Hello
I'm looking for a gallery app, that can recognize faces and objects, without needing to enable cloud backup like Google Photos.
I have too many photos and don't want to pay extra storage on google one.
On my previous OnePlus 5, everything was local, and that was enough, and misses me.
I tried to install every manufacturer gallery app (OnePlus, Oppo, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei...) but none can be installed or is working (probably due to dependencies / external libraries...).
So do you know a great third-party gallery app that can do that locally ?
Thanks.
Probably not what you want but you can install the xmlpak Magisk module, it'll allow you to download and install vendor apps from other manufacturers, no guarantee of it working tho.
Interesting module, I didn't know, thanks.
But I had tried by downloading APKs directly, so it won't help...
The Huawei gallery is really good (I prefer it to Google photos) and offers facial recognition too but I cant get the APK working on my Pixel 7 pro. It has some great build it photo edit options too & a decent video editor. If anyone knows of a way to get it working i'd be really keen to know.
Related
Hi everyone,
I have been researching and I've compiled a list of all the options available to use an Android device with Cyanogenmod without a Google account and I was wondering if anyone has a better solution considering the options I've found are all lacking.
Here is what I found including the issues for each option:
- Amazon web store (Not every app is available)
- Third party repositories, like apkmirror (Security implications of running apk that anyone can upload)
- F-Droid (Not every app is available)
- Getting the apps I need from the play store once and then backup the apks with a file manager (No updates) or I am going to need a different phone with a Google account and the play store.
Moral of the story, it's not easy to run an android phone without a google account.
Ps. A solution that I think could work (but I wasn't able to find a project that works) is an open source apk downloader (maybe on github) that get the apps straight from google via command line but all the projects I've seen are either out of date or not working...
Any suggestion is really appreciated! Thank you all!
Keep an android device with google play installed, then move the apks of things i really want, or bought already.
But honestly, after some choices I've made (running my own dropbox-like service on my server) I could definitely live with just F-Droid. Of course I'm not using some stuff like facebook or snapchat, so my needs in terms of apps isn't as extensive as others. Sometimes it does feel like i'm hamstrung when the next new fad comes and goes, but I'll live without them.
surfinpika said:
Keep an android device with google play installed, then move the apks of things i really want, or bought already.
But honestly, after some choices I've made (running my own dropbox-like service on my server) I could definitely live with just F-Droid. Of course I'm not using some stuff like facebook or snapchat, so my needs in terms of apps isn't as extensive as others. Sometimes it does feel like i'm hamstrung when the next new fad comes and goes, but I'll live without them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi surfinpika,
thanks for your input, I am starting to feel like your solution (of having a separate device with just the google account setup) is the cleanest option.
I am not into facebook or snapchat or the next fad either... but f-droid wouldn't cut it for me, stuff like keepass2android or some of the other apps I use are definitely not there. I wonder what are the security implications of using F-Droid compared to getting the apks from apkmirror. Considering my level of paranoia I wouldn't feel safe with either option.
_polymar said:
Hi surfinpika,
thanks for your input, I am starting to feel like your solution (of having a separate device with just the google account setup) is the cleanest option.
I am not into facebook or snapchat or the next fad either... but f-droid wouldn't cut it for me, stuff like keepass2android or some of the other apps I use are definitely not there. I wonder what are the security implications of using F-Droid compared to getting the apks from apkmirror. Considering my level of paranoia I wouldn't feel safe with either option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One issue I can think of with this approach is that both the device with google play store and the device where the apps are going to be installed will require the same CPU architecture.
Won't be able to download the apk on a cheap android (most likely ARM) and install it on ARM64...
_polymar said:
One issue I can think of with this approach is that both the device with google play store and the device where the apps are going to be installed will require the same CPU architecture.
Won't be able to download the apk on a cheap android (most likely ARM) and install it on ARM64...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, luckily my back up is the same architecture as my non-gapps phone.
And there are also ways of getting some of the apks straight from the sources, like keepass2android from the project's website. but even if it is google, they sort of give a sense of security in that the apk won't be messed with.
It's such a mess though otherwise, hard to separate the google from the android, and no other viable OSs are any better. hope some competition at least makes a nice little niche to get away from the big G.
Looking to grab the mate 30 Pro.. Or potentially the p40 Pro after tomorrows launch. But really wanna check out the slow mo on the mate, plus love the design
I'm an android user.
Been doing a lot of reading and still struggling to grasp if I actually need google services on my phone or not? I know I won't have generic Google apps, but there a possibility to install them. Done some custom rom installs many moons ago.
I'll still have my Samsung s10e work phone.
Can anyone clarify or point me in the direction of an an article that explains the pros and cons?
Failing this it looks like the p30 pro is by best alternate. As I tend not to go mainbsteam Samsung
Hi there,
The installation of gms right now is unstable or tricky. For example using Chatpartner+Ice Box+Island is the most stable as it gets, but it has its own drawbacks(you can see info about the methods in the other threads). I don't know if we will get a clean permanent solution. I hope we get.
So let's assume you don't get gms, because you don't want to mess with the current unstable solutions. The drawbacks from my point of view are:
- no PlayStore -> So you don't get your paid apps. Also you can't get all apps from the Huawei store, because some of them are missing. Some partial solution: Use ApkPure or some other app store to get your apps.
- no Youtube -> Youtube requires gms. Solution: use Youtube Vanced;
- no Google Maps -> It requires gms. Solution: use Waze;
- no Google Drive/Photos -> It requires gms. Solution: use Microsoft OneDrive or any other cloud;
- no Contact Sync -> It requires gms. Solution: export contacts from Google and import them.(here I decided again to go with Microsoft so I sync my future new contacts in a cloud after all)
- no Gmail -> It requires gms. Solution: use Outlook app or any other email app like Nine. You can add you gmail account there.
Some people suggested to use the google apps through a browser and put shortcuts on your home screen, but this is not a replacement for the actual apps in my oppinion.
Bottom line:
- If you don't want any hassle and you want everything everywhere working then get P30 Pro;
- If you want to try the available workarounds for google apps and you won't get overwhelmed or irritated when some errors occur and you have to tinker again then get the Mate 30 Pro;
- If you want to detach from google ecosystem and try some new apps then get the Mate 30 Pro(just make sure you thought of all apps that you need and found a comfortable replacement);
- For the P40 Pro I can't speak;
I have one of the workarounds of GMS on my phone and the apps are working. However I am trying to move away a bit from gms, because I want to be free to try new tech and use all my apps. I am a heavy Google user paying for subscriptions for some services so I am dependent on their apps. However with this phone I realized that Google is closing their services forcing users to have certain hardware which I dislike. This is why I will make an attempt to use alternatives(mostly I will use Microsoft products) so I can buy whatever phone I like and use it seamlessly.
I hope this helps!
xchatter what GMS work around are you using on your current device?
Darkisde said:
xchatter what GMS work around are you using on your current device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chatpartner+Ice Box+Island , but I see someone just created a thread saying that ChatPartner doesn't work now(I don't know if it is true). However Chatpartner is just the first part for getting the gms on the device which can be achieved also with other methods like restoring a backup which has this chinese app for installing gms(you can search, videos are everywhere showing it). Then afterwards probably you will start getting the non-stop notifications that your device is not certified. From that point you will need to follow the guides to add your account and then use Ice Box to freeze some google apps(playstore and services). This way you won't get the notifications, but any installed google apps will work. From there you can use Island to activate your work profile and unfreeze those apps in an isolated scope where you can have your Play Store to get apps or you can just use some other app store. You can get more details in the other threads, basically this is the main topic in the whole Mate 30 Pro forum.
Nesiah said:
Looking to grab the mate 30 Pro.. Or potentially the p40 Pro after tomorrows launch. But really wanna check out the slow mo on the mate, plus love the design
I'm an android user.
Been doing a lot of reading and still struggling to grasp if I actually need google services on my phone or not? I know I won't have generic Google apps, but there a possibility to install them. Done some custom rom installs many moons ago.
I'll still have my Samsung s10e work phone.
Can anyone clarify or point me in the direction of an an article that explains the pros and cons?
Failing this it looks like the p30 pro is by best alternate. As I tend not to go mainbsteam Samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the installation of gms is tricky complicated for most users, but it can be done if you want to learn. it works for now but no one knows till when.
the P40 definitely wont have GMS too, so if this is a problem, go with another brand or P30 or mate 20 if you still want huawei.
Hi all,
I'm looking to change from my P30 Pro - love the phone, but I dropped my belt on the screen [emoji22] and they're expensive to fix. Insurance paid me out luckily, debating whether I buy a P40 as they're really cheap now, or get the P30 Pro fixed.
The P30 Pro main camera gives weird yellow hues especially when capturing in raw and I'm hopeful the p40 is improved. Plus I think the 5x zoom is a gimmick, 2x or 3x is more usable in my view.
I'm wondering what the real limitations of daily use with a P40 is if you've loaded gms onto it.
- Can you update apps automatically from the play store?
- Does uber work once you have gms loaded?
- Does Netflix play in HD? (not so fussed about hdr)
- Do you have to re-apply gms fixes regularly or is that only needed when there's a Huawei firmware update?
- Does chromecast work?
I've read a bunch of forums but still not totally clear on what the current state is.
Thanks all, appreciate any advice!
Sent from my VOG-L09 using Tapatalk
We do need a custom firmware, otherwise forget about it, you may install some apps but you will always find bugs on apps that wont coop that great with some stuff that google have and needs adaptation to run on huawei phones, it really sucks we are doomed, the smartphones are extremely fast, the fastest i ever had, although, i was not able to use netflix, tinder and some others without serious bugs, our only hope is a custom firmware for the p40 family.
Thanks for the reply!
Sent from my VOG-L09 using Tapatalk
I've had a P30 pro but I returned it because of the size and the dim screen. Got a P40 and could not be happier. All apps work except netflix, no need to reapply anything, updates are automatic.
Considering the fact that in stock version there are no Google services at all, you need to find yourself using Huawei´s App Gallery. Some basic apps like Whatsapp etc are available through it. In other cases it refers to "PetalSearch" which directs you to (somewhat shady) apk-sites. Even if you get another store running on it like F-Droid or APKpure, some apps may be found and installed, but running them usually comes with notifications about missing google services, hence the app would not work properly, or at all...
I got this phone for the same reason (price & performance). Unfortunately due to the lack of integration and usuability, i am deemed to wait for a better image to put on the phone.
(I came across "OpenKirin"-Project and they seem to be active in XDA as well. Hope they´re able to look into this)
jasonhelene said:
We do need a custom firmware, otherwise forget about it, you may install some apps but you will always find bugs on apps that wont coop that great with some stuff that google have and needs adaptation to run on huawei phones, it really sucks we are doomed, the smartphones are extremely fast, the fastest i ever had, although, i was not able to use netflix, tinder and some others without serious bugs, our only hope is a custom firmware for the p40 family.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is definitely exaggerating a bit.
Auto-updating apps from Google Play doesn't work, yes, but apps being broken - not really, at least from everything I've seen the only issue is notifications (on my side, Skype, Discord, Duo Authenticator, GMail's own app** and a banking app) however the apps themselves still work. What most people use works just fine without Google's stuff, though getting APKpure store is a good recommendation, that will cover pretty much everything (that is free) and missing in AppGallery.
Tinder definitely works fine from what I've seen, Netflix doesn't work at all due to some API/DRM certification stuff.
**using Outlook or the built-in email app fixes that
I have it for a month now. Hardware - perfect. System - looks stable. BUT... google apps and services? Forget it.
Yes, I am from middle Europe, used to have Google services on every step. I use google Photos, Gmail, Drive, Maps, Youtube, Chromecast, Android Auto, Notes, Docs, Drive... Guess what. All of that is gone.
I came from Huawei P30 PRO which was one of the best phones and still is (it has GMS – google services). P40 PRO can use Googlefier and google is back. My logical option was to upgrade from P30 PRO to P50 PRO and simply use solution as Googlefier.
AND HOW WRONG I WAS!!
P50 PRO international uses EMUI 12 and not Harmony OS 2.0 as Chines version. Chines version is having possibility to load google services but not the international. Believe me, I have try like many others.
THERE IS NO WAY THAT WE INSTALL GMS ON INTERNATIONAL VERSION.
DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE IF YOU USE GOOGLE SERVICES.
Right now use gmail and google photos in browser!! I have 100GB of drive space to use it in a browser is a nightmare.
THIS PHONE IS “CANDY” WITH A NIGHTMARE!
Gspace, dualspace, VMS… you ask? It’s all a joke. Buggy and full of limitations, notifications not working, total add platform on every touch. You have to wait 5 seconds for every app you open or use again. I would buy the app but I am not convinced. Safety is questionable.
AppGalery and Pental? Please, I would rather not comment.
Half of my local apps do not work as those depend on google services. Just try to install Strava for instance, parking app, paying apps, local weather, TV casting, receiver control, smart apps… NOT WORKING
Now what should I do? Two options.
I can wait for someone to make native GMS to work. I will wait for maybe a month.
Sell this NIGHTMARE of a PHONE for something less attractive but working normally.
Second option should be my first option as I spend too much time (whole month) to fix GMS on my P50 PRO.
For 1200,00 € (Some $ 1330,00 USD ) I can easy get iPhone 13 PRO MAX or Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G.
I should point out that I loved my P30 PRO and I don’t care what Trump thinks about Huawei.
HUAWEI, HONOR and company. No, thank you, never again. Sadly my options are elsewhere. I am certain many will follow.
Let me know if I am wrong.
Well Gspace works for me. Google photos backup also works for me via Gspace (just had to configure to run autostart and battery optimization). Google drive uploading via Gspace works flawlessly.
I use DAVx for contact and calendar sync. Use Aurora store for installing apps (most of the apps are working even the games).
Only problem I see is WhatsApp Backup on Google drive, which I am managing by taking a local backup via a script, when I change PHONE, as I frequently switch between my Xiaomi 12 Pro and P50 Pro.
Pretty happy with the device even with the limitations.
I am searching for a way to install Harmonyos on it, so far found none, maybe if it can be done, it will heal you to install Gms.
iskalec1 said:
I have it for a month now. Hardware - perfect. System - looks stable. BUT... google apps and services? Forget it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish you post it a few days earlier before I was on a decision, P50 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max (same price until the last euro) and chose Huawei for a better camera and consult guy promises that Gspace will solve everything for me.
Hardware itself is awesome. But... Very missing a Google Services and all it integrations. Hope that one day they appears.
hello, i have the p40pro and i bought the p50pro for 850 dollars for a gift watch the gt2pro is compliant with the type of use i give it i use modified gspace it does not carry advertisements and aurorastore the only problem i see is in some applications that it does not maintain them in background
wboris said:
hello, i have the p40pro and i bought the p50pro for 850 dollars for a gift watch the gt2pro is compliant with the type of use i give it i use modified gspace it does not carry advertisements and aurorastore the only problem i see is in some applications that it does not maintain them in background
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try locking it in the background.
theintelligent said:
Well Gspace works for me. Google photos backup also works for me via Gspace (just had to configure to run autostart and battery optimization). Google drive uploading via Gspace works flawlessly.
I use DAVx for contact and calendar sync. Use Aurora store for installing apps (most of the apps are working even the games).
Only problem I see is WhatsApp Backup on Google drive, which I am managing by taking a local backup via a script, when I change PHONE, as I frequently switch between my Xiaomi 12 Pro and P50 Pro.
Pretty happy with the device even with the limitations.
I am searching for a way to install Harmonyos on it, so far found none, maybe if it can be done, it will heal you to install Gms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi need help, before OK used Goole Drive from Gspace and later why sometimes has restart to checking info and won't stop, any solution please.. Thanks
adrs168 said:
Hi need help, before OK used Goole Drive from Gspace and later why sometimes has restart to checking info and won't stop, any solution please.. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clear cache, clear recent, then try. If this didn't work, reinstall Google drive
Hi,
is it possible to use Gcam with a third party gallery because I kind of dislike Google Photos?
And if it is not possible by default, is there any workaround or even a Gcam mod for the Pixel 7 which is staying as close as possible to the original but just allows me to change the gallery?
Cheers
Kind-of.
Basically, you need a "google-less" build of Android, like GrapheneOS.
You then can install "gcam-services-provider" (photos release from github, not basic).
The gcam services provider will create a "fake" google-photos that can be launched by camera, which then launches your selected gallery application.
Alternatively, you would have to find a way to fully uninstall gooble-photos and create your own shim.
So this means, I uninstall the Photos app from my Pixel, install the "Gcam-Services-Provider Photos" and install a different gallery app. Afterwards, Gcam will open the third party gallery?
Or do I need to uninstall more than the Photos app?
I know that some of the Google Camera Mods, which were called Camera PX, had an option in the settings to use a different gallery outside of Google Photos.
You can try random versions to see what works, but keep in mind, if I'm not mistaken, the Pixel 7 version of the camera is a version ahead of the older Pixel phones. If something doesn't work correctly, just know that everything works fine on the stock camera app.
Another thing is that normally, these mods were to get Google processing and whatnot to work on other devices or bring newer Pixel features to older Pixel phones(this is the version by MWP). I'd recommend trying the MWP version first and checking the settings after that. Idk which version of the camera by which developer had the option, but it does exist.
Google Camera Ports Download
Modified Google Camera ports by BSG, Arnova8G2, ivanich, and others. Download hub for GCam ports.
www.celsoazevedo.com