I’ve read on reddit that Google still provides unlimited photos backup if you own Pixel 5a and lower. On rooted Android you can fake that and get free backup storage, but who wants to give pictures to Google?! I was thinking if it’s possible or done by someone to create an environment on Docker by faking device info to access that free storage and backup rclone crypted files as images (by .jpeg fake extension or something)?

  • wolfshadowheart@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    I know it’s not the point, but I do think it would be easier to set up a photo server than to hack around Google.

    • Lem453@lemmy.ca
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      1 year ago

      Look into self hosting

      Setup seafile for normal dropbox like functionality and immich for photogallerly.

      In the end , after alk rhe effort to trick Google, all your shit aill still be on google.

      MiniPCs are quite cheap now on Alibaba or Amazon etc. Wait for a sale on a large HD abd you’re good to go.

  • ChexMax@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I have a 4a and it does not have unlimited, just a heads up. My old pixel did have it, but not this one.

  • Praise Idleness@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    You’re trying to trick Google into giving you paid service. It’s very much different to ad blocks and whatnot. This will cause you mountains of problem, if possible in the first place…

  • merthyr1831@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    at that point it’d be easier for you to encode the data as a video and upload it to YouTube. which someone did, btw (can’t find the link tho)

  • randombullet@feddit.de
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    1 year ago

    I just buy a pixel 1 for 50 bucks. Then I use that to upload my current photos. Works flawlessly

  • mholiv@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I am not an expert but I suspect this isn’t realistically doable.

    1. Google sells you a serialized pixel 5a with a google controlled root of trust.
    2. You log into the phone with your account.
    3. Google adds a database entry to your account with the serial/root of trust info.

    I don’t really see a way to beat this except maybe buying a “still in box” unopened pixel 5a that has never been registered to anyone before and setting it up.

    This assumes the program is still open. Google may have time boxed it such that you must have registered before the announcement or whatever.

    All this being said be careful. Don’t get you account banned. You can’t appeal if google thinks you are doing something shady they don’t like.

    Lastly I have to say this. I may be worth escaping the google ecosystem. Why let a company control so much of your life? Not related to this community, but an important point.

  • u/lukmly013 💾 (lemmy.sdf.org)@lemmy.sdf.org
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    1 year ago

    I am not sure that can be done. For some devices, the free backups only apply to “Storage saver” quality, which means decreasing resolution and quality, which obviously couldn’t be done here.
    Secondly, there is some file size limit. I think 50MB/image, but you could split the files, if it worked in the first place.

  • TheMadnessKing@lemdro.id
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    1 year ago

    Yup. They spoof you as Pixel OG and you get Unlimited Backup in OG resolution. I have been using it on my main acc for past 6 months or so.