Murena has been fighting the good fight for years, doing everything it can to educate people about their internet privacy. The company wants to assist consumers in gaining more control over their digital profiles, particularly with regard to cellphones. Murena has so far achieved this by providing its services in the guise of /e/OS, a Google-free operating system. The Murena One, the company’s first smartphone, will be released alongside /e/OS v1.
You’re right if this all sounds familiar. They have seen companies try this previously, providing smartphones free of Google’s invasive services and apps. What makes this situation unique is that Murena has chosen to abandon Google. Its operating system is designed to keep consumers safe while also attempting to provide the best of Android. Murena’s /e/OS operating system is compelled to create its own versions of Google’s native services and apps, including a messaging app, browser, maps, and more.
Murena has made the decision to stop using Google.
The Murena One is a mid-range device with a mid-range price tag to match. It boasts a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2242 and is powered by a Mediatek Helio P60 SoC with 4GB RAM. It also boasts a quad camera array on the back and 128GB of internal storage that can be upgraded via microSD. A 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 5MP sensor make up the first three sensors. A 25MP sensor will be used for the front-facing camera. The phone will be powered by a 4500mAh battery and will come with a two-year warranty.
While the phone’s features aren’t the most amazing you have seen, as previously noted, the primary selling point is that it comes preloaded with /e/OS. The smartphone even comes with a built-in digital assistant and cloud service, as well as an app store.
While it has its own walled garden, it also allows users to dip their toes into the Google pond. Those who require specific apps can get them via the App Lounge, and there’s nothing stopping you from sideloading an alternative app store like Aurora Store. App Lounge provides customers with access to popular Android apps from the Google Play Store. Of course, downloading and installing these apps gives firms access to your digital profile, but if they’re absolutely necessary, that’s clearly more vital. This will be a necessary evil for some.
If you’re still not convinced, the OS has been given the green light this week, with version 1 of /e/OS being made available to a broader range of devices. You can visit our dedicated forum or use the source URL provided below. The Murena One is now available for €349, but the smartphone is currently out of stock.