Having used iOS my entire life, the switch to GrapheneOS will be a big change. I have learned over the past year about Android, GrapheneOS, and apps to use. I managed to find most of the apps I was looking for, but there are some I struggled with. I had trouble finding privacy respecting, open source apps for the following categories (I’ve listed what apps I did find, but want to see if there are better alternatives.)

  • Local AI: For AI I was able to find MLC LLM, but the iOS version is a bit broken so I’m unable to confirm if it’s what I’m looking for. I want something capable of running Llama 3. This was by far the hardest category to find an app for.

  • Backup: I found Neo Backup and Seedvault. I want to be able to backup files, photos, app data, etc.

  • IDE: I was only able to find Neovim (which I’m not even sure is an IDE). I primarily code with Python (but also code in Java as well as others), and I want to be able to run quick scripts when I’m out and about.

  • Torrent: While torrenting on a phone isn’t necessary, it has certain scenarios when it’s useful. If this is a major hole in privacy and security, I don’t mind leaving this off my list. I found LibreTorrent as an option.

  • Local file sharing: This is one I’m most curious about. I want a way to share files between my Linux computer and phone. LocalSend and Warpinator seem to be tied as far as popularity, maybe I can get some insight here. I want it to be strictly over the local network.

  • Network monitoring: This is nice to have for a variety of reasons. I want something like Wireshark for Android. I couldn’t find many great options, but I found Vernet.

  • eBook reader: I’m sure the option I picked here is fine, but I wanted a second opinion about Libera Reader.

  • Terminal: I’ve heard a lot of different opinions for terminal emulators for Android, so please put up a good case for whichever one I should go with. Neovim is apparently (technically?) a terminal emulator. I’m increasingly confused about what Neovim actually is. I also found Termux and I eventually found too many options to find a clear choice.

  • Movies: Because many movie streaming services are privacy invasive, I’m looking for an ethical way to watch movies. I found Stremio which I have never heard of before. This isn’t a topic that gets covered very often.

I am aware of AlternativeTo, and it’s what I used to find some of these trickier apps, but nothing beats hearing first hand experiences. Thank you all for your help!

  • Ilandar@aussie.zone
    61·
    7 months ago

    You could maybe swap LibreTorrent for BiglyBT as the former seems to have been abandoned.

    Stremio does contain some trackers and several years ago the creators even included coin mining functionality, so I personally wouldn’t trust it from a privacy perspective. However I do use it myself and it is a pretty good application.

      • Ilandar@aussie.zone
        3·
        7 months ago

        I have but only for very occasional torrenting. I also used LibreTorrent previously but 2+ years without an update had me a bit worried about a security risk or unexpected bugs. BiglyBT has also gone 8 months without an update but they are still updating the desktop clients so I assume that they’ll get around to the Android one eventually.