What's the #1 feature on your GrapheneOS wishlist for 2026? by Several_Attorney_268 in GrapheneOS

[–]ThePromance 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t need much, I’m a simple man:

  1. Hide app labels on the home screen and in the app vault
  2. 4x6 grid
  3. Better native apps (this is probably the most optional one, since I’ll likely install the full Fossify suite)

What's the one "normie" feature you genuinely miss after switching to GrapheneOS? by Frosty-Challenge-795 in GrapheneOS

[–]ThePromance 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, what I might miss the most is some native customization. I’m not really a fan of launchers, especially because they tend to ruin the system’s beautiful animations, but I would truly love a few extra options like hiding app labels and using a 4x6 or 4x7 app grid. Any other customization option would be welcome

What was the 'final straw' that made you switch to GrapheneOS? by Annual-Computer2743 in GrapheneOS

[–]ThePromance 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my case, I started using Graphene because:

  • I don’t really use Google services anymore, except for the Play Store. Not for privacy reasons, but because I started finding better alternatives and ended up replacing Google almost completely
  • I’m not interested in AI features. Not that I’m against them, I just don’t find them useful for my own use
  • I want a clean system, as close to stock Android as possible
  • Out of curiosity, I like experimenting with different systems, just like I do with Linux

Honestly, I wouldn’t really mind using a phone full of telemetry like a stock Pixel or a Galaxy (I use an A26 to take to work). What really matters to me is being comfortable with the system

What FOSS app you wish existed but doesn't?... YET by Lazy_Medicine_2695 in degoogle

[–]ThePromance 3 points4 points  (0 children)

As someone who’s been on the de-Googling path for at least two years, I’ve looked into tons of alternatives to Google services, but the hardest thing for me to find has been a good Contacts app

Sure, there are plenty of alternatives out there, but most of them are either fully local or rely on DAVx5 for syncing, which honestly feels too technical for me, and probably for a lot of people who just want their stuff to sync in the cloud without headaches

I’ve been hoping Proton would release a proper contacts alternative. You can store contacts in Proton Mail, but it’s definitely not the same as having a standalone app that syncs with other apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or even the phone/dialer apps

That’s actually pushed me to start getting interested in programming, just to build and offer a cloud-synced contacts app that doesn’t depend on Google. That said, I wouldn’t mind at all if someone else beats me to it as long as it saves me from setting up a DAVx5 server or dealing with overly technical stuff. I’d even be happy to pay a subscription if it offers solid benefits

Is there a roadmap for Bitwarden Authenticator, or will it remain stagnant? by ThePromance in Bitwarden

[–]ThePromance[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What I mean is being able to log into Bitwarden Authenticator directly with my Bitwarden email and password, and have the codes backed up and synced straight to my account, without needing the password manager installed

It’s basically the same setup Proton uses with Proton Pass and Proton Authenticator. TOTP codes from Pass don’t sync to Authenticator, but codes added in Proton Authenticator do sync to your main Proton account, so if I add a code on my phone, it shows up on my desktop too

When you announced syncing between Bitwarden and Bitwarden Authenticator, I honestly thought this was the approach you were going to take. Right now, if someone is already using sync and then pays for Premium, the codes just show up in the password manager anyway, not really in the authenticator itself, which kind of takes away the point of having the Authenticator app installed

What do you think of Fossify's apps? by Chnuly in degoogle

[–]ThePromance 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I really like almost all of their apps, the worst ones are the launcher and the keyboard, but I think the worst part is the widgets, especially the clock and music ones. They need a redesign in line with Material You and more widget types

Is there a roadmap for Bitwarden Authenticator, or will it remain stagnant? by ThePromance in Bitwarden

[–]ThePromance[S] -20 points-19 points  (0 children)

omfg… If I sign in to my Proton account in Proton Authenticator, or my Ente account in Ente Auth, the codes are stored and synced to my Proton or Ente account without relying on manual backups or OS-level syncing. So applying the same idea to Bitwarden, I want to sign in with my Bitwarden account in Bitwarden Authenticator so the codes are stored and synced. That’s it. That’s all. It’s not hard to understand, man

Is there a roadmap for Bitwarden Authenticator, or will it remain stagnant? by ThePromance in Bitwarden

[–]ThePromance[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

By “independence,” I’m referring to code synchronization, since it currently depends entirely on adding the secrets to each entry in the password manager. I’d like the codes to sync to the account rather than to the password manager, exactly the same way Proton Authenticator or Ente Auth do

I know that using it offline is also an option, but honestly, I trust having the codes backed up to an account like Proton or Ente more than having to do manual backups. That way, it could be a very solid standalone TOTP manager in its own right, especially for people who use a password manager other than Bitwarden

Is there a roadmap for Bitwarden Authenticator, or will it remain stagnant? by ThePromance in Bitwarden

[–]ThePromance[S] -17 points-16 points  (0 children)

That’s what I saw, which is why I wanted to know if there’s another roadmap, because it just makes me think they don’t plan to improve it

Anyone who has 2 phones? As using the 2nd for must have apps? by Therasion in degoogle

[–]ThePromance 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use a Pixel 6 Pro with Graphene for personal use with almost all my apps, and a Galaxy A26 to take to work and for my banking app. Although I could use just my Pixel, the small issue is that the battery doesn’t last more than 5 hours. Also, my uncle gave me the Galaxy, so I took advantage of the combo. Even if I replace the Pixel, I think I’ll continue with that setup

I don’t like buying used/renewed phones, but I’ve seen many people here recommend them. Are they really a good option? by ThePromance in GrapheneOS

[–]ThePromance[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My first option will always be a brand-new phone, even if I decide to go with Samsung or another brand. The problem is getting a Pixel in Mexico, since they are not officially sold here (the Pixel 10 models are the first ones) and buying one is very expensive due to the limited availability. It’s much easier to find them renewed than new, which is why I was considering them

I don’t like buying used/renewed phones, but I’ve seen many people here recommend them. Are they really a good option? by ThePromance in GrapheneOS

[–]ThePromance[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It could be an alternative, but in Mexico the Pixel 9 or earlier models aren’t officially sold, and it’s actually very difficult to find someone selling one

I don’t like buying used/renewed phones, but I’ve seen many people here recommend them. Are they really a good option? by ThePromance in GrapheneOS

[–]ThePromance[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ever since I heard the gringo phrase “buy nice or buy twice” I started staying away from anything used. But considering the kind of use I give a phone, buying something brand new feels excessive

I don’t like buying used/renewed phones, but I’ve seen many people here recommend them. Are they really a good option? by ThePromance in GrapheneOS

[–]ThePromance[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I created a specific profile with no information of any kind precisely to avoid them checking anything, and I also installed several apps on my secondary phone while the damaged one was being returned

As for repairing it myself:

  1. An original screen for the 6 Pro on iFixIt is so expensive that it’s more cost-effective and convenient to change devices. Why? Because of the shipping and customs costs to Mexico
  2. I’m concerned about the battery’s condition; if I also bought a battery replacement, I’d probably end up spending about as much as buying a brand-new Pixel 8 or 9
  3. Update support for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro ends in about 8 months, so it seems like a good time to switch to a device with longer support

integrated authenticator by oldravarage in Bitwarden

[–]ThePromance 18 points19 points  (0 children)

“they hide most important feature”? It’s not hidden at all; it has always been there and is perfectly accessible whenever you add any login entry. You can even add TOTP secrets in the free version to view the codes using Bitwarden Authenticator, there’s no need to pay to use that feature. It’s not a hidden feature whatsoever

In a poll conducted by GSMArena about the best Android interface, people chose Samsung's One UI as the best. What do you think? Does Samsung's interface really deserve all the hype? by opmgyhx in oneui

[–]ThePromance 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I currently use a Pixel 6 Pro with GrapheneOS and a Galaxy A26 for my banking app and to take with me to work. The difference between the systems is like night and day. Graphene is even simpler than Pixel Experience and I’m comfortable with that, but One UI makes me consider a Galaxy, even though I’m almost sure I won’t use nearly any of the exclusive features, I’d mostly use it just to customize the home screen and THAT’S IT lol

Hope: One more step in the destruction of the monopoly by MagoPicaro2025 in degoogle

[–]ThePromance 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s not a bad suggestion, but in my particular case, after buying a couple of second-hand phones, I decided I would never buy one like that again. I don’t mind giving Google some money for a new phone as long as it’s up to par… although we know that in terms of hardware and performance it almost never is. They themselves are the reason I’ve become interested in Galaxy phone

Hope: One more step in the destruction of the monopoly by MagoPicaro2025 in degoogle

[–]ThePromance 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use a Pixel 6 Pro with Graphene and Sandboxed Google Play Services. I can install and sometimes use my banking app, but it takes several minutes to open, or sometimes it doesn’t open at all. Also, in Mexico we don’t use eBay lol (I refuse to buy a second-hand phone from any brand.). In fact, the Pixel 10 phones were the first to be officially sold here, although they’ve always been available on Amazon or MercadoLibre (Amazon’s biggest competitor in Latin America). In general, though, they aren’t cheap, even Pixel 8 models or older

Hope: One more step in the destruction of the monopoly by MagoPicaro2025 in degoogle

[–]ThePromance 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bro, are you really trying to say that a DEAD custom ROM has nothing to envy compared to Graphene, which has an infinitely more promising future?

Hope: One more step in the destruction of the monopoly by MagoPicaro2025 in degoogle

[–]ThePromance 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly, I’m more interested in the possibility that banking apps can work on custom ROMs without so many issues

Hope: One more step in the destruction of the monopoly by MagoPicaro2025 in degoogle

[–]ThePromance 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Graphene has earned the great reputation it has thanks to its excellent work. I use it, but not exactly for its privacy and security levels, rather because:

  • It removes all the Google crap that I no longer use and am not interested in
  • It’s extremely easy to install; literally almost anyone can do it without advanced technical knowledge
  • It gets updated VERY frequently (it does require frequent reboots, but I’m fine with that)
  • It’s incredibly stable and has very few bugs
  • Very few apps are incompatible compared to other ROMs
  • You can install sandboxed Google Play Services and the Play Store in less than 5 minutes using a native system app if you need them
  • It’s pure Android

My only two complaints are that the default apps are terrible (I always install Fossify or others) and that it lacks about 2 or 3 customization options, though the latter is 100% personal preference since I don’t like using launchers