Published release of the project CalyxOS 7.2.2.0, developing firmware based on the Android platform, free of ties to Google services and providing additional tools for ensuring privacy and safety. CalyxOS 7.2.2.0 became the first stable release after pause publication of updates in August last year, caused by the need to rework the release generation process, conduct a full audit and change cryptographic keys after the departure of the project founder and technical leader, who had access to the keys for digital signatures. The new release has been translated to the Android 16 code base and is available in builds for Pixel 4-9, Fairphone 4/5, Motorola Moto G32-G84 and SHIFTphone 8 devices.
Instead of Google services, CalyxOS offers a set of microG with an alternative implementation of the Google Play API, Google Cloud Messaging and Google Maps, which does not require the installation of proprietary Google components. Instead of the Google Network Location Provider, a layer using Positon or BeaconDB services is used to determine location via Wi-Fi and base stations. To convert addresses into locations (Geocoding Service), Nominatim from the OpenStreetMap project is used.
To control access to the network, the firewall Datura is used, which allows you to limit access to the network in relation to individual applications, connection methods (Wi-Fi, mobile network, VPN) and activity (for example, you can deny access to applications running in the background). There is an interface for tracking application permissions. The default browser is Calyx Chromium with the DuckDuckGo search engine, and Tor Browser is available as an option. For installing applications, F-Droid and Aurora Store (an alternative anonymous client for Google Play) are offered.
Other features CalyxOS:
- Focused on privacy interface for making calls, which has a built-in ability to make calls via Signal and WhatsApp messengers using end-to-end encryption. Confidential phone numbers, such as helplines, are hidden from the call log.
- Blocking unknown USB devices by default.
- Function to turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microphone and camera after a certain time of inactivity.
- Mode for blocking network access of recently installed applications.
- Ability to use profiles to separate work and personal activities, isolating data and applications between profiles.
- Integrated support for VPN c pre-installation of applications for Tor and Riseup