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For all of the technological advancements of smartphones, we are still yet to see a consumer phone that gives users the ability to boot into the operating system of their choice – similar to how PCs work. The PinePhone is the latest in a short line of efforts to deliver such a phone to us.
The PinePhone , which is still development, is capable of running mainline Linux and booting up into any one of the available multiple Linux mobile operating systems.
Prevous efforts to produce consumer smartphones running Linux has failed. Phones running Ubuntu OS Mobile were available in the market for a few years and then died off, though Ubuntu Touch lives on as its successor. Sailfish OS phones are still available in select regions of the world – especially Russia, where it has been adopted as the official opearting system.
There are a few others in the works, including Librem 5 , and Eelo (or /e/) , both of which have phones shipping already.
Usually, Linux OS phones are manufactured with one key selling point – liberty from spying and snooping by big corporation and by government. A second, less mainstream proposition is the ability to run your preferred Linux OS.
Linux never gained mainstream acceptance on PC and continues that struggle on mobile. PinePhone is hoping to change that.
PinePhone Hardware Killswitches
The phone has 6 hardware killswitches, so the user can completely disable any of the following features:
- Modem: On enables 2G/3G/4G communication and GNSS hardware, off disables.
- WiFi/BT: On enables Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication hardware, off disables.
- Microphone: On enables audio input from on-board microphones (not 3.5mm jack), off disables.
- Rear camera: On enables the rear camera, off disables.
- Front camera: On enables the front camera, off disables.
- Headphone: On enables audio input and output via the 3.5mm audio jack, off switches the jack to hardware UART mode.
PinePhone Quick Specs
- Display: 5.95″ 18:9 apect ratio, IPS LCD display.
- Processor: Allwinner A64
- GPU: ARM Mali 400 MP2
- RAM: 2GB
- Internal Storage: 16GB
- Expandable Storage: micro-SD card up to 1TB
- Battery: 3000mAh battery with 15W quick charging
Here is a demontration video showing four different Linux OSes – Ubuntu Touch, PostMarketOS, KDE Neon, and LuneOS – running on the PinePhone:
PinePhone Release Date
This Linux phone is expected in the market by March 2020. However, a “braveheart” edition for geeks and techies who want to tweak and tinker with hardware, is currently available for purchase from the PINE64 store. There is no OS preinstalled on this edition though. If you are looking for a usable smartphone. do not touch the “braveheart” edition. Wait till March.
For more details, check out the full PinePhone specifications .
References
- Source 1
- Source 2
Author:Mister Mobility
Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004
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These days that touchscreen smartphones are what almost all individuals make use of, the tendency of them scratching are quite high. There are different types of scratches which vary from a full-blown wreck of your smartphone to just a cosmetic grievance, which depends on the placement and severity of the scratch. Even though the scratches that are worst normally need one to change the screen, you can solve moderate and mild scratches at home.
For scratches to be removed from the screen of a phone, you can attempt buffing the scratches out using glass polish (if the screen is glass), and toothpaste (if the screen is plastic). After you’ve handled the issue, you’re also required to check out precautions for you to prevent scratches in the future.
Making use of toothpaste (for plastic screens)
Step 1 . Get your toothpaste ready Your morning routine or medicine cabinet should already have toothpaste as a standard part of it. Made to have an abrasive nature, you can fix plastic scratch using toothpaste in the same manner that it cleans the teeth. Since it’s home-based and should not need you to buy again, the recommended way of fixing plastic scratches is with the use of toothpaste.
To get rid of scratches, your toothpaste is required to be abrasive. Check the box of your toothpaste if you aren’t sure about the type of toothpaste you use. Similar abrasive features can also be seen in a baking soda mixture. If you would rather you made use of baking soda, simply stir into a paste, then make use of it in a similar manner.
Step 2 . Use an applicator to dab the toothpaste Since this remedy is home-based, there are not any set rules of application that you’re required to make use of. A toothbrush, cotton swabs, paper towel, or a soft cloth can all be used for this. Anytime you dab the toothpaste; you’re only required to make use of a pea-sized amount. If you use more, it will make a mess that’s unwieldy on your phone.
Step 3 . Apply the toothpaste to the scratch As soon as you have gotten your toothpaste dab, rub the dab around your screen in a circular, gentle manner. Do this continuously till you can barely notice the scratch. Since the toothpaste has an abrasive nature itself, you would not require applying a lot of pressure. Continue scrubbing till you begin to notice its progress. Even if the scratch on the phone is too visible than you can totally do away with, the scratch should be reduced by the abrasion. If the scratch is too obvious, toothpaste would not be sufficient to get rid of it. At least, it should reduce how most scratches look.
Step 4 . Clean your phone As soon as the scratch has been reduced to your satisfaction, cleaning the toothpaste is a very easy process. Taking a slightly damp, soft cloth then wiping off the excess toothpaste is a great beginning. From there, you can pick a polishing cloth then wipe away any oil or dirt which have built up on the screen of your phone. Doing this will make you renew how your phone looks, and most likely make your phone have a better look than it was even before it had a scratch.
Making use of glass polish (for glass screens)
Step 1 . Buy a cerium oxide polish If the screen on your phone is made of glass, you will need to make use of a solution that is more heavy-duty compared to baking soda or toothpaste to get rid of scratches from your phone. In a situation like this, it is recommended you make use of a cerium oxide polish. You can buy this polish in a pre-mixed form or as a soluble powder. Obviously, a more convenient option is the pre-mixed polish, as you will get a higher value when you purchase it in its powdered form.
Cerium oxide powder of 100 grams should be sufficient when it has to do with polishing the screen of your phone. You’ll likely want to purchase more amount so you can also use it if there are any future scratches.
Step 2 . Mix the powder into a slurry. In case you purchased a powdered cerium oxide, you will initially be required to prepare the mix yourself. Fortunately, the process is straightforward, and most likely worth the money you will be saving. Pour a volume of powder (about 50-100 grams) into a little container. Carefully add water until the solution you’re making has the consistency of dairy cream. Continue mixing as you’re pouring the water to ensure you have a correct measurement.
You don’t have to make the measurement perfect when it has to do with this polish, as long as you ensure that there is enough water that can make the polish soak into an applicator. You can skip this step in case you bought a pre-mixed polish.
Step 3 . Block off every spot that is vulnerable using tape A polish made of cerium oxide will do a number of things on your smartphone if it enters into any of the holes on the phone, and that included the charger input, headphone jack, or the speaker. It also has the potential of endangering the camera lens of your phone. Having that in mind, you’re required to initially cover off the area that you would like to use the polish by making use of tape.
If you tape your phone before you clean it, it may seem quite overzealous, but it is greatly recommended that you do this step prior to moving forward. In situations like foul-up, there can be quick wreckage of your phone by the polish.
Step 4 . Apply the polish to the area that’s scratched Dab a polishing cloth that’s smooth in your mixture, then use it to rub the area that’s scratched in a circular, vigorous manner. Constantly check to see the look of the scratch as you tender the area. In a 30 seconds interval or thereabouts, it is a great idea for you to wipe off the mixture using the opposite end of the cloth, dab the cloth in new polish, then repeat this process for you to get the best effectiveness.
Step 5 . Do a follow up clean on your phone As soon as you have applied the polish and cleaned it off, giving your smartphone a swift one-over using a polishing cloth won’t hurt. This will wipe off any excess debris which was caused in the polishing process. Get rid of the tape you used before polishing, then wipe your phone. Doing it thoroughly shouldn’t take more than one or two minutes, but you’ll most likely be impressed on the much nicer look on your phone as soon as you have wiped off the excess musk.
You’re also required to wipe your screen regularly. Wiping it two times in a day can sound too much, but the process only takes a second and will make sure your screen is healthy.
Preventing scratches on the screen of your phone
The best way you can prevent scratches on your phone’s screen is to get a screen protector. Cellphones these days are fragile, and they can get scratched. Using a screen protector is advised, and you’re required to purchase one if you are quite worried about damaging your phone.
Screen protectors are not generally too costly, and it will be way more affordable for you to get a screen protector compared to replacing the screen or your phone if the damage is severe. Protectors of the higher end are virtually unbreakable, while the brands that are affordable will at least be the one that gets damaged, and your phone itself wouldn’t have to.
