Related
There have been posts about this here and there, but most of them are just asking for advice on how to do it. I plan to follow through and document the solutions I find.
Why, you ask? I don't like Google having so much data on me. I used to not care but in today's environment with SOPA and new NSA data centers and whatnot, well... maybe I'm paranoid but I don't necessarily want anyone to so easily have such a complete profile of all my searches, contacts, location history, etc. Anyway, if you think it's dumb, ok, got it, move along please.
So if I don't like Google then why use Android? Well, a couple of reasons. First of all, Google is not Android. Android is maintained by the Android Open Source Project, which in turn is made up of members of the Open Handset Alliance. Yes, Google is the lead member of the Open Handset Alliance, and yes most of the developers working on the Android Open Source Project are Google employees. But I've been following Android for long enough now to know that Google and Android are for all practical purposes separate entities.
The second reason is because Android is simply the best mobile operating system on the planet right now, and it is free open-source software. I use Ubuntu on my laptop, and I'm not interested in switching to Windows or Mac, so that pretty much rules out iPhone or Windows Phone right there.
But isn't Android really Google's OS? Yes and No. As I mentioned, Google does pretty much run the AOSP, along with device manufacturers. But AOSP is very "provider agnostic." Much of what you see on your phone is not from AOSP. The Galaxy Nexus is a GOOGLE device, not an AOSP device. Gmail, Maps, Market, Location Tracking, etc are all GOOGLE ADDITIONS and are NOT a part of AOSP! When you build AOSP from source (or Cyanogenmod), you end up with an agnostic, neutral device that has practically no mention of anything Google whatsoever.
But what about what you DONT have in AOSP? No Market??? No Gmail??? How can you possibly use Android without these things? Well that is exactly what I intend to find out.
Please feel free to contribute to the discussion with ideas and questions. Hopefully this thread can eventually be helpful for someone else who comes along and wants to do something similar.
More posts to follow as I progress....
EDIT: I should add, I also will try to avoid other "free" services like Yahoo! and Hotmail-- basically anyone who wants to run bots through your mail to sell you ads or sell your data to others who want to sell you ads, etc. I will be trying to use open-source or for-pay services where possible (if it's "free" then YOU'RE the product!).
I commend your ambition, but this is nothing new. There are already non-Google Android handsets an tablets on the market. The Kindle Fire, for example, is non-Google.
You can do the same with a GNex. Just don't add a Google account or use a ROM without the gapps. Install the Amazon App Store, change your default search, and away you go.
please...stay safe
Personally the only Google apps I use are Gmail and the Play store, with an occasional use of maps and goggles.
Having a market is really just for convenience, you could install with APKs like on Windows you have to install from EXEs or MSIs. And if you're that against google you could just use the Amazon marketplace for stuff, though I've heard they take longer to receive updates.
In all honesty I don't know what to suggest except flashing 100% and not signing into Google services in any way or form. What you are asking is not possible unless you use apks from non market source and using Hotmail or something.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus expect possible typos.
If somebody figure out how to use Calendar, without creating google account for at least one time, or tell me the alternative calendar (not just widget) that will not sync with google, it would be nice. For example Smasung TW Launcher has it's own calendar, that you can choose, without google, but pure ICS does not have.
I have tryed many alternative, such as Jorte, Pocket Informant, etc, but they are far away from stock ...
I use:
1mobile.net
4shared.com (You also get 15gb cloud space free)
appbrain.com (get app from 4shared)
I absolutely love Google and all of their services. You're crazy! Good luck with it though.
Somebody needs to come out with a tinfoil hat edition ROM.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
sashavegas said:
If somebody figure out how to use Calendar, without creating google account for at least one time, or tell me the alternative calendar (not just widget) that will not sync with google, it would be nice. For example Smasung TW Launcher has it's own calendar, that you can choose, without google, but pure ICS does not have.
I have tryed many alternative, such as Jorte, Pocket Informant, etc, but they are far away from stock ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS is the point of the thread. Replacing Android Market with Amazon App Stores is completely simple and obvious. Getting contacts and calendar syncing, things like that are not so obvious. Mainly because I am not only going to avoid Google, but other services like Yahoo! or Hotmail, etc (anything that's "free" so they can monetize your data).
Stay off the grid bro
Sent from my francoPhone
ChongoDroid said:
Stay off the grid bro
Sent from my francoPhone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! Lol.
Once you're connected to the internet, you're pretty much open to everyone... You can go offline if you don't want any of these... It's not only google... There's ways you can go anonymous like using proxy.... Using search engine that don't track search data... Google has an option for you to opt-in or opt out... Just like the previous responses, you can use amazon but don't think amazon doesn't track you also... How would they know what to recommend you... Google don't force users to stick only to them... And that's why I like google for this reason only...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
matt2053 said:
THIS is the point of the thread. Replacing Android Market with Amazon App Stores is completely simple and obvious. Getting contacts and calendar syncing, things like that are not so obvious. Mainly because I am not only going to avoid Google, but other services like Yahoo! or Hotmail, etc (anything that's "free" so they can monetize your data).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There should be some third party app that will do these things, well you use linux, you should know that there's a lot of alternatives... Try if the software you use in ubuntu are available for android
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
Try this one, if you use thunderbird. Seems decent...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.callicia.birdiesync
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
AndroidNeophyte said:
Once you're connected to the internet, you're pretty much open to everyone... You can go offline if you don't want any of these... It's not only google... There's ways you can go anonymous like using proxy.... Using search engine that don't track search data... Google has an option for you to opt-in or opt out... Just like the previous responses, you can use amazon but don't think amazon doesn't track you also... How would they know what to recommend you... Google don't force users to stick only to them... And that's why I like google for this reason only...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point isn't really to be 100% anonymous. That would require a dumbphone with prepaid sim or VPN/Proxy setups etc, and that's not what I'm look at. The point is to make an experiment and see how "non-Google" AOSP really is and how useful it is as a mobile OS on its own, without Google proprietary add-ons. Many people say you "have to have a Gmail account to use Android," or "you have to sync your contacts through Gmail" etc and I want to show people how they can do it without Google if they so choose.
AndroidNeophyte said:
Try this one, if you use thunderbird. Seems decent...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.callicia.birdiesync
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I saw that one and I plan to try it out. I do use Thunderbird, thanks!
AOSP + open source Exchange alternative for syncing Calendar/Email/Contacts hosted on your own server (ie Zimbra)
Sideload all apps
Voila!
matt2053 said:
THIS is the point of the thread. Replacing Android Market with Amazon App Stores is completely simple and obvious. Getting contacts and calendar syncing, things like that are not so obvious. Mainly because I am not only going to avoid Google, but other services like Yahoo! or Hotmail, etc (anything that's "free" so they can monetize your data).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA monetizes your data. Every website does; that's how they pay for hosting and bandwidth.
Use a different calendar app and sync your contacts to Outlook, or just back them up somewhere.
Alright, but you should really start off removing the antenna from your smartphone. Then compile AOSP, don't flash GApps, sideload all APK files.
There, now you're off the grid. Enjoy boredom and next to no convenient functionality.
Title says it all! Some 'friends' installed some inappropriate apps on my phone and while I uninstalled them, they still remain under My Apps - All.
Any ideas? I'm worried that since this is stored on google's side this will be marring my account forever and I would prefer it not to. Searches have led me nowhere.
captainreynolds said:
Title says it all! Some 'friends' installed some inappropriate apps on my phone and while I uninstalled them, they still remain under My Apps - All.
Any ideas? I'm worried that since this is stored on google's side this will be marring my account forever and I would prefer it not to. Searches have led me nowhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://support.google.com/googleplay/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2566483
Deleting apps from My Apps/My Orders
At this time, there is no way to delete records of old apps either on the Google Play website (play.google.com) or from the My Apps section of the Google Play Store app.
We know that some users are looking for a way to delete old apps from Google Play, and we'll certainly take this into account as we work to improve the Google Play experience in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Short, you're stuck with it, short of making a new google account and re-buying everything there.
PS: That was item #2 in a google search for : google play remove app from my apps
Haha okay thanks. It's all about how you word your searches, I guess. My searches were closer to the thread title.
captainreynolds said:
Haha okay thanks. It's all about how you word your searches, I guess. My searches were closer to the thread title.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I guess after a while it becomes an art form .
Out of curiosity what embarrassing app did they install
kbeezie said:
http://support.google.com/googleplay/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2566483
In Short, you're stuck with it, short of making a new google account and re-buying everything there.
PS: That was item #2 in a google search for : google play remove app from my apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link is dead. Have they changed/updated this policy?
MrSmileyJr said:
Link is dead. Have they changed/updated this policy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note that I've seen.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2
SOLUTION: remove old uninstalled apps from your Play list
Even though on Google support page the answer is that it still cannot be done I have just done it on my phone.
The Play version that I have is 3.9.16, for Jelly Bean and I'm running CM10 on SGS3.
You need to go to the Play-> all apps and the uninstalled ones have a mark on the right. now you hold the app for a while and it becomes 'marked'.
Marking additional apps is done by short press. when you've all the ones you want to remove from the list in top right corner there's 'remove' button. Press out and voila, your Play list is cleaned up.
Here's a link to download
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/1...bility-to-remove-apps-from-the-all-apps-list/
G2 using Mimicry 1.5.0
Other than looking at my CC purchase report. Report is OK. I can filter by "Google" and I believe that all the paid apps are included.
But is it possible to do that in Google Play Web or App?
In the Web I can find only all Apps I downloaded and All Apps which are installed. But they are not categorized as purchased or not.
Any ideas?
I wish google would do this also in their play store app, I'm sick of seeing every app I have downloaded over the last 3 years in the all apps tab an I can't even delete them from the list.
slayr76 said:
I wish google would do this also in their play store app, I'm sick of seeing every app I have downloaded over the last 3 years in the all apps tab an I can't even delete them from the list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I can see only a list of every ****ty app I downloaded. It's really annoying that we can't filter the list.
Ditto! I remember the "old" Google market where you can look at just the purchased apps, but now with Google play you can't.
I wish they can create some way to sort.
Now, you might be able to see all you purchased apps on a pc. I think.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I might be wrong, but I think there is a list of those apps if you look through the Google Wallet website.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
RTContent said:
I might be wrong, but I think there is a list of those apps if you look through the Google Wallet website.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice ! I never even thought of that. G.W. is useless in Canada so far, so I never would think to check that, but lo and behold. Thank you !
It would be nice if Google Play Store could do that though, but at least this way I can view the list, then search the market for specific purchased apps, rather than scrolling thru a jumbled, unorganized mess of crapps I have installed in the past.
Valkillmore said:
Nice ! I never even thought of that. G.W. is useless in Canada so far, so I never would think to check that, but lo and behold. Thank you !
It would be nice if Google Play Store could do that though, but at least this way I can view the list, then search the market for specific purchased apps, rather than scrolling thru a jumbled, unorganized mess of crapps I have installed in the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I do agree though, the Play store app needs search filters that allows that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
You can see a list of all purchases if you log into the Google Wallet site, however it also includes all purchases from the play store (music, magazines, offers), so it might still be too much information. My advise would be to install appbrain on your phone and sync the apps to appbrain. It will compile a list of paid applications for you and is a handy way to see how much you have spent in the market. The only short fall of this method is it will not account for apps that were purchased and removed prior to syncing.
Finally!!!
A solution we were looking for: http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/0...apps-in-one-place-with-the-legacy-play-store/
So we have two ways so far:
1) Google Wallet page
2) Hacked old Playstore app
I know this should go in apps/themes but will probably get most visibility here, plus this thread will die quick enough anyways. Mods, move it if you want, not that you need my permission.
LANDING PAGE
PLAY STORE LINK :highfive:
Hangouts replaces Talk.
Also, the Search (Now), Maps, & Music updates are avaiable.
The Chrome version is there and pops up a window overlay
Anyone know if SMS is part of it? Seems silly for it not to be, but doesn't look like it's part of it. So not actually unified messaging yet.
Hangouts for android is live!
!!11oneone said:
The Chrome version is there and pops up a window overlay
Anyone know if SMS is part of it? Seems silly for it not to be, but doesn't look like it's part of it. So not actually unified messaging yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No carrier sms, more like Google voice messages with picture capabilities.
androo45 said:
Hangouts for android is live!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Live now for me as well!!
WiredPirate said:
No carrier sms, more like Google voice messages with picture capabilities.
Live now for me as well!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just installed it, and people's numbers are listed. What happens if I send a message to one? Bearing in mind that Google Voice doesn't yet exist in the UK!
Really does seem like an huge gap. They talked about getting technology out of the way so you can get on with communication, but I still have two apps to send messages and pictures to other people!
deleted, repeat message
!!11oneone said:
Just installed it, and people's numbers are listed. What happens if I send a message to one? Bearing in mind that Google Voice doesn't yet exist in the UK!
Really does seem like an huge gap. They talked about getting technology out of the way so you can get on with communication, but I still have two apps to send messages and pictures to other people!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It verified my # first?. But didnt migrate my sms list and the hangout message I sent didnt show in sms. I agree it would be cool if that was a feature, maybe in the future.
Didnt want to make a new thread for this but since we are talking about apps and stuff announced at Google I/O. New updates for Google Play music and Google search are in the play store. Google Play Music looks COMPLETELY different.
It tried to verify my number, but I think that's a WhatsApp style link for others to find you.
However, my SIM reports my number as something else entirely because I ported a number over. So it couldn't verify me. Trying to talk to my network now, they're not answering...
jsgraphicart said:
Didnt want to make a new thread for this but since we are talking about apps and stuff announced at Google I/O. New updates for Google Play music and Google search are in the play store. Google Play Music looks COMPLETELY different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the improvements too! I figured as much of a hot topic as Hangouts has been I might as well post the thread just in case someone forgot what today is lol. Like I said in the OP, I'm expecting it to die quickly - just a friendly PSA. But you are correct, probably didn't warrant a new thread but I've seen worse.
!!11oneone said:
It tried to verify my number, but I think that's a WhatsApp style link for others to find you.
However, my SIM reports my number as something else entirely because I ported a number over. So it couldn't verify me. Trying to talk to my network now, they're not answering...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine said it was going to send a sms, but I never received one, instead I received a notification that my # was verified.
Yeah, but the number my SIM reports is not my phone number, and Hangouts picked up the number from the SIM! Trying to get the network to reset it...
When I open up the play store link, it says installed but when I open it, Google Talk opens up...any ideas?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I am not getting the new interface for Hangouts via the Chrome plug in. Only seeing the Talk interface. Any pointers?
Sounava said:
I am not getting the new interface for Hangouts via the Chrome plug in. Only seeing the Talk interface. Any pointers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean in Gmail? Because it's a floating window outside of that. Click the new button on your toolbar...
msavic6 said:
When I open up the play store link, it says installed but when I open it, Google Talk opens up...any ideas?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounava said:
I am not getting the new interface for Hangouts via the Chrome plug in. Only seeing the Talk interface. Any pointers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is transitioning Talk into Hangouts so it may take a little time for everything to line up. At first I was being directed to "Hangouts (replaces Talk)" that just said "open" on my device, and it looked like Talk. But then, after a dozen impatient refreshes, "open" changed to "update". Now Talk is labeled Hangout and has the new UI, but the icon is still Talk. Messages I am sending in Hangout on my phone are appearing in Talk in gmail on my comp right now.
!!11oneone said:
Do you mean in Gmail? Because it's a floating window outside of that. Click the new button on your toolbar...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiredPirate said:
This is transitioning Talk into Hangouts so it may take a little time for everything to line up. At first I was being directed to "Hangouts (replaces Talk)" that just said "open" on my device, and it looked like Talk. But then, after a dozen impatient refreshes, "open" changed to "update". Now Talk is labeled Hangout and has the new UI, but the icon is still Talk. Messages I am sending in Hangout on my phone are appearing in Talk in gmail on my comp right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my phone I have the Hangout installed now, even started a group conversation, but still getting the old Talk interface in chrome, hence not seeing group messages, and not getting either the new emoticons, nor the new interface, nor the smileys, even when I click the new Hangout button in the toolbar. Maybe it will be implemented after some time in the future
msavic6 said:
When I open up the play store link, it says installed but when I open it, Google Talk opens up...any ideas?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using a ROM where Talk is one of the system apps, you may need to uninstall it. I used Titanium Backup to uninstall it and then downloaded Hangouts from the Play Store.
Sounava said:
In my phone I have the Hangout installed now, even started a group conversation, but still getting the old Talk interface in chrome, hence not seeing group messages, and not getting either the new emoticons, nor the new interface, nor the smileys, even when I click the new Hangout button in the toolbar. Maybe it will be implemented after some time in the future
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm understanding you right, you're trying to access Hangouts via the Gmail web interface. The Chrome Hangouts plugin does NOT replace the Talk box in Gmail. It adds an extra app, which is accessed by clicking the Hangouts icon on your Chrome toolbar.
The Gmail web interface will be rolled out later and will be upgraded from within Gmail itself.
Sideload mirrors as attached. (hangouts apk was too large for xda. reuploading...)
Play Services http://d-h.st/j63
Hangouts http://d-h.st/w4P
Pulled from 4.2.2 GNexus.
So, eBay willing I will get my Huawei Mate Xs in about 10 days time.
And I have a difficult decision ahead of me. Do I Google or not?
Installing GMS and the Google apps will make my phone more like my existing Android device. But it will also introduce inevitable stability (and possibly security) issues.
Sticking to the Huawei apps avoids these, but limits my options somewhat.
What do you guys think. Do I Google or not?
If you can do without Google docs and drive, I say skip the Google hack. It's kinda risky. Even if you use the Mate XS as is without the hack, you can still use some Google services.
Gmail still works through Microsoft Outlook. Google calendar works through Business Calendar. Google Maps load fine even though can't sign in. Chrome works. Facebook Instagram WhatsApp all work.
So the only thing I use often that's missing for me is really Google drive, doc, YouTube. For latter I just go on the web browser to watch and it's ok. Not as good as app but not terrible.
I made a video of the whole setup if you're interested.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JBzmPXS7KrA&
rcs1000 said:
So, eBay willing I will get my Huawei Mate Xs in about 10 days time.
And I have a difficult decision ahead of me. Do I Google or not?
Installing GMS and the Google apps will make my phone more like my existing Android device. But it will also introduce inevitable stability (and possibly security) issues.
Sticking to the Huawei apps avoids these, but limits my options somewhat.
What do you guys think. Do I Google or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
radioraheem2 said:
If you can do without Google docs and drive, I say skip the Google hack. It's kinda risky. Even if you use the Mate XS as is without the hack, you can still use some Google services.
Gmail still works through Microsoft Outlook. Google calendar works through Business Calendar. Google Maps load fine even though can't sign in. Chrome works. Facebook Instagram WhatsApp all work.
So the only thing I use often that's missing for me is really Google drive, doc, YouTube. For latter I just go on the web browser to watch and it's ok. Not as good as app but not terrible.
I made a video of the whole setup if you're interested.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JBzmPXS7KrA&
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I'm using stock browser, email, and messenger. I can do almost everything just as if I was using Google.
misleading
radioraheem2 said:
If you can do without Google docs and drive, I say skip the Google hack. It's kinda risky. Even if you use the Mate XS as is without the hack, you can still use some Google services.
Gmail still works through Microsoft Outlook. Google calendar works through Business Calendar. Google Maps load fine even though can't sign in. Chrome works. Facebook Instagram WhatsApp all work.
So the only thing I use often that's missing for me is really Google drive, doc, YouTube. For latter I just go on the web browser to watch and it's ok. Not as good as app but not terrible.
I made a video of the whole setup if you're interested.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JBzmPXS7KrA&
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all due respect that video is not yours. its Ben from ben gadget review. please stop lying
rcs1000 said:
So, eBay willing I will get my Huawei Mate Xs in about 10 days time.
And I have a difficult decision ahead of me. Do I Google or not?
Installing GMS and the Google apps will make my phone more like my existing Android device. But it will also introduce inevitable stability (and possibly security) issues.
Sticking to the Huawei apps avoids these, but limits my options somewhat.
What do you guys think. Do I Google or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can have the best of both worlds by downloading vmos. I have the Huawei mate xs and it is working well.
The issue I have with VMOS is that I know *nothing* about the company who makes it. You are giving an awful lot of power to a company where the owners are unknown, that has no obvious revenue model, and where the code is closed source.
I sent a message using their contact us form, to understand what they were doing and to see if I could help with commercialisation (I'm a reasonably successful tech entrepreneur).
But I got no response.
So... I might use VMOS to run Uber in, but I'm not connecting my Google account to it.
Just got mine, tried without... but it was just not possible, there were about 10 apps I use regularly that do not want to work without Google services. Plus there are several apps I have purchased that I could either not use at all or would have had to use the free version full of ads - just not an option.
The videos posted in this thread were really hard to follow, ommitted important steps etc.
For me this one was great, even if it was still a pain and I needed 3 hard resets before getting there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYOU_YxrHhc
Now I only have 2 apps I can't use: Google Play music (but that plays fine in the browser so no big deal, also on VMOS if needed to be offline), and... the most stupid of things, the McDonald's app for getting coupons. That damn app is more protected than games and banking apps, it's ridiculous... it won't run on VMOS either.
EDIT: Damn it's been a while since I've been here, [email protected]
radioraheem2 said:
If you can do without Google docs and drive, I say skip the Google hack. It's kinda risky. Even if you use the Mate XS as is without the hack, you can still use some Google services.
Gmail still works through Microsoft Outlook. Google calendar works through Business Calendar. Google Maps load fine even though can't sign in. Chrome works. Facebook Instagram WhatsApp all work.
So the only thing I use often that's missing for me is really Google drive, doc, YouTube. For latter I just go on the web browser to watch and it's ok. Not as good as app but not terrible.
I made a video of the whole setup if you're interested.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JBzmPXS7KrA&
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about youtube music or banking apps?
Youtube Music works for me. Google play music didn't but since that's going to be killed shortly and once should migrate to YTM and use that it's what I did.
Banking apps most of mine work, only one doesn't.
im think for buy the huawei xs but if the xda dont want unlock root ....
I'm getting mine tomorrow and I'll try it without GMS and see how I like it. Biggest drawback I see is the lack of native Youtube app support, I prefer not to use the browser version.