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The Not-So-Pretty Side of Big Tech

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Most of us grow up thinking that the things we buy and store online are ours. Games, apps, files, even the email addresses tied to our names. But big tech companies like Microsoft remind us that nothing in their ecosystem really belongs to us. Recently, Microsoft suspended my Outlook account. They claimed that my OneDrive contained “child porn.”  Let me be clear: I download adult videos from the open web. I am not a pedophile. Yet Microsoft’s algorithms, terms of service, and opaque enforcement systems flagged my content as illegal, locked me out of my account, and informed me that I cannot appeal for six months. When you use Microsoft services, you’re not really buying a product; you’re renting access. Their terms give them permission to scan files on your computer, in your cloud storage, and across your account. The moment something doesn’t fit their rules, they can revoke everything: your email, your purchased games, even the apps you’ve paid for. Microsoft’s policy is blun...
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Stock vs. Custom ROM Solutions

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As a tech enthusiast who spends a significant amount of time exploring the capabilities of various devices, I recently encountered a persistent issue with my Pixel 8 Pro. While generally a powerful and impressive device, it seems to struggle particularly when updating apps or browsing the Google Play Store. This lag can be frustrating, making the experience feel sluggish and detracting from the otherwise smooth operation of the phone.

Lag while using the Google Play Store on the Pixel 8 Pro is not an isolated issue. Many users report similar problems, where the system becomes unresponsive or slow, especially during app updates. This can be attributed to several factors:

Occasionally, software bugs can cause the system to slow down, especially during resource-intensive tasks like app updates. Numerous background processes can compete for system resources, leading to reduced performance.

Over time, cache files can accumulate, causing the Play Store to lag. Clearing the cache might help, but it’s often a temporary fix. Some apps might be resource-intensive, causing the system to slow down when they’re running or updating.

After exhausting these options, I decided to explore installing a custom ROM, specifically LineageOS. Custom ROMs are known for their ability to optimize performance and offer more control over system settings. Here’s what I found:

LineageOS is optimized for performance, often resulting in a smoother, more responsive experience. This was immediately noticeable, with significantly less lag when using the Play Store and updating apps and offers a wealth of customization options, allowing users to tweak the system to their liking, potentially enhancing both usability and performance.

Unlike stock firmware, LineageOS comes with minimal pre-installed apps, freeing up system resources and reducing potential sources of lag.
The active LineageOS community ensures regular updates, which can include performance improvements and new features.


For those who are comfortable with the process, installing a custom ROM can be a rewarding way to enhance the performance and extend the life of your device. As always, back up your data and proceed with caution, but don't be afraid to experiment and find the solution that works best for you.

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