Android Uncovered is a new series dedicated to spotlighting unique Android-powered businesses, projects, and innovations. From privacy-first platforms like Murena to bold reimaginings of mobile technology, I dive into the stories that push Android beyond the mainstream.
The first company to be featured in the Android Uncovered series is Murena — a bold player redefining mobile privacy with its de-Googled Android ecosystem and sleek, user-first devices.
Murena:
Murena is a French technology company dedicated to providing privacy-focused smartphones and cloud services, aiming to offer users control over their digital lives without reliance on major tech corporations like Google or Apple.
Origins and Mission
Founded by Gaël Duval, the creator of Mandrake Linux, Murena emerged from the /e/ Foundation—a non-profit organization established in 2018 to develop /e/OS, a privacy-centric mobile operating system. Murena serves as the commercial arm, offering devices and services that prioritize user privacy.
/e/OS: The Privacy-Centric Operating System
At the heart of Murena’s offerings is /e/OS, an open-source, Android-based operating system designed to eliminate Google’s proprietary components.
- MicroG Integration: An open-source alternative to Google Play Services, ensuring app compatibility without compromising privacy.
- Advanced Privacy Tools: Built-in features to block trackers, hide IP addresses, and manage app permissions effectively.
- App Lounge: A unique app store that allows users to download Android applications anonymously, providing privacy ratings for informed choices.
Murena Devices and Services
Murena offers a range of smartphones pre-installed with /e/OS, including the Murena One and Murena Two, which feature hardware privacy switches. Additionally, the company has introduced a de-Googled version of the Pixel Tablet, Pixel 7/8, CMF Phone 1, providing users with a tablet option that aligns with their privacy values.
- Secure Cloud Storage: Encrypted storage solutions starting with 1GB of free space, with options to upgrade as needed.
- Productivity Tools: Privacy-respecting alternatives for email, calendar, contacts, and document management.
Commitment to Privacy and Sustainability
Murena’s philosophy centers on ethical technology practices, emphasizing:
- User Data Sovereignty: Ensuring that personal data remains under the user’s control, free from unsolicited surveillance.
- Transparency: Utilizing open-source software to allow community auditing and trust.
- Environmental Responsibility: Offering refurbished devices and encouraging the reuse of accessories to minimize electronic waste.
Global Reach and Community Engagement
Murena serves customers across Europe, North America, and Asia, fostering a global community of users committed to digital privacy. The company actively engages with its user base through forums, feedback initiatives, and open-source contributions, continually refining its offerings based on community input.
Murena Pixel Tablet
As mentioned above, Murena has launched its first tablet: a de-Googled version of Google’s Pixel Tablet. This device runs on Murena’s /e/OS, an Android-based operating system that removes Google’s apps and services to protect user data from being collected.The Verge
Key Features:
- Hardware: The Murena Pixel Tablet is available in a single color with 128GB of storage, priced at $549. This is higher than Google’s $399 price for the same version, and it doesn’t include the charging speaker dock.The Verge
- Software: /e/OS replaces Google’s suite with privacy-focused alternatives for messaging, email, maps, web browsing, calendar, contacts, notes, and voice recordings. The Google Play Store is absent; instead, users can access apps through /e/OS’ App Lounge, which allows anonymous browsing and downloading of free apps. However, downloading paid apps requires logging into a Google account.The Verge
- Murena Workspace: This service offers productivity apps and 1GB of secure cloud storage for free, with options to upgrade to 20GB for $2.49/month or 128GB for $7.49/month.The Verge
Overall, the Murena Pixel Tablet caters to users who prioritize privacy and are willing to adapt to a Google-free environment.
TL;DR
Murena’s de-Googled Pixel Tablet offers a privacy-centric alternative to Google’s standard tablet. Running on /e/OS, it eliminates Google’s apps and services, replacing them with secure alternatives. While it comes at a higher price point of $549 and lacks certain features like the charging dock, it appeals to users seeking greater control over their digital privacy.
Home Server Revolution:
Just like Murena is reclaiming the smartphone space from surveillance capitalism, Home Server Revolution helps you take back control of your digital life at home. It’s a practical, no-nonsense guide to building your own Linux-based server using Ubuntu and Samba—letting you store, share, and back up your data on your terms. No ads, no subscriptions, no Big Tech in the middle.