Yesterday I decided to create a second profile on my Pixel 5 with GrapheneOS. The idea was that I would only keep Google Play Services (GPS) and Google Play Store (GPS2) there together with WhatsApp (need it go my kids school) and bank apps, and therefore shut down second profile for most of the time. So, I deleted GPS and GPS2 on the main profile and since then, I have Signal Messaging complaining that it requires GPS. I know I ough to probably be complaining with Signal developers, but before I go down that route I just wanted to reassure myself that this is normal behaviour. Presumably, Signal is complaining that it requires GPS only because its the only way it can notify a user that an update is available? I’ve done some minimal tests and it seems to be working normally, despite GPS is not installed on the main profile. I guess I could move to SimpleX and ditch Signal but that would be tough given I spent years convincing people to move to Signal 🙂
Pardon my french, but you’re screwed.
Signal is centralized, contains binary blobs from Google and requires Play Services. It’s just wrong on many levels.
Matrix is better but with it’s own controversies. I have accepted that XMPP could be a better choice than any other, provided people get the guidance needed to chose the right client for them.
Wrong. Signal does not require play services. You can build the apk yourself from the source code, or you can download the prebuilt apk directly from Signal here: https://signal.org/android/apk/
This apk is self-updating and does not require Google Play services to update nor message. If it detects Google Play Services (or OpenGApps/microG), Signal will register you as an Firebase Cloud Messaging user for push notifications. If you do not have those services installed it will use WebSocket connection to the Signal servers instead.
I tried it but ultimately went back to Signal via microG, as the push notifications are half the value of instant messaging - WebSocket was unreliable. I tested about 3 years ago though, so they may have improved their implementation.
Signal is my only instant messenger and I can happily report no issues these days with notifications, that said, I never really noticed them previously and have been using for >3 years.
Occasionally we’ll use Signal whilst on a live call, someone will tell us they messaged on Signal and I’ll get the notification immediately - i.e. I knew when it was sent and received.
This is working smoothly on my grapheneos phone and the desktop client across Linux and Windows.
Signal does not necessarily use google play services. It only does so if available. Reinstall may be required.
I think signal is very useful. Private messages are only useful when other people use it and it’s difficult really difficult to entice people to switch if it’s any less convenient than what they were already using.
With signal you can just tell your friend or relative that its like WhatsApp but better.