this post was submitted on 25 Jul 2026
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Linux is already the most common kernel in phones in 2026. In this case we really have to distinguish between Linux (incl. Android) and GNU/Linux.
And given that AOSP is already FOSS, it doesn't exactly sound like a priority to reinvent the wheel of a FOSS smartphone OS.
Being able to make apps in plain Python or Rust, without running Android Studio sounds like a dream. Automatic simple things with cron. Using standard systemd, pipewire, wayland software stack... Being able to see data of apps and backup them with Restic or Syncthing. Repurposing old smartphone as Raspberry Pi replacement...
There are so many things we miss.
Of course those would be good things. It still doesn't sound like priority #1 when it comes to software freedom alone especially in a world where smartphones are mostly not open systems designed for installation of any new operating systems.
AOSP is controlled and maintained by a single bad-faith entity. We need a community-maintained, community-led replacement ASAP.
Yes, alas the tech community is too infested of liberals who don't see how the current make up of corpo backed up "foss" is bad for the overall community, like the commenter above. We're in an all time high disinterestedness about FOSS policies and politics.
The guys who created the ecosystem were experienced adults, the kids who are inheriting it don't know nothing and don't want to learn it either.
The old men are culprit of this too, Linux was never aboult only "gaming like Windows" and they failed at teaching this. And here we are.
back in my day
~~pun definitely intended~~
Nope, this os more about the state of things in general. I'm not only blaming the kids, certainly there also insidious work at play here in how nobody is stepping up to keep the boat on the original intended course.
And the old gurus are to blame as well, many either kneel to the Man with fat pockets or stopped to care.
As for what is the right course, do you see the "socialist" up there? That's also a discussion we have in our circles. "Is mass adoption always good?" Or "Is it better to have 5% of highly engaged people in a community whom the (apolitical) 'sheep' will follow and learn to and to build up from there?" You may guess my favorite approach.