How are you getting on with no play store of GMS. - Huawei P40 Pro Questions & Answers

Hi Guys.
Now its been a few months with the device, I know a lot of you are using the device with GMS. I have decided not to side load it on to the device, It took me a while to start get used to using the phone without. I have not had any real issues with getting apps via app gallery and petal search. (I have the odd app that doesn't work 100%, but they are apps i can live without)
how are you getting on with it all?

its been good for me also, thought i would have had a lot more issues but every app i need is there, the only exclusion atm being ebay which i can easly use via web as its layout is same as an app anyway lol

I think like most initially I was apprehensive but 8 weeks on I don't even notice tbh, life continues and I've got a banging bit of kit

dw9075n said:
Hi Guys.
Now its been a few months with the device, I know a lot of you are using the device with GMS. I have decided not to side load it on to the device, It took me a while to start get used to using the phone without. I have not had any real issues with getting apps via app gallery and petal search. (I have the odd app that doesn't work 100%, but they are apps i can live without)
how are you getting on with it all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What apps are these? i may have easy work arounds for you.

EatSleepTechRepeat said:
I think like most initially I was apprehensive but 8 weeks on I don't even notice tbh, life continues and I've got a banging bit of kit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much how I feel, still a few apps here and there like OP said. Do hope AppGallery gets fleshed out soon, sounds like there's promising things on the way - just hoping Huawei invest in their ecosystem / store as they said they would!
That said, Petal Search was a pretty smart way for them to get arround Apps not being launched on their own store... Well played Huawei.

I used my phone with and without google play store. Decided to debloat my phone and got rid of all huawei and google services, including app stores. This impacted battery drastically. It added me 3 hrs of on-screen time. As for an app store, I use modded apkpure market. Mod disables all reporting, ads etc.
P.s Now i have a ridiculously long battery life. Enjoying my phone more than before.

faceliler said:
I used my phone with and without google play store. Decided to debloat my phone and got rid of all huawei and google services, including app stores. This impacted battery drastically. It added me 3 hrs of on-screen time. As for an app store, I use modded apkpure market. Mod disables all reporting, ads etc.
P.s Now i have a ridiculously long battery life. Enjoying my phone more than before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is actually a really interest approach that makes a lot of sense. One thing I will say is HMS still seems to be better on the battery than GMS devices / installed. I guess it would be a lot of the data collection and analysis from Googles end.
Do mapping services still work with both cores completely removed? Has there been any draw backs at all?

The Google maps app works fine. I use it daily. But apps that use Google maps needs Google services to display the map(Like Grab). They don't work. This is the only drawback that I experienced.

ChrisHtube said:
What apps are these? i may have easy work arounds for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only app i have had real issues with is the starbucks app. I've tried via the browsers but cannot use the card feature.

faceliler said:
The Google maps app works fine. I use it daily. But apps that use Google maps needs Google services to display the map(Like Grab). They don't work. This is the only drawback that I experienced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am guessing that HMS core apps are probably on there way just taking a while.

it'll be good to see what will come in the next few months, daily there seems to be something new, I think I noticed sky go is now available!

now that i have gotten issues sorted out its not bad at all , only thing i miss is being able to cast to my chromecast. i set microsoft launcher and it allowed me to set google as my search engine so it feels very similar.

dw9075n said:
The only app i have had real issues with is the starbucks app. I've tried via the browsers but cannot use the card feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i see, unfortunately i don't use Starbucks. Im more of a Monster man haha. If i find anything ill be sure to let you know.

faceliler said:
I used my phone with and without google play store. Decided to debloat my phone and got rid of all huawei and google services, including app stores. This impacted battery drastically. It added me 3 hrs of on-screen time. As for an app store, I use modded apkpure market. Mod disables all reporting, ads etc.
P.s Now i have a ridiculously long battery life. Enjoying my phone more than before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you have a link to that mod please?

rbs_uk said:
Would you have a link to that mod please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it from this website: https://apk4all.com/android/apps/apkpure-mobile-appstore-mod/

I meant link for this "Decided to debloat my phone and got rid of all huawei and google services, including app stores"
Manual for debloating?

MixEvo said:
now that i have gotten issues sorted out its not bad at all , only thing i miss is being able to cast to my chromecast. i set microsoft launcher and it allowed me to set google as my search engine so it feels very similar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I am am streaming I just use the wireless display feature on the device.

EatSleepTechRepeat said:
it'll be good to see what will come in the next few months, daily there seems to be something new, I think I noticed sky go is now available!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it looks like it is getting much better. Once it has banking apps on there it will likely do much better and more people will start realising how fantastic the device is.

My music service is YouTube, I can't live without google services. I've been thinking about switch to other phone, the only gps I got working 100% of the time is Waze(Google app), don't have push for many apps is frustrating and I lost google pay that I used a lot. So not very happy.

raamoon said:
My music service is YouTube, I can't live without google services. I've been thinking about switch to other phone, the only gps I got working 100% of the time is Waze(Google app), don't have push for many apps is frustrating and I lost google pay that I used a lot. So not very happy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try YouTube Vanced. Better than youtube and works.
---------- Post added at 07:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:40 AM ----------
rbs_uk said:
I meant link for this "Decided to debloat my phone and got rid of all huawei and google services, including app stores"
Manual for debloating?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh sorry, I used this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/huawei-p40-pro/how-to/adb-debloating-t4088633
In addition, I got the app called "App inspector" and got rid of many more apps than those in the guide. App inspector is for getting the package name of bloatware so i can use adb to uninstall.

Related

this is how you can enjoy using the p40 even without google app huge list alternative

i wanted to paste the guide here but xda is not accepting my doc formatting please see the guide here
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13X_ZZELINL5jIJZTcpPDRsmIGQ7cYMy6nuahJQJ5DzE/
Nice guide - albeit I couldn't overlook the irony of using Google Docs here!
Nice document. For me though it's not really the Google apps that I can't substitue, I hardly use any anyway. It's mainly apps that don't work because of GMS.
i have to say that having had this phone for a few days and trying to use it without play services it was becoming a struggle for me.
I downloaded as many of my apps i use from the app store and 3rd party sites but its just not the same. I forgot how much information i had stored with google like passwords and login details etc.
I managed to install the play services yesterday and so far everything seems fine, no errors and everything i used on other android devices available and working. Dont think i would have kept it otherwise even though the build quality and specs are amazing.
For those of you in doubt who have been a long time android user its really worth the effort with the installation.
hpsauce37 said:
I managed to install the play services yesterday and so far everything seems fine, no errors and everything i used on other android devices available and working. Dont think i would have kept it otherwise even though the build quality and specs are amazing.
For those of you in doubt who have been a long time android user its really worth the effort with the installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which guide did you follow? I see one on XDA and other ones floating around the web. Did you run into any issues or did the guide works step by step?
I followed the one on here which does not use a usb you plug in the phone. The video is in German and a but hard to follow at times and did face a few issues but I think that was because I had missed a step. I then found a similar video on YouTube that had some English on it and managed to figure it out.
Search an app called 'MoreAPP' in AppGalary, it has the apps you are missing.
there is one called 'Youtube Vanced' which doesn't require GMS
rambits said:
Search an app called 'MoreAPP' in AppGalary, it has the apps you are missing.
there is one called 'Youtube Vanced' which doesn't require GMS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you won't be able to sign in without gms in YouTube vanced
ptlsajan said:
But you won't be able to sign in without gms in YouTube vanced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can sign into YouTube Vanced without GMS. You just need to install MicroG. Not root required too.
steveli92 said:
You can sign into YouTube Vanced without GMS. You just need to install MicroG. Not root required too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that with OGyoutube and login in with microg service wasnt possible for me
hpsauce37 said:
I followed the one on here which does not use a usb you plug in the phone. The video is in German and a but hard to follow at times and did face a few issues but I think that was because I had missed a step. I then found a similar video on YouTube that had some English on it and managed to figure it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed the same guide and everything but the notifications works. Only notifications from a few apps work. All apps that require the Google services to get the notifications (about 85% for me) do not seem to work.
I too didn't managed to login with MicroG and without GMS...
Think it would be useful to update the list to include apps e.g. works 100% (Facebook) works ok but no notifications (BBC News) or does not work at all (eBay, The Athletic).
The more digging that I do the more it seems that other than getting some of the core Google apps to work the difference between using a P40 Pro with and without the GPS hack is actually quite minimal as I understand that the hack may help you say get Photos working but it will not help you get all of the notifications that still rely on GPS?
arsenal74 said:
Think it would be useful to update the list to include apps e.g. works 100% (Facebook) works ok but no notifications (BBC News) or does not work at all (eBay, The Athletic).
The more digging that I do the more it seems that other than getting some of the core Google apps to work the difference between using a P40 Pro with and without the GPS hack is actually quite minimal as I understand that the hack may help you say get Photos working but it will not help you get all of the notifications that still rely on GPS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's funny that you mentioned eBay and The Athletic as they are two apps that I use quite regularly and am having the same issue - is there any way around this without installing GMS?
My P40 Pro only arrived a couple of days ago and I really like the look and feel of it but the notifications thing is already bugging me. Currently, I'm only HMS (no micro-G or GMS) but not being able to get notifications from the stock email app (my account is Gmail) or news notifications from BBC etc. is a real flag for me...
Tmel14 said:
I'm only HMS (no micro-G or GMS) but not being able to get notifications from the stock email app (my account is Gmail) or news notifications from BBC etc. is a real flag for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
install microG and move on .. notifications are completely screwed on HMS-naked .. even Huawei App Gallery apps are screwed-up with notifications .. very strange that this is often overlooked in the P40 Pro reviews ... how can you answer a skype call if the app never rings with a notification?

What's it like to live with day to day?

I currently have an S20 Ultra that I am very close to returning while I still can (Exynos and camera) I have wanted the P40 pro (or Mate 30 pro) ever since they were announced but just wrote them off due to the lack of Google.
The thing is though I'd be totally ok with a lot about life without Google, I use a 3rd party email app, I could easily switch my contacts and calendar back to iCloud and rarely watch netflix on my phone. So then it just comes down to the no google pay and the potential faff to work around not having Google Photos.
My question is for those that have it how are finding it day to day? Are the limitations a frustration too far or does it work for you?
arsenal74 said:
I currently have an S20 Ultra that I am very close to returning while I still can (Exynos and camera) I have wanted the P40 pro (or Mate 30 pro) ever since they were announced but just wrote them off due to the lack of Google.
The thing is though I'd be totally ok with a lot about life without Google, I use a 3rd party email app, I could easily switch my contacts and calendar back to iCloud and rarely watch netflix on my phone. So then it just comes down to the no google pay and the potential faff to work around not having Google Photos.
My question is for those that have it how are finding it day to day? Are the limitations a frustration too far or does it work for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can live with some compromises, then it's an amazing phone. The Camera is phenomenal, the battery life is great, and apps and games run super smooth.
Getting GMS up and working is a straight forward process, but be prepared to do it a few times to get it right (it took me about 6 attempts to get it fully working with no notifications and app errors etc) and follow the steps precisely. Obviously, it's still not going to be as smooth a Googley and app experience as your Samsung, missing G-Pay, G-Music and a few others may or may not be crucial to you. Plus many apps won’t give notifications - but I don't mind this so much it's quite nice not having random notifications all day and only getting them when i open the app and actually want to see - I predominantly use Whatsapp and notifications work fine here.
I did try a few days without Google services, but the App Gallery really is terrible. It might have 45000 apps, but 44950 are awful. Downloading apps from elsewhere works, but many apps crash with a 'No google services' type error. So, for me the compromise of having some stuff work with GMS is the better option and the rest of the phone makes it worthwhile.
Thanks, how would you feel if sideloading GPS was not possible? Strikes me that that would have to be my assumption going in as whatever loophole allows it could get closed at any time.
arsenal74 said:
Thanks, how would you feel if sideloading GPS was not possible? Strikes me that that would have to be my assumption going in as whatever loophole allows it could get closed at any time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I only installed GMS out of the "urge" to tinker with my phone. I love that stuff. But honestly, I wouldn't mind not having Google services on my phone, there are enough alternatives on the Huawei App Gallery. For me, at least. Everyone is different. Check out some of the posts on here or reddit where people list some good Google apps alternatives. Like
Gmail = Bluemail or Aquamail.
Google Maps = Here WeGo or Maps.me
etc.
And you're right about the loophole possibly getting closed. That's why I wouldn't recommend this phone to people who are heavily dependent on Gapps. But if you can live without them, then just buy it! It's a great phone and I'm very satisfied with it, so far.
arsenal74 said:
Thanks, how would you feel if sideloading GPS was not possible? Strikes me that that would have to be my assumption going in as whatever loophole allows it could get closed at any time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that it would still be a great phone, I'm sure i could cope with downloading APKs using ApkPure etc, but it would be less attractive. Really hoping the workarounds still work when the Pro+ version arrives!
On a side note, i said on the above post that it took many attempts to get GMS fully working with no errors. Yesterday evening I had a meltdown and accidentally removed my Google account and it was not possible to re-add it, so i backed up my stuff and reset the phone. I followed the steps from Swag Sell's 7th May video on YouTube (using the same files as always) and it worked first time with no errors and took about 20 minutes, I think as people refine the processes and steps it gets more accurate.
On the google side it is only really google photos that would bug me as I use that, I could live without google pay. Email would not be a problem, other than that it would just be not getting notifications for other apps. I actually think there are some plus points of being google free!
I am really tempted as the camera on the S20 Ultra is just a let-down (the hardware is there but I have no confidence Samsung will get the software right) I really liked the P30 pro and am actually considering getting another but the P40 pro just looks like a really good device.
I like my P40 Pro a lot but I'm waiting for improvements in the camera department.
The phone is fast, stable, looks great, feels great and has good battery life.
I don't really trust my privacy in the hands of big US tech companies, so it's nice to break free from Google. The only Google apps I sideloaded are YouTube Vanced and Google Maps. I tried other GPS applications but unfortunately none really lived up to GMaps, even Waze. So I'm using GMaps without GMS which means no saved/starred places etc, but that's ok with me. As an alternative, I'm saving my search history locally on the device and I created home screen shortcuts (GMap widget) for addresses that I want to "save".
H-Emmanuel said:
I like my P40 Pro a lot but I'm waiting for improvements in the camera department.
".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Camera would be the main driver for me getting this phone.
I assume banking apps are a no no too?
I think I am going to give the P40 Pro a try, Amazon have a pretty good deal including the watch, do have one final question..
For those who have managed to install GPS how safe do you feel? i.e. if you were able to get your banking apps working or PayPal would you be happy using them? Only ask as the method obviously involves installing stuff from unknown sources.
I am on the fence of accepting I will not get my banking apps or google photos and going the app clone, app gallery route and finding a workaround for photos.
arsenal74 said:
Really? Camera would be the main driver for me getting this phone.
I assume banking apps are a no no too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The current camera app doesn't unleash the camera's full potential.
Some banking apps work, others don't, there's no hard rule.
Bit disappointed so far ... I have not installed any GMS mods .. just cloned some apps and installed from apkpure, amazon app store, etc.
1. call earspeaker volume is low
2. call speaker volume is low
3. no AOD weather & music controls
4. notifications missing for most side-loaded apps (whatsapp ok, skype + others are a fail)
5. notifications disappear after unlocking (usual huawei thing)
6. amazon photos app crashes
7. gestural nav quick app switcher is supported with an option but doesnt seem to work.
That's about it for now.
(4) is critical .. the others I can probably overlook for a while.
Ok I pulled the trigger and it arrived today. So far I have just used phone clone, app gallery and Amazon/APKPure, early days but so far it feels quite seamless.
Not had a chance to form an opinion on how good the phone is overall other than it feels really nice in the hand but my experience/observations in terms of what is working and not so far are as follows:
- All of my non-google apps transfered over just fine other than Uber and eBay
- Installed eBay from apkpure but it does not work.
- Lastpass works fine with none of the errors or pop-ups I have seen mentioned elsewhere
- My First Direct Banking app also works fine and appears so far as normal as does PayPal
- Newton Mail, gives a GPS error but does work ok, no notifications though. May have to go back to Nine or try another app
- Nova Launcher works ok and Nova Prime app also transfered over. Nova Google companion does not seem to work though
Early days and some of the above could change and go wrong but so far I am not feeling the temptation to install GPS.
Google Photos yuo can use in browser. Full functionality with Google account. Also almost all other things are usable in browser or you can download app via Apk Pure... for example. The camera with the latest update ... . 121 is super. And I had for a few days Note 10 and also S20 but battery life was terrible. And the camera here is simply the best, and so so smooth and fast user experience.
Update Amazon photos crashes constantly, not a fan of the browser route as it feels quite clunky so am going to try piktures.
Surely the lack of notifications is an issue for you?
WhatsApp notifications work just fine as does obviously SMS.
Still looking for email, outlook seems hit and miss but notifications are coming through on it. I have used nine before but obviously no way of carrying through my purchase.
I think the key is identifying apps that do not reply on GPS to work.
I am going to persevere a bit before trying to install GPS, only because it looks a faff and is also not a one-of job. I’ll see how I feel after a few days. WhatsApp, email and sms are the must haves, the others can follow hopefully.
The camera is very very good, tested it briefly against my ultra and indoors it is just no contest. I’m sure outside in good light it is a personal preference thing but in mid to low light so far it seems streets ahead.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
arsenal74 said:
I’ll see how I feel after a few days. WhatsApp, email and sms are the must haves, the others can follow hopefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes .. it's close to being acceptable for me with whatsapp working ... really just skype is the problem for my must haves .. the others are not so critical ... i can use calendars etc from HAG.
such a hassle to go back to google services just for skype.
Can you continue to use your game progress saved with Google Play? I refuse to use Facebook to save my progress, so Play is the only way I can keep my progress.

Google is not android, GMS Core App alternatives, Some suggestions please add :)

So having had the p40 pro and seen threads all over XDA about what are the alternatives i thought id share what i've found.
So for gmail, i've used the email app preinstalled (which does the same job)
google maps, I saw a post about here we go maps, so i've used that and it does exactly the same thing, i guess as the roads dont change and to be honest i found the speedometer element on it to be more accurate as I used my wifes s10 (as i got no other cellular GMS device) to compare GMS maps vs HMS maps and using the digital speedo in the car, so that was quite interesting.
google docs, I'm simply using what I've always used which is Microsoft office and for me I find it easier to use i guess its because its what I've always used.
Youtube, well for this i just added it as a short cut to my home screen, Even though its not an app i really use to be fair unless im on a tablet.
Playstore, Ive adjusted to appgallery and the petal search app which compliments it really well, yes you can use apkpure & aptoid etc however im just sticking to that.
I mean the misconception that android is google is crazy, I stepped away from the chains of IOS sometime ago for the reason I wanted freedom of apks, RIP showbox.
However if you've found alternatives to other google apps it could be handy, this is from what i use but for the time being ive not needed the use of any other apps as im still on lockdown in Wales.
let me know
Scott
Unfortunately lots of apps require google services. Some banking apps, some browser apps, etc. The problem is not limited to just chrome, maps, drive, youtube, etc. It is far broader and the user wouldn't know if he might have a problem unless he tried all apps that he needs without google services in order to find out which ones don't work.
From my point of view Microsoft has lots of google apps alternatives - onedrive, onenote, etc. Also YouTube which is critical for a lot of users can be used normally by installing YouTube Vanced.
I hope that some good and easy methods of installing google services show up or the Huawei ban is lifted.
There already many of these threads. .. bit hard for people to use when everything is just buried in hundreds of posts.
EatSleepTechRepeat said:
So having had the p40 pro and seen threads all over XDA about what are the alternatives i thought id share what i've found.
So for gmail, i've used the email app preinstalled (which does the same job)
google maps, I saw a post about here we go maps, so i've used that and it does exactly the same thing, i guess as the roads dont change and to be honest i found the speedometer element on it to be more accurate as I used my wifes s10 (as i got no other cellular GMS device) to compare GMS maps vs HMS maps and using the digital speedo in the car, so that was quite interesting.
google docs, I'm simply using what I've always used which is Microsoft office and for me I find it easier to use i guess its because its what I've always used.
Youtube, well for this i just added it as a short cut to my home screen, Even though its not an app i really use to be fair unless im on a tablet.
Playstore, Ive adjusted to appgallery and the petal search app which compliments it really well, yes you can use apkpure & aptoid etc however im just sticking to that.
I mean the misconception that android is google is crazy, I stepped away from the chains of IOS sometime ago for the reason I wanted freedom of apks, RIP showbox.
However if you've found alternatives to other google apps it could be handy, this is from what i use but for the time being ive not needed the use of any other apps as im still on lockdown in Wales.
let me know
Scott
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right, and for banking apps you can simply add the website to homescreen, also google maps is a PWA and runs great as a desktop shortcut! I did a lot of this with windows phone and had no issues whatsoever, google is not the be all and end all of mobile phones!
xchatter said:
Unfortunately lots of apps require google services. Some banking apps, some browser apps, etc. The problem is not limited to just chrome, maps, drive, youtube, etc. It is far broader and the user wouldn't know if he might have a problem unless he tried all apps that he needs without google services in order to find out which ones don't work.
From my point of view Microsoft has lots of google apps alternatives - onedrive, onenote, etc. Also YouTube which is critical for a lot of users can be used normally by installing YouTube Vanced.
I hope that some good and easy methods of installing google services show up or the Huawei ban is lifted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Onedrive is good or Yandex.disk
ive got a p40 pro and I use petal search ive found the odd one that tells me I need GMS then I press ok and it carries on as normal, happens with my playsration messages app but once I hit the ok button im good
linux2525 said:
There already many of these threads. .. bit hard for people to use when everything is just buried in hundreds of posts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would guess as its a bit of a hot topic considering the change from GMS to HMS? and with consumers like us trying to either learn or teach there will always be a tonne of posts?
Wakawaka89 said:
ive got a p40 pro and I use petal search ive found the odd one that tells me I need GMS then I press ok and it carries on as normal, happens with my playsration messages app but once I hit the ok button im good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah ive found the same on certain apps, I had it when I phone cloned the tube app across but yeah works a treat , I guess its a download / transfer it across and see kinda thing.
machina77 said:
You are right, and for banking apps you can simply add the website to homescreen, also google maps is a PWA and runs great as a desktop shortcut! I did a lot of this with windows phone and had no issues whatsoever, google is not the be all and end all of mobile phones!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, I've taken the mindset of 'there is always a way' and turns out 99% of the time there is!
EatSleepTechRepeat said:
I would guess as its a bit of a hot topic considering the change from GMS to HMS? and with consumers like us trying to either learn or teach there will always be a tonne of posts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some sort of structured spreadsheet.. Maybe Wikipedia lol
But yea.. Probably a bit hard to coordinate and Huawei should really develop
EatSleepTechRepeat said:
So having had the p40 pro and seen threads all over XDA about what are the alternatives i thought id share what i've found.
So for gmail, i've used the email app preinstalled (which does the same job)
google maps, I saw a post about here we go maps, so i've used that and it does exactly the same thing, i guess as the roads dont change and to be honest i found the speedometer element on it to be more accurate as I used my wifes s10 (as i got no other cellular GMS device) to compare GMS maps vs HMS maps and using the digital speedo in the car, so that was quite interesting.
google docs, I'm simply using what I've always used which is Microsoft office and for me I find it easier to use i guess its because its what I've always used.
Youtube, well for this i just added it as a short cut to my home screen, Even though its not an app i really use to be fair unless im on a tablet.
Playstore, Ive adjusted to appgallery and the petal search app which compliments it really well, yes you can use apkpure & aptoid etc however im just sticking to that.
I mean the misconception that android is google is crazy, I stepped away from the chains of IOS sometime ago for the reason I wanted freedom of apks, RIP showbox.
However if you've found alternatives to other google apps it could be handy, this is from what i use but for the time being ive not needed the use of any other apps as im still on lockdown in Wales.
let me know
Scott
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've found to youtube. And I have my account connected there. So everything is synched. My p40 pro is without GMS. I only have youtube. And the best part is that it is premium and for free .
It is called vanced youtube....
I've come across it I believe on some XDA forum....
You lucky guys. I must go with gms on My p40 pro for now. Only because of one App, and thats My banking App from N26. In webpage i can't make money Transfers. The App is needed to Do this. I wrote to the N26 Support if they had Plans to offer the App in the App gallery, but they had Till now no Plans to Do that.
If anyone had a solution for this, i'm open for all.
Aurora store - an open source Google Play app that doesn't need GMS.
Microsoft Office - its far more usable than Google Docs
One Drive - works well especially if you have an office 365 subscription and it'll backup photos
There are a bunch of youtube apps on XDA that adblock and run in the background too....

Life before Google & After ;)

Hey everyone, I hope everyone reading this thread is safe & well.
So this week I thought I'd ask everyone how they are getting on with HMS over GMS with some additional details -
For myself I was moulded by Google Mobile Services it is every well made, streamlined and efficient for day to day use and tweaking myself to use Huawei Mobile Services has been the better end of okay but still some major tweaks needed such as -
Apps / Services need to be located in one pre loaded folder
Services need to be shouted about more
Mapping services aligned to apps - such as Uber It would be nice to see driver's ETA
In app purchasing
For me these are key devolvement's and hope Huawei is working on these for update in 2020, What are you missing from GMS to HMS and how has the transition been for you?
Look forward to your answers
one thing im missing, Barclays banking and that's it! I can cast to a smart TV, I can do youtube/spotify etc just need to be able to control the wife spending the joint account savings! #fact
Barclays Banking - I'm happy enough to use it via the browser for the time being, as it's an app I only use a few times a month but would be nice to see added!
YouTube via Browser just isn't a full time solution for me - discovering Vanced has been a saviour (it's now on my P30 Pro too)
Google Drive and Photos was one that I didn't think I used at all, but is one of those things upon using a HMS device you realise you do! (Drive for WhatsApp backup and Photos was a nice background back up I never thought about) - I have since swapped over to Huawei's cloud making use of the 50GB free for 1 year offer and I've been pleasantly surprised at how well made and easy it is to use - not something that can always be said about their in-house solutions if we're being honest.
Google Maps was never used as navigation for me but more for visualising routes via a browser search - which it still works via - Have always used Waze or in car Sat Nav.
Never been interested in NFC payments and assistants, but will be interest to give them a go once Celia? and Huawei Pay improve/go live!
Tech_Droid1 said:
Hey everyone, I hope everyone reading this thread is safe & well.
So this week I thought I'd ask everyone how they are getting on with HMS over GMS with some additional details -
For myself I was moulded by Google Mobile Services it is every well made, streamlined and efficient for day to day use and tweaking myself to use Huawei Mobile Services has been the better end of okay but still some major tweaks needed such as -
Apps / Services need to be located in one pre loaded folder
Services need to be shouted about more
Mapping services aligned to apps - such as Uber It would be nice to see driver's ETA
In app purchasing
For me these are key devolvement's and hope Huawei is working on these for update in 2020, What are you missing from GMS to HMS and how has the transition been for you?
Look forward to your answers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting read, my take on it is that services are already pre loaded in to a folder like music, video, themes, health which is cool. apps as we now know can be sourced via petal search but it would be good if that was preinstalled, which i believe is starting to happen. Uber is one to be looked at. but you do now have bolt which does them same thing and can be found in App store. Services have a fairly big exposure already. Its on FB, Insta, Tiktok, TV adds. what else do you feel they could be doing?
Hope you are having a good day.
For me the biggest thing I am missing is the starbucks app. I am guessing that it works via GMS mapping. But just after it for my reward cards.
dw9075n said:
For me the biggest thing I am missing is the starbucks app. I am guessing that it works via GMS mapping. But just after it for my reward cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you not add in to your 'wallet' on the phone
EatSleepTechRepeat said:
one thing im missing, Barclays banking and that's it! I can cast to a smart TV, I can do youtube/spotify etc just need to be able to control the wife spending the joint account savings! #fact
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha, love your comment. I now a few people who are just using the online banking until its working.
EatSleepTechRepeat said:
one thing im missing, Barclays banking and that's it! I can cast to a smart TV, I can do youtube/spotify etc just need to be able to control the wife spending the joint account savings! #fact
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell me about it Barclays needs to join the party soon for the exact same reason
how are you chrome casting? When I hit the screen share button on YTVR nothing seems to happen?
ChrisHtube said:
Interesting read, my take on it is that services are already pre loaded in to a folder like music, video, themes, health which is cool. apps as we now know can be sourced via petal search but it would be good if that was preinstalled, which i believe is starting to happen. Uber is one to be looked at. but you do now have bolt which does them same thing and can be found in App store. Services have a fairly big exposure already. Its on FB, Insta, Tiktok, TV adds. what else do you feel they could be doing?
Hope you are having a good day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Petal Search Find Apps is great hands down, I have used Bolt and it is great to have this app on board so early as Bolt is going to be the next best thing for Uber like services also having the big branded apps on board is great.
I think (probably is happening in the background) HMS should be bringing in app purchases, mapping system in line app usage for apps like Pokémon Go / Uber etc
It would also be great to see App Gallery on app commercials like how it says available on Google Play Store, Apple Store etc this gets the brand out in to the public domain a lot more.
dw9075n said:
For me the biggest thing I am missing is the starbucks app. I am guessing that it works via GMS mapping. But just after it for my reward cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh well, Neros is better anyway I'm still old school with the stamp cards but makes me wonder if theirs will work or not too!
EatSleepTechRepeat said:
can you not add in to your 'wallet' on the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried the only issue is that i have not got a physical card. always been digital.
ChrisHtube said:
Interesting read, my take on it is that services are already pre loaded in to a folder like music, video, themes, health which is cool. apps as we now know can be sourced via petal search but it would be good if that was preinstalled, which i believe is starting to happen. Uber is one to be looked at. but you do now have bolt which does them same thing and can be found in App store. Services have a fairly big exposure already. Its on FB, Insta, Tiktok, TV adds. what else do you feel they could be doing?
Hope you are having a good day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose with uber can you still use the site for it? I don't have uber in south wales!
EatSleepTechRepeat said:
I suppose with uber can you still use the site for it? I don't have uber in south wales!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still waiting for Deliveroo in this town :laugh:
I have GMS installed and suppressed all playstore notifications to avoid constant errors. II keep getting at random when I try to register the email and it checks Google " your device id is not registered" and some apps doesn't work as they can't find Google play services framework. But able to get netflix, YouTube vanced, Gmail (using huawei mail app) to work.
skyisblue79 said:
I have GMS installed and suppressed all playstore notifications to avoid constant errors. II keep getting at random when I try to register the email and it checks Google " your device id is not registered" and some apps doesn't work as they can't find Google play services framework. But able to get netflix, YouTube vanced, Gmail (using huawei mail app) to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very interesting SkyIsBlue, are you considered reverting and trying HMS core?>
Tech_Droid1 said:
Very interesting SkyIsBlue, are you considered reverting and trying HMS core?>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I will still keep GMS as play store is still working and I'm able to access my paid apps. Guess I will live with this error till some better fix comes up.

Question Am I better off just debloating google apps?

I means systemly removing them maybe keeping ones I want? I got all the major ones removed except for Google play services on stock rom. Replaced google camera with open camera and replaced google photos with lineage gallery. That way I can still have some google apps in some form. I deleted YouTube and music and just added them as third party apps instead that I can uninstall. It's easier than installing a custom ROM these days.
Temporarily disable* Google play Services when not needed. Gmail, Google backup and Playstore are dependencies of it. That may increase your SOT by a couple percentage an hour.
* uncheck find my device as system Administrator first in security. Otherwise Google play Services disable option may be grayed out.
why not degoogle? do you rely on google play services for something?
you can gain tons of performance, battery life and privacy without the google play services, and for me its worked fine with aurora store and f-droid.
Can I get signature spoofing with micro g using stock firmware? If so how? I wanna get signature spoofing with youtube for when I'm out in public.
RDS5 said:
why not degoogle? do you rely on google play services for something?
you can gain tons of performance, battery life and privacy without the google play services, and for me its worked fine with aurora store and f-droid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using online Gmail through the browser is a pain.
Some apps need Google play Services and some apps are only available on Playstore.
Google is a pig... just hog tie it.
With debloating apps and magisk I made a lot of Google apps disappear. Kept important ones like files. And you can make it seem like google play is sandboxed with stock ROM of you know what you are doing.
Why do you want a less capable camera?
UltimateGamer83 said:
Can I get signature spoofing with micro g using stock firmware? If so how? I wanna get signature spoofing with youtube for when I'm out in public.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about newpipe (alternative youtube client). or vanced?
otherwise, im pretty sure there are magisk modules to enable signature spoofing, but im not sure if they work on stock..
EDIT: nanodroid seems to be exactly what you need
i use lineageos/aosp on most of my devices tho..
blackhawk said:
Using online Gmail through the browser is a pain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree honestly, its probably intentional to get you to download the app..
arent there 3rd party mail clients tho? maybe those dont work as well tho
blackhawk said:
Some apps need Google play Services and some apps are only available on Playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aurora store can download apps from google play, and most apps that "need google play" dont actually need it and just throw warnings
blackhawk said:
Google is a pig... just hog tie it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
at the end it all depends on the apps and services you use.
if you are reliant on google services (eg. gmail, gpay) then you need google play services, no matter the downside.
for me i havent had a use for these services (i use a phone to make calls, play some games, take photos and watch videos. all of these can be accomplished without google play) but for many they are tied to this.
i just hope antitrust can come and bite these companies in the ass
how come microsoft got sued for IE in the 90s but now, doing the exact same thing with edge, they arent in any trouble? just something to think about..
I don't know if I am just stupid or missing something?
Why buy a Pixel if you are not going to use Google services? Like that is the whole point.
You think that by disabling Google services, using 3rd party apps and app stores you will not be tracked?
Google makes OS, UI, and processor. You don't think they can track your use in other ways besides Google services and Google apps?
You think that the 3rd party apps are safe and not tracking you?
I mean I totally get why you want to have privacy and less use on the processes and ram but I just feel like there is no escape.
Plus you lose the great AI in the camera if you switch to something else.
I just figured if I get a Pixel part of the deal is I get Google. Android is pretty much a Google mobile OS so they can track what they want once you agree to the EULA to use the phone. At least I know going in most of what I do is being monitored and monetized. Unlike some other companies that hide that fact and act privacy focused.
Sounds like you might be looking for CalyxOS
Wi1son said:
Why do you want a less capable camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My question, too... One of the big selling points of Pixel is the camera, but it works in tandem with software?
krakout said:
My question, too... One of the big selling points of Pixel is the camera, but it works in tandem with software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too wondered this. That being said, doesn't graphene OS have the Google camera working on its entirety?
Agreeing with others here - if you are really heading down that road (which reasoning I can fully understand) then I would suggest Graphene OS or Calyx OS which do exactly this....
RDS5 said:
what about newpipe (alternative youtube client). or vanced?
otherwise, im pretty sure there are magisk modules to enable signature spoofing, but im not sure if they work on stock..
EDIT: nanodroid seems to be exactly what you need
i use lineageos/aosp on most of my devices tho..
i agree honestly, its probably intentional to get you to download the app..
arent there 3rd party mail clients tho? maybe those dont work as well tho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like Gmail because of security, it's almost bulletproof. No Gmail related malware ever made it through in 15 years. Only a little common sense is needed. Spam filters are pretty good. Something equivalent or better be nice though.
RDS5 said:
aurora store can download apps from google play, and most apps that "need google play" dont actually need it and just throw warnings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A very few need Google play Services to run. Nothing critical though.
RDS5 said:
at the end it all depends on the apps and services you use.
if you are reliant on google services (eg. gmail, gpay) then you need google play services, no matter the downside.
for me i havent had a use for these services (i use a phone to make calls, play some games, take photos and watch videos. all of these can be accomplished without google play) but for many they are tied to this.
i just hope antitrust can come and bite these companies in the ass
how come microsoft got sued for IE in the 90s but now, doing the exact same thing with edge, they arent in any trouble? just something to think about..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since Android 10 and scoped storage Google Android is the enemy. Might as well be Apple.
Google pushes to end support for expandable storage. They're are liberal technocrats and need to be removed like the cancer they are. So yeah my next phone may indeed be Gookill free.
Schroeder09 said:
I too wondered this. That being said, doesn't graphene OS have the Google camera working on its entirety?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, works perfectly on p7

Categories

Resources