Have you guys used Avast Mobile Security yet? I absolutely love it!
using it allows for the getting rid of several other apps which, as stand alones, becomes duplicative.
thoughts anyone?
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
I did for about a day but I couldn't get it to play nice with root call blocker pro.. avast removed it from the allowed programs list in super user.
For an antivirus it is stepping into other areas ability to block mms but the implementation into that area is basic at best and besides I already have applications doing that for me already.. No need for the extra fluff..
Now if they looked at other applications and their implementation and ui programs such as rcb, Droid wall, and auto starts they could make an all in one full application.. Also it removed add free from super user..
From what I see thus far this program steps on too many toes and offers little of the ability to disable or modify the settings.. When a program becomes restrictive because it assumes I know no better then that's some bull ****e.
---------- Post added at 11:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:30 AM ----------
If avast had a trusted programs list and didn't screw with those programs then that would work but till then it is a no for me.
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.
Hi,
after reading THIS (How is Google uploading my WLAN passwords to their servers ?)
i wondered what google apps are safe.
Fortunately some Roms allow to install the GAPPS seperately, so i wanted to know how to block the unsafe ones, which are sending (what) data to google.
Id like to upgrade to an ICS based ROM, but wanted to make sure i understand before i do so .
Thank you in advance for helping me out.
Well, just using android is potentially dangerous. Google has total control over your system as long as you are connected to the internet. They can remotely install apps, remove apps lock your phone and MORE.
So why so paranoid, just get over it or buy another OS phone....which in fact does the same. It's the world we live in - it's unavoidable.
retsam88 said:
Well, just using android is potentially dangerous. Google has total control over your system as long as you are connected to the internet. They can remotely install apps, remove apps lock your phone and MORE.
So why so paranoid, just get over it or buy another OS phone....which in fact does the same. It's the world we live in - it's unavoidable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not entirely true!
To kick out Google, you don't need to switch OS. Google is just a major player of OHA. It doesn't simply own Android.
You can always remove all Google's apps from system (if you are rooted). Remove even Play Store and use alternative Market apps. Or, don't use a Market app at all (install apps manually).
As an example, you can see Android-powered Kindle Fire. There's no dominance of Google over it.
---------- Post added at 05:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:06 AM ----------
derolleheinz said:
Hi,
after reading THIS (How is Google uploading my WLAN passwords to their servers ?)
i wondered what google apps are safe.
Fortunately some Roms allow to install the GAPPS seperately, so i wanted to know how to block the unsafe ones, which are sending (what) data to google.
Id like to upgrade to an ICS based ROM, but wanted to make sure i understand before i do so .
Thank you in advance for helping me out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best practice: Encrypt your Internet Traffic.
There are many ways to do this. Use L2TP VPN (with encryption support) if you aren't rooted. If you're rooted, use OpenVPN.
I use SSH Tunnel app with socks proxy option checked (for dynamic port forwarding). With this, my internet traffic flows through a powerful encrypted tunnel. This method is easiest one because there's no need to configure anything on server. You just need a server with root access (or, full SSH access) running somewhere on internet.
All true, but theres something you don't know. Google has killswitch. How to disable it is beyond my imagination.
retsam88 said:
So why so paranoid, just get over it or buy another OS phone....which in fact does the same. It's the world we live in - it's unavoidable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it unavoidable at all. I think it is pretty easy.
Just put Cyanogenmod on your phone. Don't install Gapps. And get all your apps from 3rd party markets like f-droid.org
You may try "LBE Privacy Guard" application that is available on Google Play.
It allows to control permissions of all installed applications including system and Google ones.
Root is required though it is always required if you want to control something on your phone.
P.S. I am using it since I rooted my phone and initially I rooted my phone just to install this app :victory:
retsam88 said:
Well, just using android is potentially dangerous. Google has total control over your system as long as you are connected to the internet. They can remotely install apps, remove apps lock your phone and MORE.
So why so paranoid, just get over it or buy another OS phone....which in fact does the same. It's the world we live in - it's unavoidable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be fair ios and wp7 can also remotely delete apps etcetera too.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2
Currently in China and considering buying the China variant of the Huawei Mate 20 Pro.
Can't seem to find any international / global ROM I could flash after getting it [in order to fix the voice assistent / other 'hi' apps which remain in Chinese after changing lanaguage].
Anyone have any insight on this / know where I could get a global ROM?
Also as a side question:
Went into store and tried to install google play on the Chinese variant. Installed, but crashes upon trying to open it. Turns out GSM not installed by default. Is it possible to install GSM without root access, as my company doesn't permit rooted phones.
Cheers!
I asked FunkyHuawei about rebranding the phone, this was their reply;
"Sorry to say that rebranding the Mate 20 series is impossible.
It’s likely it will never be possible."
ItsMunday said:
I asked FunkyHuawei about rebranding the phone, this was their reply;
"Sorry to say that rebranding the Mate 20 series is impossible.
It’s likely it will never be possible."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They might suffer reduced business opportunity moving forward, hey?
I bought it from mainland China and can install the google play store without issues in the UK.
I think In China you need VPN to install Play Store or other google service.
---------- Post added at 11:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:52 PM ----------
I’m looking to change it to global room as well , don’t like the Hivoice and yellow pages etc...
zackleeuk said:
I bought it from mainland China and can install the google play store without issues in the UK.
I think In China you need VPN to install Play Store or other google service.
---------- Post added at 11:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:52 PM ----------
I’m looking to change it to global room as well , don’t like the Hivoice and yellow pages etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought mine today, not thinking about it would be locked the way it is. So you are saying that when i get home i can get normal keyboard and get google play without any problems?
Yep, all fine for me in UK
RasmusPazdecki2 said:
I just bought mine today, not thinking about it would be locked the way it is. So you are saying that when i get home i can get normal keyboard and get google play without any problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
zackleeuk said:
Yep, all fine for me in UK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am waiting mine too. Do you see chines ads here and there? Also, how did you install google Playstore? Thanks
I made an account just to rant about the Chinese branded version. I managed to get Google Play Store, Google Account Manager and Google Services Framework installed (the latter two had to be sideloaded from APKMirror) and from there was able to get most of my Google apps working at a baseline level. That's pretty much where the good news ended though. Here are problems I have had since then. Help or comments with any of this would be appreciated.
You are required to make a Huawei account to use ADB, and EMUI in general begs you to make a Huawei acct. all the time which is pretty irritating
Changing the default launcher, as we know, was disabled. Uninstalling the Huawei launcher through ADB lets you use a different launcher but swipe gestures are broken. Nova also seems to be buggy in general on this phone, so I'm experimenting with different launchers now.
The Huawei App Gallery app store is ripe garbage. You can "uninstall" a variety of preinstalled apps like Huawei Video, but they shortly reinstall themselves.
The "Program Manager" app is also ripe garbage and appears to be breaking a variety of things. It's purpose seems to be to promote security and performance, but it basically just blocks devices from using microphones, wifi etc and spams you with obnoxious notifications. Oh, you also can't revoke any of Program Manager's permissions since it's a system app and doesn't even appear in the permissions list, and changing it's permissions through settings>apps doesn't appear to be allowed.
Android Auto: I can't get voice commands to work. I suspect this has to do with Program Manager thinking its a god, but who even knows.
EMUI in general is unattractive and overbearing. The icons in the status bar are ugly and cannot be rearranged. The settings menus are searchable, but still overly complicated and there are a TON of bundled Huawei apps which act like system apps and try to take control away from the user.
Knowing that root/rebrand will probably never be possible gives me almost zero hope that this phone will ever be usable as my daily driver.
I also have a mild case of green-screen. It's honestly the part that bothers me least right now, but I might use it as justification to return this device to my reseller and maybe try to get the international version.
I feel like I'm using an Apple device in that I don't feel like I have any control/customization power, but unlike Apple, the software barely even works. It is intrusive, disruptive, and breaks ordinary functions of normal apps. So far, 2/10 experience.
The hardware is great though
zackleeuk said:
I bought it from mainland China and can install the google play store without issues in the UK.
I think In China you need VPN to install Play Store or other google service.
---------- Post added at 11:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:52 PM ----------
I’m looking to change it to global room as well , don’t like the Hivoice and yellow pages etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you have a global ROM, you can't Flash because there's no way to upgrade the Hess 980 chip across regions.