We all care about privacy, but on the other hand, we are obliged to use smartphones. Today, we have two options for smartphones: Apple and Google. Both of these companies collect a lot of data about us while using our phones. In fact, according to a study, Chrome shares an average of 340 data with Google a day, even when your phone is not in use. Opposing this situation, Murena and Gael Duval, the founder of Mandrake Linux, started a study in 2017. And the first fruit of the work has emerged as of this year.
The first privacy-based Android phone: Murena One X2
Gael Duvel aimed to keep his data to himself and open source software on smartphones. Going on this path, Duvel seems to have achieved this with the Murena One X2 after about 5 years. Murena One X2 is the first privacy-based high-end Android phone using the open source /e/OS Android infrastructure.
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Many alternatives to Google-based Android and Apple’s iOS systems have been sought over the years. However, these attempts were generally unsuccessful. Duval’s approach, on the other hand, took the path of purging Android of privacy-violating features rather than reinventing America.
In line with this goal, Duval focused on LineageOS, an Android-based operating system. In addition, it transferred the features from the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) to this operating system. In /e/OS, most Google services were removed and replaced with MicroG services.
MicroG allows you to replace Google features with completely open source applications without connecting to Google’s services. This includes libraries and apps that provide Google Play, Maps, and Messaging services for those that are most concerned about privacy in Android apps.
Also, Murena uses its own search engine to evade Google services. The smartphone also prefers non-Google servers for internet-based services such as DNS and NTP. At the same time, Murena offers its own web browser, email, message, calendar and contacts application. In addition to these, there is a map application based on Mozilla Location service and OpenStreetMap. Murena is also working on her own personal assistant, Elivia-AI.
The system also hosts a store where you can download applications. While the app store draws attention primarily with its privacy structure, it also ranks the apps in accordance with this theme. The privacy settings of the programs and what information is shared can also be seen in the store.
However, since the App Lounge store is based on Google Play, you need to log in with your Google account. In other words, even if you switch to this phone, it is not possible to sever all ties with Google. Also, apps without Google connectivity are quite limited.
Murena also offers its own cloud-based storage service. In Murena Cloud, which comes with 1 GB of free usage space, you have to pay for more storage space. The annual membership fee required for 20 GB of usage area is 20 euros.
4GB RAM, 128GB storage
Well, if you ask about the hardware features of the Murena One X2, let’s say in advance that you will not encounter a very different phone. When we first look at the phone, we encounter a 6.5-inch screen. The phone, which is stated to have an octa-core MediaTek processor, is offered with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage capacity.
On the camera front, there are three different cameras on the back, as well as a 25 MP selfie camera. It is stated that the cameras that we do not have much information about are 5, 8 and 48 MP. Let us remind you that the new phone also has a dual SIM slot.
Murena will be available in the USA, Canada and European countries in June. The asking price for the new privacy-focused phone is $369. So, would you prefer this phone? You can share your views with us in the comments section.