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Comment by bluebarbet | Hacker News Reader

This is surely the closest to a solution we have, IMO. An alternative to the Android-iOS duopoly that involves futzing with cables and command lines is never going to go mainstream. By contrast, a vertically integrated FOSS(ish) hardware-software stack might eventually get to 5% market share, like desktop Linux. At which point companies and governments will be forced to take software freedom slightly more seriously. That's my optimistic take.

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Grapheneos has take over the alternative OS scene even with manual installations. ~400k+ users based on updates (no telemetry).

Anyone can sell phones with it preinstalled and you can verify it's a legit install.

They mentioned they would like to eventually have Motorolas sold with it as stock so that's hopeful.

> An alternative to the Android-iOS duopoly that involves futzing with cables and command lines is never going to go mainstream

All you need to install graphene is a web browser and USB cable.

> By contrast, a vertically integrated FOSS(ish) hardware-software stack might eventually get to 5% market share, like desktop Linux

Those exists. They've never gained traction. If you think graphene is too much tinkering, you'll be traumatised by that landscape.

>All you need to install graphene is a web browser and USB cable.

Outside a section of the Western middle class, ordinary people in 2026 only own one computer and it's in their pocket.

You can install GOS via another Android phone...

Still too complicated for just about anyone except the kind of people who frequent this forum.

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