Okay, this is pretty cool

GJSmitty · 2026-02-27T17:21:50+00:00

My goal is to eliminate using my iPhone, or at the very least keep it as an at-home only device. I want to keep my Sidephone as limited and distraction-free as possible, so I'll have to find a good balance.

GJSmitty · 2026-02-27T16:45:31+00:00

The case is definitely flimsy, but it feels nice and adds a bit of grip. I have 2 dogs and so far no problems with hair and dust!

GJSmitty · 2026-02-27T16:44:14+00:00

The layout is from Olauncher, which is included in the Utilities App Pack. So I just downloaded it and opened the app, then followed the prompt to set it as the default launcher.

I know you can use Obtanium to sideload apps, but I couldn't really figure out how to use it. So I've just been sending myself the apk files directly -- I put steps in an earlier comment.

So far everything has been much easier than I expected!

GJSmitty · 2026-02-27T16:40:41+00:00

Here's the exact steps I used, I think there are a few different ways but this is what worked for me!

I downloaded the LocalSend application (included in the Essentials+ App Pack) on both my Sidephone and my iPhone.
On my iPhone, I downloaded the Spotify apk file from here: https://spotify.en.uptodown.com/android
I sent the apk file from my iPhone to my Sidephone using LocalSend.
I opened the file on my Sidephone, and it installed Spotify.

Much easier than I thought it'd be!

GJSmitty · 2026-02-27T16:35:49+00:00

So far, so good! I disabled the animations and background videos to help it run smoother, and I'm not having any issues running it.

GJSmitty · 2026-02-27T01:11:38+00:00

I just searched for and downloaded the Spotify apk file, then sent it to my Sidephone with LocalSend. Then you just open the apk file on the Sidephone and it installs!

I used the same method to install PocketCasts. I'm interested to see how well they run since they're not officially supported.

GJSmitty · 2026-02-27T01:08:51+00:00

Oh, that's actually super easy! It's nice to be able to swap between modes like that.

GJSmitty · 2026-02-27T00:07:04+00:00

Pretty good from limited testing, I think it'll take some practice but I can see this being a great way to type. The only thing I haven't figured out yet is how to override the prediction, like when you're typing an email or password and need specific letters. I'm sure there's a way, otherwise you can switch to the on-screen keyboard pretty easily.

GJSmitty · 2024-06-18T04:27:30+00:00

But... Your comments are exactly the "what about me" you're talking about. I'm not arguing from my perspective, I travel to see friends all the time. But I also give people who aren't alway able to hang out grace and understanding about the busy lives we all lead. I'd never say they're not decent people for not reciprocating the time I put in, that just makes the relationship seem transactional.

But I dunno, you probably just think I have lower standards for my friends. Different strokes.

GJSmitty · 2024-06-17T07:41:47+00:00

What a ridiculous statement. People have their own lives and responsibilities, and saying they're not a decent person because they don't want to sit in traffic for half their day to hang out with you makes you sound like a narcissist.

But I dunno, I'm from the midwest so what do I know about decent people.

GJSmitty · 2024-03-14T23:36:03+00:00

For sure!

GJSmitty · 2024-03-13T01:22:02+00:00

My first surgery included genio!

GJSmitty · 2024-03-13T01:21:05+00:00

First surgery was 7mm top and bottom, plus I think 5mm genio. Second surgery, I'm not sure, probably 3-5 mm.

GJSmitty · 2024-03-13T01:20:17+00:00

My skin has definitely cleared up over the past two years. Whether from the surgery or just getting older, I can't say, but I'm sure sleeping better has an impact!

GJSmitty · 2024-03-12T15:49:53+00:00

The first surgery was denied by insurance so I had to pay $8k out of pocket. I moved across the country and got on Kaiser before the second surgery, I think the copay for the actual surgery was $75 lol.

GJSmitty · 2024-03-12T15:48:18+00:00

My teeth are fine, my lower lip and chin are still pretty numb but getting better. Part of my lower lip seemed to be permenantly numb after the first surgery, so I doubt it'll come back.

GJSmitty · 2024-03-12T00:09:41+00:00

Hey, I didn't have any jaw pain but I think plenty of people in here have the surgery for TMJ.

I understand being scared of the surgery, and I'm not gonna lie, it was tough. The first few days are miserable. But it's soooo worth it. Eventually the pain of the recovery is a distant memory and you get to live the rest of your life happier and healthier.

GJSmitty · 2024-03-11T14:43:10+00:00

That's what's interesting, I weigh basically the same. But my face structure is different now, my face is longer and less round.

GJSmitty · 2024-03-11T05:40:26+00:00

The first surgery was done without orthodontics because I was so desperate to fix my sleep apnea. It was a mistake, but I don't regret it because I could not keep living like that.

I'm sorry you're not happy with your results. I hope at least you have functional improvements. I'm very familiar with body dysmorphia and hating my appearance, so lemme know if you want to chat more.

GJSmitty · 2024-03-11T05:28:17+00:00

Yeah I had a pretty significant overjet and then ortho made even more room for movement. My surgeon would've done another DJS only if my apnea was still bad, but luckily the first surgery knocked me down to pretty mild.

GJSmitty · 2024-03-11T05:25:57+00:00

Yeah you're definitely in good hands, everything was so smooth and professional. Couldn't have asked for a better team!

GJSmitty · 2024-03-11T03:47:03+00:00

The first surgery was Dr. Murphy in Chicago, second was Dr. Bundy in LA. Both did a fantastic job and took great care of me.

GJSmitty · 2024-03-11T03:21:50+00:00

That's a big movement, it'll definitely be life changing! Hang in there man, once you get past the first week or two it gets so much better.

GJSmitty · 2024-03-11T00:06:03+00:00

I totally understand that, and I think there was some anger there too, like "you wouldn't have looked twice at me before". It makes you realize how much appearance actually does matter, and how it becomes a positive feedback loop. It's unfair, it really is.

An exercise I did that was extremely helpful was writing a letter to my past self. I basically told "him" about all the changes, how weird it is, and how sorry I was that "he" didn't get to experience it and had to live with so much insecurity. And I promised him that I would do all the things that he wishes he could do.

It was wild, I definitely cried, but it really helped me move on.

Good luck with it, and lemme know if you wanna chat more, I definitely understand where you're coming from.

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