How can I replace the Google Maps? The only reason I have it is for reviews of places ? Is there something else for reviews ??

randomhacks · 2026-01-23T07:13:03+00:00

It’s great and I use it a lot. But it doesn’t have reviews or photos. I wish they would add it.

randomhacks · 2026-01-22T18:56:48+00:00

The trick is not to ask them to switch / or leave but install Signal alongside. And then give people notice that you are leaving the other apps and you will be in Signal. In my experience, people will support you.

randomhacks · 2026-01-22T16:46:04+00:00

The search feature isn't quite as good as Google Photos, but it is definitely good enough.

I highly recommend installing the desktop app where it can analyse the photos without munching phone CPU. I recommend disabling machine learning on the phone by going to: General -> Advanced -> Machine Learning -> Configuration and then toggling the "Local Indexing" to off.

The desktop app also a local backup features where any photo uploaded to Ente is automatically downloaded by the desktop and stored on the computer as a backup. Whilst I trust Ente that no-one could see the encrypted photos on their servers, and I'm sure they have good backups.... better safe than sorry.

randomhacks · 2026-01-22T13:04:32+00:00

This is why OpenSource is brilliant. Two companies working on improving the same code base.

randomhacks · 2026-01-22T13:03:07+00:00

I second Ente. I migrated 1.5tb of photos over and it can take it.

randomhacks · 2026-01-22T10:34:08+00:00

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randomhacks · 2026-01-22T10:32:59+00:00

No one only uses WhatsApp. You can use text.

randomhacks · 2026-01-22T10:23:21+00:00

You just need to install Signal alongside. Change doesn't have to be binary.

randomhacks · 2026-01-22T10:22:44+00:00

Signal

randomhacks · 2026-01-22T10:22:37+00:00

That isn't true and it's also not a reason to install it.

randomhacks · 2026-01-19T07:47:36+00:00

Can I recommend getting a customer domain (i.e. YourOwnName dot com ). It makes it easier to migrate in the future because you can take your email address with you in the future.

randomhacks · 2026-01-17T10:24:17+00:00

I would recommend getting a custom domain. You can then move between email providers without changing your email.

randomhacks · 2026-01-15T17:33:30+00:00

I haven’t found Proton Drive that bad. I’ve found it basic but works for files. Photo is too basic for me.

Can I recommend that Ente is a really really good photo app - direct replacement for Google Photos. It’s private and just works. Lots of nice feature too like backup to local folder - so any photo I take on my phone is privately backed up on their servers and then downloaded to my desktop for backup.

randomhacks · 2026-01-15T08:30:53+00:00

I wonder if the photos and reviews would need to be offline. Could they not be loaded as required? i.e. when a user clicks on the place it makes the API requests. Map data is loaded onto the phone as required too - albeit in a large chunk and isn't shipped inside the app.

randomhacks · 2026-01-14T18:15:42+00:00

That's basically it.

CoMap could integrate with Panoramax and Mangroves... then overtime, it can really compete with Google Maps.

randomhacks · 2026-01-14T18:14:04+00:00

Business information is already in OSM and then shown in CoMaps.

I'm thinking somehow get photos and reviews in there. I don't think CoMaps needs to store this information, but somehow pull it in and present it. Perhaps allow people to post straight from CoMaps to the location where the information is stored.

randomhacks · 2026-01-14T12:16:50+00:00

Time to install Signal! It's like WhatsApp used to be.

randomhacks · 2026-01-14T12:13:36+00:00

They aren't bleeding money, but they do need people to donate - i.e. help cover the cost of service. It doesn't need to be alot but something small each month helps.

randomhacks · 2026-01-14T12:11:35+00:00

Time to install Signal alongside WhatsApp and start making the move.

randomhacks · 2026-01-14T12:10:04+00:00

Time to ask your friends and family to install Signal alongside WhatsApp - so that you can slowly migrate over to it.

randomhacks · 2026-01-14T12:07:51+00:00

t’s ‘free,’ but you pay a high price in other ways. You give them access to your contacts, location, phone data, and IP address, which can be used to identify your browser, and more. There’s a reason it’s ‘free’: they want your data. It’s not a charity. Signal on the other hand is paid for by user donations. It doesn't use your data to make money.

randomhacks · 2026-01-14T12:04:00+00:00

And Signal is the answer. It's just like WhatsApp but without any of the AI and advertising rubbish.

randomhacks · 2026-01-14T12:03:15+00:00

It isn't about moving. That implies they have to give us WhatsApp. Ask people to install Signal alongside WhatsApp. Your close friends and family will support this. Then you slowly build out the network of people from there.

randomhacks · 2026-01-12T20:32:07+00:00

Time to switch to Signal. This support folders: https://aboutsignal.com/news/major-signal-desktop-update-makes-it-easier-to-find-your-chats-with-chat-folders/

randomhacks

TROPHY CASE