Yeah, that’s why it’s still in the “considering” phase for me as well - especially considering Trump’s tariffs crap. It also seems a tad underpowered for the price, and they still don’t have the promised removable battery replacements in their store.

It’s worth remembering, though, that the cost covers the constant software updates, as well as their user support. As such, it’s much like the Apple model of business, except much more open - so in the end it’s probably worth it.

That would just continue to ensure lock-in, and at least the EU would never go for that (& neither would I). Sideloading should still be allowed.

Google’s Play Store security has never been all that stellar, anyway.

Taking Google at their word for a moment, it’s far too easy to scam the clueless masses into selecting the first one. Might work okay if it’s strictly an ADB command, tho.

Thankfully, for those of us without the time for all that there are Linux phones such as this one I’m considering.

Run a personal VPN server at the home address and have external users route through it. I’d think it’d work for any subscription service doing this crap. I’m surprised nobody has started selling a turnkey self-hosted VPN device that even a non-techie can get running in a few steps - all the end users would need is an app that does split tunneling for the media players.

No problem. In what is perhaps a bit of serendipitous timing, I also just came across this Android app which aims to make an Android device plugged into a PC via USB look like a standard keyboard & mouse - although it looks like your device needs to be rooted. If Simon doesn’t work out for you (I see the Windows version hasn’t been updated in over a decade, and even the Linux version has only seen sporadic activity), then perhaps this app in combination with the apps you mentioned in your OP could suffice for your needs (assuming you have an Android device since you specifically called out a couple of apps for it).

Simon is the only one I can find. I’ve no experience with it - just did some searching out of curiosity. Seems mainly for Linux, but the page says there’s Windows support, too.

When it doesn’t work, will they cover it up by going full Minority Report?

Heck, I’da done it for just 1% of that.

I doubt they built it with the processing power for that when the audio picked up from a large number of these placed throughout the building can all be routed to a central server with the power to follow people around and maintain audio contact wherever they go.

Statute of limitations ran out.

That’s not what I wanted, hew-man!

…and a similar disparity in cost.

Whatever the language’s equivalent of x86 assembly “NOP” is (forgive me - been decades since I programmed, so I’m not up on the modem languages).

But they know their competitions are doing to adopt the same type of tech, so where are those customers going to go when they have no choice?

Never mind all the dropped packets when they come across prey too good to pass up.

Typically, no. This term, however…

That’d mean Jesus was at least bi, if not outright gay. Hmm… might just test the waters with him in order to watch MAGAts completely lose their shit…

You don’t realize it yet, but you have been saavvveeeeddddd by these wonnerful deee-sigh-pulls of Jesus! Can I get an “AMEN,” brothers & sisters?!?

🙄

So, PinePhone is gonna be a mature project… when? Can’t be soon enough.