I'm using Cyanogenmod and trying to use as little Google services as possible for privacy reasons. Is there any good app / widget that's comparable to Google Now?
Also, i'm trying to find an app that can replace the phone search (the little Google search bar on top of each homescreen in Stock Android). Any good Apps for this?
Thanks a lot
You can try Hound though its in beta and currently only available in the US:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hound.android.app
Thanks! Looks interesting, but unfortunately they also sell every bit of information they collect (and with an app like this, it's everything you do on your phone) to anyone that pays for it, according to their privacy statement. They're exactly the same as Google Now in that respect. If someone knows a comparable app that respects privacy, please feel free to tell me about it!
Not sure if you can have a similar app without them selling something because Google search and Now use so much information that in order for a competitor to be as good it'll need as much, if not more, access to your info. Just my thoughts.
Sherpa might be an app to look at. Also Microsoft are working on one called "Torque" it seems.
Obviously, an app like Google Now needs all that information and access to work. What it doesn't need to do, is sell it all to anyone that pays for it, which is how Google makes their billions (and also how this Hound app works). I would gladly pay for an app that doesn't do that.
Will look into the two apps you've mentioned, thanks!
Related
scenario:
I wanna swap phones with my wife. BUT still share the apps that I bought under my gmail account.
on iOS, I can still share apps I bought but keep my contacts/iMessage separate as iCloud and appstore login are different parts of the OS.
Seems in Google ecosystem, it's either I share both my account and the apps I paid for? I know I can unticked "sync contacts" in the Google account setting on the phone. But it's easy to tick it again. I just want to install the apps and then have it updated automatically.
Thanks
ps. did search the net but nothing came up
You have to link the account you bought the apps on to the device. Its the only way to do this. If you untick the other sync options then contacts etc don't get synced. Thats the best you can do
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Wow they need to make this process a bit better.
YounGMessiah said:
Wow they need to make this process a bit better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why? If you pay for an app on your device, why should you have the right to stick it on someone else's device just because you feel like it?
What they need to make easier is the ability to migrate your entire user account to a new one and keep all your settings, purchased apps etc as that is, currently, not possible.
SimonTS said:
Why? If you pay for an app on your device, why should you have the right to stick it on someone else's device just because you feel like it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not talking about just anyone though. I can install apps I paid for on my son's and wife's ipad. He likes this music app I have on the ipad/4s. I bought a $200 app for my son 2 weeks ago. I would be VERY VERY annoyed if I need to buy it again just because I need to install it on the wife's ipad.
BUT I guess Apple allows a person to install an app on multiple devices that I manage (we got various iOS devices in the house and 1 HTC One X acquired last week just because I wanna try something different).
Seems google does not. Well google does too except privacy concerns can/might be a problem.
But I haven't bought much apps probably less $20 so buying them again is not a problem right now.
mrjayviper said:
I'm not talking about just anyone though. I can install apps I paid for on my son's and wife's ipad. He likes this music app I have on the ipad/4s. I bought a $200 app for my son 2 weeks ago. I would be VERY VERY annoyed if I need to buy it again just because I need to install it on the wife's ipad.
BUT I guess Apple allows a person to install an app on multiple devices that I manage (we got various iOS devices in the house and 1 HTC One X acquired last week just because I wanna try something different).
Seems google does not. Well google does too except privacy concerns can/might be a problem.
But I haven't bought much apps probably less $20 so buying them again is not a problem right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two things I can see with this - and feel free to say if my understanding is wrong ... but firstly, $200 on an app? F**k me
1) You can install the Apple app on up to three devices - but they all have to be linked to your Apple ID? How is that any different from using the same base Google account linked into multiple devices?
2) I can install my purchased apps on my HTC Desire S and my Nexus 7 tablet - because I use the same Google account on them both. I also have my account linked to the Play Store on my Dad's LG Optimus 4X, so I can install my paid apps on there, but because I don't set it to sync anything else (as pointed out by Zac) he only gets access to my apps, not my contacts, emails etc.
SimonTS said:
1) You can install the Apple app on up to three devices - but they all have to be linked to your Apple ID? How is that any different from using the same base Google account linked into multiple devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because the contacts/calender/etc syncing (iCloud) and AppStore can be different Apple IDs. I could login on the AppStore as [email protected] and use [email protected] for iCloud/iMessage/Facetime. Even iMessage can use [email protected] if I choose to do so. maybe Facetime too (not really sure I haven't looked at the Facetime settings much but I'm sure about iMessage)
SimonTS said:
2) I can install my purchased apps on my HTC Desire S and my Nexus 7 tablet - because I use the same Google account on them both. I also have my account linked to the Play Store on my Dad's LG Optimus 4X, so I can install my paid apps on there, but because I don't set it to sync anything else (as pointed out by Zac) he only gets access to my apps, not my contacts, emails etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did mention privacy concerns. It's easy enough for your dad to tick sync contacts on his device. Or maybe use some other Google services like Google+/etc. haven't really used those so I qualified my reply to maybe.
mrjayviper said:
because the contacts/calender/etc syncing (iCloud) and AppStore can be different Apple IDs. I could login on the AppStore as [email protected] and use [email protected] for iCloud/iMessage/Facetime. Even iMessage can use [email protected] if I choose to do so. maybe Facetime too (not really sure I haven't looked at the Facetime settings much but I'm sure about iMessage)
I did mention privacy concerns. It's easy enough for your dad to tick sync contacts on his device. Or maybe use some other Google services like Google+/etc. haven't really used those so I qualified my reply to maybe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fail to see the difference really. If you create a Google account specifically for purchasing the apps and don't use it for email or anything else then you can just use that on the other person's device - yes, they would be able to sync contacts (which don't exist) or send email (so what). If you are planning on sharing your apps with a person who you trust that little then you probably shouldn't be doing so in the first place.
it's not about trust but the flexibility in the OS. seems Google isn't as flexible as it seems. It's flexible in some areas (having other keyboards/themes/etc) but in this case, it seems it's not at least compared to what the other major competitor can do.
I plan to have another account I will be using to purchase apps. It was suggested in another forum.
mrjayviper said:
it's not about trust but the flexibility in the OS. seems Google isn't as flexible as it seems. It's flexible in some areas (having other keyboards/themes/etc) but in this case, it seems it's not at least compared to what the other major competitor can do.
I plan to have another account I will be using to purchase apps. It was suggested in another forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to be picky, but that argument doesn't stand up. The way that the ability to share apps works has absolutely nothing to do with the OS. Google is NOT the OS - Android is. Android is massively more flexible than iOS is, but Google don't implement some things as well as they could - partly because they don't make as much money from the OS, partly because of the very nature of the open-source structure and partly because they don't go round suing the backside off everybody else on the planet.
When I said Google, I actually meant android. I just got my 1st Android device last week and my terms aren't as polished as yours.
and let's not bring the lawsuits into the topic. don't really care much for them and VERY much off-topic. I'll buy whatever suits my fancy and in this instance, the HTC One X won.
Hello,
I really like this forum, i read it a lot. I wanted to register a long time ago, but now i "have" to, because i have a question.
For several reasons i do not want a Google Account on my (Future) Samsung Galaxy Note 2. (Like the big screen)
1. I don't really use apps and the apps i use can be downloaded from their websites.
2. Privacy, Google has the worst privacy (policy) i've ever encountered. (-A company who illegally collect user data from Wi-Fi networks using Google streetview cars can't be trusted ihmo. They also collect anonymous user data, but it still has a unique indentifier... etc etc.)
The question:
I read that some people couln't use Google Maps (With gps) when having no Google Account on their phone. (Jelly Bean and up. 4.1+)
So the question is, is this true? And if it is true, Could i use the mobile website version of Google Maps to navigate? (With GPS?)
I couldn't really find a clear answer, and i searched quite a lot.
Thanks,
Best regards,
John
If you're going to get the phone no matter what, might as well just try it and see.
Personally, I see Google as a business, not a charity - so I don't mind letting them collect data when I use their services - it's basically how I am paying them and lowing them to generate revenue to continue to operate and provide the services they do.
If you wish to avoid their services, why not look for a map/navigation app/service/device that has nothing to do with Google?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Pennycake said:
If you're going to get the phone no matter what, might as well just try it and see.
Personally, I see Google as a business, not a charity - so I don't mind letting them collect data when I use their services - it's basically how I am paying them and lowing them to generate revenue to continue to operate and provide the services they do.
If you wish to avoid their services, why not look for a map/navigation app/service/device that has nothing to do with Google?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i thought about that, but i read from a individual that he couln't use gps on Google-Maps and a 3rd-party-map-app while having an Android without a google account. This was on Android 4.1.2. He was using CM. I heard others with succes, but these were older versions of Android.
But maybe it works in the Android browser> Google Maps Mobile. Thats also my question.
Moderators PLEASE READ THIS THREAD BEFORE DELETING IT LIKE YOU DID THE LAST ONE
I did a couple of different searches on this board, looking for an alternative to gapps aka google apps. What viable alternatives to the google play store are there? google hangouts and google mail? I came across a thread discussion nogapps and the blank store that comes with it, but i'm not overly convinced that it lacks google's data mining processes.
I am not asking for sites that provide "pirated software" as I already know where to get that. I am asking for a "store" where I can search various phrases, and get a good return without those apps being relinked to google play store.
Have you tried the Amazon App Store? (Yes, they have Android apps)
Am I correct in assuming you are looking for a market that is completely separate from Google's servers? If privacy is your concern, you should know that all services that are provided for "free" employ some sort of data mining, because that is how they can afford to keep those services running. Since Google Play is the largest repository for Android apps, you would be hard pressed to find another service that hosts all of the same .apks, as that would seem redundant.
There simply is no viable alternative to the Play Store.
You can get alternatives, but they won't be nearly as good.
As for the rest of the gapps there are plenty of alternatives that are just fine or better.
Why are you so against gapps though? Washington doesn't care what apps you use.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Even if the app doesn't mine your data, your ISP still does ...
plenty
well there are plenty stores available on internet. if you are on android 4.1 and rooted then you can install NOKIA app store. well its tricky to use, you can find a apk on xda. when you install it just install aptitode market from there, though aptitode can be installed alone too. you can find almost all apps. but still google holds android that will mean they will have the maximum apps and secure and most updated apps. even developers always put latest updated apps on play store first. well i used wildfire which has no gpu so cpu has to do work for most of operations which makes slow and to overcome the low space on that phone i sometime skip the gapps. it depends if you want surveillance free android then go for other market apps.:silly:..google even know when you are walking. i read this on xda somewhere.:laugh:
choice is yours.
100s of stores are available nowadays...
Gmail alternate is aosp email
Maps run without email account...
What else u need?
doctor_droid said:
What else u need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A way to synchronize (not backup/restore) my contacts and calendars on the Internet (Mega, Dropbox, whatever...) to be shared among other devices. This is bare minimum.
Then, if I could also synchronize (again, not backup/restore)some system stuff like WiFi passwords, call logs, SMS/MMS, instant messaging stuff and some application settings, this would be an extra great feature.
Can you do it without GApps? If you know how to, please share!
I don't know if this idea will benefit the app devs. Getting rid of the play store is like taking away one of their BIGGEST market place. What do you think?
People wouldnt feel the need to seek alternatives if Google wasnt so hardcore with it
Like dam, is it really even reasonable to keep location tracking in the background 24/7 and 15 different types of loggers at once? You'd think those morons would understand how large of a percentage of their would-be-users would actually use more of their services if they didnt chose to make it an all or nothing affair. I literally use only the playstore, and because of whats needed for that I go ahead and utilize the sync. I would definitely be open to gmail, g+, etc. if they werent so retarted with it. Rant over.
carlfinity said:
don't know if this idea will benefit the app devs. Getting rid of the play store is like taking away one of their BIGGEST market place. What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think more about my privacy than the app business.
I wish in could use something like CM with some synchronizing mechanism.
Unluckily for me I have a non-dumb-phone, a netbook and a desktop PC.
I use all three for work and would need some synchonization mechanism for calls, SMS and other stuff.
Do you have a suggestion in this direction?
I have read the opening post. So please remember that.
However, this kind of question will always lead to warez sites.... As it already has. And will continue to. And another thread asking same thing will lead to warez app responses yet again.
Google play store and Amazon are really the only ones that are legit and most other sites offer cracked versions of paid apps.
Obviously a website dedicated to Development and developers will not approve of most of the recommendations here, which I have deleted.
Please don't open another one of these threads. There's been enough answers provided already. So this thread is closed.
Thanks for understanding,
Darth
Forum Moderator
Hello, I am about to order a Google Pixel phone, but can someone tell me whether it is possible to get it without Google Assistant in the stock ROM or there are some custom ROM's without Google Assistant?
I don't like such products due to privacy violating issues but this phone is awesome.
polartux said:
Hello, I am about to order a Google Pixel phone, but can someone tell me whether it is possible to get it without Google Assistant in the stock ROM or there are some custom ROM's without Google Assistant?
I don't like such products due to privacy violating issues but this phone is awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't order it. All your questions have answer of no. Maybe roms in future will exist without assistant. Not yet.
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs
It's like a corvette is awesome but can I get it with a 4 cylinder... Don't buy the corvette buy the Honda
Thanks guys!
Turn it off and don't use it. Most services Google provides on Android has an "off" switch.
Yea I don't use any of that stuff either. Not for privacy reasons just think there's no useful features
Some features I use, some I don't. As far as privacy goes just using a smartphone, email, surfing the web, etc. gets enough "user data" out there it doesn't matter all that much anyway. Unless one is doing something "questionable" it doesn't really mean much. Big business and big brother collect more about us than we realize. Phish away.......
A Google Pixel w/o the Assistant would be false advertising. Anyways, you can disable the assistant through editing the build.prop file.
FernBch said:
Some features I use, some I don't. As far as privacy goes just using a smartphone, email, surfing the web, etc. gets enough "user data" out there it doesn't matter all that much anyway. Unless one is doing something "questionable" it doesn't really mean much. Big business and big brother collect more about us than we realize. Phish away.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that really hard to prevent stealing of our data, it's not inevitable, I think we just need to choose carefully what we use.
Privacy not just goes when you use a smartphone that simply isn't designed to leak your data (we don't really need to use GAPPS), or by using an email service hosted on your own secured server with GPG encryption.
Surfing the web without being signed in to google account and using Tor is also a way to surf the web anonymously.
Big brother can't watch you if you don't use his services. It's similar to a deal with the devil
Just saying, nothing is impossible.
In general I just openly declare my mistrust of government, corporatocracy and their avarice on every media channel.
And I turn off my phone sometimes.
If anyone listens in I'm more likely to be censored than snooped! Hah.
I however DO have a secure point to point encrypted private messenger.
Use of phone is definitely complex to say least.
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs
I think in today's age of information, there is entirely too much of it. The government would need a reason to watch you or search your information before any of it is of any use to them. Now, if you become a murder suspect, they might question why you Googled body disposal and why you purchased supplies for such. If they're looking for someone to bust doing something illegal they only need to browse social media to find pictures of people doing illegal drugs, wearing gang colors, and God knows what else. Unless you have something to hide, you should be ok... Again, in my opinion.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Don't recall if I deliberately turned off the assistant. What I've done is:
Long-press Home screen > Select Settings > Disable Show Google App
Navigate to Settings > Select Apps > Disable Google app
Pretty sure I didn't take any further steps. I no longer have Google Assistant accessible and Google App on home screen is no longer visible.
I think Android has a Big Problem - There is little Real FOSS on Android. It's partly Google's fault. It's partly the Linux communities fault. It's partly the Developers fault. Yeah guys i'm talking about You. Or perhaps I'm just really bad at searching but no, I won't accept that. I've seen whats on the Google Play Store.
Sure there is F-Droid which is Awesome but it's not enough. I get that people want to make money. If you have a good app you want to charge for that's fine but Don't expect me to use a Keyboard App for example that wants to access my SD Card and have permission to delete files or view my contact list. Whats wrong with you developers? Don't you even care that most of your apps use unscrupulous practices?
I go about looking for a simple app to increase the size of the icons so my tired eyes can actually read the text below the icon. (Marshmallow 6.0.1) F-Droid doesn't seem to have one. Google Play has lots of ways to do this but they all have ads. O.k. I think, perhaps I can live with an ad or two but then I look at the Permissions and balk! Why does an icon app need to view my network connections or have full network access or change my system settings when all I need it to do is make a bigger icon - It doesn't. ( I won't even go into the Flashlight spying on you issue, Goggle it)
I consider these apps spyware that should NOT be offered on Google Play. That's 99 % of all apps on Google Play. No telling what these apps may be doing in the background and here is the problem. Why this practice seems to be accepted in our society is way beyond me. Or I can admit the truth that we live in a corrupt society where people no longer care.
My 89 year old Mom has had the same IPhone for the past 7 years. It has a tiny screen, poor resolution. She uses it for a phone - that's all. She wont use the internet or any apps on it at all - yet she calls me to look stuff up for her all the time. I'd like to switch her to a much cheaper and more modern Android phone that she can actually use but I Can't and Won't because she don't need the nightmares of ads every 5 minutes and apps that want to access things they have no business accessing.
Android doesn't need virus's, the apps have become the virus. It's sad this has become the norm. Perhaps things will change but I doubt it. Why doesn't Google Play offer a Foss category? Where are all the real Foss apps, does anyone know cus I'm just not seeing them and I think that's sad. It screams volumes that reflect badly on this community. Thank you for reading my rant.
https://medium.com/insurge-intelligence/how-the-cia-made-google-e836451a959e
Google = CIA
F-droid = can replace most embedded spyware apps. Rooting your device and going nuts with a good root uninstaller are the first steps. Get rid of all Google crap. Installing AdAway is next. Replacement of nearly all bundled spyware is possible.
You will never achieve perfection while using the most popular spyware OS on the planet. But you will not get perfection on Windows or iOS or blackberry or Symbian either. Though it's much worse now.