Imho the android vs "true linux" debate must resolve soon or act as a millstone against our hopes for a free mobile device.
The desired end state of the world is one where is a well developed and mass-usable "third option" besides the duopoly. There should be a well identifiable app store where vital apps that one cannot not use (public sector, banking, medical etc) can be available, ideally as open source.
There are clearly major obstacles on the hardware side due to the cartel nature of mass mobile production and distribution but having a diffuse vision on the software side doesn't help.
The experience with linux desktop suggests that remaining niche and techie oriented is not fatal. The FOSS model has long term resilience. But the stakes are those days so high that a FOSS mobile in any shape or form that can break into the mass market would literally change the world.
The desired end state of the world is one where is a well developed and mass-usable "third option" besides the duopoly. There should be a well identifiable app store where vital apps that one cannot not use (public sector, banking, medical etc) can be available, ideally as open source.
There are clearly major obstacles on the hardware side due to the cartel nature of mass mobile production and distribution but having a diffuse vision on the software side doesn't help.
The experience with linux desktop suggests that remaining niche and techie oriented is not fatal. The FOSS model has long term resilience. But the stakes are those days so high that a FOSS mobile in any shape or form that can break into the mass market would literally change the world.