What apps you install depends on your needs and preferences. It might help others if you include those in any future requests for suggestions.
I suggest not worrying too much about “removing your dependence on closed ecosystems” immediately. Just do as you did before, changing apps as you find better alternatives—only, this time, considering the advantages of FOSS. Simply by giving F-droid apps a chance before opening (I assume) the Play Store, you’re already doing better than the vast majority of people.
Regarding discoverability and security, I believe participation in the community helps:
- The Venn diagram of “FOSS app users” and “software enthusiasts” is closer to a circle. People like talking about useful, good software they like. Word of mouth recommendations is how I got into this stuff.
- You’ll be more likely to hear urgent actionable news (e.g. X app developer sold to bad company, here’s the fork that will carry the torch onwards).
And so that this comment isn’t completely useless… Mozilla are currently working on a mobile version of Thunderbird for Android, built on top of K9 mail. Been using the beta and liking it so far. If you want a FOSS e-mail app, keep an eye on that one.
P.S. I much prefer the dark side, and don’t forget the cookies!
It’s always interesting to see random activities highlight how different people’s lives can be. As of the time I’m posting this, half of the comments mention a dishwasher.
I’ve never been in a house with a dishwasher, and literally just realized I couldn’t tell you if I’ve ever seen one, outside of a screen. To my perception, they’re like a magical tool that supposedly exists… somewhere. Maybe.
That’s not a complaint, and not really noteworthy. I’m pretty sure most of humanity doesn’t have one, after all. I just think it’s funny when you stumble into another bubble, inside your bubble.
I know that I, too, enjoy things that don’t seem real to someone else. Even being able to read this post is a privilege. Now, that’s funny.