Android Without Google — Smartphones on Your Own Terms

Budget hardware, degoogled software, and the ongoing search for a phone that respects its owner.

While most of the tech world debates iPhone versus Android, Willem asks a different question entirely: what if your phone didn't spy on you? These posts trace a journey from budget Androids to Google-free operating systems, from photo gallery apps to the philosophy of durable hardware.

The smartphone is the most personal computer most people own — and the one they have the least control over. Willem has been systematically reclaiming that control for years.

Going Budget

It started with a provocation: can you use a budget Android as your main smartphone? Not a flagship, not last year's model, but a genuinely cheap phone — used deliberately, with intention. The post tested the premise and found that most of what we pay for in a phone is things we don't need.

Durable Smartphone

Durable Smartphone

Fairphone with Google Free /e/OS

While sitting in the train the guy in front of me surprised me, out of his fancy pants he pulled this well worn, patina rich, piece of tech. We're travelling first class and judging by his classy attire, this man is not of limited means. Like a well-raced Porsche, this thing has seen some action. Sunlight hitting the metal frame reveals a green hue, I recognise it to be an earlier generation Fairphone still going strong. This changed my view on smartphones, please read along.

Using a budget Android as main smartphone

Using a budget Android as main smartphone

Comparing a Nokia (€99) with an iPhone (€1329)

Every now and then, I switch phones to keep track of mobile developments. As professional app and web developer, I need to know how different devices work in real life. This time I used a budget Android smartphone, making me curious how it would compare to an expensive iPhone.

Going Google-Free

The next step was more radical. Using Google-free Android documents the experience of running a phone without any Google services — no Play Store, no Gmail, no Maps. What works, what breaks, and what you gain in return. It's one of Willem's most practically useful posts for anyone considering the same path.
Using Google Free Android

Using Google Free Android

Volla Phone as alternative to mainstream Android and iOS

Nearly all folks I know use iOS or Android from a mainstream smartphone brand, yet alternatives still exist! The German Volla Phone prides itself to be a worthy option for those who value privacy and freedom. I bought one to experience it firsthand, read along for my thoughts!

Building the Tools

When you leave the mainstream, you sometimes have to build your own tools. The Aves Gallery posts document Willem's search for a photo gallery app that works without cloud services. And Omarchy on iMac pushes the experiment further: running Android applications on Apple desktop hardware.

Omarchy on iMac

Omarchy on iMac

Breathing new life into an old computer with Linux

After helping a family member migrate to a new computer, I found myself with an old iMac. The machine from 2017 was very slow running modern macOS, yet I have a soft spot for these all-in-one computers designed by Jony Ive and his team. Could I install Linux on it to give it a second life?

Android Photo Library App

Android Photo Library App

All your photos in your pocket with Aves Gallery

In Europe the summer holidays are nearing their end and if you are like many young parents, you probably shot a ton of new photos and videos. These are not just a bunch of files, they are like windows into our personal memories. This post is about an Android app that you can use to look at all your memories, right from your pocket, no cloud or subscription required.

The Philosophy

Running through all these posts is a consistent thread: technology should be durable, repairable, and under your control. The durable smartphone piece makes the case explicitly. It connects to the broader themes of Willem's blog — the same person who builds his own bikes and runs his own servers also chooses his own phone software.

Durable Smartphone

Durable Smartphone

Fairphone with Google Free /e/OS

While sitting in the train the guy in front of me surprised me, out of his fancy pants he pulled this well worn, patina rich, piece of tech. We're travelling first class and judging by his classy attire, this man is not of limited means. Like a well-raced Porsche, this thing has seen some action. Sunlight hitting the metal frame reveals a green hue, I recognise it to be an earlier generation Fairphone still going strong. This changed my view on smartphones, please read along.

Podcast Downloader

Podcast Downloader

A Simple, Open-Source RSS Podcast Fetcher

Tired of being constantly nudged toward "more relevant content", I built a script to break free from commercial or closed-source podcast apps. I just wanted a tool that quietly grabs my favorite shows—no fuss, no tracking, no extras. Read this post to learn more; it's free/libre software under GPLv3.

Also explore

Apple ecosystem · digital minimalism · less screen time · built to last

All Smartphone and Freedom Posts

Every post about smartphones, mobile operating systems, and digital independence.

Open-Sourcing Gran Fondo

Open-Sourcing Gran Fondo

A Leap to Libre Fitness and Freedom

Gran Fondo, the app that tracks runs and rides, is going open-source. I’m removing its subscription model and make it libre. This isn’t about short-term revenue—it’s about building something enduring, private, and free for all. Here’s why I’m taking this plunge and what’s next.

Durable Smartphone

Durable Smartphone

Fairphone with Google Free /e/OS

While sitting in the train the guy in front of me surprised me, out of his fancy pants he pulled this well worn, patina rich, piece of tech. We're travelling first class and judging by his classy attire, this man is not of limited means. Like a well-raced Porsche, this thing has seen some action. Sunlight hitting the metal frame reveals a green hue, I recognise it to be an earlier generation Fairphone still going strong. This changed my view on smartphones, please read along.

Apple Watch as Phone

Apple Watch as Phone

Replace your smartphone with a smartwatch

Imagine a week without your smartphone, replaced solely by the sleek simplicity of a smartwatch. This week I did this, leaving my smartphone behind and letting an Apple Watch take the helm. Many hail this as a liberating escape from our attention-seeking digital sidekicks, but does it truly live up to the hype? Join me on this intriguing journey, where technology meets minimalism, and discover whether less really can be more.

Hello, stranger

Hello, stranger

Talking to random people

While enjoying my fresh wok lunch in Amsterdam, I noticed something odd: other folks coming in for something to eat ignored the person standing at the counter, preferring to order through a digital kiosk. The crazy thing about this? They are just centimetres apart!

For the love of mini

For the love of mini

The unexpected greatness of iPhone Mini

People regulary ask me why I have a small smartphone, a modern iPhone 13 Mini. Often I simply reply that I like it. The smaller size offers more than just an easier fit in your pocket. I have come to appreciate its intangible greatness, read along for the love of mini!

Using Google Free Android

Using Google Free Android

Volla Phone as alternative to mainstream Android and iOS

Nearly all folks I know use iOS or Android from a mainstream smartphone brand, yet alternatives still exist! The German Volla Phone prides itself to be a worthy option for those who value privacy and freedom. I bought one to experience it firsthand, read along for my thoughts!

The value of notifications

The value of notifications

How to setup your smartphone to save time

It's easy to dismiss your phone's notifications as something that disturbs you, something annoying. But if you take the time to set them up correctly, notifications can actually save you time in the long run. Gain more focus by taking control over your online connection to the world. Read along for some tips!

Some thoughts on touch screen user interface design

Some thoughts on touch screen user interface design

Creating intuitive natural interfaces

Past weeks I have been working on a new app involving personal health. The main challenge is to come up with an intuitive, natural interface that works well on small touch screen devices. But what is it that makes an touch screen interface any good? Read along for some best practices.

Scalable application design without magic

Scalable application design without magic

Leveraging client computing power for high performance with many users

As part of the online food ordering app I'm building, I needed to design a scalable backend infrastructure that could handle lots of concurrent users. Scalability is considered a hard problem to tackle. Often it's presented like it's something magical, done by million dollar companies using secret tools. But, there is no such thing as magic, or is there?

Designing an interface for a food ordering page

Designing an interface for a food ordering page

Striking a balance between powerful options and mobile usability

Online ordering pages are more important than ever before. The COVID-19 virus, the resulting lockdowns and the social distancing rules have emphasised the need for a well-designed webshop user interface. This is surprisingly hard to get right!

Riding with a power meter on your bike

Riding with a power meter on your bike

Installing and using the 4iiii Precision Powermeter

After I created a minimal road bike, I decided to install a power meter to find out what's it like to measure the power output of my legs. What can you learn from a power meter? Is it difficult to install? Is it worth it? Read along to find out.

The best bike computer app: Cyclemeter

The best bike computer app: Cyclemeter

Get advanced ride data with a flexible setup

This month I have intensified my training to become fit for this year's Fietselfstedentocht, a 235KM bicycle ride through Friesland. Over the years I have tested different kinds of bike computer setups: from dedicated (and expensive) Garmin Edge bike computers to no data at all. Eventually I came up with a flexible setup to gather advanced ride data using my smartphone, let me explain how this works.

Business in a bag

Business in a bag

Using a waterproof backpack to fit my gear

Over the past few months I have been testing different bags and cases to fit everything I need to run my business. As I commute by bike, the bag needs to be waterproof. The problem with waterproof gear is that it is usually very bulky. I need my gear to be both portable and representative, a challenge worth a blog post!

Is the Apple Watch the modern tool watch?

Is the Apple Watch the modern tool watch?

Testing the Apple Watch's usefulness in real life

This week I went to Frankfurt for business. I had to perform maintenance to servers in a data centre. This seemed like a great opportunity to test the Apple Watch's usefulness in real life (other than health and fitness). I wondered, is the Apple Watch the modern tool watch?

Using a budget Android as main smartphone

Using a budget Android as main smartphone

Comparing a Nokia (€99) with an iPhone (€1329)

Every now and then, I switch phones to keep track of mobile developments. As professional app and web developer, I need to know how different devices work in real life. This time I used a budget Android smartphone, making me curious how it would compare to an expensive iPhone.

Creating a minimal iPhone stand

Creating a minimal iPhone stand

Routing oak wood for a custom fit

Today I created a minimal iPhone stand from oak wood. While it's much faster to buy one online, I wanted one to fit my phone horizontally, with its case on. I like minimal design, so I opted to machine a single piece of wood to get it done.

Updating Snake '97

Updating Snake '97

About the challenges of developing a wildly popular game

Few years ago my brother threw a beer on my iPhone in an Amsterdam bar. The poor thing didn't like the Dutch brew as much as I do: it died. While waiting for a new phone to arrive, I used an old one that couldn't do anything but texting, calling and... Snake! The idea for Snake '97 was born and this month it was time to update the wildly popular game.

Lessons from a takeaway plastic bag

Lessons from a takeaway plastic bag

My ever increasing antipathy to planned obsolescence

About five months ago I got some take away food from our local Asian restaurant. They packaged the food and gave me a plastic bag to carry it home. On my way home I was thinking about the bag. Although it has some nice styling printed on it, it's designed for single use only. What a waste... making me wonder: how long would it last if you would use it on a daily basis?

The day I killed my LAN

The day I killed my LAN

Turned off my local network and went 4G only

Today I called my provider to quit my office's ADSL internet subscription, I don't need it anymore. I have turned off my local area network and switched my workflow onto mobile internet only. The simplicity and savings actually surprised me so much, that I made blog post for it.

Programming on Apple Watch

Programming on Apple Watch

Serious about crazy experiments

Over the past years I have been no stranger to crazy experiments, but this time I really wanted to push it into the extreme: programming on an Apple Watch. Would it be possible to actually write code on such a tiny device? Why even bother? This post is about the case for crazy experiments, and why you should try too!

Harvesting boredom to let creativity flourish

Harvesting boredom to let creativity flourish

using the Punkt MP01 dumb phone

Smartphones are everywhere in the modern society we live in today. Through our 4G and WiFi connections the internet is just one tap away. In fact, it is so close that it feels like a natural extension. But is this wealth of information all good or does it have a downside too? It seems like an interesting experiment to go app-less for a while and solely use a dumb phone.

Cash is king, or is it?

Cash is king, or is it?

The wallet- and cash-less experiment

Very often I see men carry a wallet filled with plastic: multiple debit and credit cards plus a bunch of loyalty programs and membership cards. Then, some even top it off with stinky paper money and sticky metal coins! It made me wonder if I can free up one pocket by ditching the wallet?
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