Question Move to Beta? - Google Pixel 6 Pro

So with Google providing a way from now on to switch from the Beta program back to stable releases without wiping your device, are there any real downsides to signing up for Beta? I get that some apps may be buggy or the device could potentially be unstable, but will I still have a device that I can use with the Workspace? I've got a lot of my work programs on my phone so I need that access. Also, banking apps or stock trading apps are very important to me and need to be working aside from the occasional crash which I can live with. Android Pay still work?

Yep android pay works perfectly fine

coolhandz said:
So with Google providing a way from now on to switch from the Beta program back to stable releases without wiping your device, are there any real downsides to signing up for Beta? I get that some apps may be buggy or the device could potentially be unstable, but will I still have a device that I can use with the Workspace? I've got a lot of my work programs on my phone so I need that access. Also, banking apps or stock trading apps are very important to me and need to be working aside from the occasional crash which I can live with. Android Pay still work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on the beta and my bank and credit card aps work fine as does every app I use. No issues at all. In fact Android 12 beta on the Pixel 6 Pro is a lot better than the recent non-beta of Android 12 released for the T-Mobile OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, my wife and I are not impressed with it on our OnePlus 9series phones.
I would definitely recommend jumping on the beta for the Pixel 6 Pro.

Related

MIUI 11 Closed Beta

Miui 11 Closed Beta 9.9.24
Link : https://hugeota.d.miui.com/9.9.24/miui_MI8_9.9.24_4d86fc4349_9.0.zip
Awesome. Thanks!
Be Aware that this is a Chinese beta rom. Unless you are familiar with westernizing Chinese Roms, you may want to wait for the Xiaomi.EU version that should come out ASAP.
If you install this, install Google chrome, and Google search through the Xiaomi store, then you can install Play Store and freeze all unwanted apps. If it's not in the store , it can be downloaded from any APK website.
Glad that Miui 11 is finally here bust isn't It annoying that Xiaomi makes most of us, the western world wait so long for the best features?
I have been using Xiaomi.EU for the past two months and it's been fantastic. Yesterday I installed the latest Global Stable 10.3.5 and it's like going back to March. It is missing A LOT! of stuff that the Chinese Beta Miui 10 per Xiaomi.EU has.
I would definitely wait for the release of Xiaomi.eu. It will be polished, without the bloatware and with the Play Store and Google Services already included. In three days, we should have a Update on the website.
I have tried Pixel Experience( Android 10 ) on the MI 8, and it's good, but it's far, very far from the functions that we have with our MIUI.
bcuraman said:
I would definitely wait for the release of Xiaomi.eu. It will be polished, without the bloatware and with the Play Store and Google Services already included. In three days, we should have a Update on the website.
I have tried Pixel Experience( Android 10 ) on the MI 8, and it's good, but it's far, very far from the functions that we have with our MIUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What functions for example? Miui is ugly af and I don't think there are actually many useful, not gimmicky, features that make it worth using Miui over other custom rom. Also from what I am seeing, Miui 11 is still based on Android 9.
Kurz97 said:
What functions for example? Miui is ugly af and I don't think there are actually many useful, not gimmicky, features that make it worth using Miui over other custom rom. Also from what I am seeing, Miui 11 is still based on Android 9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First I like AOSP a lot , and noone is making you use Miui, so.......
a quick google search would have told you that Miui 11 for the Mi8 is based on Android Q edit : it pie for or now but will switch to Q
It's been well publicised that its totally redesigned and will have a look and feel closer to OneUI. Yes, devices older than 4 years will get Miui 11 on their existing SDK. The Mi8 will get Q
By the way, since you hate Miui so much why bother commenting?
It seems that your post serve's zero purpose and simply just clutter's up the thread. A lot of people feel the same way about AOSP, that it's boring and bland, so your point is what exactly ?
Also, so many people install AOSP, and then immediately start installing Xposed, Substratum, Custom lock screens, ultimately making it closer to what Miui is. At the end of the day, nothing is better than anything else.
tsongming said:
First I like AOSP a lot , and noone is making you use Miui, so.......
a quick google search would have told you that Miui 11 for the Mi8 is based on Android Q, you didn't know that? It's been well publicised that its totally redesigned and will have a look and feel closer to OneUI. Yes, devices older than 4 years will get Miui 11 on their existing SDK. The Mi8 will get Q
By the way, since you hate Miui so much why bother commenting?
It seems that your post serve's zero purpose and simply just clutter's up the thread. A lot of people feel the same way about AOSP, that it's boring and bland, so your point is what exactly ?
Also, so many people install AOSP, and then immediately start installing Xposed, Substratum, Custom lock screens, ultimately making it closer to what Miui is. At the end of the day, nothing is better than anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why so abrasive? I was making a genuine question. From all the videos I've seen, and the dipper group in Telegram, this version of MIUI 11 is based on Pie.
I do not use any kind of modifications other than custom roms, I don't even root anymore so for me all those functions you are claiming (which I was asking out of curiosity) seem completely unnecessary and gimmicky in my opinion.
Kurz97 said:
Why so abrasive? I was making a genuine question. From all the videos I've seen, and the dipper group in Telegram, this version of MIUI 11 is based on Pie.
I do not use any kind of modifications other than custom roms, I don't even root anymore so for me all those functions you are claiming (which I was asking out of curiosity) seem completely unnecessary and gimmicky in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems that I misunderstood your initial comment, which I took as being abrasive and if that wasn't your intent then I absolutely apologize.
Okay so I installed Miui 11 and its flat amazing, its hard to believe that this is the first beta! tremendously smooth. The animations and scaling down of Miui makes it seem almost like something else. I was very happy to see that all of my data was restored, and I was able to install Playstore and Play Services from the miui App Store.
Next yes its based on Android Q, ( My bad its Pie, but Q is coming) and so far I have no plans to use anything else. I like it, alot. If you plan to install. Be sure to turn off automatic updates, this way you can control when they get installed and there's is no surprises. I am using the latest official Twrp and the latest Magisk Canary, and I flashed DM verity and Magisk prior to booting. One last thing, I formatted user data, wiped and rebooted my phone prior to installing the rom within recovery.
Edit:
If you do not have an extensive mI cloud backup, install Gboard or your keyboard of choice as soon as you can. Otherwise you may get confused by the multi language keyboard.
For me it's no big deal because I have used Chinese roms many times in the past and speak basic chinese. However, it is possible to click a button and move the keyboard into chinese if this happens just click the chinese character on the bottom left to return to English. You will not run into these issues if using swiftkey or Gboard. Next, after you have signed in to Google and have verified your apps, you can use a different launcher if wanted and install app freeze to install any unwanted apps.
Be sure to attempt uninstalling unwanted apps before freezing them, some are easily uninstalled. Finally, I have not seem a single ad. Dark mode works extremely well and so does the themes store. Be sure to format to avoid issues. Make sure that you use root, this is a beat do not expect things like Google pay , or whatsapp to work, maybe they will work I don't know. My cellular service gets LTE, I can send and receive text, and I can use Hangouts.
Awesome job mate. That's really cool. The description you gave and the steps provided, helps a lot.
Yes, not all of us understand Chinese, so it will be difficult to read what they say , but still, I will wait for the launch on Xiaomi.eu, even though, I know that Root was already working on Android 10 since a few days ago.
What bugs have you encountered so far? You say that Mobile Data works, Calls and SMS. Dark Mode, and apparently everything.
What about the Camera? Are there any big differences?
Now, replying to @Kurz97 : Do you wanna know why I bought a phone with a MIUI interface? Because I like it. Don't get me wrong, I worked with AOSP a lot of time, and the beauty of Pure Android. Pay attention, Pure, means Pure, no mods, no changes in the UI, just plain simple. Only changes are Root, Adaway, and that's it.
Second, there are plenty of Rom's to choose from for MI 8, most of them, based on AOSP and the changes that the developers enable. I have tried as said before, Pixel Experience, and it's gorgeous. I really love the transition from the recent apps, and it's a very smooth Rom as well. But the fact that I can choose to have a MIUI based Rom or a AOSP it just makes it so much better.
In the past, I owned a Nexus 6p, and guess what? There was no MIUI for it. I was stuck with AOSP. So for me, the fact that I can choose from two distinguished interfaces, it's always better than being stuck to just one, isn't it? Have a good day
tsongming said:
Okay so I installed Miui 11 and its flat amazing, its hard to believe that this is the first beta! tremendously smooth. The animations and scaling down of Miui makes it seem almost like something else. I was very happy to see that all of my data was restored, and I was able to install Playstore and Play Services from the miui App Store.
Next yes its based on Android Q, and so far I have no plans to use anything else. I like it, alot. If you plan to install. Be sure to turn off automatic updates, this way you can control when they get installed and there's is no surprises. I am using the latest official Twrp and the latest Magisk Canary, and I flashed DM verity and Magisk prior to booting. One last thing, I formatted user data, wiped and rebooted my phone prior to installing the rom within recovery.
Edit:
If you do not have an extensive mI cloud backup, install Gboard or your keyboard of choice as soon as you can. Otherwise you may get confused by the multi language keyboard.
For me it's no big deal because I have used Chinese roms many times in the past and speak basic chinese. However, it is possible to click a button and move the keyboard into chinese if this happens just click the chinese character on the bottom left to return to English. You will not run into these issues if using swiftkey or Gboard. Next, after you have signed in to Google and have verified your apps, you can use a different launcher if wanted and install app freeze to install any unwanted apps.
Be sure to attempt uninstalling unwanted apps before freezing them, some are easily uninstalled. Finally, I have not seem a single ad. Dark mode works extremely well and so does the themes store. Be sure to format to avoid issues. Make sure that you use root, this is a beat do not expect things like Google pay , or whatsapp to work, maybe they will work I don't know. My cellular service gets LTE, I can send and receive text, and I can use Hangouts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waiting for global beta
Can I flash with twrp; I have ARB 1, will be ARB 3 or 4 after flash?
tsongming said:
Okay so I installed Miui 11 and its flat amazing, its hard to believe that this is the first beta! tremendously smooth. The animations and scaling down of Miui makes it seem almost like something else. I was very happy to see that all of my data was restored, and I was able to install Playstore and Play Services from the miui App Store.
Next yes its based on Android Q, and so far I have no plans to use anything else. I like it, alot. If you plan to install. Be sure to turn off automatic updates, this way you can control when they get installed and there's is no surprises. I am using the latest official Twrp and the latest Magisk Canary, and I flashed DM verity and Magisk prior to booting. One last thing, I formatted user data, wiped and rebooted my phone prior to installing the rom within recovery.
Edit:
If you do not have an extensive mI cloud backup, install Gboard or your keyboard of choice as soon as you can. Otherwise you may get confused by the multi language keyboard.
For me it's no big deal because I have used Chinese roms many times in the past and speak basic chinese. However, it is possible to click a button and move the keyboard into chinese if this happens just click the chinese character on the bottom left to return to English. You will not run into these issues if using swiftkey or Gboard. Next, after you have signed in to Google and have verified your apps, you can use a different launcher if wanted and install app freeze to install any unwanted apps.
Be sure to attempt uninstalling unwanted apps before freezing them, some are easily uninstalled. Finally, I have not seem a single ad. Dark mode works extremely well and so does the themes store. Be sure to format to avoid issues. Make sure that you use root, this is a beat do not expect things like Google pay , or whatsapp to work, maybe they will work I don't know. My cellular service gets LTE, I can send and receive text, and I can use Hangouts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
installed miui 11 I can fast and stable but I can't synchronize google contacts do you know how I can do it?
is there any fastboot Chinese rom download?
Uraru said:
is there any fastboot Chinese rom download?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does not go into fastboot
tsongming said:
Okay so I installed Miui 11 and its flat amazing, its hard to believe that this is the first beta! tremendously smooth. The animations and scaling down of Miui makes it seem almost like something else. I was very happy to see that all of my data was restored, and I was able to install Playstore and Play Services from the miui App Store.
Next yes its based on Android Q, and so far I have no plans to use anything else. I like it, alot. If you plan to install. Be sure to turn off automatic updates, this way you can control when they get installed and there's is no surprises. I am using the latest official Twrp and the latest Magisk Canary, and I flashed DM verity and Magisk prior to booting. One last thing, I formatted user data, wiped and rebooted my phone prior to installing the rom within recovery.
Edit:
If you do not have an extensive mI cloud backup, install Gboard or your keyboard of choice as soon as you can. Otherwise you may get confused by the multi language keyboard.
For me it's no big deal because I have used Chinese roms many times in the past and speak basic chinese. However, it is possible to click a button and move the keyboard into chinese if this happens just click the chinese character on the bottom left to return to English. You will not run into these issues if using swiftkey or Gboard. Next, after you have signed in to Google and have verified your apps, you can use a different launcher if wanted and install app freeze to install any unwanted apps.
Be sure to attempt uninstalling unwanted apps before freezing them, some are easily uninstalled. Finally, I have not seem a single ad. Dark mode works extremely well and so does the themes store. Be sure to format to avoid issues. Make sure that you use root, this is a beat do not expect things like Google pay , or whatsapp to work, maybe they will work I don't know. My cellular service gets LTE, I can send and receive text, and I can use Hangouts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some screenshots please
my phone after flashing miui 11 stuck to Mi logo with unlocked indicator and then reboots to twrp!
tsongming said:
Next yes its based on Android Q, and so far I have no plans to use anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, according to xda, last Miui 11 beta for Mi8 is Android P based:
https://www.xda-developers.com/download-miui-11-beta-now-for-13-xiaomi-devices-changelog/
tsongming said:
First I like AOSP a lot , and noone is making you use Miui, so.......
a quick google search would have told you that Miui 11 for the Mi8 is based on Android Q, you didn't know that? It's been well publicised that its totally redesigned and will have a look and feel closer to OneUI. Yes, devices older than 4 years will get Miui 11 on their existing SDK. The Mi8 will get Q
By the way, since you hate Miui so much why bother commenting?
It seems that your post serve's zero purpose and simply just clutter's up the thread. A lot of people feel the same way about AOSP, that it's boring and bland, so your point is what exactly ?
Also, so many people install AOSP, and then immediately start installing Xposed, Substratum, Custom lock screens, ultimately making it closer to what Miui is. At the end of the day, nothing is better than anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why does the file say 9.0?
najabi said:
Well, according to xda, last Miui 11 beta for Mi8 is Android P based:
https://www.xda-developers.com/download-miui-11-beta-now-for-13-xiaomi-devices-changelog/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came here to tell you know that it's Q. However, I was going to attach a screenshot and it is in 9 WTF. Okay, I just found out from the Mi Forum that this initial and maybe the next few releases are 9. However, Q is definitely coming once the wrinkles gets ironed out. Apparently there are a lot of problems Q right now.
@ eternitys : I was certain that I saw 10 under Android Version, I don't know how I messed that up. Q is coming and this build is still worth seeing. but it is a hassle to get working. However, it is working flawlessly with Google services once I froze the Xiaomi services. Maybe wait for Xiaomi.EU
---------- Post added at 02:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 PM ----------
DimitrisVerlis said:
my phone after flashing miui 11 stuck to Mi logo with unlocked indicator and then reboots to twrp!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did not format storage
---------- Post added at 02:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:15 PM ----------
Tekkamen77 said:
installed miui 11 I can fast and stable but I can't synchronize google contacts do you know how I can do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to first uninstall chinese apps, then freeze some of the Xiaomi updater services.. This is done most easily with App Quarantine.
Next,download and install all google apps that you typical use and give them all permission and at least temporarily turn off battery manager. I did this and will supposedly get 12 hours SOT in regular mode.
For contact you need to ad your Google account, it's in settings.
---------- Post added at 02:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:20 PM ----------
Tekkamen77 said:
installed miui 11 I can fast and stable but I can't synchronize google contacts do you know how I can do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to first uninstall chinese apps, then freeze some of the Xiaomi updater services.. This is done most easily with App Quarantine.
Next,download and install all google apps that you typical use and give them all permission and at least temporarily turn off battery manager. I did this and will supposedly get 12 hours SOT in regular mode.
For contact you need to add your Google account, it's in settings.
eternitys said:
Some screenshots please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is some screenshots

Very seriously considering getting this phone but I need ask some questions first...

I have an old mediatek based redme note4, so very much due an upgrade. The cameras on this look pretty decent and good enough for my youtube vid work...
But I have one issue i want to address...
On my old Note4 using MiUi ive noticed that A LOT of system programs dial home to aliexpress servers... I assume to Xiaomi controlled servers... Ive noticed this quite regularly when doing certain tasks like using Chrome or email, or installing apps...
Now I want to get this phone, I kinda need to know that there will be some roms going around that will strip all this crap out. Annoyingly though I like MiUI as an interface. I just dont like this phone dialing home as much as it is.
So got the few questions.
As its snapdragon, i realise in all likely hood there will be custom roms. What will my likely options be? Lineage? Will there likely be a MiUi with the nastiness stripped?
And I also, when I root the phone to do all this is there anyway to mask the root? I use banking apps that wont run if the phones been rooted...
Anyway I realise its early day. Just thought I should ask. I might be getting the phone around december or january...
We can expect that there would be xiaomi eu rom support which is debloated miui with additional languages. (Also with their shi**y roboto font)
Custom roms may not be your favor cuz they usually give you same boring aosp experience whatever you install.
Magisk has a "hide" feature that allows to have root and still use Bank apps.
e.miron said:
Magisk has a "hide" feature that allows to have root and still use Bank apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This typically doesn't work anymore, or it works with very high efforts for a short period.
Mine is arriving today and I will be unlocking the bootloader ASAP.
Xiaomi usually let you unlock the bootloader although you have to wait and the custom ROM scene for past Xiaomi devices has been good (I've had both a Mi 5 and Mi 9 and can testify to this).
So long as someone builds for this device, you'll probably end up with a fair selection of ROMs to choose from including customised / debloated versions of MIUI which aren't too bad either

CalyxOS has been released

CalyxOs has been released. This is great news for us.
Download and install instructions: https://calyxos.org/news/2021/01/26/pixel5-pixel4a5g-support/
Features: https://calyxos.org/features/
Do not forget to join our Telegram channel to stay up to date:
Telegram: Contact @pixel4a5gupdates
t.me
Let's use this thread for a Calyx discussion.
Screenies
radogost said:
Screenies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Esim support?
Happy days!! This is the reason for getting the 4a 5g.
Is it already daily driver ready?
FooYoungHi said:
Happy days!! This is the reason for getting the 4a 5g.
Is it already daily driver ready?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it running and no issues with the ROM itself, I like it alot, but the whole playstore and getting aurora to work made me give up, I was not able to get my preferred playstore apps.
shannoncole05 said:
I got it running and no issues with the ROM itself, I like it alot, but the whole playstore and getting aurora to work made me give up, I was not able to get my preferred playstore apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solution: Uninstall Aurora and reinstall it from F-Droid.
Before I dive in, 2 questions:
- I'm still runnin the december update, do I need to update to the januari update before I can flash Calyx?
- Is there a way to backup my current install?
Edit: I bit the bullet anyways, first updating to the Januari update, painless process, btw. I decided that I didn't care about a backup.
First impressions: Very nice looking and I saw pretty quickly that within CalyxOS you can back stuff up outside of the bootloader.
Had the 'Aurora store' bug, fixed after reinstalling it.
Gonna love exploring the OS in the coming days.
I have one question about a launcher: I have the paid version of Nova Launcher, and I'm logged into Aurora anonymously, so I can't DL paid apps. Does anyone have an alternative to Nova Launcher? I absolutely love this app (the gestures etc. are a dream) so preferably a FOSS alternative with close to the same functionality would be awesome. I have been able to migrate to FOSS/free apps for all of my paid ones, but I still can't find anything better as a launcher.
Edit2: Might have been nice for them to put a warning before flashing that it will completely wipe your phone.. I made a few last minute backups on the internal storage before flashing. Everything is lost now. Luckily I back stuff up often, but I still lost stuff, so a warning from them might've been nice.
Edit3: I now can't log into my google account (for retrieving my whatsapp backup Fixed by using another phone and copying the local backup to my Pixel) because it can't connect to the server... know error apparently, but I can't find a fix for it.
Why oh, why, do I always decide to try this stuff on a sunday evening when I should go to bed...
FooYoungHi said:
Before I dive in, 2 questions:
- I'm still runnin the december update, do I need to update to the januari update before I can flash Calyx?
- Is there a way to backup my current install?
Edit: I bit the bullet anyways, first updating to the Januari update, painless process, btw. I decided that I didn't care about a backup.
First impressions: Very nice looking and I saw pretty quickly that within CalyxOS you can back stuff up outside of the bootloader.
Had the 'Aurora store' bug, fixed after reinstalling it.
Gonna love exploring the OS in the coming days.
I have one question about a launcher: I have the paid version of Nova Launcher, and I'm logged into Aurora anonymously, so I can't DL paid apps. Does anyone have an alternative to Nova Launcher? I absolutely love this app (the gestures etc. are a dream) so preferably a FOSS alternative with close to the same functionality would be awesome. I have been able to migrate to FOSS/free apps for all of my paid ones, but I still can't find anything better as a launcher.
Edit2: Might have been nice for them to put a warning before flashing that it will completely wipe your phone.. I made a few last minute backups on the internal storage before flashing. Everything is lost now. Luckily I back stuff up often, but I still lost stuff, so a warning from them might've been nice.
Edit3: I now can't log into my google account (for retrieving my whatsapp backup Fixed by using another phone and copying the local backup to my Pixel) because it can't connect to the server... know error apparently, but I can't find a fix for it.
Why oh, why, do I always decide to try this stuff on a sunday evening when I should go to bed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Lawnchair Launcher and sideload
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/deletescape/lawnchair/lawnchair-2-1-2627-ci-q-merge-release/
shannoncole05 said:
Try Lawnchair Launcher and sideload
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/deletescape/lawnchair/lawnchair-2-1-2627-ci-q-merge-release/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll give that one a shot.
I ran into something I didn't see for years on a smartphone: ADS!! Since root is impossible and not recommended, adaway won't work.. Any other solutions?
FooYoungHi said:
Thanks, I'll give that one a shot.
I ran into something I didn't see for years on a smartphone: ADS!! Since root is impossible and not recommended, adaway won't work.. Any other solutions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for ADs try Blokada: https://blokada.org/
or the new Adaway, also with rootles mode VPN: https://github.com/AdAway/AdAway
Just got the februari update.. the most painless update I've ever had on a smartphone. Really digging CalyxOS.
About the adblockers; I already run a 'normal' VPN, so VPN based ablocking won't work, right?
Some other random questions:
Any suggestions for (preferably FOSS) keyboards? I currently use love swiftkey, but I refuse to sign up to download skins, can't seem to restore my backup, and I don't trust Microsoft. I can't seem to find a lot of open source ones.
I also have some shared calendars from google that I unfortunately need to use, but I don't want to sign in to google on my phone. Any tips to get this to work? I can import regular google calendars into my nextcloud, but not the shared ones.
FooYoungHi said:
Just got the februari update.. the most painless update I've ever had on a smartphone. Really digging CalyxOS.
About the adblockers; I already run a 'normal' VPN, so VPN based ablocking won't work, right?
Some other random questions:
Any suggestions for (preferably FOSS) keyboards? I currently use love swiftkey, but I refuse to sign up to download skins, can't seem to restore my backup, and I don't trust Microsoft. I can't seem to find a lot of open source ones.
I also have some shared calendars from google that I unfortunately need to use, but I don't want to sign in to google on my phone. Any tips to get this to work? I can import regular google calendars into my nextcloud, but not the shared ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About the adblockers with VPN - you can utilize "Secure DNS" option in Android. I highly recommend NextDNS or BlahDNS for no-logging, adblocking DNS service.
As for the keyboards, there are AnysoftKeyboard (has swipe), OpenBoard and FlorisBoard. I am using Anysoftkeyboard and I am pretty happy. I'm beta testing it, and new version should be out soon. Also, Calyx has a firewall feature that allows you to block internet access for any app you want. Just go to the Settings -> Apps and then Data Usage and you can block Swiftkey from there. Calyx Team is currently working on a better UI for firewall, should be out in the following months.
radogost said:
About the adblockers with VPN - you can utilize "Secure DNS" option in Android. I highly recommend NextDNS or BlahDNS for no-logging, adblocking DNS service.
As for the keyboards, there are AnysoftKeyboard (has swipe), OpenBoard and FlorisBoard. I am using Anysoftkeyboard and I am pretty happy. I'm beta testing it, and new version should be out soon. Also, Calyx has a firewall feature that allows you to block internet access for any app you want. Just go to the Settings -> Apps and then Data Usage and you can block Swiftkey from there. Calyx Team is currently working on a better UI for firewall, should be out in the following months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm liking Anysoftkeyboard so far. I only wish you could remove the smilie and voice buttons, that would make the spacebar a bit wider.
Will the scureDNS stuff work nicely with a VPN, since they use their own ones, AFAIK. I got it to work, just wondering if it doen't mess with the security of the VPN.
FooYoungHi said:
I'm liking Anysoftkeyboard so far. I only wish you could remove the smilie and voice buttons, that would make the spacebar a bit wider.
Will the scureDNS stuff work nicely with a VPN, since they use their own ones, AFAIK. I got it to work, just wondering if it doen't mess with the security of the VPN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can delete the smiley button. Look in "bottom" layouts, and pick minimal or classic
FooYoungHi said:
Any suggestions for (preferably FOSS) keyboards? I currently use love swiftkey, but I refuse to sign up to download skins, can't seem to restore my backup, and I don't trust Microsoft. I can't seem to find a lot of open source ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love using Anysoft Keyboard
I just tried calyxos first time it today myself for 8 hours today. It ha sbeen very nice so far, although most of that 8 hours went in to setting everything up.
Soemthing I hate is that the google camera apk from aurora store is super old.. Ibut that is not calyxos fault.. Probably not that the small arrow to lower the keyboard is ont he left side and doesnt seem to be adjustable either..?
Will have to look around for some safe place to download a more recent gcam or I guess use some port.. Too bad I heard the ports are always buggy and bad and since I got a true pixel for the first time ever I was looking forward to run it with the best possible camera software.
cHECKjAM said:
Will have to look around for some safe place to download a more recent gcam or I guess use some port.. Too bad I heard the ports are always buggy and bad and since I got a true pixel for the first time ever I was looking forward to run it with the best possible camera software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using GCam 7.3.018 by Urnyx05 since few weeks and it is all good... If I remember well, I got it here https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-urnyx05/
I don't know if the version 8 does the job on this device, I did not try but am interested to hear back if you try
Edit: check this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/gcam-camera-px-for-google-pixel-1-2-3-3a-4.3875663/post-84514901
ichino_o said:
I am using GCam 7.3.018 by Urnyx05 since few weeks and it is all good... If I remember well, I got it here https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-urnyx05/
I don't know if the version 8 does the job on this device, I did not try but am interested to hear back if you try
Edit: check this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/gcam-camera-px-for-google-pixel-1-2-3-3a-4.3875663/post-84514901
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went ahead and installed the latest official Google camera software from apkmirror. I didnt want to go through the rabbithole of finding what port is the least broken, while also getting the latest and greatest update wise..
Altough now that I've used it for a few days im suspecting I don't have HDR. I cant find any options with HDR anywhere in the app, so maybe something wrong as I heard that if you run googles own gcam on custom roms (I guess calyxos as well?) You loose HDR?
Also its quite annoying that you have to use Google photos to o preview the pictures and I don't want to use that.
cHECKjAM said:
I didnt want to go through the rabbithole of finding what port is the least broken, while also getting the latest and greatest update wise..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can just say that downloading the version 8.1 linked in the thread I referred to in my previous post should make you happy... I just tried it and all seems to be working without any hassle. And it does not look like leading you to a rabbithole.
cHECKjAM said:
Altough now that I've used it for a few days im suspecting I don't have HDR. I cant find any options with HDR anywhere in the app, so maybe something wrong as I heard that if you run googles own gcam on custom roms (I guess calyxos as well?) You loose HDR?
Also its quite annoying that you have to use Google photos to o preview the pictures and I don't want to use that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that is why people are porting the app. I have working HDR (at least the option is here and can be switched, how to make sure that hdr is ok btw?) and I can check the photos with the alternative gallery apps, or at least with the default gallery. There is an option in GCam to allow using gallery other that Google Photo.
May I ask why Google photo is a problem? Looks like you can block all privacy-concerning behaviors...
Then, more generally, I am running CalyxOS with default microG settings on this device since two weeks and everything is just perfect. All is working perfectly and the battery consumtion is really good.
Great job! Perfect ROM for me on this device.
ichino_o said:
I can just say that downloading the version 8.1 linked in the thread I referred to in my previous post should make you happy... I just tried it and all seems to be working without any hassle. And it does not look like leading you to a rabbithole.
I guess that is why people are porting the app. I have working HDR (at least the option is here and can be switched, how to make sure that hdr is ok btw?) and I can check the photos with the alternative gallery apps, or at least with the default gallery. There is an option in GCam to allow using gallery other that Google Photo.
May I ask why Google photo is a problem? Looks like you can block all privacy-concerning behaviors...
Then, more generally, I am running CalyxOS with default microG settings on this device since two weeks and everything is just perfect. All is working perfectly and the battery consumtion is really good.
Great job! Perfect ROM for me on this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exciting! I just went ahead and downloaded the gcam mod you linked to, latest version.
I was already quite happy with the camera just moving from a xiaomi Mi 8 with lineage - using the f-droid open camera only.. Totally worthless experience imo..
At first glance there is definetly more options here including HDR. However the third party picture viewer is still not optional..
Honestly you are right I could use google photos and just remove internet access but I would rather not.. But if Im forced I guess I must.. Did you do anything special to get third party gallerys to work?
About the calyxos on pixel 4a 5g .. I absolutely LOOOOVE it man.. It is lightyears ahead of lineage experience that Ive had past 2 years. Love it!

Any reason to NOT update to latest android from 8.0.0?

Hi all, finally got off my lazy butt and opened my 'new' xz2 compact [H8314].
Planning on unlocking bootloader, updating to sony's latest android 10, then put the official lineage 17.1 on it in that order.
Is there anything I might want to do before upgrading to sony's latest os?
I remember with my last 3 androids, there were certain things that only worked if you hadn't updated the os.
Exploits like ta-backup and such only worked on the lowest versions.
Is there anything like that for this device?
Or totally fine to connect to internet and start the update after unlocking bootloader.
Or should do update 1st then bootloader?
With 10 comes cpu cycle wasting scope storage.
Trusted overlay apps won't work.
Apps like Karma Firewall loss key functionality as well as other trusted apps.
I would upgrade no further than Pie.
Pie is a fast, very stable platform and what I run on my Note 10+. Zero issues.
Android has hit a dead end☠
blackhawk said:
With 10 comes cpu cycle wasting scope storage.
Trusted overlay apps won't work.
Apps like Karma Firewall loss key functionality as well as other trusted apps.
I would upgrade no further than Pie.
Pie is a fast, very stable platform and what I run on my Note 10+. Zero issues.
Android has hit a dead end☠
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
woah, thanks for the heads up man.
Been totally fine with oreo for the past couple years.
Karma Firewall's pretty great, that sucks.
Will research, thanks.
House3272 said:
woah, thanks for the heads up man.
Been totally fine with oreo for the past couple years.
Karma Firewall's pretty great, that sucks.
Will research, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never got to use Oreo as I went straight from Kitkat to Pie.
Pie is an excellent platform, fast, very stable and does everything I need it to.
No security issues that ever required a factory reset.
Karma runs A-OK on Pie

General GrapheneOS is available for the Pixel6/6Pro

GrapheneOS​The private and secure mobile operating system with Android app compatibility. Developed as a non-profit open source project.
website : https://grapheneos.org/
WebUSB-based Installation : https://grapheneos.org/install/web
CMD Line Installation : https://grapheneos.org/install/cli
Releases : https://grapheneos.org/releases#raven-stable
This is listed as "Experimental"...
Not to sound like a broken record but with no play services do Google Photos and app updates work with that "sandboxed Play services compatibility layer" mentioned on they site?
Android-Desire said:
Not to sound like a broken record but with no play services do Google Photos and app updates work with that "sandboxed Play services compatibility layer" mentioned on they site?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes. works very well (as long as you install all 3 parts of sandboxed play services). I would maybe wait a few days before installing it on the Pixel 6. but using A12 on my 3xl and everything works, photos, gboard, official gcam (all running with network access disabled).
Also, GrapheneOS for Pixel 6 still says Experimental on their download page (it might just need to be updated). But if you're okay with maybe experiencing some bugs, it should work fine (but as stated above, most should wait a few days, they're very good on updating - especially the first few weeks after release)
Good to hear about... will be watching! cheers
I basically bought my P6P for this, so I'm extremely happy development is moving forward! Really hoping that, when a stable version is out, it will be possible to use the phone "normally" with it. Keep it up, Graphene team!
I'm with @Alex-Absolute I purchased my P6 just for GrapheneOS support, coming from a string of OnePlus devices. Though I am going to wait until it's listed as stable to switch, I'm excited they have a working build going!
I've got the release page in Windows' Aignes Website-Watcher, set to look for changes after "Pixel 6 Pro" and before "Version", so I should know when it changes to Stable.
roirraW edor ehT said:
I've got the release page in Windows' Aignes Website-Watcher, set to look for changes after "Pixel 6 Pro" and before "Version", so I should know when it changes to Stable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazing, thanks for the tip!
Alekos said:
yes. works very well (as long as you install all 3 parts of sandboxed play services). I would maybe wait a few days before installing it on the Pixel 6. but using A12 on my 3xl and everything works, photos, gboard, official gcam (all running with network access disabled).
Also, GrapheneOS for Pixel 6 still says Experimental on their download page (it might just need to be updated). But if you're okay with maybe experiencing some bugs, it should work fine (but as stated above, most should wait a few days, they're very good on updating - especially the first few weeks after release)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used GrapheneOS on my 4a during most of the Experimental days, and i did not experience 1 hicup. I would compare their Experimental Builds to Android 12 Beta. So it's nothing to be afraid of. It's definitely ready for daily use in my own opinion....
Are there any screenshots of this OS? I always like trying new things but I'm thinking there isn't much to look at that would be different from a standard Android OS
Alex-Absolute said:
Amazing, thanks for the tip!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome, I'm using the free version - it's been around for a very long time on Windows, and I'm using the Android app which appears to more or less sync with the Windows version through Dropbox, if you have or create an account with Dropbox. It doesn't work perfectly for me, but I at least get notifications on my phone about the same changes in websites that the Windows program lets me know about - so I at least know that I should get on the computer and look to see what's new.
Sorry to anyone for the OT - I have lots of Android-related sites set to give me notifications of changes through this program.
The non-free version is a little pricey for my needs.
RetroTech07 said:
Are there any screenshots of this OS? I always like trying new things but I'm thinking there isn't much to look at that would be different from a standard Android OS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will post some screens later this evening...
I've wanted to switch to this for a long time (It's actually a huge reason I switched back to the Pixel series) but I'm not sure if I can commit to losing Android Auto
AndroidAddict420 said:
I used GrapheneOS on my 4a during most of the Experimental days, and i did not experience 1 hicup. I would compare their Experimental Builds to Android 12 Beta. So it's nothing to be afraid of. It's definitely ready for daily use in my own opinion....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I've been using it off and on for 18 months on different pixels. but just good to be cautious, as always...
GrapheneOS just tweeted a few hours ago, the next release will be Stable for the 6 series (most likely this week)
Alekos said:
Also, GrapheneOS for Pixel 6 still says Experimental on their download page
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I read about that is that its not experimental in the "unstable" sense, its that they haven't fully implemented the security enhancements.
Flippy125 said:
I've wanted to switch to this for a long time (It's actually a huge reason I switched back to the Pixel series) but I'm not sure if I can commit to losing Android Auto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Given the sandboxed mode for play services, do you really have to lose auto?
The.Jericho.Initiative said:
Given the sandboxed mode for play services, do you really have to lose auto?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question. Last time I looked into it, AA was a no-go. Guess there's only one way to find out. I'll report back later if it works or not
UPDATE: Still a no-go. I just receive an error that the AA protocol isn't supported. Guess I'll go back to compromising my privacy for the sake of convenience while driving.
Other than that+call screeening, this build is solid for an "experimental" build (Tbh they could have put the stable flag on this, but I assume they are waiting for bug reports before doing so). If anyone is looking for a good de-Googling solution, this is it.
Flippy125 said:
Good question. Last time I looked into it, AA was a no-go. Guess there's only one way to find out. I'll report back later if it works or not
UPDATE: Still a no-go. I just receive an error that the AA protocol isn't supported. Guess I'll go back to compromising my privacy for the sake of convenience while driving.
Other than that+call screeening, this build is solid for an "experimental" build (Tbh they could have put the stable flag on this, but I assume they are waiting for bug reports before doing so). If anyone is looking for a good de-Googling solution, this is it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Despite the hassle and increased expense, perhaps one of those Carplay AI boxes like Apple Pi might be the necessary workaround?
I'm very interested in this OS, but I too rely on carplay/auto as a general rule while driving. If I have to outsource my maps and music to an external box in order to have more comprehensive device security, that might just be the way it has to be.
Flippy125 said:
UPDATE: Still a no-go. I just receive an error that the AA protocol isn't supported. Guess I'll go back to compromising my privacy for the sake of convenience while driving.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for reporting. As curious as I am about this OS, this rules this out for me too. Been using AA for almost four years now and I'm hooked.
I want privacy, but I cannot live without syncing all my stuff together. Is this OS for me?

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