Calyx OS: Is There a New Boy in the Smartphone OSTown?

The Android vs iOS debate has been on for a very long time, and there doesn't seem to be an end to this debate. This does not mean that these 2 operating systems will remain the only ones in the game. The Calyx OS is the newest operating system in town. We have seen multiple smartphone operating systems come and go. So how does the Calyx OS stand differently on things and what new does it bring to the end-users.

In this article, we will answer questions like why there is a need for it? What exactly is Calyx OS? How is it better than android? And how much threat can it pose on Google.? So let's get right into it and see what this new OS is all about.

Why Is There a Need for It?

One thing that people need to keep in mind is that Android is open source. Meaning that the code is completely public and because of that there are no hidden spyware or trackers. The reason behind this is when Google started, they had nothing. They were behind Apple in the race of mobile operating systems. The only redeeming factor about Android, back then, was it was completely free and open. This did not take a lot of time to change. Google realized that this is not a very good idea, and it is not benefitting from it. The code is open source and, therefore, is available to everyone. Over the years, Google has been taking the tools of Android like the calendar, music player, the camera and improving them. They also made the improved versions of these apps closed source. Any app that is using any Google service needs you to hand your permissions to the Google Play Store.

Not to forget, Google is an advertising company. So they will take this data and use it to show you related ads and content. However, this data just doesn't stay with Google. The company has been notoriously infamous for providing user data to government, whenever asked. The truth is that most Android phone you buy off the shelf are tracking you in ways you don't fully know. This is why Calyx OS exists.

What Exactly is Calyx OS?

Calyx OS uses the open source formula as Google but rather than having Google Play Services on top of it, it has something called microG. It creates a random anonymous and unique identifier which will be registered as a Google device, but your activities can not be traced back to you. So you can use Google Maps, watch YouTube and download apps without signing in to any account. Using this OS, you get not one but two app stores.

One is F-Droid, which provides you with all the open source applications. The code to this store is completely open, so no one can store your data. It also has the Aurora store. It is like the Play Store but when you download an app through it, rather than you going to Google and getting that app, it's Aurora that goes to Google and gets it for you. Hence, the only information that Google sees is the random email address that Aurora creates. The only thing you can not do is pay for apps, which they are currently working on. The Aurora store also tells you which apps come with what trackers.

How is it Better Than Android?

Calyx has most of the perks of Android, but the privacy features are something that needs more focus. The Calyx OS has a built-in firewall that allows you to restrict the internet access that each of your apps could have. For instance, if you want to use Google's camera for better photos, you might think about the faces of your loved ones getting stored on the database. With the Calyx OS, you can cut off the communication with Google with the help of the firewall. The best part about doing this that it cuts off ads and also extends your battery life. Adding to that, it also gives a lot of control on the app permissions. It gives you a visual representation of the permissions that every app uses. On top of that, it has a permanently active free VPN so that your internet traffic can not be traced.

The privacy features also extend to normal activities like making a call. While calling from the Calyx OS, instead of the usual dialler, it makes a Signal call which is end-to-end encrypted. They managed to swap all the data gathering apps with some alternative. For Chrome browser, they have Chromium, which is Chrome without all the proprietary extras. Google Maps is replaced by Open Street Maps and even Google Drive is replaced by SeedVault.

There are multiple other features that make this OS better. If you go to the dialler, there is an option of helpline. Here you can find all the helpline numbers and if you dial them, they won't get registered in your call logs. The OS also comes with a panic button and users can customize it according to their needs.

How Much Threat Can it Pose on Google?

As mentioned above, Google is an advertising company. They draw revenue out of the data that is shared with them by the users. If Calyx becomes one of the operating systems in the market, then people will start becoming aware about their privacy and data. Currently, the founder of the OS is trying to partner with an OEM like Xiaomi where they can launch phones with this OS. However, this will make Xiaomi get in difficult terms with Google. The company relies heavily on the services of Google, and it can be a tricky decision.

There have been multiple operating systems in the past that have tried to bring a change in the way we use our smartphone, however, Calyx looks different. The OS is more user-centric than the others. This might take some time for the consumers to see and realize the potential, but let's hope that it happens sooner rather than later.