What happened to mobile as a platform? (A Rant)

So my partner switched over to android after the final straw of dealing with the Apple ecosystem. (It was too difficult to do anything beyond explicitly what they ask of you, and they moved to Linux a few months prior which added to the frustration). They were lying in bed when they asked me "what are some fun mobile games?"

And I realized... my pocket computer is literally just:

Discord

F1TV (currently inactive sub)

Fantasy Football Apps (Sleeper / Yahoo)

Firefox

Langrange Beta

Manga reader (Tachiyomi)

Music (WFMU, Spotify, Bandcamp, Discogs)

Patreon

RSS reader (TT-Rss)

Reddit app (RedReader from F-Droid)

VLC

Everything else is PURELY functional applications like:

SMS (Signal)

Local delivery apps

Car service apps

Transit ticket apps

etc.

And of course 3 copies of the same application because Oxygen OS has to ship their own file browser and notes app so I have 3 freaking copies of Notes... why...

Anyway...

What do I even need this for?

Like, why even? It's a glorified e-reader since I rarely use VLC/F1TV

So it's a music player and internet reader super computer?

Finding applications

The Playstore is a cesspool. My partner keeps mentioned those addictive cash grab apps like "I've heard about this should I try it". And it made me so just frustrated - because I know that those low effort titles are just being pushed forward and catchout innocent people like my partner (and children).

Coming from such a strong tech and privacy background the entire Playstore is effectively offlimits to me. I don't open it ever - since I do more uninstalling than installing (which can be done via the system UI and not the store).

What do I even do?

So yeah. This was a pointless rant that just was fueled by some frustration last night before bed.

I told my partner, I only used mobile games on my commute and here are some fun ones - if you give me your categories I'll do some research to find balanced games that don't just try and squeeze your pockets.

Otherwise, if you just want to game in bed. I have a Nintendo Switch that goes mostly unused you can gladly borrow and play.

I got upset because the playstore is trash. But that phones are effectively worthless devices? It's my radio on the go, e-reader in bed, and distraction the rest of the day.

Phones aren't phones

I saw a Toot get boosted the other day:

> Calling your pocket computer a "phone" is like how Brits call flashlights "torches".

And it's so very true. I call my pharmacy and my partner (when they've misplaced their phone). And that's it.

Conclusion

So I guess? I don't want to make another post asking for engagement from you, dear reader, but like... can I make the best use of this 700$ computer in my pocket? Let me know if you're an avid mobile device user and found good ways to provide value and just benefits to your day/life with it.

Otherwise, I may start to consider just leaving it on my desk and just taking it when I go out.

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