I have had several Redmi phones. Yes, the current unlock process is a convoluted - You need a Xiaomi account. Then you need to toggle "unlock" in Developer settings. Then go to fastboot. Then while connected to your PC, you need the Xiaomi Unlock app to unlock the phone which you need to wait 2 weeks to happen. After 2 weeks, you go back to fastboot and the Xiaomi app, click Unlock and it is done.
(phew!)
It is tedious but not horrible.
Once this is done, your bootloader is unlocked. You can then install your own custom recovery, custom rom, etc.
This was 5 years ago at a usd200mil multinational...
The email system was pop3.
There were no document backups.
There was no collaboration tools.
There was no IT security. You could basically copy company data out and no one would ever find out.
The MS Office license was bought singly. Ahem!
You can use Fire Toolbox to disable the crap on Fire and install Play Store.
https://xdaforums.com/t/windows-linux-tool-fire-toolbox-v39-0.3889604/
The Xiaomi tablets are pretty great and reliable - Xiaomi Pad 7. The Alldocube tablets are very decent too - iPlay 60.
There is also the Fire HD 10.
I've used all 3. Great tablets at different price points.
Freetube and Grayjay. Grayjay has a desktop app now.
There is a standalone app, Microsoft Lens. Surprisingly good app.
Google is late to the party. Even Microsoft had such an app years ago.
You are welcome.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro. Ticks most your boxes.
It has great custom rom support. It does not have SD card tho.
Which country was it?
Zen browser. It is basically Arc on the Firefox engine. Still in alpha though I've been daily driving it.
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/205155985/how-to-disable-access-for-internet-for-a-specific-apps?hl=en
https://www.guidingtech.com/top-ways-to-block-apps-from-accessing-internet-on-android/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dev.tuantv.android.netblocker&hl=en_US&gl=US
Certain Android versions... when you go into any app settings you can disable mobile data or WiFi if you don't want the app to access.
Tap and hold on the app -> app info -> network access -> block whatever you want.
I use SwiftKey and switch off the app access to the Internet.
Also trying out FUTO keyboard. Seems pretty good.
https://keyboard.futo.org/
From most preferred... CrDroid, EvolutionX, LineageOS, Bliss ROM.
I have had several Redmi phones. Yes, the current unlock process is a convoluted - You need a Xiaomi account. Then you need to toggle "unlock" in Developer settings. Then go to fastboot. Then while connected to your PC, you need the Xiaomi Unlock app to unlock the phone which you need to wait 2 weeks to happen. After 2 weeks, you go back to fastboot and the Xiaomi app, click Unlock and it is done.
(phew!)
It is tedious but not horrible. Once this is done, your bootloader is unlocked. You can then install your own custom recovery, custom rom, etc.
Redmi phones that have Qualcomm processors. Check out XDA forum for which models are supported.
There is no custom rom for this and there won't be. It uses a MediaTek SOC. The bootloaders cannot be unlocked.
I've discovered the wonders of a coconut husk mattress. It is hard with some give.
Fantastic for my back. Can't sleep on soft beds anymore.
Also I use a rolled up towel under my neck for support.
Settings -> Sound and Vibration
You should see Phone ringtone - SIM 1 and Phone ringtone - SIM 2.
You must have the SIMs in your phone to see this.
Can't be explained. Has to be experienced.
A few anime to watch... Akira, Spirited Away, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke, and many more.
This was 5 years ago at a usd200mil multinational...
The email system was pop3. There were no document backups. There was no collaboration tools. There was no IT security. You could basically copy company data out and no one would ever find out. The MS Office license was bought singly. Ahem!