When you think of mobile Linux, most people would think of Android, followed by something like a PinePhone or Librem5. But, there is
another mobile Linux distro that is often neglected. KaiOS is a fork of the old Firefox OS, and it is one of the only non-Android Linux distros
that actually has commercial steam. I myself have recently switched to a KaiOS flip phone, and I am going give my honest review of this
unusual operating system.
The fact that KaiOS is proprietary other than the core Mozilla components makes it not even on the table for anyone who wants a “Linux phone”. Like, even Android is better in that regard AND has better compatibility and app support.
This is honestly Mozilla’s fault, because they used a weak copyleft license that only copylefts individual files. If they had used an “infectious” copyleft license like GPL, KaiOS would most likely be forced to be entirely open source.
I agree. If you are looking for a “Linux phone”, the Pinephone or a regular phone with Ubuntu Touch are great. KaiOS’s only real use is filling the niche of people like me who would prefer to have a flip phone. I don’t know if you’ve tried a Android flip phone in a while, but they are utter shit. KaiOS makes the experience a lot better.
But yeah, I really think that Mozilla should have used GPL. I’m not a big fan of the MPL.
It’s a mix of many different things. I do like the form factor, but the main appeal for me is that I can use it as just a phone, and nothing more. With a Smartphone I will be tempted to browse social media & play games, but I found that with my Flip Phone I am much more focused and don’t waste as much time.
With a Smartphone I will be tempted to browse social media & play games
If you ever have to switch to using a smart phone again, one thing that might help is making the screen monochrome in the android developer options. Removing the colors from the screen makes our ape brains not get as excited and more focused on tasks. It also works on desktops.
Edit for additional thoughts:
One downside of using a flip phone compared to a smartphone is the lack of security based applications like encrypted messaging for example.
Yeah, I tried that, but my brain seems more like a Fish than an Ape. It didn’t really work. While the lack of security based applications may seem like an issue, I am able to use all of my encrypted messaging services on my Laptop & Desktop, so I don’t really feel like I’m missing anything.
The fact that KaiOS is proprietary other than the core Mozilla components makes it not even on the table for anyone who wants a “Linux phone”. Like, even Android is better in that regard AND has better compatibility and app support.
This is honestly Mozilla’s fault, because they used a weak copyleft license that only copylefts individual files. If they had used an “infectious” copyleft license like GPL, KaiOS would most likely be forced to be entirely open source.
I agree. If you are looking for a “Linux phone”, the Pinephone or a regular phone with Ubuntu Touch are great. KaiOS’s only real use is filling the niche of people like me who would prefer to have a flip phone. I don’t know if you’ve tried a Android flip phone in a while, but they are utter shit. KaiOS makes the experience a lot better.
But yeah, I really think that Mozilla should have used GPL. I’m not a big fan of the MPL.
What is the appeal of a flip phone? Is it specifically the physical form factor or is there something else I’m missing?
It’s a mix of many different things. I do like the form factor, but the main appeal for me is that I can use it as just a phone, and nothing more. With a Smartphone I will be tempted to browse social media & play games, but I found that with my Flip Phone I am much more focused and don’t waste as much time.
If you ever have to switch to using a smart phone again, one thing that might help is making the screen monochrome in the android developer options. Removing the colors from the screen makes our ape brains not get as excited and more focused on tasks. It also works on desktops.
Edit for additional thoughts: One downside of using a flip phone compared to a smartphone is the lack of security based applications like encrypted messaging for example.
Yeah, I tried that, but my brain seems more like a Fish than an Ape. It didn’t really work. While the lack of security based applications may seem like an issue, I am able to use all of my encrypted messaging services on my Laptop & Desktop, so I don’t really feel like I’m missing anything.