[Q] Google-free custom ROM? - Nexus 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've always been a diehard google fanatic & evangelist, but some of the recent bad press has left me disillusioned with the company and eager to break off all possible ties. To that end, is there a custom ROM for the Nexus 7 that would allow me to uninstall all or most google products - and preferably block all traffic to google's servers?

filthyhandbag said:
I've always been a diehard google fanatic & evangelist, but some of the recent bad press has left me disillusioned with the company and eager to break off all possible ties. To that end, is there a custom ROM for the Nexus 7 that would allow me to uninstall all or most google products - and preferably block all traffic to google's servers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sure. just build it from scratch, from aosp. dont add anything google, no google apps, no market, no sync, none of googles services.. kinda odd getting a nexus device and not wanting googles services. what bad press btw?

Tax
simms22 said:
sure. just build it from scratch, from aosp. dont add anything google, no google apps, no market, no sync, none of googles services.. kinda odd getting a nexus device and not wanting googles services. what bad press btw?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm English and its tax arrangements (which were revealed after I bought the Nexus 7) disgust me.
Building from AOSP is too complex for a non-developer like me. Is there not a ROM that makes it possible to pare back google services to a minimum? If not, which ROM carries the fewest google services?

BrianXP7 said:
It's more straightforward to flash any ROM that suggests a Google Apps package, but without flashing it. I think rebuilding it from source sounds a little extreme. (Considering the long download times.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused. How would I flash a ROM without flashing it?

filthyhandbag said:
I'm English and its tax arrangements (which were revealed after I bought the Nexus 7) disgust me.
Building from AOSP is too complex for a non-developer like me. Is there not a ROM that makes it possible to pare back google services to a minimum? If not, which ROM carries the fewest google services?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get over yourself and get a grip on reality.
EVERY company, big and small, uses tax loopholes. I can't believe you're taking a moral stand and denying yourself full functionality of a device you have already paid for, you are the only loser in this scenario, Google don't lose anything.
If you don't want Google services then don't log in with your Google account, or any email account.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

nodstuff said:
Get over yourself and get a grip on reality.
EVERY company, big and small, uses tax loopholes. I can't believe you're taking a moral stand and denying yourself full functionality of a device you have already paid for, you are the only loser in this scenario, Google don't lose anything.
If you don't want Google services then don't log in with your Google account, or any email account.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you mad? I briefly answered a simple question. Is there any particular reason for your itch to harangue me about a consumer decision? I'm well aware of how corporations operate. Are you ignorant of how consumption and markets work?

lol @ this thread.

jayochs said:
lol @ this thread.
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Click to collapse
I should have known better than to give any background info. My question should have been:
"Is there any ROM with no or minimal google services?"

BrianXP7 said:
It's more straightforward to flash any ROM that suggests a Google Apps package, but without flashing it. I think rebuilding it from source sounds a little extreme. (Considering the long download times.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
filthyhandbag said:
I'm English and its tax arrangements (which were revealed after I bought the Nexus 7) disgust me.
Building from AOSP is too complex for a non-developer like me. Is there not a ROM that makes it possible to pare back google services to a minimum? If not, which ROM carries the fewest google services?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what Brian is saying is that many roms have a separate flashable package of google apps. you can flash one of these roms(like rasbean jelly, or cm) and not flash the separate gapps(google apps package). then you can go into your file system, /system/app/, and remove more google services(some might be needed, so it would be a trial and error of what you can remove). the end results might be rather unusable as a mobile device.
but nodstuff was right, you would be the only loser in this scenario. if you dont want anything to do with google, you should sell your device and buy something else. you would be better off. after all, arent you the most important in this scenario?

simms22 said:
what Brian is saying is that many roms have a separate flashable package of google apps. you can flash one of these roms(like rasbean jelly, or cm) and not flash the separate gapps(google apps package). then you can go into your file system, /system/app/, and remove more google services(some might be needed, so it would be a trial and error of what you can remove). the end results might be rather unusable as a mobile device.
but nodstuff was right, you would be the only loser in this scenario. if you dont want anything to do with google, you should sell your device and buy something else. you would be better off. after all, arent you the most important in this scenario?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see it differently, while wanting to hang onto a device whose format and build I'm fond of. But as I've suggested, I've not come here to debate the issue - just to seek out a ROM that suits my needs.
Thanks for your clarification over the flashing process. I'll see how far I can get.

filthyhandbag said:
I see it differently, while wanting to hang onto a device whose format and build I'm fond of. But as I've suggested, I've not come here to debate the issue - just to seek out a ROM that suits my needs.
Thanks for your clarification over the flashing process. I'll see how far I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem with that, its your device
anyways, if you do delete something that youre not supposed to out of /sytem/app/ and your device wont work, you can always reflash the rom to get it up again. or you can make a backup in your recovery, then restore it if things go wrong.

Righteous. Right.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

Don't feed the trolls!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

AZKJS said:
Don't feed the trolls!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen brother.....
.....I'm hungry.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Wouldn't webOS do that when/if it's finally released?
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app

You could try the buggy Ubuntu that would be Google free but I just don't understand what Google could have done, to make you hinder your own device by choice
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

rcarnes911 said:
You could try the buggy Ubuntu that would be Google free but I just don't understand what Google could have done, to make you hinder your own device by choice
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly.
Bit if you dont want any google services just flash a custom rom (like cyanogenmod por something) and dont flash the gapps. Than you dont login with your google account and maybe delete or freeze the google services with titanium backup. This seems me the easiest way to do it.

JanJansen024 said:
Exactly.
Bit if you dont want any google services just flash a custom rom (like cyanogenmod por something) and dont flash the gapps. Than you dont login with your google account and maybe delete or freeze the google services with titanium backup. This seems me the easiest way to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without playstore.....installing titanium backup or anything will be painful! Lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

Return it and buy an ipad. Hopefully Apple is not as gross as Goggle on the tax issues you have recently learned about.

ProblemChyld said:
Return it and buy an ipad. Hopefully Apple is not as gross as Goggle on the tax issues you have recently learned about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol every company hides money off shore Google just had some one write an article about it
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Related

Google free rom????

Hello.
I am interested in a highly secure Rom for the evo. I would like it to be free of Google or anyother corporately monitored system. real opensource experience free of all this monitoring and tracking and data minning. Maybe with a nice user friendly firewall for all connections. how about built in 512 bit encryption. For private txt messaging.
Let's hear from the community on this.
I may be wrong but... Evo is an Android phone... Android = Google. I don't think you'll have much luck getting a Google free Android phone.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
You know these are google/android forums right? I don't think it will be possible at all....
Do you want an aluminum foil hat with that ROM?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Dude that will never happen. Thats all i have to say
Umm don't listen to anyone who previously posted. You could easily use CyanogenMod with out Google apps to do this. You would be missing the market and any standard app that has the word Google before it like Google maps, but I guess now you could use the Amazon market anyway.
Sent from my ThunderBolt using XDA Premium App
Actually i had a Samsung intercept that originally had Google android rom and ended up with a non-google phone in the end...... Accidentally flashed a radio from differnet phone and after no signs of Google ..... Or signs of really anything but made a great paper weight!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
u921333 said:
Actually i had a Samsung intercept that originally had Google android rom and ended up with a non-google phone in the end...... Accidentally flashed a radio from differnet phone and after no signs of Google ..... Or signs of really anything but made a great paper weight!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont think you understand what he means... im not a troll . but he said he doesnt want it to have google ,also for it to keep everything private... also look at my new signature LMFAO
sorry quoted wrong guy but yeah if he is lucky and doesnt brick.
how would this be possible ? dont you need a google account to even use the phone ? could probably be wrong.
josh995 said:
I may be wrong but... Evo is an Android phone... Android = Google. I don't think you'll have much luck getting a Google free Android phone.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think wrong.
knowledge561 said:
You know these are google/android forums right? I don't think it will be possible at all....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think wrong too.
tgruendler said:
Do you want an aluminum foil hat with that ROM?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will it match your dunce cap?
davidc23 said:
Dude that will never happen. Thats all i have to say
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are giving wrong info, that's all I have to say.
jvward said:
Umm don't listen to anyone who previously posted. You could easily use CyanogenMod with out Google apps to do this. You would be missing the market and any standard app that has the word Google before it like Google maps, but I guess now you could use the Amazon market anyway.
Sent from my ThunderBolt using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally someone smart in this thread.
Any ASOP ROM which doesn't include GAPPS like cyanogyn mod or deck's ASOP rom will do this (minus the sms encryption) as long as you don't flash the GAPPS add ons or enable my location.
I really hate when people act like experts, but don't know what their talking about.
I don't think you're going to find this for the EVO, although I imagine there's a phone out there somewhere that you can accomplish this with.
datajosh said:
I don't think you're going to find this for the EVO, although I imagine there's a phone out there somewhere that you can accomplish this with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong again, check my post immediately above yours.
mjs1231 said:
Hello.
I am interested in a highly secure Rom for the evo. I would like it to be free of Google or anyother corporately monitored system. real opensource experience free of all this monitoring and tracking and data minning. Maybe with a nice user friendly firewall for all connections. how about built in 512 bit encryption. For private txt messaging.
Let's hear from the community on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say free of google what do u mean?? Evo runs android, android is created by Google. There is no way you could have android without Google. If you mean Google apps, as someone else said just run cyanogenmod without GAPPS. You wont be able to do much, won't even be able to load apps that aren't preinstalled.
indagroove said:
You think wrong.
You think wrong too.
Will it match your dunce cap?
You are giving wrong info, that's all I have to say.
Finally someone smart in this thread.
Any ASOP ROM which doesn't include GAPPS like cyanogyn mod or deck's ASOP rom will do this (minus the sms encryption) as long as you don't flash the GAPPS add ons or enable my location.
I really hate when people act like experts, but don't know what their talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It wouldn't be anymore secure than the current version of Android being ran (which he mentioned and is apparently worried about).. but as far as all the 'monitoring and tracking' and what not, I mean, sure. But what would be the point? Seems like a pretty half assed Android experience.
There is only so much that can be done without the use of, say, GApps ... might get the job done but would essentially kill the idea of even owning said phone.
Get Yo'Self a Jitterbug
bwcorvus said:
When you say free of google what do u mean?? Evo runs android, android is created by Google. There is no way you could have android without Google. If you mean Google apps, as someone else said just run cyanogenmod without GAPPS. You wont be able to do much, won't even be able to load apps that aren't preinstalled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously the OS is made by Google, but I don't think that's what he meant. I think he means a rom which won't constantly sync with google's servers.
Also, you CAN sideload apps without market or GAPPS installed, the trick is just to find the .apk files somewhere other than google market, but most are on either amazon market or Edit, so again another WRONG piece of info given out here.
conqu1stador said:
It wouldn't be anymore secure than the current version of Android being ran (which he mentioned).. but as far as all the 'monitoring and tracking' and what not, I mean, sure. But what would be the point? Seems like a pretty half assed Android experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I wouldn't do it myself, I can see the point. You would have way better battery life without the constant syncing. Also takes much less ram. Not everyone cares about sync with gmail, contacts, and calendar. Some just want a nice smooth OS. It would be more secure, because everything wouldn't go through google's servers.
mjs1231 said:
Hello.
I am interested in a highly secure Rom for the evo. I would like it to be free of Google or anyother corporately monitored system. real opensource experience free of all this monitoring and tracking and data minning. Maybe with a nice user friendly firewall for all connections. how about built in 512 bit encryption. For private txt messaging.
Let's hear from the community on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously? This is like asking for the competitor iPhone and not wanting Apple to make it. If you didn't want a Google phone then why did you buy a phone with software developed by Google? Please don't tell me you Yahoo'd your phone. That would just be an Epic Fail!
mdean1981 said:
Seriously? This is like asking for the competitor iPhone and not wanting Apple to make it. If you didn't want a Google phone then why did you buy a phone with software developed by Google? Please don't tell me you Yahoo'd your phone. That would just be an Epic Fail!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it's more like having an iphone and not paying for mobile me. But in this case it's a better situation because you wouldn't have to register with google to get the apps (get them somewhere else as I suggested previously), like you would have to with apple.
indagroove said:
Although I wouldn't do it myself, I can see the point. You would have way better battery life without the constant syncing. Also takes much less ram. Not everyone cares about sync with gmail, contacts, and calendar. Some just want a nice smooth OS. It would be more secure, because everything wouldn't go through google's servers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get the 'tracking' and what not ... but no one is really 'tracking' you. Recorded, maybe. But what does that even really matter in the end?
I get that you want to point out that it can be done, and others were wrong, but it was a silly question none the less.
And, sure, of course - less RAM. And no syncing? Could always disable. But freeing up RAM and what not? Running a smooth experience? It's not going to be that much smoother than should you elect to NOT use proprietary apps. It's not going to be a 'night and day' thing.
I'm more or less curious what the OP wants to do with his phone. Yeah, getting apps from other avenues is always a possibility ... sure. But getting apps from outside of the Market isn't going to offer less system stability, or smoothness, as opposed to getting them from the market.
Sure, I suppose it could be done ... but what are you trying to do? And, as said, it's only as secure as the latest version of Android ... which is constantly facing security issues.
It was sort of a silly post. Gotta admit that much.

possibly the end of nexus geting updates directly from google

http://www.droid-life.com/2011/11/1...ak-in-two-bloatware-apps-on-the-galaxy-nexus/
silver03wrx said:
http://www.droid-life.com/2011/11/1...ak-in-two-bloatware-apps-on-the-galaxy-nexus/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily. Those apps might not be integrated into the rom.
poit said:
Not necessarily. Those apps might not be integrated into the rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are. The pics are in the galaxy nexus general forums. This killed my dream of getting a Nexus phone...... Will the international version work on Sprint???
Sent from my 1.6 ghz 3.2 rockin A500
Qwallace70129 said:
They are. The pics are in the galaxy nexus general forums. This killed my dream of getting a Nexus phone...... Will the international version work on Sprint???
Sent from my 1.6 ghz 3.2 rockin A500
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think what he meant is that those apps aren't put there until after the rom is installed, meaning Verizon put them there.
You make your statement with such certainty, yet provide nothing to back it up - why are you so sure?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
The pics show it...... ICS has a built in uninstaller/disable feature...... There is no option to uninstall or delete.... Only disable... Meaning its cooked into the rom(if I've learned correctly) which also means all updates have to go through Verizon. No bueno for a Nexus phone....
Sent from my 1.6 ghz 3.2 rockin A500
Qwallace70129 said:
The pics show it...... ICS has a built in uninstaller/disable feature...... There is no option to uninstall or delete.... Only disable... Meaning its cooked into the rom(if I've learned correctly) which also means all updates have to go through Verizon. No bueno for a Nexus phone....
Sent from my 1.6 ghz 3.2 rockin A500
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as Google pushed the update with a data backup, it shouldn't be an issue, correct? Google would update everything except carrier apps. Carrier could update them like the way Sprint updated Sprint Navigation to Telenav or some other delivery method.
Qwallace70129 said:
The pics show it...... ICS has a built in uninstaller/disable feature...... There is no option to uninstall or delete.... Only disable... Meaning its cooked into the rom(if I've learned correctly) which also means all updates have to go through Verizon. No bueno for a Nexus phone....
Sent from my 1.6 ghz 3.2 rockin A500
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that only means that the app is installed into the system app directory, instead of the user app dir. I suppose I will have to adb push an apk into my system app folder to confirm, but I'm fairly certain that the lack of an uninstall button is because android never gives that option for system apps...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
styles420 said:
I think that only means that the app is installed into the system app directory, instead of the user app dir. I suppose I will have to adb push an apk into my system app folder to confirm, but I'm fairly certain that the lack of an uninstall button is because android never gives that option for system apps...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please say it would be that easy.... But then again it defeats the purpose of me buying a nexus if I have to get rid of bloatware.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Supposed to be a developer platform....what developer is going to want VZ Backup assistant...lol.
Verizon: You are dumb.
Oh well, I still believe it will be google updated.
Guys, in ICS there is a feature in which you can hide the apps.
Also i dont think this really matters. The two apps included are something verizon users may want. Looking at your status with the company and backing up information with the carrier hardly seem like bloat apps to me. Also, this is only the case for verizon and not other carriers like sprint, which can uninstall bloatware apps. I still believe google will be pushing out their own updates.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 10.1
I'm a little curious why this would discourage anyone here from owning this phone. Are any of you guys buying it with the intention of running stock?
Even if people plan on using cooked roms they still want google to push the updates because that means they would come quicker and therefore the developers would have new versions to create new roms off of.
See. I am learnimg.
Sent from my Epic on Legandary ROM or my Galaxy Tab rooted (feels naked without a ROM)
|| Acer || said:
Guys, in ICS there is a feature in which you can hide the apps.
Also i dont think this really matters. The two apps included are something verizon users may want. Looking at your status with the company and backing up information with the carrier hardly seem like bloat apps to me. Also, this is only the case for verizon and not other carriers like sprint, which can uninstall bloatware apps. I still believe google will be pushing out their own updates.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 10.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon users that want them could just install them though! that's the complete opposite of them being installed and people who don't want them being unable to uninstall them...
faceless said:
Verizon users that want them could just install them though! that's the complete opposite of them being installed and people who don't want them being unable to uninstall them...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon customers that don't want them are almost certainly going to know at least enough to be able to remove them, but many of the users that would want them would also fall into that special category of users that know just the bare minimum to be able to use the phone - average users, the ones even XDA noobs can run circles around. They make up the majority of Verizon's customer base, so the big V will cater to them. (They're also a lot more likely to pay for things that can be had for free, because they're a lot less likely to know that those things can be free... it's a two-fold win for any service provider)
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Simply put, google can still update the phone.
I don't understand how the OP jumped to the conclusion he did. How does two "bloatware" apps point to "the end of nexus geting [sic] updates directly from google"?
Nonsensical, I tell you!
AmericanJedi001 said:
I don't understand how the OP jumped to the conclusion he did. How does two "bloatware" apps point to "the end of nexus geting [sic] updates directly from google"?
Nonsensical, I tell you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is the logic:
When a phone gets major customization from a carrier such as Sense or Touchwiz, it complicates the updates and delays updates due to additional testing and debugging needed on these customized ROMS. People are assuming that is the reason why US carriers get updates so much later than the much more plain European versions. So, the OP assumes that adding two Verizon apps is somehow as complex a modification as adding Touchwiz, therefor it will delay the release of jellybean, or whatever the next version will be called.
Seems pretty silly to me.
poit said:
I think this is the logic:
When a phone gets major customization from a carrier such as Sense or Touchwiz, it complicates the updates and delays updates due to additional testing and debugging needed on these customized ROMS. People are assuming that is the reason why US carriers get updates so much later than the much more plain European versions. So, the OP assumes that adding two Verizon apps is somehow as complex a modification as adding Touchwiz, therefor it will delay the release of jellybean, or whatever the next version will be called.
Seems pretty silly to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I was trying to say all along. Thank you.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Master Key Exploit patch?

Has HTC push the patch? Samsung already roll out security patches to S4. I Just scanned, my ONE is unpatched/vulnerable.
Here’s How You Can Check If Your Android Device Is Patched Against The Master Key Exploit.http://www.redmondpie.com/check-if-your-android-device-is-patched-against-the-master-key-exploit/
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
the Google Edition roms are patched
IINexusII said:
the Google Edition roms are patched
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THe sense based roms have not been patched yet but when i reached out to them they said that it will be resolved soon with a update. They could not give me an ETA on when it would be coming out but assured me they take it very seriously and are working hard to get it rolled out.
crackeyes said:
THe sense based roms have not been patched yet but when i reached out to them they said that it will be resolved soon with a update. They could not give me an ETA on when it would be coming out but assured me they take it very seriously and are working hard to get it rolled out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That app says I'm patched and I'm running InsertCoin with the latest elementalX. I wonder if the master key patch is in the kernel. If so, that makes sense.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
It appears 4.2.2 build/soft no. 2.24.401.1 / HTC 5.34 is patched as well :good:
@Wiss said:
It appears 4.2.2 build/soft no. 2.24.401.1 / HTC 5.34 is patched as well :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What CID and OTA or custom Rom?
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Ye in the last OTA it is patched. The 4.2.2
My One is "patched." I don't download warez, steal paid apps, or install third-party app stores that are untrusted.
I have no sympathy for anyone who does the above and gets their phone jacked up.
BTW Can someone give us a technical (not too technical) explanation of what is this ?
Thanks.
KekeJr said:
BTW Can someone give us a technical (not too technical) explanation of what is this ?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Applications are cryptographically signed. The idea is that another software house or or anybody else can't come up with an "update" to that app, as the signature will be different.
The exploit allows exactly that to happen.
Lets say you download Google maps v7 from the internet because you're impatient, and you install it over the top of the existing one. In theory, if it succeeds, it must have come from Google and hasn't been tampered with to install a Trojan or virus or whatever.
With this exploit, the apk can be modified whilst retaining the same signature. Basically you can't trust downloads that didn't come from the play store until the exploit is patched.
BenPope said:
Basically you can't trust downloads that didn't come from the play store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed.
This is, and has been, true for every single Android "security issue, virus alert, malware warning," etc that's ever existed.
Sent from my HTC One
BenPope said:
Applications are cryptographically signed. The idea is that another software house or or anybody else can't come up with an "update" to that app, as the signature will be different.
The exploit allows exactly that to happen.
Lets say you download Google maps v7 from the internet because you're impatient, and you install it over the top of the existing one. In theory, if it succeeds, it must have come from Google and hasn't been tampered with to install a Trojan or virus or whatever.
With this exploit, the apk can be modified whilst retaining the same signature. Basically you can't trust downloads that didn't come from the play store until the exploit is patched.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First i want to thank you !
Second: ....so, basically this means that it was not that BAD... as the media said !
We all knew that only Play store has trustable content.
Thanks, again !
This patch is in a play store update not an Android update. I have it in play store 4.1.10, there is an app which lets you check I think it's called bluebox or something.you can also check in Google settings if you have an option to verify apps.
unremarked said:
Fixed.
This is, and has been, true for every single Android "security issue, virus alert, malware warning," etc that's ever existed.
Sent from my HTC One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's funny, because the app store is littered with adware and malware. Just a few days ago, there was an app in the top 20 that was clearly malware, and it remained there for weeks before (presumably) being pulled off. As a general rule, I don't download any apps that require the "run at startup" or "install shortcuts" permissions, unless I fully trust the developer. By the way, there's an easy solution; Google could let us control our own privacy settings (like every other OS on the market), but then again, that would eat into their bottom line After all, Google's business model is to literally steal user data and sell it to others.
unremarked said:
Fixed.
This is, and has been, true for every single Android "security issue, virus alert, malware warning," etc that's ever existed.
Sent from my HTC One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's easy to put malicious apps on the play store since there's no review process like apple, but things tend to get flagged quickly.
Basically don't install a calculator app that has full phone/internet/device permissions
The android security model is actually quite good IMO, there's been some exploits but everybody has them (not just android) and they get patched relatively quickly. Potential exploits aside it's actually quite good.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
REDACTED
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
WhatsAUsername said:
That's funny, because the app store is littered with adware and malware. Just a few days ago, there was an app in the top 20 that was clearly malware, and it remained there for weeks before (presumably) being pulled off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? What app was that? I mean, I get annoyed at Candy Crush Saga spam too, but I hardly consider it malware.
WhatsAUsername said:
By the way, there's an easy solution, Google could let us control our own privacy settings (like every other OS on the market), but then again, that would eat into their bottom line After all, Google's business model is to literally steal user data and sell it to others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're kidding yourself if you think Apple or Microsoft isn't collecting as much data about you as they can and doing what they want with it. Beyond that, I always take point with folks who accuse any company of "stealing your information." They're not. You're freely giving them access to it (as outlined in that Terms of Service/ELEU agreement you don't read) to utilize their services. If you don't want them to have your info, then don't share your info with them.
bbedward said:
It's easy to put malicious apps on the play store since there's no review process like apple, but things tend to get flagged quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Halfway true. It's more difficult than you think to get malicious apps on the Play store. Most of the "successful" attacks have been from someone uploading the 1.0 version of their app(which is perfectly clean, and passes inspection by Google Bouncer) then pushes an update to it with some of the malicious code. As you noted, it usually gets flagged and removed at this point. The other way I've heard of people getting "infected" from apps off the Play store is when the author ties their ads into a nasty website, tricks the user into clicking on it, then further tricks them into downloading an unsigned/untrusted APK.
Yup, as long as your not doing some silly things like getting you apps from the Pirate Bay or Joes crazy world of underground apps you will be more or less safe.
godutch said:
This patch is in a play store update not an Android update. I have it in play store 4.1.10, there is an app which lets you check I think it's called bluebox or something.you can also check in Google settings if you have an option to verify apps.
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Click to collapse
I don't think the update patch is on play store. Latest update scan tell's you to Ask your device vendor for update. So it should be security update OTA from HTC?
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
alanchai said:
I don't think the update patch is on play store. Latest update scan tell's you to Ask your device vendor for update. So it should be security update OTA from HTC?
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check your play store version I have 4.1.10 and I am patched

Using the Nexus 6p as a truely AOSP device?

I'm curious if anyone has wiped Google completely out of the Nexus 6p and made it an open source mobile? (As much as one can.) These types of experiments always fascinate me. The last time I tried was on a Nexus 5 running TWRP/AOSP with FDroid. There was a considerable application gap but it almost worked for everything I needed at the time. I'm getting the urge to try again.
Yeah basically just don't flash gapps.
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/3s1sdg/those_that_have_removed_gapps_and_strive_to_run_a/
Seems to open you up to potentially more malware. Curious if clash of clans needs Google play services. Probably so.
Now that we've been out for awhile and development is active. Anyone AOSP only?
https://www.reddit.com/r/fossdroid/comments/3wqbk3/google_making_every_aosp_app_proprietary_is/
http://www.xda-developers.com/setting-up-android-marshmallow-without-google/
Just flash an AOSP based rom without gapps.
What's the point?
bose301s said:
What's the point?
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Click to collapse
Many people want a setup that doesn't collect their data and sell it off. There are a whole group of people that run android without Google and use open source alt
zelendel said:
Many people want a setup that doesn't collect their data and sell it off. There are a whole group of people that run android without Google and use open source alt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This fascinates me more because damn near everything under the sun is collecting and selling your data, so how do people do anything? And I dont just mean phones either. Almost anything that electronic that connects to the internet today is collecting data for 1 reason or another. The only real way to prevent things from getting your data is to become Amish.
uodii said:
This fascinates me more because damn near everything under the sun is collecting and selling your data, so how do people do anything? And I dont just mean phones either. Almost anything that electronic that connects to the internet today is collecting data for 1 reason or another. The only real way to prevent things from getting your data is to become Amish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No there are many ways to keep your data to yourself. Things like only using things like tor browsers, vpns, and only using open source software that doesn't collect you data.
Easy, any AOSP ROM with third party market. Or even sideload apps from Play APK sites like Evozi's APK Downloader or APKPure.
Sent from Google Nexus 6P @ CM13
[WARNING: XDA One have not implemented "mark forum as read" - do not use]

Considering trying microG (no GApps)?

I generally hate these types of threads, but I'm looking for a specific bit of information and a ROM recommendation.
Which ROMs offer the most compete and fullest experience without GApps? I'm seriously considering doing an install with no GApps, and seeing if I can get by with just microG. I'd like the ROM I go with then to come with a nice, full-featured and up-to-date suite of open source apps built in, without feeling like I'm using a bunch of old apps from AOSP that haven't been updated since Holo.
I'm guessing LineageOS and OmniROM are the top choices, but do most microG users prefer one over the other?
wrkerr said:
I generally hate these types of threads, but I'm looking for a specific bit of information and a ROM recommendation.
Which ROMs offer the most compete and fullest experience without GApps? I'm seriously considering doing an install with no GApps, and seeing if I can get by with just microG. I'd like the ROM I go with then to come with a nice, full-featured and up-to-date suite of open source apps built in, without feeling like I'm using a bunch of old apps from AOSP that haven't been updated since Holo.
I'm guessing LineageOS and OmniROM are the top choices, but do most microG users prefer one over the other?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd use Chads uber. That rom is more powerful than any other rom and comes with gapps and not many apps. Also you can just use titanium backup to freeze apps
wrkerr said:
I generally hate these types of threads, but I'm looking for a specific bit of information and a ROM recommendation.
Which ROMs offer the most compete and fullest experience without GApps? I'm seriously considering doing an install with no GApps, and seeing if I can get by with just microG. I'd like the ROM I go with then to come with a nice, full-featured and up-to-date suite of open source apps built in, without feeling like I'm using a bunch of old apps from AOSP that haven't been updated since Holo.
I'm guessing LineageOS and OmniROM are the top choices, but do most microG users prefer one over the other?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends what you need from the google apps. Some work with microg some not.
I only keep google apps because of Google Photos which doesn't fully work under microg.
I've found open source alternatives for all other apps that I use, sometimes working even better.
Yeah would be nice 2 go googleless.
rchtk said:
Depends what you need from the google apps. Some work with microg some not.
I only keep google apps because of Google Photos which doesn't fully work under microg.
I've found open source alternatives for all other apps that I use, sometimes working even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please share these alternatives? I'm quite satisfied by now, but it's always nice to have options
Interesting. This is the first I've heard of MicroG. I've been reducing my Google footproot for about 6 months now. I have been running with all of my google activity paused for several months. It's actually a pain in the a$$, when I need to use maps, and no data from my locations or area is there, but that's also a good thing, and why I do it. Maps is probably the biggest hassle. If I were smarter, I'd just get another navigation app that I trust more than the Mothership, ha ha.
So, their site says that their version of the playstore doesn't work? So you can't download aps from it? Why do they offer it, is it needed for certain apps maybe? I could live with apk mirror if I needed to. It would just be much more inconvenient.
What's the reason for you guys to reduce the google stuff then?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers Legacy app
mmarkvoort said:
What's the reason for you guys to reduce the google stuff then?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are probably a handful of reasons, but I'll give you my top 2.
First, I am generally trying to avoid closed source software, where the software's inner workings are hidden from the users. If it's going to run on my hardware, and I'm going to trust it with my personal information, I'd prefer that the developer(s) to be transparent enough to let us know what their software is doing on my systems, and with my information. Most all of Google's core apps are now closed source.
Second, I don't like Google's logging policy. They retain as much data as they can, and I think that should give any thoughtful user reason for concern. Google may or may not be doing malicious things with the data they are retaining now, but even if I'm trusting them with my traffic today, knowingly participating while they log activity requires that I also trust that Google will continue to be benevolent with that data in 10, 20, and 30 years into the future, since that data is likely not being lost (particularly as data storage continues to get cheaper and cheaper). Not only that, using their services also requires placing confidence in them that their databases will not be breached at any point in the future, with leaked data falling into malicious hands. To me, it seems to be a virtual certainty that the data integrity will be breached at some point, it's just a matter of time.
Therefore, it seems like an unnecessary risk to take when and where there are good alternatives to Google products and services. Some risks are worth it. Others are not. Let each man judge for himself.
HikingMoose said:
Interesting. This is the first I've heard of MicroG. I've been reducing my Google footproot for about 6 months now. I have been running with all of my google activity paused for several months. It's actually a pain in the a$$, when I need to use maps, and no data from my locations or area is there, but that's also a good thing, and why I do it. Maps is probably the biggest hassle. If I were smarter, I'd just get another navigation app that I trust more than the Mothership, ha ha.
So, their site says that their version of the playstore doesn't work? So you can't download aps from it? Why do they offer it, is it needed for certain apps maybe? I could live with apk mirror if I needed to. It would just be much more inconvenient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OsmAnd is the open source navigation app many people use.
Similarly, F-Droid is an open source app store.
wrkerr said:
There are probably a handful of reasons, but I'll give you my top 2.
First, I am generally trying to avoid closed source software, where the software's inner workings are hidden from the users. If it's going to run on my hardware, and I'm going to trust it with my personal information, I'd prefer that the developer(s) to be transparent enough to let us know what their software is doing on my systems, and with my information. Most all of Google's core apps are now closed source.
Second, I don't like Google's logging policy. They retain as much data as they can, and I think that should give any thoughtful user reason for concern. Google may or may not be doing malicious things with the data they are retaining now, but even if I'm trusting them with my traffic today, knowingly participating while they log activity requires that I also trust that Google will continue to be benevolent with that data in 10, 20, and 30 years into the future, since that data is likely not being lost (particularly as data storage continues to get cheaper and cheaper). Not only that, using their services also requires placing confidence in them that their databases will not be breached at any point in the future, with leaked data falling into malicious hands. To me, it seems to be a virtual certainty that the data integrity will be breached at some point, it's just a matter of time.
Therefore, it seems like an unnecessary risk to take when and where there are good alternatives to Google products and services. Some risks are worth it. Others are not. Let each man judge for himself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for stating your point. I can get in to that.
Always nice to hear peoples reasons for doing things the way they do. Interresting.
I'll study this some more.
I tried to de-google the other night, but couldn't get everything implemented properly. I could use titanium backup pro, but I couldn't get Ex Kernel Manager to work (it needed to check it's license), and other apps like Google play music etc.
I think I need signature spoofing. Is that only availab if it's built into the ROM, or can I add that functionality on my own?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
wrkerr said:
OsmAnd is the open source navigation app many people use.
Similarly, F-Droid is an open source app store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What device do you have? I can't get OmsAnd to work on my 6P. It can't locate me it says, but it has proper permission.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
HikingMoose said:
What device do you have? I can't get OmsAnd to work on my 6P. It can't locate me it says, but it has proper permission.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using GApps or microG? If you're using microG, I believe you also should install their UnifiedNlp and a location provider plugin for it.
wrkerr said:
Are you using GApps or microG? If you're using microG, I believe you also should install their UnifiedNlp and a location provider plugin for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gapps for now. My ROM doesn't have signature spoofing, so I can't use microG ?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
HikingMoose said:
Gapps for now. My ROM doesn't have signature spoofing, so I can't use microG
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, idk then. On my 6P with GApps on OmniROM, OSMAnd just works out of the box. I installed it from F-Droid.
wrkerr said:
Hmm, idk then. On my 6P with GApps on OmniROM, OSMAnd just works out of the box. I installed it from F-Droid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be doing something wrong. It's very, very feature rich, and I'm 100% new to it, so maybe there's a setting somewhere that needs to be turned on for it to be able to find me?
I don't have Google maps installed, just play services and whatnot. I installed from the play store.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
HikingMoose said:
Gapps for now. My ROM doesn't have signature spoofing, so I can't use microG
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To add signature spoofing you can use one of these three tools: Tingle, Needle or Haystack.

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