The mobile platform /e/os 2.4, with a strong focus on user data privacy, has been released. Founded by Gael Duval, the creator of the Mandrake Linux distribution, the platform provides firmware for various popular smartphone models. Murena, a partner brand, offers smartphones with pre-installed /e/OS firmware. The platform supports 180 smartphones, including models from OnePlus, Fairphone, Teracube, and Pixel.
Developed as a branch from the Android platform, the /e/OS firmware is rooted in LineageOS achievements and is designed to free devices from Google services and infrastructure. This maintains compatibility with Android applications while blocking telemetry transmission to Google servers and ensuring high levels of confidentiality. Implicit data sharing with Google servers, such as network availability checks and DNS resolving, is also blocked.
The preinstalled MicroG Pack enables interaction with Google services without the need for proprietary components, offering independent alternatives instead. For location-based services, the platform utilizes the unifiednlp layer to access open services like openwlanmap, openbmap, and opensellid. A proprietary metasearch service based on Searx engine ensures anonymity in search queries.
To replace Google services like NTP and DNS servers, the platform incorporates alternative providers like NTP Pool Project and current DNS providers. The default web browser includes ad-blocking and anti-tracking scripts. A custom service for file and data synchronization, based on Nextcloud infrastructure, is also available for user-controlled installations.
The user interface of the platform has been significantly overhauled, featuring a redesigned environment for launching applications called Blisslauncher. This overhaul aims to provide users with a seamless and privacy-focused experience on their devices.