A Chat with Alaraajavamma, the Mind Behind fastflx1 and FastTheme
At FuriLabs, we’re all about open source and the power of community. Our FuriPhone FLX1 runs on FuriOS, a Debian-based system that’s mostly open source with 120+ repo’s on our github, and we love seeing owners tweak, hack, and build on it.
Today, we’re spotlighting one of our own—Alaraajavamma, a long-time Linux phone enthusiast and the creator of the fastflx1 repository and the excellent FastTheme on GitLab. His project adds some slick features to the FLX1, and he’s here to tell us all about it. Let’s dive into our chat with Alaraajavamma and see what’s inspiring him, and hopefully you, to contribute to the FuriOS ecosystem.
FastFLX1 Preview
FastTheme Preview
FuriLabs: Hey Alaraajavamma, you’ve been a Linux phone user for a while. What’s your story with these devices?
Alaraajavamma: Oh man, I’ve been daily driving Linux phones for about 20 years now. That’s two decades of hoping for a device that’s as reliable as the mainstream stuff—like your average Android or iPhone—while still feeling like a proper Linux laptop or PC. It’s been a long, sometimes pricey journey, to be honest! I stumbled across the FLX1 back in July 2024 while browsing around, and I thought, “Alright, let’s give this a shot.” And wow, it’s finally delivering what I’ve been dreaming of all this time.
FuriLabs: That’s awesome! What is it about the FLX1 that’s hitting the mark for you?
Alaraajavamma: Two big things. First, it’s as reliable as those mainstream devices. The modem never drops calls or SMS, the battery life is killer—I can hit 10% by evening and still trust my alarm will wake me up. The camera works flawlessly, video included, and this thing is faster than my Tuxedo laptop! The phone always wakes up when it’s supposed to, call audio is rock solid—even on speaker with no echo. These might sound like small wins, but if you’ve used Linux phones before, you know how rare that consistency is.
Second, it’s still a full-on Linux experience. It feels like installing Ubuntu on your PC—familiar, tweakable, and open. The FLX1 nails both worlds: dependable daily driver and hacker’s playground.
FuriLabs: Love that. So, what sparked the idea for your fastflx1 project?
Alaraajavamma: That Linux experience—it’s a blessing and a curse, right? There’s always something I want to tweak or a little feature missing. That’s just how it goes with open systems. So I started fastflx1 to scratch those itches. I’m not even a developer by trade—I’m just a guy who’s been testing and tinkering forever. I wanted to make something useful for FLX1 owners, keep it easy to use, and, yeah, it works! It’s not perfect, but it’s solid. I’d love feedback or help fixing bugs if anyone spots them.
FuriLabs: Tell us about your favorite feature in fastflx1. What’s the star of the show?
Alaraajavamma: Hands down, it’s “Add last caller (or copied number) to contacts.” It’s such a simple thing, but it’s been a pain point for years with Linux phones—nobody’s tackled it properly. I use it all the time, and I know others want it too. Fair warning: it’s the hackiest part of the project. Total duct-tape-and-prayers coding! But it works, and that’s what counts. Every time I tap that button, I’m like, “Yes, finally!”
FuriLabs: That’s the spirit of open source—making it work and sharing it. What’s your pitch to other FLX1 owners out there? Why should they jump in and contribute?
Alaraajavamma: Look, if I can do this without being a pro developer, anyone can. The FLX1 is already amazing out of the box, but it’s ours to shape. You’ve got an itch? Scratch it. Build something small, test it, share it—like I did with fastflx1. Head over to my repo at gitlab.com/Alaraajavamma/fastflx1, try it out, tell me what sucks or what’s great. Or start your own thing! FuriOS is wide open, and every little tweak makes it better for all of us. Plus, the community’s chill—jump in, mess around, and let’s keep this phone evolving.
FuriLabs: Alaraajavamma, you’re a legend. Thanks for chatting with us and for fastflx1. Any last words?
Alaraajavamma: Thanks for having me! Just keep rocking the FLX1, folks. It’s the Linux phone I’ve waited 20 years for, and now we get to make it even better together. Let’s do this!
There you have it—Alaraajavamma’s journey from Linux phone dreamer to fastflx1 creator. His story shows what’s possible when you mix passion with an open-source platform like FuriOS.
We’re proud to see owners like him taking the FLX1 to new heights. Inspired? Check out Alaraajavamma’s repo at gitlab.com/Alaraajavamma/fastflx1, give it a spin, and maybe start your own project. Got questions or ideas? Hit up our forums or Telegram—let’s keep the community buzzing. Happy hacking, FLX1 crew!
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