing as well for keepass files.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I've found I automatically compartmentalize my mobile accounts from my desktop accounts, so I have never had the need to sync my KeePass database. Do you have any concerns with KDEConnect I should know about?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

The Windows version used to be shit. That's no longer a problem. That's about the only negative I remember. Otherwise you can have it doing a lot of work between devices or only sending when you feel like it. I force stop it on my phone and then invoke through share when needed.

I brought up Syncthing as it will function the same way, in a more hands off way (by choice if you want, automagically or forced) if you needed to share files/folders between devices. Not only for passwords.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Why not syncthing for all the things?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

There is no reason not to use Syncthing besides KDEConnect has features other than sharing files that might come in handy.

Syncthing is a much better tool for a hands-off approach once set up so sure, why not?