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[Q] Nexus 5 viable without google+?

I'm thinking about getting the Nexus 5, however, i really dislike social networking and Google's ramming Google+ down our throats (looking at YOU Youtube!). Am i forced to use google+? Can i still use features that should, in a sane world, have nothing to do with social networking without having a + account?

Yes
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

This is my third nexus device, and I've never used G+ in my life...

Knobster said:
I'm thinking about getting the Nexus 5, however, i really dislike social networking and Google's ramming Google+ down our throats (looking at YOU Youtube!). Am i forced to use google+? Can i still use features that should, in a sane world, have nothing to do with social networking without having a + account?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive got a google/apps account for my own domain and have google plus permanently disabled on the apps account so i cant even accidentally enable google plus on my main account on my phone/desktop/etc.
limit of this is i guess as of last week I cant comment on youtube (meh) cant leave feedback or rate an app on the play market ... i guess developers lose out if i had any feedback and the dev's dont have proper contact methods visible but usually theres an email or thread on xda or subreddit for the app.
and google now wont track packages (this is a thing from google apps accounts not lack of google plus) and it wont do any social crap that google plus does.. google now will tho show me time to work/time to home/weather/sports/stocks.. etc..
other than that my google account works fine with out google+

Disabled Google+
I also dislike the social stuff and one of the first things I did was disable Google+ in Manage Apps. Doesn't seem to have affected anything else, including YouTube and Play Store. I also disabled Google Music, Google Books, and a lot of other unnecessary Google stuff.

yup, disable it too, battery hog! i only use google voice and playstore, rest r garbage imo

Should I install All 26 Pending App Updates on my New Shield?

This seems like a pitifully ignorant question to ask, but I would like to ask advice about taking app updates.
I had to RMA one Shield tablet, on which I had immediately updated every app and installed the Marshmallow OTA.
With the replacement I just received, I am not in a hurry to enjoy my new device and looked at the apps pending update. 23 of the 26 have a significant percentage of negative reviews on the latest versions. I assume many will have added permissions, and most will take up more space due to feature changes, so I would appreciate any input regarding what I should update.
The apps pending update I have used in the past include - Chrome Browser, Clock, Gmail, Google, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Keyboard, Maps, YouTube
I'm not sure whether I might have a use for these. I haven't used them before - Android System WebView, Cloud Print, Google Play Newsstand, Google Street View, Google Talkback, Google Text-to Speech
I am fairly certain I will never have an interest or need in using - Google Japanese Input, Google Korean Input, Google Play Books, Google Play Movies and TV, Google Play Music, Google Shuyin Input, Google+, Hangouts
If I don't take an update, is there a way to bump this particular update off my update list to avoid future confusion as to what is new?
Thoughts, anyone?

Mississip said:
This seems like a pitifully ignorant question to ask, but I would like to ask advice about taking app updates.
I had to RMA one Shield tablet, on which I had immediately updated every app and installed the Marshmallow OTA.
With the replacement I just received, I am not in a hurry to enjoy my new device and looked at the apps pending update. 23 of the 26 have a significant percentage of negative reviews on the latest versions. I assume many will have added permissions, and most will take up more space due to feature changes, so I would appreciate any input regarding what I should update.
The apps pending update I have used in the past include - Chrome Browser, Clock, Gmail, Google, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Keyboard, Maps, YouTube
I'm not sure whether I might have a use for these. I haven't used them before - Android System WebView, Cloud Print, Google Play Newsstand, Google Street View, Google Talkback, Google Text-to Speech
I am fairly certain I will never have an interest or need in using - Google Japanese Input, Google Korean Input, Google Play Books, Google Play Movies and TV, Google Play Music, Google Shuyin Input, Google+, Hangouts
If I don't take an update, is there a way to bump this particular update off my update list to avoid future confusion as to what is new?
Thoughts, anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For any of the apps you aren't interested in using, you should be able to "disable" them; this will stop them from running in the background and alerting for updates. To disable an app (only available for apps included in with the OS; otherwise simply uninstall the app); open Settings and tap Apps. Then select the app in question (like Google Play Books) and then tap disable. This should uninstall any previously applied updates (should not be any in your case) and move the app to a disabled state (never to bother you again). Then you should be able to apply updates to the remaining apps that you actually use.

Using a Nubia X without GApps

What are the possible replacements for google services?
Aptoide/Yalp store as replacement for play store?
If it works, I guess installing youtube, maps, etc. from either store should work? Or not?
Or we can find alternative apps thatbwork like youtube, gmaps, etc. anyway
How about retrieving contacts saved in google account? Can i retrieve them using browser logged in my google account? How to import into phone?
Users of Apps/games that require google login like pubg should use alternative logins now. Will it work?
What are the all the requirements for degooglefied phone like nubia x?

Hi,
I'm using one phone like that, until some solution for the google services is found.
It's a bit uncomfortable, but it's working. In anther one post I have uploaded a picture how it looks like.
Here is the answers of your questions:
sgn15 said:
Aptoide/Yalp store as replacement for play store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm downloading the applications from Google Play store, and then installing the apks manually.
sgn15 said:
If it works, I guess installing youtube, maps, etc. from either store should work? Or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YouTube app generally working, but closes when cant find the google services. Anyway I'm watching the videos from the browser.
Maps - you can install Chrome and then pin it to the home screen. Works like charm.
You can install Mesanger, WatsApp, Viber, Skype - they work.
sgn15 said:
How about retrieving contacts saved in google account? Can i retrieve them using browser logged in my google account? How to import into phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have download a Microsoft launcher. It has Cortana as voice assistant. Then Outlook app, which can import all the contacts and from your accounts (o365, Google, Hotmail, yahoo etc.)
sgn15 said:
sers of Apps/games that require google login like pubg should use alternative logins now. Will it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With PUBG I had some issues installing it because except the apk has obb, may be I'll try later when I have some time. Fortnite is working like charm. Even with the back screen two additional buttons is like a cheat.
Things which I could not solve until now:
- Outlook cant import o365 mail hosted by GoDaddy.
- It seems that, a lot of applications rely on google services for the push notifications. If the app (let say Viber) is not running, you may not have popup notification on the lock screen. (If anyone knows how to solve that I'll be happy)
So, that's all. At the end you can live with the phone. I'm happy with it.
I hope that answers your question. If you have other questions - let me know

br_other said:
Hi,
I'm using one phone like that, until some solution for the google services is found.
It's a bit uncomfortable, but it's working. In anther one post I have uploaded a picture how it looks like.
Here is the answers of your questions:
I'm downloading the applications from Google Play store, and then installing the apks manually.
YouTube app generally working, but closes when cant find the google services. Anyway I'm watching the videos from the browser.
Maps - you can install Chrome and then pin it to the home screen. Works like charm.
You can install Mesanger, WatsApp, Viber, Skype - they work.
I have download a Microsoft launcher. It has Cortana as voice assistant. Then Outlook app, which can import all the contacts and from your accounts (o365, Google, Hotmail, yahoo etc.)
With PUBG I had some issues installing it because except the apk has obb, may be I'll try later when I have some time. Fortnite is working like charm. Even with the back screen two additional buttons is like a cheat.
Things which I could not solve until now:
- Outlook cant import o365 mail hosted by GoDaddy.
- It seems that, a lot of applications rely on google services for the push notifications. If the app (let say Viber) is not running, you may not have popup notification on the lock screen. (If anyone knows how to solve that I'll be happy)
So, that's all. At the end you can live with the phone. I'm happy with it.
I hope that answers your question. If you have other questions - let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about updating/syncing contacts? I mean after retrieving them and i added a new contact entry. How do i update/sync that contact into google?
And for photos? Do i have to manually backup to pc or cloud since there's no google photos and no google drive?
Any other concerns i might have forgotten?
Edit:
Link to this thread you mentioned?

I used aptoide - the only google apps that seems to work is Google Chrome Browser and gmaps. youtube did not work through aptoide as didn't all the other google apps i tried. I placed a youtube home page using the chrome broswer on the desktop. Whatsapp apk i downloaded from their official website and installed working fine. When I downloaded whatsapp through aptoide and the chinese market app it won't work and keeps saying date and time is not right even though it is - maybe because its not chinese date and time?
For Contacts i opened my pc with chrome broswer and downloaded the contacts VCARD which you can do and placed in root folder of Nubia X - picked all my contacts up - I'm not sure how to sync though to google accounts as you cant add a google account through the phone unless you root as per other posts.
Pretty silly how they just didn't let you install gapps without root - i buy a lot of chinese phones and its the standard now even if google isnt preinstalled - its been a long time since I've seen a phone that doesn't let you install gapps yourself if you want too even though they dont support it. I'm finding it hard to use the phone and it will probably end up in a drawer for a few months until the international rom is released with google. Its annoying, even switching the phone off the voice assistant starts in Chinese and i want to get rid of this.
I've deleted practically all the bloatware, yet can't get music player to detect music i placed in the music folder.
Should have done my reading before hand but oh well... I got it for less than £495 from geekbuying 128gb version but should have waited out for the international rom version
Most of my good apps I downloaded through the Amazon App Store which is also working so I have 3 markets on my phone at the moment.

Is there bloatware?

HI,
Not sure if this the correct place to ask. However I have a Pixel 5 on order and given that this is only £100 more I was thinking i might cancel the PIxel 5.
However what I really like about the PIxels is that they have no bloatware on, facebook etc.
Can anyone say if there is much bloatware on this phone?
Cheers

This app list is from Xperia 1 ii but should be same for 5 ii. I have preorder anyway, its very easy uninstall through adb commands without root.
Amazon Prime Video
Call of Duty
Facebook
Google
Google Calendar
Google Chrome
Google Clock
Google Contacts
Google Drive
Google Device Health Services
Google Digital Wellbeing
Google Duo
Google Gboard
Google Gmail
Google Lens
Google Maps
Google Messages
Google One
Google Pay
Google Phone
Google Photos
Google Play Movies & TV
Google Podcasts
LinkedIn
Netflix
Sony Music
Sony Support
TIDAL 3 Months Free
YouTube
YouTube Music
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/hgrndx/comment/fw6cxpp

Thanks for the list. Doesn't look to bad.
What concerns me is do they have any tie up to Facebook apis like some of the new OS's
Thanks again

What about Facebook?

Ahh man, missed that....
I wonder how deeply embedded it is into the OS. I know that on Xiaomi the integration can't be removed/disabled.
On a side note I would pay extra so that I could have blank OS, similar to android one.
Satpal

ermacwins said:
What about Facebook?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Facebook was also present, I could only disable the app.
Are there any disadvantages for disabling apps instead of uninstalling them ?

htcsnap93 said:
Facebook was also present, I could only disable the app.
Are there any disadvantages for disabling apps instead of uninstalling them ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They basically do the same but uninstalling will free up the space they took

There is.
Received mine yesterday and I was shocked about the preinstalled Apps.
Facebook, LinkedIn AND Call of Duty, which I couldn't delete. Don't know if I could deactivate them but I deleted those apps with adb.

The Google Apps are no Bloatware and shouldn't be removed if You want a fully functional Smartphone. Buy a Huawei if You don't want that....
So at the End. Bloatware are Apps that are not from the OEM or the Owners of Android. Facebook, Amazon, Games, Netflix. You should wonder why this is pre-installed. And out of Developer View (winkywinky) is it just funny how You think that removing of the Main Apps with ADB would mean they aren't working anymore. There is a lot of background stuff working that You can't remove or disable without Bootloader Unlock (Another thing which speaks for a Huawei if You want that). Just Saying, You are on XDA...

Question Privacy based ROM

Which custom ROM can I use for OP9 that's similar to the privacy of GrapheneOS for Pixel? I still want to use Google services but I don't want them to gather my info.

With root you can remove Google Play Services and replace it with microG on any OS/ROM. Not as good as Graphene's Sandboxed Play Services but it works

JimmyL216 said:
Which custom ROM can I use for OP9 that's similar to the privacy of GrapheneOS for Pixel? I still want to use Google services but I don't want them to gather my info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude, having gapps means all your data will be collected like it or not, just for use your android phone your data is collected

tutibreaker said:
dude, having gapps means all your data will be collected like it or not, just for use your android phone your data is collected
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if OP mean "GMS APIs" or "Google preinstalled apps". If you only use GMS APIs, you can swap Play Services and Play Store with microG and Aurora Store and use your phone without Google surveillance, while most 3rd-party apps that require GMS will still work.
If you use Google mobile apps, such as the default Calendar, Chrome, Clock, Contacts, Dialer, Docs, Drive, Files, Gmail, Search, Keep, Messages, News, Photos, Play Store, Podcasts, Recorder, Sheets, Slides, Translate (long list lol) then you are TRACKED and there's no way they won't gather your info

TrumpXi said:
Not sure if OP mean "GMS APIs" or "Google preinstalled apps". If you only use GMS APIs, you can swap Play Services and Play Store with microG and Aurora Store and use your phone without Google surveillance, while most 3rd-party apps that require GMS will still work.
If you use Google mobile apps, such as the default Calendar, Chrome, Clock, Contacts, Dialer, Docs, Drive, Files, Gmail, Search, Keep, Messages, News, Photos, Play Store, Podcasts, Recorder, Sheets, Slides, Translate (long list lol) then you are TRACKED and there's no way they won't gather your info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I did that would I still be able to get my purchased apps from Play or do I sacrifice those?

TrumpXi said:
Not sure if OP mean "GMS APIs" or "Google preinstalled apps". If you only use GMS APIs, you can swap Play Services and Play Store with microG and Aurora Store and use your phone without Google surveillance, while most 3rd-party apps that require GMS will still work.
If you use Google mobile apps, such as the default Calendar, Chrome, Clock, Contacts, Dialer, Docs, Drive, Files, Gmail, Search, Keep, Messages, News, Photos, Play Store, Podcasts, Recorder, Sheets, Slides, Translate (long list lol) then you are TRACKED and there's no way they won't gather your info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another question is if using a VPN prevents data from being collected?

JimmyL216 said:
Another question is if using a VPN prevents data from being collected?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No

if you dont want to be tracked use a "dumb phone"