So.

Senator Paula Simons

So. I have just taken the Google maps app off my phone. (Gulf of America? Really???) And this seems an opportune time to get off Google as much as possible. But that’s easier said than done. What map apps should I try? And which browser?

CRB

@Paulatics As others have said, Open Street Maps is about the best alternative that isn't corporate - though I believe Apple Maps is significantly better than it used to be. But, unfortunately, I think both aren't quite as useful as Google Maps.

As for a browser, there is always Firefox - open source, non-profit, and more standards compliant than Chrome has been.

Senator Paula Simons

Ugh. Realizing that I may also want to shut down my private gmail account. Which will be a much bigger pain.

Spandex Grëghound

@Paulatics Google still says Gulf of Mexico on my phone, although the moment it changes, I'm going to be considering other options too. Already have, but they haven't really been up to snuff yet. Open Maps, are high quality but I haven't seen apps that really replace Google Maps yet.

Bill (he/him)

@Paulatics I'm looking to switch my email to ether @protonprivacy or @Tutanota , I just haven't decided which yet

Senator Paula Simons

@bllgvn @protonprivacy @Tutanota Proton has always seemed to me to be for hate mail and conspiracy theorists. Whenever I get a proton email sent to my Senate account it is almost invariably something “colourful.” Sigh.

Brad

@Paulatics Yup. I’m moving off for peace of mind. Switched to Proton, got rid of Google Maps, got rid of Chrome. You can start by forwarding from gmail to your new email provider while you slowly migrate over.

Airplanista 🇺🇦

@Paulatics Paula, someone on here just turned me on to the Brave browser. Best browser I have ever used and I have used them all. Super secure too, and great at blocking ads and trackers.

The browser that puts you first | Brave

The Brave browser is a fast, private and secure web browser for PC, Mac and mobile. Download now to enjoy a faster ad-free browsing experience that saves data and battery life by blocking tracking software.

Brave (brave.com)

Death by Lambda

@Av8rdan @Paulatics
Friends don't let friends use Brave.

1st and foremost because it's run by a misogynistic homophobe and secondly because it supports a shady crypto scam.

If you can't stand #Firefox, try #midori

Senator Paula Simons

@xdydx @Av8rdan And this is why I love Mastodon. You guys are the best.