Related
I am not really comfortable with the idea of sharing data with Google, so I wonder how it could be possible to run Android without the Google apps.
Using CM7 as the base for my devices (SE X10 mini pro & ZTE Blade) is already a good starting point, by not installing the GAPPS package.
But then what?
How to get apps from the market without GAPPS?
Which (offline) navigation software instead of Google Maps?
Which calendar app instead of Google Calendar?
Any other Google service replacement?
Any suggestions are highly appreciated.
You could probably use amazon appstore instead of market. The real market requires google's framework. As far as the calender i'm not sure look around on the amazon market for one.
Personally i would just use gapps what could you possibly be doing where the info google collects could hurt you ? They don't collect personal data like sms or phone calls. So unless you download child porn its prob ok to use google's apps.
I am not thinking about anything illegal, but you can be identified by your (required) Google account, and once you enable data synchronization / localization service, or the background data submission required for using the Market, you are already deeply caught in the Google network.
I don't know about the Amazon Appstore. Does it feature the same apps as the Google Market? I guess not, and when I try to access it, it tells "The Amazon Appstore is only available to customers located in the United States.", so I don't think this is a suitable alternative anyway.
So the only real downside of not using GAPPS is access to the market. A possible workaround could be to use the Android emulator of the Android SDK to download apps, then package them up to APKs and copy them over to your mobile.
I am sure there are a lot of others which are not comfortable with Google as well, but do not want to surrender their Android phones.
If you just want the apps you can install them from your pc to your phone on the market website. If you don't have a Google account or want one at all maybe use 4shared to download them. You can also usually download them from the developers website.
Sent from ???
I am still testing the use of Android without GAPPS, but there are some issues I have no idea how to overcome:
There seems to be no suitable Calendar App that does not rely on the Google Calendar / synchronization with Google. My preferred app would have been aCalendar, which works kind of, but no appointment can be saved because it tells "You have no calendar". Any suggestions? How is the calendar issue solved on Android-without-GAPPS devices like the Kindle Fire?
Some apps simply can not be installed without the Google framework present. For example when trying to install the Adaffix and QR Droid apk's manually, it simply tells "Application not installed" without any error message pointing out the problem. Any idea about that?
These two issues are the main problems with having no GAPPS on the phone, and as much as I would have liked to run my Android phones without GAPPS, it seems there is no way around it, if one does not want to have it overly complicated.
I have been using android for a few weeks now with no google account. Installing a firewall and lbe privacy seems to work fine. Just dont allow any google services access to the net. Works fine for me
I don't understand why you would by a Google OS but not want google apps.
UPDATE: Android without GAPPS is a go now!
Android is NOT really a GoogleOS, it's a Linux distribution with proprietary Google apps added. You can successfully run Android without Google, which is what Amazon already proofed with the Kindle Fire on a large scale.
I am not talking about running Android without Google account, but Android without GAPPS installed, and I am happy to confirm, that it is indeed possible without too much hassle, since I overcame my initially major issues:
The calendar issue could be solved by installing Jorte, which uses its own database.
I simply omit apps which rely on the Google Framework, so I replaced QR Droid with Barcode Scanner, and just deleted Adaffix, for which there is no replacement (not that much of a loss, especially since I was not really sure about their privacy policy; would you willingly submit the phone numbers of all your callers to a private company?).
I am going to use MapQuest instead of Google Maps, a free app based on https://www.openstreetmap.org
I already installed all my apps, which I previously downloaded from the Market, on that Google-free phone, in addition to AdFree, to get rid of the advertisement in the typical free apps, as well as AmazonAppstore (just in case). Now for my kind of use I don't miss any Google services at all.
The next logical step is to install the Android SDK on a computer, run Android 2.3 including GAPPS for Market access in the Android emulator, and just download all the desired software and software-updates there, to be exported (using ASTRO) to the Google-free phone.
Some may argue that it may not be worth the hassle, but I am still in the opinion, that it's best not to share ANY data with Google ever.
BTW Don't use Google at all, not even for simple searches -> have a look at https://duckduckgo.com (they even have an Andoid app)!
Where to start?
Android is not a Linux distribution, it only uses a Linux kernel, these two mean vastly different things and should not be confused.
What exactly do you want to hide from Google?
Your email? It goes through dozens of servers without encryption. The only people not reading it are the ones who don't want to.
Your location? Your cell phone provider has it. And so does your government)
Your searches? Okay you're right on this one I use duckduckgo on my pc.
The point is that most of your data is tracked by hundreds of companies. They use your os and flash version, your cookies, user agent, screen resolution. You can run but you can't hide.
You're not on Facebook, are you?
---------- Post added at 09:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:12 PM ----------
smokin1337 said:
You could probably use amazon appstore instead of market. The real market requires google's framework. As far as the calender i'm not sure look around on the amazon market for one.
Personally i would just use gapps what could you possibly be doing where the info google collects could hurt you ? They don't collect personal data like sms or phone calls. So unless you download child porn its prob ok to use google's apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never make the assumption that if you're not going anything illegal than you shouldn't worry about tracking. Never never never. Okay? If you do you don't deserve privacy. Read "little brother" by Cory Doctorow.
For the calendar and the contacts i use to synchronise every day my Desire S with an old version of Lotus Notes (7.xx) on my Job computer. I use MyphoneExplorer with a USB connexion. It works very well without microsoft exchange or any connexion with google agenda.
Wikipedia said:
Android is a Linux-based operating system for mobile devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my point of view I consider everything based on the Linux kernel a Linux distribution. Android = Linux kernel plus a bunch of open source software, the proprietary Google code does not have to be considered to be part of the base system.
What I want to hide from Google? About everything. Isn't it the same with Facebook, where the user is not the customer, but the product?
Of course everybody leaves a large track in the net, but one can at least try to prevent data sharing as much as possible, and not using Google services and not providing them any additional info is part of it.
Of course that topic is mind splitting, but I know I am not alone on this, and as shown, it it indeed possible to successfully use an Android phone completely without Google, and I do not see any disadvantage in it.
Hope this helps:
http://www.androidauthority.com/how-to-download-any-apk-to-your-computer-62153/
(apk leecher)
There are many other reasons for wanting to avoid Google. For example, let's say you have your contacts synchronized. You're using gmail and calendar and you have a card linked to your Google Play account.
You go on holiday and you card gets cloned. The criminal uses your card to do something horrendous and you wind up in jail. Because you had all your eggs in one basket your account has been disabled and your defense has no access to your emails to plan your case and defend you in court. You're utterly screwed.
By using different companies and services you at least have more chance of keeping access to those services.
Google services are pretty monolithic. They're great, but there's advantage in using separate services if you can.
Here are some alternatives to the Google apps:
- Gmail = K9mail
- Play = app leacher, sdk virtual image method. fDroid
- Maps = MapQuest. Various SatNav apps. Waze
- GTalk = Skype or Fring (though both of those aren't greatly done). Various SIP/VoIP apps like cSipSimple
- contacts = t9dialer?
- Goggles = any barcode scanner will do for me
- any others?
I use f-droid.org .
It is strictly open-source. Has all the basic apps in there (Email, Firefox, tons of Timers, AlarmClocks, etc).
randomchars said:
You're not on Facebook, are you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course ! Why not ? Facebook leaves you the choice what to upload.
i agree with this thread, i dont mind sharing my information with companies, i do it all the time, but i dont like forced sharing with no opt out, this is essential stealing. eg ics and motoblur contacts
i guess you could say the opt out is to not install, which is what the thread is talking about
i think we are lucky to have android available without the gapps bloat such as with cyanogen mod
zzerozzero1 said:
I use f-droid.org .
It is strictly open-source. Has all the basic apps in there (Email, Firefox, tons of Timers, AlarmClocks, etc).
Of course ! Why not ? Facebook leaves you the choice what to upload.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
// Puts on tinfoil hat.
Sure kid. Whatever helps you sleep at night.
haydent said:
i agree with this thread, i dont mind sharing my information with companies, i do it all the time, but i dont like forced sharing with no opt out, this is essential stealing. eg ics and motoblur contacts
i guess you could say the opt out is to not install, which is what the thread is talking about
i think we are lucky to have android available without the gapps bloat such as with cyanogen mod
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here's my fix http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1808037
zzerozzero1 said:
I use f-droid.org .
It is strictly open-source. Has all the basic apps in there (Email, Firefox, tons of Timers, AlarmClocks, etc).
Of course ! Why not ? Facebook leaves you the choice what to upload.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually facebook track you a lot. Use your browser to visit youtube and you'll see a share button for it just as many sites have now.
Facebook know a lot about where its members visit
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2
randomchars said:
// Puts on tinfoil hat.
Sure kid. Whatever helps you sleep at night.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL ...
You obviously don't agree. Which is fine.
But plz don't troll
---------- Post added at 01:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:22 PM ----------
mistermentality said:
Actually facebook track you a lot. Use your browser to visit youtube and you'll see a share button for it just as many sites have now.
Facebook know a lot about where its members visit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using Ghostery and Adblock Plus for years. They should take care of that.
If your really worried about your privacy you should check out Orbot the Tor client for android (https://guardianproject.info/apps/orbot/)
I will revive this thread, because I also install CM10.1 and try to use withoug GAPPS.
My phone is already running much smoother than with stock rom (Galaxy S3 I9300).
No Samsung push service, Google push, Calender...
So I am already using f-droid and androidpit now. At the moment I am missing Skype and Facebook Messenger.
I know worrying about privacy + using facebook might sound strange. But most friends I can only contact by Facebook (or SMS, lol), so I have to use it.
David.
Hello
My question is:
Is there any way to access google market/play without a smartphone?
Because there are people out there, that do not like to synchronize their mobile phones to google or don't want google to see their behaviour and more on smartphones.
A while ago I read something about a small team that could get access to the market throught the sdk or combined with it.
However, if someone allready did it, I would be thankful to get some more information about it.
You can go to the website.
There is also an unofficial API and a few applications for Java and Win32 to download apks with your market profile.
Web browser, tinfoil hat optional.
I'm using Real Apk Leecher tool for windows but keep in mind that this is against the google rules...
Maybe try play.google.com?
Matheus-007 said:
Maybe try play.google.com?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He wants the apk, at play.google.com you can only login with your gmail account and send the apps to your phone instead of getting the apk's to your pc :/
thanks for the tips!!
any other suggestions?
theres a whole host of other sites you can use, if you type the app name in google
it will probably direct you to the play store first then give you options of other sites to choose from where you can download them . . mainly if the apps are free though
http://download.pandaapp.com/
^^ that is a site i've used a couple of times.
transfer the app onto your and use a file manger like Astro to install.
Hello
I know that I must wear a condom while surfing the net and installing apps to keep safe but is Google.Play the only safe place to visit for Android Apps?
Or are there other good, and safe places to download free and paid for apps?
I only ask as an app I bought from the Android Market, which changed to Google.Play is no longer on the site. However the app can be found in a place called AndroidPit. I can't find any reviews of this site and I don't know if I can trust them with my credit card details.
google play is the safest and cant tell about other "unofficial" alternatives,
but to browse apps appbrain is good but when you want to download something it forwards you to google play.. there is some plugin for appbrain which enables web download but i never tried it cause i m happy with google play
1mobile.com is a decent site, you can download the vast majority of free apps. Doesn't have any paid apps though. If you're in the US, Amazon App Store is probably a reasonable alternative.
the lemming said:
Hello
I know that I must wear a condom while surfing the net and installing apps to keep safe but is Google.Play the only safe place to visit for Android Apps?
Or are there other good, and safe places to download free and paid for apps?
I only ask as an app I bought from the Android Market, which changed to Google.Play is no longer on the site. However the app can be found in a place called AndroidPit. I can't find any reviews of this site and I don't know if I can trust them with my credit card details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not recommend market alternative ,if you want to play safe applications.
Google Play at least when it is discovered malware is deleted (even remotely).
Alternative market of this assurance level do not have it ..
Actually getjar.com is good, its how I get tapatalk free and its a reputable site so should be safe
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
ancilary said:
google play is the safest and cant tell about other "unofficial" alternatives,
but to browse apps appbrain is good but when you want to download something it forwards you to google play.. there is some plugin for appbrain which enables web download but i never tried it cause i m happy with google play
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mmm safest...http://www.ghacks.net/2011/11/13/free-android-anti-virus-apps-are-proved-useless/
app brain fast web install plugin works flawlessly , and i think app brain is a good choice/alt,
sometimes smoother than goo play
Google Play is far and beyond the best and safest place to find apps, including apps up to date.
how to download removed purchased apps
the lemming said:
Hello
I know that I must wear a condom while surfing the net and installing apps to keep safe but is Google.Play the only safe place to visit for Android Apps?
Or are there other good, and safe places to download free and paid for apps?
I only ask as an app I bought from the Android Market, which changed to Google.Play is no longer on the site. However the app can be found in a place called AndroidPit. I can't find any reviews of this site and I don't know if I can trust them with my credit card details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you still have the direct link to your paid app, there is a high chance it is still available in the market, even if the developer and google says other wise!
I had a similar situation for an app called pzizz which was apparently removed from the market due to changes in the company that makes it,
neither the new management nor google told me it still exists,
I managed to download it though by accessing the market from my pc and downloading it.
this could happen only if
you have the original link of the paid app ( you could not find the app by searching or browsing google play, you must have the original link)
you purchased the app before it is removed, if you didnt, the direct link for the app would not work, only if you purchased the app and signed in by the account in which the app was purchased you would be able to see the app
requesting to download the app from a computer, you cant do this directly from your phone and further when it is downloaded it will not be linked to the market
good luck
Why not Aptoide?
the lemming said:
Hello
I know that I must wear a condom while surfing the net and installing apps to keep safe but is Google.Play the only safe place to visit for Android Apps?
Or are there other good, and safe places to download free and paid for apps?
I only ask as an app I bought from the Android Market, which changed to Google.Play is no longer on the site. However the app can be found in a place called AndroidPit. I can't find any reviews of this site and I don't know if I can trust them with my credit card details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw your post and I had to reply. I worked for Aptoide, which is an independent android marketplace and they do a screening to the apps (at least the ones in their "apps" repository) so that they're free of malware. They were thinking of launching paid apps soon, but for now you have a lot of free apps that are safe to download.
Try it, maybe you'll be surprised!
What about slideme?
Sent from my SGH-I777
Hey I am making a list of all available apk file or google play alternatives on my site so far i have managed to collect 23 and still adding just make sure to check it out it may help check gprsgeek.blogspot.com
Just made a apk hacker on for any app
check it on my site http://www.netalien.biz/newapkhackerlaunched:cowboy:
Mobango and androidfreeware could be alternative, plus apps.opera.com
Alternatives to Google Play
Some third party sites that are known to be safe are apkpure, apknite, apkmirror
Hi everyone
Just wanted to ask, what are your must have apps?
I need some ideas for new apps. The only apps (except the XKCD viewer) I could think of are listed in the core apps and I don't feel like joining these projects just yet.
So if you have any ideas or if you know some Android or iOS apps which could be ported leave a comment.
1. An IM client like Empathy
2. A Wallbase application/or anything that fetches nice HD wallpapers.
3. An application to watch anime
I had a similar question earlier, you might be able to mine something from those that answered
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2105374
The main app most people wanted was What's App, but I saw that some one else has been developing a client for it.
For the Galaxy Notes:
-full Gimp with GAP, pressure sensitive
-Mypaint, pressure sensitive
kdenlive video editor
recordmydesktop screen capture
Billy_Oneironaut said:
For the Galaxy Notes:
-full Gimp with GAP, pressure sensitive
-Mypaint, pressure sensitive
kdenlive video editor
recordmydesktop screen capture
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's a bit far-fetched for now..
Hempe said:
Hi everyone
Just wanted to ask, what are your must have apps?
I need some ideas for new apps. The only apps (except the XKCD viewer) I could think of are listed in the core apps and I don't feel like joining these projects just yet.
So if you have any ideas or if you know some Android or iOS apps which could be ported leave a comment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a Google Voice VoIP client, like Grooveip and Spare Phone on android
Hempe said:
Hi everyone
Just wanted to ask, what are your must have apps?
I need some ideas for new apps. The only apps (except the XKCD viewer) I could think of are listed in the core apps and I don't feel like joining these projects just yet.
So if you have any ideas or if you know some Android or iOS apps which could be ported leave a comment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Airdroid, sound hound, projectM, photo editor, IP Cam Viewer, team viewer, Xtremlabs Speedtest, Phone Ringtone, Angry Birds, Tango Remote
I think the drawing/photo editing APP is great idea.
When i have time i'll sketch something up and make a new thread.
What about a sportstracker app? Endomondo is awesome....something like that or a client for endomondo.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
amgz
Just give us whatsapppppp t_t
I am not going to make a whats APP client! I really dislike whatsapp. (There API is closed eeg. Free for only 100k users Ort something)
Hempe said:
I am not going to make a whats APP client! I really dislike whatsapp. (There API is closed eeg. Free for only 100k users Ort something)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Luckely somebody is already working on a client for whatsapp. Its one of the most used apps en i think very important to make people wanna use phones with UT installed on it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
A QR reader
A QR reader sounds like a good idea as well.
Only problem the nexus7's camera is not yet working
But definitly something for the todo list: -)
A decent torrent client please!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Chief
Hempe said:
Hi everyone
Just wanted to ask, what are your must have apps?
I need some ideas for new apps. The only apps (except the XKCD viewer) I could think of are listed in the core apps and I don't feel like joining these projects just yet.
So if you have any ideas or if you know some Android or iOS apps which could be ported leave a comment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my firm belief that we should have an APP INSTALL client that seamlessly installs apps FIRST! Then let the DEVS roll out the suggestions. What's the format anyway? not APK I would guess. I think a nice APK converter would work nicely then.
Chief out
buxtor said:
It is my firm belief that we should have an APP INSTALL client that seamlessly installs apps FIRST! Then let the DEVS roll out the suggestions. What's the format anyway? not APK I would guess. I think a nice APK converter would work nicely then.
Chief out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- What the heck is an APK? (That's only for Android and has nothing todo with linux, yes I said it android has nothing todo with linux )
- There are many ways to install an app.
-> you can install a .deb file
-> add a ppa our use the official repos and install via consol
-> build the binarys from source....
Currently someone is working on an "app store" but this is not a priority since ubuntu touch is still in pre alpha.
P.S. I am a DEV and I need some Ideas that's why I started the thread.
Some way to access Pandora One. I listen to some 300 hours a month, so it's definitely a requirement, not a 'want'.
Statement form pandoras website
We are deeply, deeply sorry to say that due to licensing constraints, we can no longer allow access to Pandora for listeners located outside of the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. We will continue to work diligently to realize the vision of a truly global Pandora, but for the time being we are required to restrict its use. We are very sad to have to do this, but there is no other alternative. ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A Pandora client sounded like a good idea but "this" makes it rather impossible
Hope you'll find some dev's located in the us that can help you with that.
I'm personally worried about not having an app to track and control my phone in the event it's lost or stolen. An Ubuntu touch UI for Prey or something to that effect would be awesome.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
hi guys,
i got my mx4 thursday and i ve been using it for few days, and there is some good things and bad things
because i had android for years, i am used to google services, and i have to admin i ve been surprised to not see any app for google services, i thought there were standard in mobile world
browsing mobile version looks so outdated in this world of apps. take a picture/ share/ gmail (oh not possible)
so in fact it s google mobile version, any reasons for that? i d like to know why it is this way, if real apps are in preparation (i can test if needed)
part of that, really like the interface, very nice, light and fresh, if you have tips for be able to use google services, to have photo sync on g+ and a real solution for have share services to drive, gmail, g+ would be great
any good calendar app to recommand ?
best regards
Info
nocomp said:
hi guys,
i got my mx4 thursday and i ve been using it for few days, and there is some good things and bad things
because i had android for years, i am used to google services, and i have to admin i ve been surprised to not see any app for google services, i thought there were standard in mobile world
browsing mobile version looks so outdated in this world of apps. take a picture/ share/ gmail (oh not possible)
so in fact it s google mobile version, any reasons for that? i d like to know why it is this way, if real apps are in preparation (i can test if needed)
part of that, really like the interface, very nice, light and fresh, if you have tips for be able to use google services, to have photo sync on g+ and a real solution for have share services to drive, gmail, g+ would be great
any good calendar app to recommand ?
best regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course you cannot compare Ubuntu with Android
Ubuntu is on early stage of development
and also Google Play Service is Only for Android Devices (However some android not supprt it like Amazon Phones)
If you want Stable Apps for your Ubuntu phone search and look for Developer name that include canonical or Ubuntu Core App
There is Calendar App By Ubuntu Core App Developers
:good:
yeah i fully understand that no prob but i ve seen image of ubuntu touch goin on for long time now, i thought these basics were more achieved.
no prob, i am patient, i am more interested in the terminal function anyway, i d like to get native classic linux app like nmap and other working
There is actually a Google calendar sync.
Sent from my awesome Ubuntu Touch device using the Forum Browser app