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Author Topic: /e/ OS Smartphones Coming to America  (Read 966 times)

Brad

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/e/ OS Smartphones Coming to America
« on: January 25, 2021, 03:42:10 PM »
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[Update January 2021: we will be starting shipping first /e/-smartphones to the US on early February 2021 from https://esolutions.shop
Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated when it’s available. Spread the news!]

https://gael-duval.medium.com/why-dont-e-smartphones-ship-yet-to-the-usa-7a3d2d861525

e OS is Android that has totally been deGoogled.  Open source replacements have been found or forked for all of Google Services and are part of the package.  There is no Google spyware left in the OS.  You even have the choice of letting /e/ foundation host your cloud services or set up your own Nextcloud instance so you have total control.  And yet you can still run Android apps.  The OS has a repository of over 30,000 Android apps both open source and commercial each rated for privacy and permissions.

Before now phones with /e/ OS preinstalled have only been available in the EU.  The big announcement here is /e/ is bringing preinstalled smartphones to the US.  I've been waiting for this for 2 years.

Now we just need to find out what kind of phone models they are going to offer in Feb 2021.

https://e.foundation
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rcjordan

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Re: /e/ OS Smartphones Coming to America
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2021, 05:54:23 PM »
And which networks are going to carry them.  In this area, you need either US Cellular or Verizon for good coverage.
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Brad

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Re: /e/ OS Smartphones Coming to America
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2021, 07:13:20 PM »
Quote from: rcjordan on January 25, 2021, 05:54:23 PM
And which networks are going to carry them.  In this area, you need either US Cellular or Verizon for good coverage.

They'll be unlocked GSM only.  So ATT, T-Mobile and some of the discount GSM carriers.

> coverage

I have T-Mobile, which is fine in major markets.  When I traveled to Iowa I only got a signal near the Interstate or in a larger town (read country seat.)   In the very small town I was visiting I barely got one voice bar only if I stepped outside and raised the phone up, arm's length, over my head.   Verizon is the only way to go out there.
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Brad

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Re: /e/ OS Smartphones Coming to America
« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2021, 04:50:57 PM »
US refurbished Samsung Galaxy S9+ and S9 phones with /e/ OS installed US$429.99 and 379.99 respectively. Available as of today 2/22/2021

Shipping extra.

GSM only phones so T-Mobile and AT&T

I've ordered mine already S9+.

https://esolutions.shop/shop/

(be sure to select USA)
« Last Edit: February 22, 2021, 05:19:53 PM by Brad »
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rcjordan

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Re: /e/ OS Smartphones Coming to America
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2021, 07:07:50 PM »
T-Mobile just brought back a true unlimited data plan with 5G and no throttling - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/22/22295466/t-mobile-magenta-max-unlimited-data-5g-4k-video-announced
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Brad

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Re: /e/ OS Smartphones Coming to America
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2021, 08:50:29 PM »
I got the eOS phone in today.  Setup was fast and easy.  This is a pretty polished phone.

All the installed apps provide basic functionality.  Most are standard Android.

Maps is only non-FOSS app.  It is Magic Earth and it looks good.

You can add/replace with any app from the extensive app directory.

T-Mobile Visual Voice Mail app was available and works just fine.

All my email accounts work.

I can change the Launcher if I don't like the default.

Vivaldi browser added and it works.

Phone and SMS tested and works.

Case due in from Amazon today.

So far I'm a happy camper.
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littleman

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Re: /e/ OS Smartphones Coming to America
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2021, 09:17:20 PM »
Cool Brad!  I hope it catches on.  I hope refurbeshing companies start looking at eOS as an  alternative soon.

https://doc.e.foundation/easy-installer

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The easy-installer beta version supports 6 devices
Gigaset GS290
Fairphone 3/Fairphone 3+
Samsung Galaxy S9 – Exynos only
Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus – Exynos only
Samsung Galaxy S7 – Exynos only
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge – Exynos only
Samsung Galaxy S8 – Exynos only
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Brad

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Re: /e/ OS Smartphones Coming to America
« Reply #7 on: February 25, 2021, 10:57:33 PM »
There are about 100 handsets that are compatible but installation is more manual and more geeky. 
List is here, if you have an old phone or two sitting around and want to try:
https://doc.e.foundation/devices/


I'll let you all know in a week what I think, but so far I'm impressed.  They are trying to keep the UI as simple as they can so most anyone can figure it out.

I'm trying to avoid downloading a lot of apps.  I'm going to use the web app in the browser instead.  I like Twitter mobile web just fine.  I'm trying the MSN web app to replace Apple News (sorta), etc.
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