CalyxOS 8.0 has been released, a firmware based on the Android platform, free from ties to Google services and offering additional tools for privacy and security. The new release is updated to Android 17 and is available in builds for Pixel 5-10, Fairphone 4-6, Motorola Moto G32-G84, and SHIFTphone 8.
Instead of Google services, CalyxOS offers a suite of microG with an alternative implementation of the Google Play API, Google Cloud Messaging, and Google Maps, requiring no proprietary Google components. A layer utilizing Position or BeaconDB services is used instead of Google Network Location Provider for determining locations via Wi-Fi and cell towers. Nominatim from the OpenStreetMap project is used for address conversion to location (Geocoding Service).
Access to the network is managed using the Datura firewall, which allows restricting network access based on individual applications, connection methods (Wi-Fi, mobile network, VPN), and activity (for example, access can be denied to apps running in the background). There is an interface for monitoring application permissions. By default, the Calyx Chromium browser with the DuckDuckGo search engine is used, while the Tor Browser is available as an option. For app installations, F-Droid and Aurora Store (an alternative anonymous client for Google Play) are offered.
Other features of CalyxOS:
- The privacy-focused calling interface allows calls through Signal and WhatsApp using end-to-end encryption. Confidential phone numbers, such as those for helplines, are hidden from the call log.
- By default, unknown USB devices are blocked.
- A function to disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microphone, and camera after a certain period of inactivity.
- Network access lockdown mode for newly installed applications.
- The ability to use profiles to separate work and personal activities with data and application isolation between profiles.
- Integrated VPN support with pre-installed applications for Tor and Riseup. Capability to use the phone in hotspot mode (USB or Wi-Fi) with traffic routed through VPN or Tor.
- Verification of the system through digital signatures to protect against firmware spoofing or malicious alterations.
- Automatic monthly delivery of updates via OTA (over-the-air).
- Panic button for emergency data wipe and removal of specific applications.
- Automated application backup system that allows backups to be saved on a USB drive or in the Nextcloud cloud storage with client-side encryption.
- Using CoMaps for map navigation, OnionShare for file sharing, and Thunderbird for email.
Changes in the new release, aside from the upgrade to Android 17, include:
- Official builds are now available for the Pixel 10a smartphone.
- The device-flasher utility has additional checks to prevent bricking the device and now allows firmware installation from macOS environments.
- Updated applications include microG 0.3.17.252432, Chromium 155.0.8059.16, and the Etar calendar/planner 1.0.57.
- The file manager now features a Material Design 3 look.
- For Pixel Tablet, an option has been added to use desktop mode from the home screen.
Source: opennet.ru
