Database Develop

Google free Nexus 4

Hey all. Lately I've been on a mission to "cut the Google" cord and have now worked my way down to my Nexus 4. I was wondering if anyone else in the Nexus 4 community runs a Google free device.. Maybe we can share our setups and suggestions.. Android for me isn't what it was when I first got involved.. More and more Google seems to want to dig deeper and deeper into tying everything on a phone into their servers.. I'm sorta over it and Google itself at this point with their hamfisting of their apps and services .. I love the OS, not the company.. Hence.. AOSP without Gapps..
My Google free setup right now is the following
ROM: Raskat (without any Gapps or Google Play Services obviously)
I use the following as my software sources.. Main one being 1Mobile Market which is one of the largest (and legal) Play Store alternatives.. Even has Chrome, Maps, Play Services etc if you actually want Google apps. (which would defeat the purpose but they are there)
Amazon App Store
F-Droid
1Mobile Market
Slide Me
Mail: I haven't ditched gmail yet as I have 3 gmail accounts and it's going to be the largest move away from Google and saving it for last. I connect with the AOSP email IMAP client for now though.
Browser: Cleared all my saved bookmarks and passwords off Googles Dashboard and manually create a list of bookmarks saved locally only in AOSP browser. Passwords all saved locally in KeePass
Contacts: I exported my contact list from the Google servers as a Vcard (then deleted them all from Google) and imported it to my contacts app. I keep a backup on a cloud service and locally if I update them.
Maps: I use MapQuest as it doesn't rely on the Google Maps API.
Calendar: is my only missing link right now as most all calender apps I found rely on Google Calenders framework to sync etc.
So far I'm enjoying it. I lost a lot of payware from the Play Store I've bought over the years but I'm learning to live without it. I'm thoroughly enjoying knowing my device is truly Google free at this point.

styckx said:
Hey all. Lately I've been on a mission to "cut the Google" cord and have now worked my way down to my Nexus 4. I was wondering if anyone else in the Nexus 4 community runs a Google free device.. Maybe we can share our setups and suggestions.. Android for me isn't what it was when I first got involved.. More and more Google seems to want to dig deeper and deeper into tying everything on a phone into their servers.. I'm sorta over it and Google itself at this point. I love the OS, not the company..
My Google free setup right now is the following
Raskat (without any Gapps obviously)
I use the following as my software sources.. Main one being 1Mobile Market which is one of the largest (and legal) Play Store alternatives.. Even has Chrome, Maps, Play Services etc if you actually want Google apps. (which would defeat the purpose but they are there)
Amazon App Store
F-Droid
1Mobile Market
Slide Me
Mail: I haven't ditched gmail yet as I have 3 gmail accounts and it's going to be the largest move away from Google and saving it for last. I connect with the AOSP email IMAP client for now though.
Browser: Cleared all my saved bookmarks and passwords off Googles Dashboard and manually create a list of bookmarks saved locally only in AOSP browser. No more syncing.. Passwords all saved locally in KeePass
Contacts: I exported my contact list from the Google servers as a Vcard (then deleted them all from Google) and imported it to my contacts app. I keep a backup on a cloud service and locally if I update them.
Maps: I use MapQuest as it doesn't rely on the Google Maps API.
Calendar: is my only missing link right now as most all calender apps I found rely on Google Calenders framework to sync etc.
So far I'm enjoying it. I lost a lot of payware from the Play Store I've bought over the years but I'm learning to live without it. I'm thoroughly enjoying knowing my device is truly Google free at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I, too, have cut off most of my links to Google. I would like to know if there are any more alternatives out there....

Scheherez said:
I, too, have cut off most of my links to Google. I would like to know if there are any more alternatives out there....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice to see I'm not the only one here so far.. There are a lot of options out there and 100% completely possible to run a 100% completely Google free device.. AOSP is beautiful without Googles apps and Play Services hamfisted into it data mining god knows what. I also don't miss the Play Store and everything and anything having a price tag attached to it regardless of quality.
It's nice looking into the accounts section and not seeing Google or them even being an option.
Another great Maps alternative is OsmAnd Maps and Navigation

Is there also an increased battery life using your phone this way without all the processes running in the background?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Probably but I haven't really focused on that so I can't give any sound feedback. Running your device this way is more of a personal choice to get rid of "big brother Google". I liken it to dumping Ubuntu for pure Debian instead.
Sent from my Nexus 10

I have thought about doing this many times but for me it is all about the ease of the items I use from Google that make my life easier. Also, the play store has me hooked in because I have spent quite a bit on there.

Yeah I'm in the process of doing the same thing. I'll be honest Google wanting to access more and more of my data has gotten to me a little. It's okay for them to manage my mail (I've come too far), but when I get notifications about flight itineraries it goes from being convenient to conveniently creepy. To be frank, I have no doubt that Google is as responsible as any other company is with my information. And given their user base, the occasional slip up is to be expected. But the bottom line is I don't really enjoy a multinational corporation having that much access to my personal data. And no, they're not harvesting all my information and selling it to other companies to spy on me, like some think.
I just feel like they ought to be reined in a bit. And F Google+ and uploading my photos without me having ever asked. Do you, Google. Just do it without me.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

1Mobile Market? Don't they take your information too?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Nope.. I never created an account. it is optional or sign in with your Google account. Nothing to buy there really anyway. Has everything I need that is normally carried on the Play Store. Just the freeware versions.
Sent from my Nexus 10

You mentioned you use the aosp browser. Just so you know, that is a google app, and if you allow it, it will sync to your google account.....just sayin' I personally think firefox would be the first choice if you don't want anything google. It allows firefox account syncing, plugins, etc. And the plugings aren't cheesy like dolphin's. They have real ones like ab+, and all.

AOSP Browser without Google Services Framework will not sync to anything, it can't. It's Impossible. It is a plain as day web browser with local bookmarks being the only thing available. If I go to add an account in settings there isn't an option for Google because nothing Google related is on my build. It's AOSP as AOSP gets.
Sent from my Nexus 10

styckx said:
AOSP Browser without Google Services Framework will not sync to anything, it can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right....no gapps package. I forgot

hp420 said:
Right....no gapps package. I forgot
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Click to collapse
No problems. This has been fun and not something most actually do so.. It's out of the typical routine of things. :laugh:

Sounds interesting to try cuz I don't understand why android system is always searching for location in app ops although I have all location off
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Do not forget the article on the XDA main page:
Remove the Google from CyanogenMod with Freecygn
I would mostly/only miss Google Maps.

user822 said:
Do not forget the article on the XDA main page:
Remove the Google from CyanogenMod with Freecygn
I would mostly/only miss Google Maps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but. No way..
I refuse to touch Cyanogenmod with someone elses devices let alone my own devices. Cyanogenmod has been dead to me for years.

styckx said:
Thanks but. No way..
I refuse to touch Cyanogenmod with someone elses devices let alone my own devices. Cyanogenmod has been dead to me for years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mind elaborating as to why? Purely curious lol. I personally only do AOSP builds, myself, but I'm interested in why you are so anti-CM? I assume nowadays it has to do with Cyanogenmod, Inc.?

EnMod said:
Mind elaborating as to why? Purely curious lol. I personally only do AOSP builds, myself, but I'm interested in why you are so anti-CM? I assume nowadays it has to do with Cyanogenmod, Inc.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you asked and I'll keep it short.
What Cyanogen Inc is now isn't a surprise to many.. Most purist (read: Fans of AOSP) Android users after CM7 saw the direction CM was heading and abandoned ship at ICS/CM9. I've said many times.. Cyanogenmod 7 was the last good Cyanogenmod. Instead of just making a cool AOSP based ROM with features they started trying to make Cyanogenmod a "thing". It all started with that terrible File Manager they shoehorned in and snowballed from there. It's laughable at best to pitch Cyanogenmod on the "AOSP Derived" line that so many still use.. At this point it's like saying the Ford Fusion is derived from the Model T (ok, that's an extreme example but you get my point). Add in everything they did when the Cyanogen Inc company was formed.
Nope..

Wow.
I could never imagine doing this.. I use Google for contact and calendar sync and email, bookmarks etc... even on my Lumia 520.

MameTozhio said:
Wow.
I could never imagine doing this.. I use Google for contact and calendar sync and email, bookmarks etc... even on my Lumia 520.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. It's a personal thing. It hit me just how much data Google hoards when I randomly looked at my Google Dashboard one day and saw the Chrome Sync stats. Seeing in pictures just the sheer amount of data they have on me was a "moment". Then I started just piecing everything together about how many sectors of technology they've got their hands in all based around "providing services" over the internet. I just decided that was the end for me. I deleted all my dashboard data, went back to Firefox, deleted my Google+ accounts. I'm just going back to the old school days.. Limiting what is given to companies and lowering my online profile. For now keeping Google just for email and nothing more. It's just not per-say Google.. It's just the current trend of everything "needing" to be online and "synced" in some cloud. I don't need my entire livelihood and trends online.. No one should.. But... That's just my opinion. I can't stay away from everything (I mean I have a Facebook account) but I can do a lot to minimize what is given.

[Q] Which system apps are safe to freeze?

Hey guys,
Is there any system apps or tasks that I can't ever freeze?

All google apps like Google Docs, Sheets, Play Movies, Play Games, Google+ etc. Then various Google keyboard inputs which you are not using like I am not using Google Korean so disabled it. HP Print service, Photos (I don't take online backup of photos so don't need it).
Avoid using Facebook app, instead use browser for FB and G+.
No need to disable Moto Service, afterall these features are what make it a MotoX and also turning any of those service doesn't make any big difference in battery life or performance.
Once you disable the above services/apps, nothing useless left.

Jack Sparrow xda said:
All google apps like Google Docs, Sheets, Play Movies, Play Games, Google+ etc. Then various Google keyboard inputs which you are not using like I am not using Google Korean so disabled it. HP Print service, Photos (I don't take online backup of photos so don't need it).
Avoid using Facebook app, instead use browser for FB and G+.
No need to disable Moto Service, afterall these features are what make it a MotoX and also turning any of those service doesn't make any big difference in battery life or performance.
Once you disable the above services/apps, nothing useless left.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, man.
But I want to make a new question.
As we navigate on Rom Toolbox (for example), we see a lot of tasks there and somethings I neved heard of... I'd like to know which one of them I can freeze and which ones I can't ever because it would shut the system down.

Don't freeze anything unless you know what it is, and have a specific reason for freezing it.

A lot can actually be frozen depending on what 3rd party apps you use. I actually freeze/disable a ton of stuff on my phone!
If you use a 3rd party camera, you can uninstall the stock one.
Tags is another, i don't even have a clue what this is for but i've never had a drawback from disabling or uninstalling it.
Sound recorder.
I could go on and list a whole bunch, but i really don't know what you have installed for 3rd party.

Created new Google Account, New account "disabled"

Was not sure were to post this, but thought I may ask if anyone has ever ran into getting a Google account disabled. I have several Gmail accounts only really use just 1 but the rest are for different devices over the years, or sites I do not want to give out my personal email etc.
But I thought I'd give my old LG G Pro some new life by flashing Blisspop CM rom. I decided since this device may be used as a remote for my TV box, throwing around, dash cam, etc I'd just have it its own Google account which I created on the phone. Downloaded some apps, and about 2 hours later pick up the phone and it says I need to sign back up, which did NOT work. So I tried on the computer which stated the account was disabled.
Anyone know what may cause this? Running Blisspop and creating the account with it? since its not stock android? something I may not know about? (downloaded Gapps from a reputable source)
I rely on some Google services heavily on my main account I do not want that comprised by the accounts getting linked.
Very secure password was used. But just found it strange.
Thanks!

Kindle Fire 5th Gen & G-Suite issues with Google Play

Howdy,
I am looking for some very specific help here on my device and so will try to provide as much information as I can with regards to it.
The basic issue is that I cannot, for any adequate length of time (more than a few minutes or hours), access the Google Play store on my Kindle Fire 5th Gen after it's initial installation. This is on Fire OS 5.3.2.1.
Where I started:
I have followed the instructions on how to install Google Play on the Kindle Fire without requiring root, which is basically the installation of the four required APKs. I used the script posted here on the forums and it worked well enough, but I've also copied the APKs locally to the device and installed them from there using the Local Storage tab in the Docs app.
The issue:
Within a few minutes or hours of having the Google Play store working, I am, for a second time, prompted to accept the Google Play terms and conditions when I load the store app. Once I accept (which I have no real choice otherwise, it just exits the app if I click Decline), I am now faced with an empty store screen and the message saying that there are no apps I can install as my Administrator has not made any available to me.
As I am my own Administrator, I know this is utter nonsense. This is also only the case on my account, as a dummy account that is not part of my G-Suite account does not have this issue, but alas, also does not have my purchases associated with it so this is not a good permanent choice.
My troubleshooting:
This issue seems to be entirely due to some issue with the fact that I am using a G-Suite account (the previously named Google Apps for Work) and not just your average Google account. The "apparent" issue is that the Google Play Store app seems to think I am using an Advanced management device (more info here, support.google.com/a/answer/6328699).
I have spent a few hours on the phone with G-Suite support on this. There was a point I mistakenly had the Advanced management settings on (EMM is the main culprit setting, the ability for the Administrator to control which apps their users can install, users being myself, my wife, and our son), but I have since, and for over a week now, had it off. They say toggling that takes about 24 hours to propagate, so that should be plenty of time. All I really wanted anyway was the Basic management anyway, i.e., being able to remotely locate, wipe, remove account, etc., on my various devices should they be lost or stolen, but I turned on some settings that weren't worded well enough for me to understand, apparently, and so Advanced it was.
Even with the EMM off, I still receive this error. At this point, I have many times over removed both the device from my G-Suite account as well as turned off mobile management entirely (it currently sits off and has since last week) which should have made it about as equivalent to a standard Google account as you can get, and yet still, the second prompting of the terms and service and the subsequent inability to browse the store after more than a short while after it just worked a bit ago.
Workarounds:
I can uninstall all four Google services apps, re-install them, add a dummy account, and get any free apps I want installed on my Kindle added, then uninstall again, re-install again, and add my account back, and then launch the apps and have them work. But again, this doesn't give me access to my purchased apps or add-ins so is not the best choice of action, nor is having to do this whole process again and try to get the Google Play store to work for those precious few minutes before it conks out. Sometimes it's not even a few minutes, but usually it is, but nevertheless, not the best all-around choice.
My hopeful resolution?:
Since neither I nor G-Suite Support seems to know of a setting that is currently preventing this from working, I am wanting to try some other methods that seem logical to me.
1) Putting the Google Play Store on my wife's profile on my Kindle and have it install any apps for all users and not just her profile. That "all users" part is what I am missing how to do. I know the script mentioned above that installs Google Play does install to all users so I know it's possible. Naturally, I would prefer this done through the store and not through manual APKs but beggars can't be choosers. I just want my auto-updates!
2) Allowing the adding and management of multiple Google accounts under my single profile. Currently, only one Google account can be added using the method of installing the Google Play store above, and if I could add mine and a dummy one, it should also work, in theory, by just swapping back and forth on the Play store. Still limited by purchases that are tied to my account (I believe), but not add-ins. I'd have to see how much trouble that is worth, but it could be better than nothing.
3) Anything else someone here on the forums can think of.
I'm open to questions, suggestions, or whatever at this point. I've now spent two weeks on this and yet still no resolution.
Thanks!

Tough issue, but not entirely unexpected behavior given the interdependencies of Google Play services components and undocumented assumptions of how play services/store will be installed on unrooted systems. Layer on G-suite and you have a snakes pit. My guess is one of more of the installed components is self-updating while the others are not. Probably not going to be able to control that behavior on an unrooted device.
May be less involved (and more successful) grabbing a refurb from Amazon Warehouse which typically arrive with older/rootable firmware.

Did you ever find a solution to this? I've got exactly the same problem now... Information seems light out there.

oilerfan21 said:
Did you ever find a solution to this? I've got exactly the same problem now... Information seems light out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I never got a fix for this, and unfortunately I have been relegated to just uninstalling all apps that came direct from APKs or just not from the Amazon Appstore. It sucks and makes my Fire not very worth it, despite the nice price tag.

Googles unfairness

Hai there I am making apps and games for play store.i used to work with droidscript ide but they run into problems with admob and adsense unfairly and their accounts get blocked for no reason.they managed to get their accounts back.i stopped using droidscript and using sketchware because I like it.but suddenly adsense threatening me I'm gonna lose my account.and they tell the reason one of my apps copy directly from website.(I have the emails).then suddenly they disable my account and my appeal also didn't succeed.reason click fraud which I never have done.now I must use unity ads because google thinks I'm a criminal.do they always treat people this way and is it possible to get my adsense account back ?please I am not a criminal and do honest work with my apps