You could use alternatives if you specifically want some videos. Grayjay can play videos from multiple platforms.

You have bigger things to worry about if you are worried about google being an adversary while using a Google OS with play services and google apps.

I was merely suggesting DNS as another layer which can be speed up. But, you will have to check with your VPN provider if there’s no setting go increase timeout. Or change servers so you get faster more responsive server locations which work for you.

Seek help. Its not too late.

I can only recommend Sony. Especially, the newer one which has 4+6yrs of software updates. But, you will have to wait untit it becomes old for 2nd hand model to get within $260.

But, if you can get your hands on fairphone. It would be good too. Everything except 3.5mm jack, the android 15 update which will arrive sometime in the future. You will have to compromise someplace to arrive at your ideal phone.

The A72 is very old and in the poco X5 pro you will be dealing with MiUi/hyperOS shenanigans like not being able to use gestures in 3rd party launchers.

Your VPN should have a setting to increase the connection timeout. There’s also using a fast(for you) DNS to reduce DNS related slowdowns.

Longer than your lifespan, too.

The UI is not intuitive and I never allow notifications for websites. But, I guess it is for the regular user.

An app named filterbox can be used if you need something for all your notifications.

Pixel 8 did not get the multi model Gemini update simply because it lacked the additional RAM needed for the LLM. Its the same with this feature. They brought battery health and charge counter in android 14.

They could’ve bought this to pixel phones if google did not skimp on the hardware.

Software updates will always have hardware limitations

I know but, since they were going to work on this feature and had starting with android 14. It does not make sense to skimp on it for a year old hardware. Same with the RAM limitation on the pixel 8.

They have been working on the battery health feature for a time. Android 14 brought the charge counter to supported phones. It would be unreasonable to say they did not know.

Maybe, google should’ve included the necessary hardware if it was going to bring the feature to pixel down the line. 7 yrs of updates with missing features does not inspire confidence in them.

Interesting that the 8a will get this feature. But, pixel 8 and 8 pro won’t.

Banking and other apps utilizing the new Play Integrity API will stop working if it won’t receive latest OS and security updates.

Unlikely. But, there’s a possibility they are both telling the truth. Since, they could be on a different Software version on their story.

Yeah, you need Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition.

I use an app called SpamBlocker from fdroid. It supports regex filters and blocking non-contacts and is super comprehensive in this regard.

I too would be all for it. Unfortunately, I bought a phone from an OEM with short support cycle. Android 15 will be its last rodeo.

You can download the APks from his patreon if you subscribe. Someone mentioned buying lifetime license and I saw the price was $4 for one device. You can buy multiple licenses if you need more.

Wow, finally. The new changes are much appreciated and long. I like the blur UI from Smart Launcher 6 and what ColorOS has done for the notification shade. As long as they keep the unified notification shade. I’m fine.