- AusweisApp2
- ElsterSecure
- Mein Elster
- i-KfZ
Just to mention some apps from German government…
But sure, you don’t need to use those.
In that sort of environment we need an updated browser too.
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But they can also be used with a regular browser or have a least a desktop version? (unfortunately not linux but at least mac and windows, but maybe wine would work).
So you dont need a app to use the online services if you want.
Imo if there is also a app version additionally to a non app version thats not really a issue.
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And your ID-Card as promised a few days ago.
I am the last to start a political discussion here. But getting away from big tech makes not much sense to me if I install Google Services, Whatsapp or banking or government stuff on the other hand. Whatever is your level of trust to these things does not matter much. Information will always attract interested people.
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wow, a lot of great replies here.
So guys, one sort of negative in terms of Jolla was, as I looked more into Sailfish OS and the ‘alternatives’ I discovered things like ‘e/OS’ and found out that Ubuntu Touch is still usable in 2025 somehow. I had heard of Graphene and a bunch of other open OSs but the narrow range of older hardware (some depending on Sony, and others on Pixel hardware) put me right off as I don’t want compatibility issues or things not working, nor to be supporting Google even if I buy its devices to not use its OS (Sony is cool though, I like Sony).
More so that Fair Phone 6… it doesn’t support Ubuntu Touch yet but I believe after time the community solely focusses on making it work perfectly on those phones. Dutch company too (didn’t know that, thought it was some knock off CCP brand tbf), but that is a plus. And this ‘eOS’ seems promising, French developers and seems to have been around a while.
I have to admit, I’m a little bit tempted on the Fair Phone and eOS. But I wanted to ask you guys, what keeps you on Jolla / Sailfish and not say, those alternatives to the big two?
I also found that unsurprisingly, my current Ubuntu PC can’t sync contacts and calendars via a USB cable to my iPhone… but on Android / Sailfish / eOS / Ubuntu Touch it’s the same, this functionality simply doesn’t seem to exist anymore. I think something like Syncthing which has been suggested to me a few times, or some kind of ‘same wifi network sync between devices’ will be my new way of keeping my phone and Ubuntu PC in sync.
I also ordered a StarLite tablet to replace my iPad Pro, which is listed on eBay now. The tablet won’t be with me until February at best but I have an old HP system in the meantime and a LOT of stuff to figure out on Ubuntu.
The iPhone will be sold when I get a new phone though with Jolla that will be next summer I think. Big tech is like a toxic ex, it’s really hard to quit. You get all inspired when around people / friends and ideas, then you go home at night and the feelings of loss take over! ahahahahh dramatic I know, but this truly happens me when I try to quit Apple.
Ps , are there any good solutions to health tracking / smart watches? All I can find from researching is Garmin devices, plugged into the Ubuntu PC and then open utilities exporting the ‘FIT’ files to be viewed and stored. The only way to do it ‘cloud free’ whilst having fairly accurate and reliable health tracking such as heart rate. That’s proving harder than a phone to replace.
Sailfish OS is totally independent vis-à-vis Google. Android is not like a normal Linux distribution. Each Android Custom Rom take all the package from AOSP and apply their modifications.
Since Google’s decision, AOSP is less transparent. Each project (Graphene OS, /e/, etc.) need to wait until a full version is published.
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And in my opinion, we need to support truly alternatives like Ubuntu Touch or PostmarketOS too.
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Why cable? There is a Bluetooth and also a native app Sailfish Connect. And ssh. And even more ways.
Oh and other point: You can still purchase a FairPhone and use Sailfish OS 
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Aren’t Lineage, Graphene, or eOS just rebranded Android?
So that is not really comparable. Of course, you will also have less trouble running Android apps if you stay on any flavor of Android instead of a truly independent OS.
So you either want a different OS or Android with a different color scheme, the choice is yours.
A disagree with you. There are a solid work behind to stay away from Google, but they’re still dependant to them as they use AOSP and that Google controls the development and realising of it.
Take a look at Amazfish or Rockpool.
I’m tempted to buy the new Pebble once I know it’s supported by Rockpool.
Well I’ve never been a big fan of Android, it was always ugly and clunky, then eventually it became smooth, fluid and as robust as iOS for most parts, but by then Google, Samsung etc were as bad as Apple, maybe worse, for trying to lock you into ecosystems etc. It was no real freedom move anymore.
De-Googled is tempting, though I must admit I have zero interest in running Android apps. It’s a nice safety net, but I am already starting to think what life will be like with no banking app.. no mobile payments etc. I remember days when my phone (back before smart phones) was truly a tool to text or call, and maybe when I was bored as hell a bit of a play around on it but nothing too captivating. Back then there were iPods etc, now, if I’m on a plane or a passenger in a car (fairly rare) I’ll have the tablet there and my full digital world. Even when out and about… I get a call, need to transfer money or something, either sit in the car with the tablet + hotspot, or a coffee shop or library, and use the website to do the transfer.
I do like the idea that I can run Sailfish OS, eOS or Ubuntu Touch on the Fair Phone mind you.
I see a lot of criticism against Sailfish as being ‘closed’ as a platform, but does it matter for buyers?
had a look, this is software? Seems cool, but what do I run it on?
How does Sailfish Connect work, can that sync to my Ubuntu PC directly without cloud? be it cable, bluetooth or same wifi network is fine, so long as it doesn’t touch someones cloud
It works like described here: https://kdeconnect.kde.org/
Amazfish (from the OpenRepos page):
Supported Devices
There are 3 tiers of supported devices:
Gold
These are devices I have, have tested and will try not to break any functioanlity for an include:
- Amazfit Bip
- Amazfit GTS
- Pinetime Infinitme
- Bangle.js
Silver
These are devices which are properly implemented in the application, but I do not have and are tested by the commuity, and include:
- Amazfit BipS
- Amazfit Bip Lite
I do not promise not to break funcaionality in these, but will fix where I canBronze
These are devices which use a protocol that is close to another suppored device, and so is treated like that device. Your mileage may vary with these devices.
- MiBand 2/3/4
- AMzfit Cor
- Amazfit GTR
Rockpool:
- Old Pebble watches
- Support for new Pebbles currently not implemented
In Belgium, we have https://www.itsme-id.com/
With Itsme app, I can connect to governementals intitutions’s websites to get some officials documents via my EID. I’ve never tried it because of the goo** trackers, and also it needs MicroG to run. Instead, i’m using internet connection on my pc with my Eid reader.
There’s also https://www.myfgov.be but I’ve never had to use it yet.
very right
this is the path i am going to take, as they are truly community alternative
although much less sophisticated as SfOS
i never felt the need to use my phone to do things that are better done with the home komputer
these thing can wait until i am back home!!
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In the past i got a smart watch but required an Android app to set it up and an account. I am seriously thinking of an ollee as an alternate?
I run nextcloud docker container on my linux desktop to sync contacts with my phone, and rsync for backups.
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