Google Pixel vs Google One Subscription - General Topics

I have a Google One subscription that may require me to upgrade to the next tier as storage under the plan is slowly becoming full. This makes me think about options to keep my costs to the minimum, while keeping my photos secure in the cloud.
To be clear, Google Photos is indispensable for me for the following reasons:
1. I have multiple devices and Google Photos allows me to access my camera roll and screenshots on all my devices.
2. Google Photos is secure. I'm sure they have multiple backups (I believe 3) and several layers of security built-in to prevent hackers and other bad actors from taking control of my files.
3. I don't have the expertise to host my own local server in a secure manner. Hosting a personal server is much more than simply buying hardware.
Google Pixel​
This is one device that I always shortlist, but then I end up choosing another brand for the following reasons:
1. Stock Android is too basic for my taste. It lacks several very useful features that other OEM implementations of Android offer.
2. Stock Android may lack bloatware, but it doesn't translate into better performance or battery life. The so-called 'clean' nature doesn't offer the benefits that one would expect from it.
3. Google Pixel offers one of the best cameras on a smartphone. But so does Samsung, and flagships from other brands are great alternatives too. One needs the camera to capture great photos and videos, and not necessarily the absolute best, which also has a subjective element to it. A smartphone is much more than its cameras. And with GCam available for most devices, it reduces the need for a Pixel even more due to its cameras.
4. Google Pixel offers some advanced editing features. Since these are also available for Google One subscribers, they are of no additional use to me.
5. Offline voice transcription: This is probably the only Pixel exclusive feature, but then not many care about it.
6. Fast software updates: This doesn't actually make anyone's life better.
Google One Subscription​
1. The plans are reasonably priced. Buying an old Pixel (Pixel 5 or older) to get unlimited storage on Google Photos doesn't make much financial sense. It would take a minimum of 10 years to recover the initial investment, and the phone may become too old by the end of that period. The effort required to transfer all media to the Pixel and then upload it to Google Photos is just not worth it. See the 1st comment below to see why it makes good sense to backup using a Pixel 5 or older Pixel phone.
2. Google One subscribers have access to the same editing tools that is available on the Google Pixel.
3. Google One storage can be shared with 5 other Google accounts, very useful if these are family members.
Custom ROMs for non-Pixel devices​
I'm told Pixel Experience ROM (and some other custom ROMs and mods) allow for spoofing the device details to make Google Photos believe that the device is a Pixel, thereby unlocking unlimited storage on Google Photos.
I'm still looking at the Pros and Cons of this method.
CONCLUSION​
It doesn't make any sense to buy a Pixel device (Pixel 5 or older) just to unlock unlimited storage on Google Photos. Since Google isn't offering unlimited storage for Pixel 6 and newer devices, this makes Google Pixel a bad choice of smartphone for most users. See the comment below to know why backing up using a Pixel 5 or older Pixel phone is very beneficial over the long term.

I missed one very important advantage of using a Pixel device for backups:
Assuming that it takes 10 years of Google One subscription to recover the cost of the Pixel phone purchased today, i.e. the break-even period is 10 years, one must remember that the hundreds of GBs of pictures and videos over this period will continue to be stored for free for life (if backed up using a Pixel device), but one has to continue paying a fat subscription for these files for the rest of life with a Google One subscription.
This makes backing up using a Pixel 5 or older Pixel phone a financially sound decision over the long term.​

Related

[Q] Android M has arrived: here's what you need to know

The Android M developer preview was launched today at Google I/O 2015 in San Francisco. Sundar Pichai, senior vice president of products at Google, introduced the conference and said that the company had "gone back to basics" with the new version of Android. While Android Lollipop introduced a brand new design and aesthetic, Android M is bringing some much-needed stability and usability improvements, which might not be as immediately arresting, but may prove to be significant long-term additions.
Dave Burke, vice president of engineering at Google, followed Pichai on stage to outline six of the major new features you can expect to see in Android M.
Which phones will get the Android M update first?
1. App permissions
First up, app permissions. As had previously been speculated, app permissions have been overhauled in Android M, with users now being able to choose to accept or deny individual permissions as they see fit. Permissions have also been simplified.
Permissions will now be requested the first time you try to use a feature, not at the point of installation. "You don't have to agree to permissions that don't make sense to you," Burke said, and used WhatsApp to give an example of how this works.
If you want to record a voice message, WhatsApp will prompt you with a one-time request for permission to use your mic: if you still wish to give it access and record the message, you can, but you don't have to. Android M is giving users greater control of the information apps can access, and this is a truly positive step forward for Android.
You can modify the permissions granted to apps at a later date in your Settings, or you can view permissions by type and see which apps have that permission granted. It's all about giving the user complete control over their Android.
2. Web experience
Google has been exploring trends in the way web content is consumed to provide a better user-experience when interacting with websites and apps. "Chrome Custom Tabs is a new feature that gives developers a way to harness all of Chrome's capabilities, while still keeping control of the look and feel of the experience," said Burke.
Chrome Custom Tabs will allow apps to open a customized Chrome window on top of the active app, instead of launching the Chrome app separately. This will provide a faster and more intuitive user-experience when navigating between apps and the web.
Chrome Custom Tabs supports automatic sign-in, saved passwords, autofill, and multi-process security to assist the integration of the app and web experience. So, for example, a Pinterest custom tab will have a Pinterest share button embedded in it, can include custom overflow menu options and doesn't require the Pinterest developers to build their own web browser.
3. Fingerprint support
Google will "standardize support" for fingerprint scanners on phones running Android M. The new functionality will allow fingerprint scanners to be used not only to unlock phones, but to make purchases shopping in real-life or within Play Store apps.
Of course, your device will need a hardware fingerprint scanner to begin with, but with Google's full support, expect to see these appear on many more devices in the future.
4. Mobile payments
Android Pay is Google's new mobile payments system designed to make the checkout process easier and faster. Google is aiming to provide "simplicity, security, and choice," with Android Pay, allowing you to use your existing credit cards to pay for products in more than 700,000 stores in the US.
Compatible with any device housing NFC capabilities (and running 4.4 KitKat or above), the Android Pay platform is being supported by American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover, as well as carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Google's response to Apple pay is here.
5. App links
"When a user selects a weblink from somewhere, Android doesn't know whether to show it in a web-browser, or some other app that claims support for the link," this was the problem facing the Google developers before Android M.
You may be familiar with the "Open with" dialogue box which appears when you try to open a link within an app on Android. You might be asked if you want to open a link with YouTube, or with Chrome, for example.
App links are being changed in M so that Android has a greater awareness of which apps can open content directly, instead of stopping users every time with the dialog box. If you tap a Twitter link in an email, for example, the Twitter app will open automatically instead of prompting you to ask if you want to use Twitter to view it.
This is almost a blink-and-you'll-miss-it improvement, but it's representative of Google's attention to detail: Android M is probably going to feel more usable without the user ever understanding why.
6. Power and charging
Android M makes use of a new function known as Doze to improve device standby time. By using motion detectors, Android will recognize when devices haven’t been interacted with for a while, such as when a person is asleep or a device has been left on a table, to reduce background processes.
Burke said that Google tested two Nexus 9 devices, one running Lollipop and one running the Android M preview, and learned that M will provide up to two-times longer standby time. Even in Doze mode, your Android can still start alarms or notify you of priority notifications.
Android M also supports USB Type-C which provides faster charging, and lets users charge other devices with their phone.
Android M release date
The Android M Developer Preview is available today for Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player, and the final version is due to launch in Q3, 2015.
What else is in new in Android M?
Auto Backup and Restore for Apps
Possibly the most interesting aspect of Android M not discussed in Google’s I/O keynote speech was Android Auto Backup and Restore for Apps. This feature will be used in conjunction with Google Drive to automatically backup app data and settings with a file size of 25 MB or less.
These backups occur no more than once per day, and run only when the device is idle and connected to Wi-Fi and power. The uploaded data does not count towards your Google Drive storage quota, and is encrypted.
If you lose your device or delete the app, your previous progress will be restored the next time you install it, and it even works with apps which are side-loaded or accessed through a third-party app store.
New app drawer
One of the most immediately noticeable visual changes to Android M is the new app drawer. This now scrolls vertically instead of horizontally, and is held against a white background, rather than a muted shade of your homepage wallpaper. Across the top of the menu you will see your four most recently used apps, and down the left-hand side are the letters of the alphabet.
Android M RAM manager
Google has introduced a new RAM manager to Android M with the aim of providing users with more accurate and comprehensible information regarding the maximum and average RAM usage of apps.
The menu can be found in Settings > Apps > Options (three dots button) > Advanced > Memory. Though it's a little hard to navigate to, the page offers a far clearer insight into app demands, and the overall effect they will have on your device.
With a reading of an individual app's RAM consumption, as well as how often it is running in the background, users will be able to better determine which apps should be removed in endless bid to increase device performance and battery life.
Android M even includes a simple bar at the top of the page displaying the current performance status of a person's handset; if it says "good performance", you're likely running an efficient set of apps.
Adoptable Storage Devices
Though Google has in the past tried to step away from external storage use (the reason why none of its Nexus devices house a microSD card slot), it appears that Android M is striking a compromise.
Adoptable Storage Devices is Google's new storage feature which essentially takes an external storage source (such as an SD card or USB drive) and formats it like an internal storage space. This means that app and personal data can be moved freely between a devices internal storage and its "adopted" storage source.
Adopted storage devices are wrapped in a layer of encryption to soothe security concerns and both microSD cards and USB OTG drives are currently supported.
Google Now
Google Now has been improved upon once again in Android M. Focusing on three key ares: being aware of different contexts, providing answers and helping you take action, Google Now is now smarter than ever.
Google Now's context awareness understand over 100 million different places, so when you ask ''How far is it to there?'' Google Now know exactly which ''there'' you're referring to. This awareness is compounded by Google's Knowledge Graph, which understands one billion different entities, from sports teams to gas stations, TV shows to recipes.
Google Now is also rolling out a pilot program called ''Now on Tap'' with 100 popular apps. Now on Tap provides Google Now-like content right where you are, without having to leave the app you're in. So if you're in Spotify and say ''Ok Google, what is his real name?'' Now on Tap will know you're talking about the musician you're listening to and provide search results right there an then.
The same goes for content in emails. If someone asks you a question about a restaurant and to not forget something on your way home, Now on Tap can automatically pop up a restaurant card with Maps info, Yelp, OpenTable and the dialer, as well as offer to set a reminder for whatever it was you were supposed to not forget.
Google Chrome
Chrome is also leaner and faster than ever before. Initially revamped with Android One devices in mind, where stable and speedy internet connections are not always possible, Chrome's new optimizations are set to arrive for everyone.
Chrome is now aware of network strength and can modify what you see as a result. For example, if your connection is bad, you might see colored squares rather than preview images in Search results. Optimized web pages will load four times faster and use 80 percent fewer bytes. You'll also see a memory usage reduction of up to 80 MB. Chrome will also support offline mode.
Google Photos
As expected, Google pulled the wraps off its new Google Photos service. Previously a part of Google+, Google Photos is now standalone photo and video storage and sharing service that provides unlimited free storage for up to 16 MP photos and 1080p video. That is seriously impressive.
The Google Photos service stores high-quality compressed versions of your photos and movies but doesn't store anything on your device, so you can search through thousands of photos at high speed and without bogging your device down with gigabytes of photos.
Popular features like Auto-Awesome and Stories are a key highlight, accessible through a new Assistant feature, which will automatically suggest creative uses of your images and footage. Through simple pinch gestures you can see tiled images for particular days, weeks, months or even years and then zoom right back in at any point you like.
Google Photos is also powerful for search, as you'd expect. You can search by People, Places, Things and Types, which are all automatically created, and you can drill down in each of those categories to see, for example, every picture you have of a particular person, all without ever tagging them.
Sharing is also a breeze. You don't even need you contacts to have the Google Photos app. You can simply share a link that they can view in Chrome. If they are logged in they can easily download an entire album in seconds.
Are you impressed by what Google has been up to in Android M? What would you have liked to have seen?
First off, if you're going to copy & paste something from another Android site, it helps to at least give credit to the original writer of the article (I have supplied a link to the original article below). Second, please post in the correct forum. The Apps & Games forum is the wrong place for this sort of post.
http://www.androidpit.com/android-m-release-date-news-features-name
Thread closed.

The Grasp of Google --- Pondering escape plans

This might seem like a really weird topic to some but its becoming one that I feel will benefit many in discussing:
Since 2010, I've remained on the fence about Google and to a lesser degree Samsung and Apple. Some days I'd wake up and they would be the company I LOATH and HATE because of some thing they did that had bad optics (Hello Google's purchase of Boston Dynamics). Other days, I'd wake up and think they were the best company in the world because they did something that really pushed the envelope of technology or did something that had fantastic humanitarian potential or something that was just genuinely felt altruistic in nature.
As time went, those days of "evil" creped closer in to being the daily status quo and those altruistic events have been diminishing. 2016 marked the year where we saw a huge uptick in the unethical usage of data Google and companies who could claim close affiliation (either by direct partnerships or making use of their technology) began to absolutely abuse the information they've gathered on us over the last 10-20 years depending how early of an adopter you were.
Events such as PRISM, Harvard Analytical and Fusion GPS all illustrated the unethical use of data gathering techniques and has inspired the application of the Jellinik Curve and other addiction methodologies into applications.
It's been my goal in 2019 to get myself as much out of this "game" as possible. The big realization I had a number of years ago (which, I'm sure many others have had) is that if you aren't paying for something with money, you are paying for something through some other means; usually through information. This doesn't necessarily preclude that paying for something means they aren't ALSO doing stuff with your data too to some nefarious end (Hello False Dichotomy).
After all this background, my usecases are pretty simple:
- Any application I use on my phone has to be front someone or someplace (company) that, with some research, seems like they have ethical standing.
- My information going through their network needs to be encrypted in some way. Obviously the higher the better within operational tolerances (IE I doesn't bog down the equipment into unusable).
- It has to be cloud based with the same information being accessible across multiple devices.
- A mobile webapp is highly welcomed (it's harder to mess with your on phone data if you can use a webapp as opposed to an APK, but, of course that comes with usability and potentially security problems).
Insofar, I've tested/played with the following apps that are starting to become my daily drivers.
- Protomail to replace Gmail. (paying for yearly subs)
- Timetree to replace Google Calendar (Still not sold on this one)
- Cryphon to replace Hangouts/Messaging (kind of, sort of)
- Waze to replace Google Maps (Sure, Waze is owned by Google now, but its lacking some the issues --- I'm very open to another long term solution)
The one that's personally killing me is Google Voice. It's been my daily driver since 2008. I have 8 different Google Voice numbers I use for various things.
- 1 is for personal
- 1 is a "business personal"
- 5 are for business
- 1 is a spam line
I can't find any solution to Google Voice that allows for the number of phone lines without it costing an arm and a leg.
All this said, I'd like to see what the XDA community thinks about this topic in general and what app suggestions people may have.
At the end of this year, I'd like to be at a place where I can use an Android and have absolutely zero Google apps installed (including Play Services).
99.9%+ of people don't care about going non-Google. Even after many privacy abuses over the years. Even after a Play Store filled with 99.99%+ adware, trackers and malware & where clean apps are the very rare exception rather than the norm. Most people simply don't care about this stuff. Congratulations on caring enough to make changes.
Google is a filthy company, much like Microsoft and Apple. CIA /NSA partners. No different in other countries. You get exactly what you expect from such State Mafia pairings. Android only gets worse and more restrictive as time goes on.
F-droid.org for all open-source apps that aren't reliant on any Play Store spyware. F-droid.org forums for any help. Probably the best way to start on your journey. I use Osmand on the odd occasion I need GPS. It is OK. I am looking into hosting my own ejabberd server for chat. I have some way to go...it's all new to me.
Removing as much Google spyware on a new device (after rooting) is essential, IMO (If not flashing with new Google-free firmware). That means all the stock Google apps and more - gone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0G6mUyIgyg
https://qz.com/1145669/googles-true...nd-nsa-research-grants-for-mass-surveillance/
https://exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/
I feel like over the next few months we're going to start to realize this as a society, especially as we close into the 2020 election in the US and Directive 13 and 15 close closer in at the EU.
To me, its important to get ahead of the game a bit.
Ideally, from my perspective, I don't see the need to have the newest phone on the market. This ecosystem has taught us that we'll see a new product every year no matter what but that newest product will always interface the buyers as abused beta testers. The technology never seems to be good until the a generation or three later.
That being said, a phone a few years back usually has a good development group around, especially thanks to XDA.
Besides dealing with the information that's on the company's servers, however, I have a learning concern that even inside Android, without GAPPS installed, there is still some potential for abuse of person's information stepping from the various repositories designed for call logs, calendar, GPS data etc that, in theory, every Android going back to 1.0 has.
Part of my hunt for good apps are ones that don't rely on that underpinning technology.

Are Android security patches necessary if you're using your phone cautiously?

I know it sounds like a base question since we're talking about security but I wonder in what instances are security patches really helping.
For example, suppose I only use the device with my data plan and my wifi at home (no public networks). Also suppose that I don't download 3rd party apps except those created by established companies like Microsoft (SwiftKey or Outlook). And suppose I don't visit many websites on my device (and especially no pr0n). In this instance, are security patches really necessary? Unlike most people, I don't do everything on my phone (no browsing the net, banking). I only use it for navigation, WhatsApp, and for calls.
I'm asking this question because I'm thinking about getting an Android phone. I'm currently an iPhone user and I want to break out of the Apple ecosystem. The problem is that some companies like HTC and LG seem to be slow to provide security patches or simply ignore them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDxUjSfp17E&t=6m35s
I'm interested in buying the LG V35 but the internet is full of comments about LG's horrendous support. I am mainly interested in keeping my emails and personal information safe. The only thing I value in the iPhone is the long-term support Apple provides but I'm willing to switch to Android if this isn't a concern if I use my phone exactly as I described above.
Thanks
Mity85 said:
I know it sounds like a base question since we're talking about security but I wonder in what instances are security patches really helping.
...
I'm interested in buying the LG V35 but the internet is full of comments about LG's horrendous support. I am mainly interested in keeping my emails and personal information safe. The only thing I value in the iPhone is the long-term support Apple provides but I'm willing to switch to Android if this isn't a concern if I use my phone exactly as I described above.
Thanks
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First of all, welcome to Android ?
To answer your questions, security patches are indeed necessary, because if one day you lose your phone, potential flaws that would be patched with security update would be grand opened to hacker that want your personal data (like photos, videos, emails, contacts,...).
Even though it's very rare, that's more secure to have an updated phone.
Now, if you want long term services (updates from Google with the latest features and security patches) you should definitely go for a Google Pixel. Plus those are powerful and have the best camera on the phone market right now (machine learning helps a lot).
If your price range is around 400 $, then go for the Pixel 3a, if you're around 800 $ then go for a Pixel 3.
If you can wait a bit, wait until the Pixel 4 release, I don't know if it'll be a good phone (probably) but what I know is the more recent your phone is, the longer it'll be updated.
But if you are below that, check out the Android One series, that's not Pixel devices, but they get as well the long term support.
Hope it helps
I'd like to expand on this question a bit.
I have a friend who is experiencing "severe security concerns" at the moment. I'm actually kind of worried about this particular friend. This friend seems to primarily have concerns over "being tracked", so I'm trying to find the best approach to at least putting these concerns in the proper frame so that knowledge and education of the device and what it does, and how to control it would be more attainable to said friend.
I know that the security updates are important, but how do you advise someone who isn't rich, and is looking for a new phone, but is willing to dabble with rooting, even to the extent of removing / not installing Gapps? This friend seems willing to learn, so I'd like to think that taking the big picture of "best security practices" into account is an option (ie. don't open suspicious email attachments, learn how to identify phishing scams, only install apps you trust, etc...).
In my experience, apart from kernel and driver level flaws that leave gaping wide-open back doors, security mostly comes down to "being wise with how the device is used". Is that a fair statement?
Yes, security is a combination and balance of user knowledge & usage, oem hardware security, software security, country laws, etc.
Thanks @galaxys
Is there anything about rooting that makes a typical Android device less secure?
Or more to the point, does the ability to omit Gapps provide any natural security enhancement?
I'm asking from the point of view of a "moderately experienced" individual who knows how to spot suspicious attachments/files and phishing scams, and knows how to do some bare-minimum vetting of where apps are installed from. For the sake of argument, let's say this user has no Gapps, and gets their apps from FDroid or ApkPure, or ApkMirror.

How is my privacy with CalyxOs?

Hello all,
I have been more privacy conscious for an extended period of time now. I use CalyxOs because I still need some apps, both work and personal that do not work in GrapheneOs. However, the last one I have a question regarding the collection of data by Big Tech and I am wondering to what extent I am about my privacy and if I am not taking too much actions for nothing? After all, I see a lot of videos and tutorials about degoogled phones. I understand that with degoogled phones combined with minimizing apps (and especially not installing google apps) it becomes more difficult for the Big Tech to get a full profile than with a stock os. So this means that I take all kinds of precautions that make me put more effort, like not using a lot of easy apps anymore, in device (now Pixel 4) much less good specs than e.g. Galaxy S21 etc. My question now is, to what extent do I actually protect my privacy this way? Some examples: I no longer use Gmail but Protonmail, but many of my recipients still use Gmail, so my mail "comes anyway" to Gmail. Conversations via Whatsapp, but also Signal or Session or Briar etc. are at my friends/family on a stock android. But then the conversations are also not private like on a CalyxOs right? So in short, what my question is, do these efforts and sacrifices of ease of use still have any use if all the two way interactions don't guarantee my privacy anyway?
I'm no expert and maybe someone can help me clarify the privacy process?
Thank you!
I recommend the following:
Use a custom Rom without any google stuff. There is either
1.) LineageOS for the Pixel4 _WITHOUT_ any "gapps", "mindthegapps", "microg" and whatever their names are.
2.) CalyxOS WITHOUT "microg" - make sure to switch off the checkbox during installtion.
3.) GrapheneOS
I only have experience with #1 & #2, i am using ~95 Apps and i discovered only one which refused to run without the socalled "PlayServices" and this is the "Flightradar24"
Some other ideas:
- use a personal firewall like NetGuard Pro or the built in one in CalyxOS and restrict as much as possible network access for ALL apps.
- use a dedicated contact app (i use "simple contacts" from FDroid) to separate private contacts from the "standard" contact app which can be read by Telegram or Whatsapp.
- extract the native Pixel4 camera app and sideload it onto your custom rom based phone and restrict network access of it to have all features of the good original Pixel Cam app.
- Do not use the google search engine, use "DuckDuckGo" or one of the other alternatives.
- check that you _do not use_ the google DNS servers (8.8.8.8) use another one like "digitalcourage" - check "duckduckgo" for trustworthy dns servers
- lock for the actual version of the "Privacy Handbook" there is a very good one but its in german language, not sure if there is a similar one in english
- regarding gmail: tell people that you _do not send_ mail to google mail. "gimme another mail adress plaese, i dont want to have the contents of my mail scanned by google POINT!"
In other words: Avoid as much as possible from "BigTech", use open source alternatives. Support Open Source projects. Use a privacy friendly mail provider, in DE they are cheap ~ 1,- €/month you have the privacy and a ad free WebGUI and you support their business.
The other side of the medal: Stay away from the Web/Internet/modern technology but this isn't a solution
Thats my 2 cents

General XDA Article: Google discusses security and how it fortified the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro

Google discusses security and how it fortified the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
Ahead of its release, Google discussed the impressive security features that are available on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
www.xda-developers.com
October 11, 2022 7:22pm Comment Timi Cantisano
Google discusses security and how it fortified the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro​The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are finally arriving to eager consumers tomorrow, and before their official retail release, Google has shed light on some of the phones’ security features, showing how the company took extra steps to build devices that protect users and their sensitive data.
Smartphones have become a big part of our daily lives, filled with personal photos, apps for education and entertainment, and even sensitive data like passwords, health information, and more. Because of this, Google outfitted the Pixel 7 series with its next-generation Tensor G2 processor and a custom Titan M2 security chip that offers layers of hardware protection to keep your data safe. The security that the chips offer is great for everyday use, but they’re also powerful enough to be used in business applications.
Google is confident in its Titan M2 security chip — so much so that the company had it certified under Common Criteria PP0084, a security standard that is used for ID and SIM cards, EMV-equipped bank cards, and other applications. In order to gain this certification, Google had its hardware tested by a third party, in which it received certification against CC PP0084 with AVA_VAN.5, the highest level of vulnerability assessment. This was a pretty painful process, as the company states that it took more than three years to achieve this certification.
The firm also made advancements in how it processes data with its Protected Computing initiative revealed during Google I/O in May, which it applied to the Pixel 7 devices. Even though Google does offer a lot of security through its hardware and software advancements, the company understands that it’s also important to give users the freedom of choice when it comes to the security experience by offering different options when it comes to user safety.
In addition to the above, Google takes things a step further by offering an extra layer of security by providing its own Virtual Private Network (VPN) service through Google One. The service encrypts network traffic and masks the user’s original IP address. This feature will come standard for Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro owners later this year without any extra costs, giving users another option to protect themselves when browsing the web using cellular data, personal Wi-Fi, or public hotspots. The service will be offered to users as long as the phones receive security updates.
Of course, we can’t forget about Android 13, which will also provide multiple layers of protection of its own on top of what we have already discussed. While the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are quite secure, they will eventually get even better, especially with Feature Drops, monthly security updates, and yearly OS upgrades. For its latest devices, Google has promised at least five years of security updates and at least three years of OS updates. If you are curious about either handset, you can now pre-order them with excellent incentives or wait for the retail release on October 13.
Source: Google Security Blog
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I wonder how the security measures will affect root and getting certain modules to work in magisk.
rester555 said:
I wonder how the security measures will affect root and getting certain modules to work in magisk.
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I doubt if it will at all, especially root itself, but we'll see.
rester555 said:
I wonder how the security measures will affect root and getting certain modules to work in magisk.
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I don't see anything new for the Pixel 7. The Pixel 6 is equipped with the same "titan m2".
The only other thing it talks about is the free access to "google vpn", which is just a software thing, and which instead of improving your security, will actually DIMINISH your security. Fact of the matter is that Google is THE ONE entity that you most need security in order to protect yourself FROM, so rather than having a few fringe connections sending data from your phone to google, now you get to feed ALL of your data through them. That's BAD. Remember: If its free, then YOU ARE THE PRODUCT.
Absolutely agreed about the VPN. I will use my own VPN. This is why I have pixel, to de-google my phone.
rester555 said:
Absolutely agreed about the VPN. I will use my own VPN. This is why I have pixel, to de-google my phone.
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I don't de-Google, but I believe their VPN only works on mobile data, too, and of course is very limited in capability. I use my own, too.
roirraW edor ehT said:
I don't de-Google, but I believe their VPN only works on mobile data, too, and of course is very limited in capability. I use my own, too.
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Actually it says it works on WiFi hotspots too so it's probably an always on VPN so Google can get more information about us directly into their servers.
I will stick with my trusty VPN.ac that I've had since 2016.
EtherealRemnant said:
Actually it says it works on WiFi hotspots too so it's probably an always on VPN so Google can get more information about us directly into their servers.
I will stick with my trusty VPN.ac that I've had since 2016.
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I don't think it's always on by default, but interesting about Wi-Fi, I'll have to test it again (I have since paying for Google One).
Android has a built-in method to enable always on for any VPN app. I use it with my own VPN, and I notice Google's VPN in the list of VPNs available to enable always on, first.
It's actually a clunky method to enable and disable always on for a particular VPN, if you want to enable and disable that capability often enough. I usually only want it on for certain kinds of activities. They need to implement a quick setting toggle to enable and disable always on for whatever VPN app you have set.

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