Imagine if you could...

By JTaylor69
in Hardware Hangout

 Share

Mobile Phone OS  

11 members have voted

  1. 1. Like the idea?

    • Yes, I'd love it
      6
    • No, Stick to the current system
      5

Recommended Posts

Rising Star

JTaylor69

Posted
Posted

Today when choosing a mobile phone you often fall in love with the design of the hardware, but what about the OS that powers it?

Love the design of the phone but hate that OS that is powering it?

Imagine if you could have the choice of OS from the start!

What if you could have a SD card inside the box containing each OS with the user's option of to have either iOS, Android or Windows Phone? (Or via the manufacturer's software and USB?)

Then at your will change it to another OS at any time?

What's your thoughts?

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1073685-imagine-if-you-could/
Share on other sites
Grand Master

Phouchg

Posted
Posted

Yes, I'd welcome it. Phones, formerly devices with a very specific purpose, and their unholy tablet-spawn have and will continue increasingly to try and become like PC, except they're not offering a fraction of the freedom any desktop/laptop PC, as an inherently universal device, is meant to and does provide. To me, phones and tablets are wanna-be gadgets and I think they will stay that way, too.

Because manufacturers will never allow that freedom to happen. It would be highly inconvenient and expensive, requiring much more extensive testing (which, I might add, they can't be arsed to do half-properly as it is), extensive driver and software support. With little to no gain in return, of course.

More worryingly, we're actually actively moving in the opposite direction - we'll be having Windows 8, a formerly PC-exclusive operating system, for tablets - most probably a locked-down kind of hardware. It is the matter of time before laptops (many already well on their way in terms of locked-down hardware, BIOS and OS choices) and desktops will (not die) but amalgamate with gadgets. And then - welcome to the out-of-control era.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • Free Software Foundation Europe pushes EU to force Google to allow AI uninstalls on Android

      By ad47uk · Posted

      UK need to do the same thing as well,
    • Hey Google, these are the Gemini features I want in 2026

      By ad47uk · Posted

      I have a Motorola, one of the lower end ones, it works fine. It is possible to get rid of the Gemini app and also to disable googles assistant , but A.i is still apps. I try to avoid all LLM A.I, is i can, I use no Ai duck duck go.
    • The official Funny Pictures thread

      By +Edouard · Posted

    • Politically funny images of the World

      By +Edouard · Posted

    • Free Software Foundation Europe pushes EU to force Google to allow AI uninstalls on Android

      By zikalify · Posted

      Free Software Foundation Europe pushes EU to force Google to allow AI uninstalls on Android by Paul Hill Credit: Pexels Users should be able to fully uninstall AI-based features from Android devices and be able to access interoperability functions, free from Google’s verification requirements, the European Commission has heard as part of an Android interoperability consultation under the Digital Markets Act. These measures were proposed by the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) last week when it submitted its documentation. The FSFE noted that Google had started silently installing AI models without telling users. It noted that the EU’s DMA requires companies like Google to allow users to uninstall pre-loaded software from their devices, but in the case of the AI models Google is installing, they reinstall if you delete them, contravening the DMA. To get Google back under control, the FSFE has told the European Commission that there needs to be improvements within the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). First, it said that users should be able to fully remove pre-loaded AI components from their devices, with companies being prohibited from silently reinstalling or reactivating them. Second, access to Android interoperability features should not be contingent on registration, authorization, or contractual relationships with Google. This pertains to Google’s attempt to force developers to register with Google, even to publish apps to alternative app stores like F-Droid. Discussing its submission, Lucas Lasota, FSFE Legal Programme Manager, said: Google is planning to roll out its Android Developer Certification in September 2026. This will force every Android app developer to register with Google before their software can be installed on certified Android devices, but it should affect those who have removed Google Apps from their device. The program is controversial because it entails the signing of contracts and payment of account fees to Google, as well as the handing over of the identities of developers. It said: The FSFE said that if the Commission’s draft measures remain unchanged, then Google will be allowed to make developers verify their identity. The FSFE believes that asking developers to register is contrary to the text and spirit of the law. In summary, the FSFE has told the Commission that no developer should need a Google account, a Play Store presence, or any agreement with Google to access Android’s interoperability features.

  • Recent Achievements

    • Conversation Starter
      sumytbe earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Year In
      B4dM1k3 earned a badge
      One Year In
    • One Year In
      DarkWun earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Dedicated
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • Dedicated
      JuvenileDelinquent earned a badge
      Dedicated

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      519
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      188
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      87
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      81
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      72
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!