Murena Kickstarter pulls in more than $150K for new phone with a built-in privacy switch
Switch off the cameras and microphones with a toggle.
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Interesting concept, but seems just like a phone with privacy switches and a non-Google OS. How is it on security, hardening? How would it compare to GrapheneOS?
To be fair, GrapheneOS does require a Pixel, but that's because those phones are the best in terms of security, and can be privacy as well.
I think these kinds of devices are for different audiences.
GrapheneOS would probably best suit people that don't trust the software on their device, but completely trust the hardware.
The Murena or a Pinephone with hardware switches would be ideal for someone who trusts the software, but wants the ability to control the hardware.
Practically, this appeals to people who are considering things like Qualcomm's GPS in some SoCs bypassing the OS to request almanac data, using the cellular modem directly IIRC (gets worse: unencrypted http and includes your IMEI in plaintext). This doesn't happen in Pixel devices because there it is handled in software entirely, and of course those don't use a Qualcomm SoC
I run their OS /e/ on my fairphone 4. As someone who just uses a phone for basic stuff its the tits, no bs, no google apps required at all. The built-in tracker blocking etc is great and I like the basic interface.
Biggest bonus is that my phone lasts maybe 50% longer on a single charge. Was super easy to install too.
No paying with NFC though, but I don't mind, I always had my wallet anyway.
Stuff like NFC payments are one of the reasons that kind of stick with stock Android. I want to use something else, but it's kind of hard for me to accept losing functionality.
It’s open source and has aggressive privacy features so hopefully there will be data on whether it’s worthwhile soon. If it’s a good OS + has privacy focused hardware, it could be more compelling than a Pixel without hardware switches for the ultra privacy minded
