Updates
Latest experiment updates.
GrapheneOS
I have bought a new phone and installed GrapheneOS on it. So far the experience as been smooth. I have not really started daily driving it fully so I still don't know how that will feel.
My old phone was getting so old that it no longer receives security updates so that is why I decided it was time for a new phone. And as part of the experiment here I decided to try out GrapheneOS.
One of the really refreshing things about a new phone has been the opportunity to clean out apps I don't use. Normally I'd just let Google sync everything from my old phone. But this time I have not done that. I want to try to keep my new phone more minimalistic.
Vivaldi
I have switched to Vivaldi as my main browser. The thing that kept me from doing this previously is that I used the built-in Google Password manager in Chrome. But now that I'm using Proton Pass I can freely switch browsers.
More Syncthing
I really love Syncthing. I have created my own workflow that allows me to maintain music and podcast videos/audio on my laptop and then always have it synced with my phone.
Doing this I think I'll be able to end my reliance on YouTube Music / Spotify. It feels good be more in control of my own media.
Security key
Bought a new security key. I already had one but did not use it too often. Now I have two - one main and one backup. I also started using the keys more - first step was to make sure I have them connected with my important accounts.
I secure a lot of my accounts with passkeys. But for a while I have been a bit nervous about what would happen should I lose my phone - or worse: lose access to my Google account.
It feels good to be a bit more resilient on this front. My goal is to not rely solely on any one online provider (or any one physical device).
Reading
I've been reading Extreme Privacy and it has been quite interesting. Initially I devoured page after page, thinking I would implement many of the techniques. But the book is called Extreme Privacy for a reason. Implementing all of it would have a serious impact on my daily life. An impact I don't need to have as I don't need that level of privacy.
That said, there are a lot of good information and plenty of things I can do.
My first step has been looking into Proton.me. I'm trying out some of their services to see if they fit my needs.
I already started using their VPN a while back. Now I'm trying out their Pass and Drive.
Of course using Proton means I'm still relying on a provider. But at least I'm moving some of my reliance from Microsoft and Google to a company that is clearly focused on privacy. I think this is a good first step.
The first thing I have moved to the Proton Drive is my Obsidian notes. This works out of the box on macOS. But syncing to my Android phone was a bit trickier. I've started using Syncthing and so far I'm impressed. Was easy to set up and the folder now syncs better than it did with my previous setup.
Syncthing doesn't sync directly via Proton Drive but instead P2P. Which is actually better as it means I don't rely on Proton Drive (or any other cloud provider) for the sync - should I replace it with something else the sync will still continue to work as before. Proton Drive is now more just for continuous backup.
I'm hoping this will go a bit like my HomeLab experiment.
In that experiment I focused on the technology I use at home and tried out different solutions to improve it. Many of the things I changed have had lasting positive impact on my life.
This has been a good experiment.
I have improved a lot of core tech I use: my computer, phone, kindle, etc.
As these are daily drivers, small improvements can mean a lot.
Overall I have two big takeaways:
- Check out open source alternatives
Much of what I did on the software side was switching from closed source corporate software to open source.
I didn't do this for everything. E.g., I ended up using my MacBook with macOS for now. But for a lot of things, open source alternatives are great. Often the solutions are even better. E.g., I really enjoy Miniflux as it has the features I need and not a lot of bloat some RSS readers come with.
- Reconsider your assumptions
It's often healthy to experiment, even with things you assume are working just fine.
Jailbreaking my kindle is one such example. I enjoyed my kindle before but like it even better now that I also have the option of using KOReader alongside the normal kindle experience.
Switching from desktop to laptop with a cheap docking hub is another example. My setup is now simpler as I only have one machine.
November 2025 savings rate: 71%.
This is not accounting for pension payments that are made before I received my pay.
October 2025 savings rate: 59%.
This is not accounting for pension payments that are made before I received my pay.