Database Users

First andriod phone, coming from windows!

Hello everyone. I am coming from windows mobile which I have been using since 2003. I really like Android but I had a few questions and concerns.
1. I realized that apps have access to personal data and are able to access internet and dial. Should I be concerned? How can I be assured that an app developer is not after my bank info and such?
2. Why are so many apps running in the background when I haven't opened them?
I am already using advanced task killer but when i look at the apps running there's a full list even tho I didn't open them.
3. Is there a file explorer on android?
Any tips and tricks would be appreciated.

sammyluva said:
Hello everyone. I am coming from windows mobile which I have been using since 2003. I really like Android but I had a few questions and concerns.
1. I realized that apps have access to personal data and are able to access internet and dial. Should I be concerned? How can I be assured that an app developer is not after my bank info and such?
Google confirms identities of developers. Use your best judgement. Is it possible? Yes. If an app has been out for a while and has lots of high ratings then I'm inclined to trust the developer. If Google does discover malicious software in their market they have tools to remotely remove such apps from everyones phone, kinda creepy but it's there for a good reason and it's all part of the decision you make about whether to trust the platform and the community that surrounds it.
2. Why are so many apps running in the background when I haven't opened them?
I am already using advanced task killer but when i look at the apps running there's a full list even tho I didn't open them.
That's the HTC/Sprint way. Get an app called Autostarts. You will be amazed at what runs automatically and autostarts will allow you to decide what runs and when.
3. Is there a file explorer on android?
Yes. One is not included in the stock rom but they are easy enough to find.
There are Terminal Emulators which equate to cmd in win, and there are file explorers too. Root Explorer is my personal favorite.
Any tips and tricks would be appreciated.
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elevenchars

nebenezer said:
elevenchars
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What do u mean?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

sammyluva said:
What do u mean?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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search "10chars"
Text in quotes doesn't count...

1. Just use common sense like was said.
2. If you use the main apps that came with the phone you are fine. It can be apps you download that run in the background that hurt the battery life.
3. Astro file manager is by far my favorite app.

sammyluva said:
1. I realized that apps have access to personal data and are able to access internet and dial. Should I be concerned? How can I be assured that an app developer is not after my bank info and such?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you prevent apps on WM from accessing this info? Answer..you didn't, the fact is that WM programs are even more scary because they don't even tell you what they are accessing.
sammyluva said:
2. Why are so many apps running in the background when I haven't opened them?
I am already using advanced task killer but when i look at the apps running there's a full list even tho I didn't open them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same answer as why are so many services running on your desktop when you have no programs running. Operating systems have all kinds of services running beside the app you are watching.
sammyluva said:
3. Is there a file explorer on android?
Click to expand...
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Uh...did you check the program icons?

1.) As stated, doesn't hurt to check the number of DLs an App has or checking through some of the comments. Can find out if an App is giving a specific phone issues too ... thus saving you time from bothering to check it out. Trust it or don't check it out. Understandable why some people would see that and wonder ... but then again your info is already out there ...
2.) They just do. Even some **** that might not make sense, it just does for it's own reasons. Task killing can be good and bad. Or just good. Or just bad. Depending on who you ask so think on it before you decide to start murdering Apps or leaving em running.
3.) Astro File Manager is "what's up" but there are others. But that 1 is legit though.

Thanks for all those that replied but I didn't really get a satisfying answer to the first 2 questions. It seems like some of the people on here are just confused as well but are defending android in thinking that I am against the operating system. As I said in my original post I like the OS but i had some concerns that i wanted to learn more about.
Ramiss, you asked how I knew what info WM accessed? You are right they don't disclose accessing any data which means to me they are not. If they did and I found out then I could take them to court but when a company discloses that they are accessing your personal data and you agree to it then you have no say in how that info is used since you gave them permission. Also I never had an app running that I didn't open or give it permission to run in the background during my years with WM.
I have the evo since Friday and I've downloaded a couple of apps where I saw the disclosure of the kind of access these apps have and I was just thinking whats the point of having the apps if you have to worry abt it accessing important info. Then I got an email from Marketplace telling me the activities of my friends on facebook marketplace. The email went further to tell me some of the activities of my friend's friends. The point is its accessing personal data I didn't give it access to, which is scary.
I came on here to ask the people that know the OS better but it seems like there are some confused people on here. So I did a little research and found the article below which basically concurs that there is a problem with apps on android accessing personal data.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/arti...apps_pose_privacy_threat_says_security_vendor
So my question is, are there preventive ways to protect against apps using personal data? Of course other than abstaining from downloading apps. Like an app that would block access to personal data or tell a person what each app accessed and did with it. Please if you can not give an educated answer then don't reply. Thanks.

sammyluva said:
Ramiss, you asked how I knew what info WM accessed? You are right they don't disclose accessing any data which means to me they are not. If they did and I found out then I could take them to court but when a company discloses that they are accessing your personal data and you agree to it then you have no say in how that info is used since you gave them permission. Also I never had an app running that I didn't open or give it permission to run in the background during my years with WM.
So my question is, are there preventive ways to protect against apps using personal data? Of course other than abstaining from downloading apps. Like an app that would block access to personal data or tell a person what each app accessed and did with it. Please if you can not give an educated answer then don't reply. Thanks.
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Actually my point was that Windows Mobile programs could easily access personal information, you just weren't aware of it. For example, try downloading a windows mobile program that handles your contacts (Pocket Informant comes to mind). Does the OS give you a warning that this new program will access your contacts? Not as far as I can remember! Whereas Android apps must disclose what they access, that is a rule from Google.
The way to protect an app from not accessing something is to not use it. This is the reason the access list is disclosed - so you have a choice not to continue.
As others have said you need to make your own decision based on the popularity of the app, the comments made and perhaps a quick Google search. Trust me, if an app is malicious there is a good chance you would know about it by reading the comments.
Edit: The end of that article you posted gives you the answer:
Android's security model requires that applications declare the permissions they will be using prior to installation by the user. An informed user can use these declarations to decide if they want to install an application or not, according to SMobile. However, the fact remains that there is no means available for a user to know for sure that the application they just downloaded is doing only what the user sees it doing, it said.
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Android Cyanogen-Gmail question

Been here on the XDA a while but bought a Vibrant to check it out. I currently have an HD2 and am very familiar with Winmo but not android.
I have a few questions that I need seasoned android users to help me with. Now...before I get a beating, I have searched the XDA, google, android forums for about 2 days now and while I do have a lot of clarification on many of my questions. There are a few which are still unclear.
I for one do not like any of my information in "cloud" computing. So no contacts, calanders, tasks, etc. I feel that is is nobodys business what I do whether right or wrong and I have read a million posts on how safe or good google is but I really don't care.
Now, while I like winmo, yep it is dated, don't know how win 7 will be so I am experimenting with android. My questions are as follows:
Does cyanogen remove all google specific apps and association with google. Yes, I can use the phone without loging into google. I know I can manually install aps via rooting, SDK and .apk files which is all good so I can circumvent the system. I do use google maps quite a bit so I want that funtionality. I also have yahoo mail accounts for all my emails so I dont need any more. I also have a google account for check out but the phone asks for a gmail account which I will not open up!
So If anyone can help me whith this answer, please let me know so I can keep the phone, If not then its going back although I really really like it.
Thanks

cyanogen removes google apps *you have to flash them seperately from the rom if you want them*.... but I'll be honest, I can't imagine using android if you are going to cripple it like that....

Cyanogen doesn't include Google Apps within his ROM because Google sent a C&D about it not because he wants to not include them. The Google applications is packaged in a seperate package. Yes its optional but those applications are what makes Android what it is. It is a HUGE component of the OS.
Google doesn't go around sniffing on people's data either, check out the privacy policy for the whole deal.

zephiK said:
Cyanogen doesn't include Google Apps within his ROM because Google sent a C&D about it not because he wants to not include them. The Google applications is packaged in a seperate package. Yes its optional but those applications are what makes Android what it is. It is a HUGE component of the OS.
Google doesn't go around sniffing on people's data either, check out the privacy policy for the whole deal.
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I would love to believe you but I am "cynical" in a way that I dont believe and questions many of the things they are doing. I don't like facebook or myspace and twitter is only to follow the folks on XDA! This is good and bad but it is who I am. Also, Google just got in bed with the CIA and NSA so while this is not new...it is the future(there new project is called "recorded future). I wonder why the FTC has not gone after google as it did Microsft for locking people into Internet Explorer years ago?

[Q] Hey guys, new here, couple questions

I'm new to the android platform. Coming from using an iPhone for years, I pretty much have no idea how to use it properly. It's going to take me a while to get used to it. But I'm working on it. I just have a few questions.
I believe I successfully rooted my Samsung Galaxy s4, using motochopper. I followed the instructions to the T and now see the Superuser icon on my screen.
My first question is, are there any tips with this learning curve, going from an iPhone to an Android. The texting seems to be the most to get used to so far. I also notice Instagram and Facebook apps are totally different, and it looks like I cannot edit photos inside the Facebook app for Android?
Anyway, with the iPhone I would jailbreak, and use cydia to get my paid apps for free, or my tweaks, or customizations. How do I do this with Android?
My next question is a pretty stupid one I'm sure to most but not to me. How do I sync music, and photos, to my Android? With the iPhone I made a folder of images, and synced that folder and all subfolders with the iPhone through iTunes. Is there a simple way to do the same with the Android? Can I just create a folder inside the Pictures folder, and it will show up on the phone?
I appreciate anyones help and I'm sure I will have more questions just can't think of them at this moment.

[email protected] said:
Anyway, with the iPhone I would jailbreak, and use cydia to get my paid apps for free, or my tweaks, or customizations. How do I do this with Android?
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I'll address this question as i'm unfamiliar with the iPhone and i don't use my phone for music so i don't know what the best methods are.
Rooting and jailbreaking are slightly different things. On the iphone, you are locked to iTunes and jailbreaking allows you to install apps from an alternative source (Like cydia). On an android phone, you just need to place a check mark in the setting "Unknown Sources" of your security settings, this will allow the phone to accept apps from any location, there are alternative markets to the play store f-Droid and amazon come to mind so rooting is not needed for this.
Rooting is gaining administrative rights to your phone and can let you do some spectacular things with your phone that would otherwise be impossible. With root access, applications have the ability to modify the system files, say for example, edit the host files to block most advertising, or edit yoru build.prop to make the play store think you are from a different provider. You can allow programs to back up other programs (Titanium backup is a fine example).
The developers on android work hard and should be rewarded for their work. I do block advertising, but i make a point of paying for the apps that i do use.

Very well put.
Nothing else needs to be said.

rainterc additional
Matridom said:
I'll address this question as i'm unfamiliar with the iPhone and i don't use my phone for music so i don't know what the best methods are.
Rooting and jailbreaking are slightly different things. On the iphone, you are locked to iTunes and jailbreaking allows you to install apps from an alternative source (Like cydia). On an android phone, you just need to place a check mark in the setting "Unknown Sources" of your security settings, this will allow the phone to accept apps from any location, there are alternative markets to the play store f-Droid and amazon come to mind so rooting is not needed for this.
Rooting is gaining administrative rights to your phone and can let you do some spectacular things with your phone that would otherwise be impossible. With root access, applications have the ability to modify the system files, say for example, edit the host files to block most advertising, or edit yoru build.prop to make the play store think you are from a different provider. You can allow programs to back up other programs (Titanium backup is a fine example).
The developers on android work hard and should be rewarded for their work. I do block advertising, but i make a point of paying for the apps that i do use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there, thanks so much for the clarification.
I wasn't aware of the differences between Jailbreaking and Rooting. That definitely clears some things up. So I would mostly have no need for rooting, as I don't need to do anything you mentioned above and doubt I would ever have a need to edit or alter host or system files.
EDIT
TheAxman said:
Very well put.
Nothing else needs to be said.
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Not quite true. I still have other questions that I need answers for.
I understand the concept of paying for developers work. I only use the apps to discover if they are worth the money or not. I never "stole" apps on my iPhone and I do not intend to on the Android.
I just want to make that clear, I am just trying to learn how to do the things I did on my iPhone, on this phone. I am not trying to find out how to steal hardwork from others. I do end up paying for the apps I keep.

[email protected] said:
Hey there, thanks so much for the clarification.
I wasn't aware of the differences between Jailbreaking and Rooting. That definitely clears some things up. So I would mostly have no need for rooting, as I don't need to do anything you mentioned above and doubt I would ever have a need to edit or alter host or system files.
EDIT
Not quite true. I still have other questions that I need answers for.
I understand the concept of paying for developers work. I only use the apps to discover if they are worth the money or not. I never "stole" apps on my iPhone and I do not intend to on the Android.
I just want to make that clear, I am just trying to learn how to do the things I did on my iPhone, on this phone. I am not trying to find out how to steal hardwork from others. I do end up paying for the apps I keep.
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https://play.google.com/store/apps/...surfer&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDNd

xBeerdroiDx said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...surfer&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDNd
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Oh my god, the iPhone is just getting worse and worse as the days go by. haha Why is this not a thing on iTunes.
Thankyou!!
Still have questions about transfering/syncing songs and photos though.

[email protected] said:
Hey there, thanks so much for the clarification.
I wasn't aware of the differences between Jailbreaking and Rooting. That definitely clears some things up. So I would mostly have no need for rooting, as I don't need to do anything you mentioned above and doubt I would ever have a need to edit or alter host or system files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might be surprised. Root is needed for some changes. To give you another example, our phones, due to the nature of AMOLED are fantastic at displaying a deep black *and* save on power when using black backgrounds. Gmail app, is all white background with black text. There exists a "blacked out" version of gmail that has the colors inverted and many people tend to prefer this over the standard gmail.
Root access let's be backup things that are otherwise impossible to backup, things like the android ID (Used by many applications to individually identify a phone), phone logs, SMS messages and such. Games like farmville and Paradise Island will use the androidd ID to see if you moved your game to a new phone, invalidating the install and forcing you to start from anew (And maybe buying more in-app purchases).
Some applications are limited to certain countries or certain providers, so using an app like Market Enabler allows you to change where you appear to be from, to by-pass regional blocks.
Root is also needed to tweak the appearance of android, if you want the clock gone from your menu, you can remove it, you can change the battery icon there. You can remove your network provider from the lock screen (or rename it to something silly like i did).
On the flip side, some applications (like google wallet) may not work properly if root is detected, so it can be a toss up.
Me, personally, i use root mainly for 2 apps, adaway and titanium backup. Titanium backup also syncs to my dropbox, so i have now gotten to the point where i should never have to plug a wire into my phone.

Looks to me that you are still in love with your iPuke. You will find that if you do not root, you won't be able to do alot of things. If you are trying to turn an android into a iPuke..then whats the point. Learn what the android can do, you will find that it is all you want it to be.
Ax's opinion only!

Matridom said:
You might be surprised. Root is needed for some changes. To give you another example, our phones, due to the nature of AMOLED are fantastic at displaying a deep black *and* save on power when using black backgrounds. Gmail app, is all white background with black text. There exists a "blacked out" version of gmail that has the colors inverted and many people tend to prefer this over the standard gmail.
Root access let's be backup things that are otherwise impossible to backup, things like the android ID (Used by many applications to individually identify a phone), phone logs, SMS messages and such. Games like farmville and Paradise Island will use the androidd ID to see if you moved your game to a new phone, invalidating the install and forcing you to start from anew (And maybe buying more in-app purchases).
Some applications are limited to certain countries or certain providers, so using an app like Market Enabler allows you to change where you appear to be from, to by-pass regional blocks.
Root is also needed to tweak the appearance of android, if you want the clock gone from your menu, you can remove it, you can change the battery icon there. You can remove your network provider from the lock screen (or rename it to something silly like i did).
On the flip side, some applications (like google wallet) may not work properly if root is detected, so it can be a toss up.
Me, personally, i use root mainly for 2 apps, adaway and titanium backup. Titanium backup also syncs to my dropbox, so i have now gotten to the point where i should never have to plug a wire into my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankyou so much for the information. I appreciate your indepth responses. I will check out what you have mentioned.
TheAxman said:
Looks to me that you are still in love with your iPuke. You will find that if you do not root, you won't be able to do alot of things. If you are trying to turn an android into a iPuke..then whats the point. Learn what the android can do, you will find that it is all you want it to be.
Ax's opinion only!
Click to expand...
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I really don't know how you're gathering such an opinion. I'm asking for help on learning how to do the things I did on my iPhone, on my new Android phone.
I'm not trying to be rude, but if you have nothing useful to contribute, don't post.

[email protected] said:
Thankyou so much for the information. I appreciate your indepth responses. I will check out what you have mentioned.
I really don't know how you're gathering such an opinion. I'm asking for help on learning how to do the things I did on my iPhone, on my new Android phone.
I'm not trying to be rude, but if you have nothing useful to contribute, don't post.
Click to expand...
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Sometimes it's best to ignore....
In regards to music.. look into the Google music app, personally I'm big into radio, so I use an app called tunein allot. Personally, I would just dump the music onto the phone through Windows explorer and see how it goes from there
Something else to keep in mind,a lot of the apps you are familiar with will be available in the play store. Do a good start is to look for familiar titles
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

I personally prefer Google Play Music. I uploaded all my 320kbps music which I had in iTunes directly to the Google Play Music server, where you can access all of your songs on any device supporting the app, or in any web browser. You can also download copies to your devices for offline play. The all access feature of Google Play Music is nice as well, they have virtually every song I've searched for available on demand as well as download for offline use, for $7.99/month.

Matridom said:
Sometimes it's best to ignore....
In regards to music.. look into the Google music app, personally I'm big into radio, so I use an app called tunein allot. Personally, I would just dump the music onto the phone through Windows explorer and see how it goes from there
Something else to keep in mind,a lot of the apps you are familiar with will be available in the play store. Do a good start is to look for familiar titles
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
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Ok great, I will check out the Google music app and I appreciate your help once again.
blyndfyre said:
I personally prefer Google Play Music. I uploaded all my 320kbps music which I had in iTunes directly to the Google Play Music server, where you can access all of your songs on any device supporting the app, or in any web browser. You can also download copies to your devices for offline play. The all access feature of Google Play Music is nice as well, they have virtually every song I've searched for available on demand as well as download for offline use, for $7.99/month.
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Awesome thankyou for your input!
You guys have been super helpful! I'm sure I'll have more questions in the future so I'll be back if I do! Thanks guys!

Sometimes the truth hurts huh

TheAxman said:
Sometimes the truth hurts huh
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Totally agree with the sentiment, just not with where it's directed.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

TheAxman said:
Sometimes the truth hurts huh
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And sometimes people think they know everything when in fact they do not. But thanks for your input regardless buddy.

[email protected] said:
And sometimes people think they know everything when in fact they do not. But thanks for your input regardless buddy.
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Who uses their hotmail account as their screen name? That's almost as bad as posting your imei number.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app

jd1639 said:
Who uses their hotmail account as their screen name? That's almost as bad as posting your emei number.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
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Hahah I didn't even realize I had done that. I think maybe when I signed up I thought it was asking for email. Obviously.

[email protected] said:
Hahah I didn't even realize I had done that. I think maybe when I signed up I thought it was asking for email. Obviously.
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Obviously
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app

jd1639 said:
Obviously
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
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Don't suppose there's a way to change that huh? haha

[email protected] said:
Don't suppose there's a way to change that huh? haha
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Let me send you an email on that, lol. No, idk
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Newb questions to N9005 and Android

I'm finally receiving my N9005 in the next days, yet I've been using a legacy Nokia N900 with Maemo OS the predecessor of MeeGo OS (Nokia's and Intel's failed mobile/tablet OS).
What would you suggest me to do while I'm new to Android? I want to have as much control as possible over the system and data sent.
Things I'd like to have/do:
- a privacy framework like xprivacy
- uninstall bloatware from stock OS
- getting rid of most Google stuff except its cloud messaging service (for Threema)
- a secure email app/client
- a secure browser
From what I've read yet this seems impossible without rooting the device and risk to toggle Knox to 0x1.
To use the Google cloud messaging service I have to have a Google account and be logged in, no?
Sending fake IMEI, device type, etc. would be done by xprivacy.
Thanks a lot!

Maybe this ?
Sent from my N9005

Dejan Sathanas said:
Maybe this ?
Sent from my N9005
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Thanks for the welcome video!
Let me refine my question with the obvious: I've searched the forum before I posted.
- a privacy framework like xprivacy ...there are SRT AppGuard, App Ops, LBE, PDroid (Open Source version development stopped), +Droidwall as addition, etc. - the best ones need root!
- uninstall bloatware from stock OS ...there is
[USER-CHOICE][AROMA][BLOATWARE REMOVER TOOL][DESIGN YOUR ROM][SM-N900] - needs root!
- getting rid of most Google stuff except its cloud messaging service (for Threema) ...I could strip a ROM from Google apps or go FOSS and just install the needed GApps - do I have those skills yet? No, see OT - that's why I'm asking for easier ways possible.
- a secure email app/client ...the most favoured ones like K-9 (with AGP), Aqua Mail, etc.
- a secure browser ...there are lots of flavors around, most prominent are Dolphin, Chrome, Opera, Firefox or Orweb+Orbot for Tor
What I'm asking for is experience I don't have with the Android system yet.
Where else to look this up? If splitting up every point and open a new topic/reply in its corresponding thread is the way to go, tell me pls.
The first three points I've asked are all related to rooting and custom ROMs. The latest entries in the respective threads are showing mixed results, especially with latest KitKat release.
Regarding the last two points about email clients and browsers it's again about experience of advanced users with those apps I like to partake in.
Answering the original implicit question/statement "From what I've read yet this seems impossible without rooting the device and risk to toggle Knox to 0x1" would surely take the same time as posting the video link.
Thanks
The thread title stated my newbieness, instead of posting a video with the forum rules it would be more helpful to get into the questions and contribute to the thread for other users looking up such topics (I did). I'm here to learn, learning by doing and getting a Knox 0x1 ain't productive

Alternatives to Google Play Store

I'd like to try setting up my N9005 without Play Store and Google Play Services. Part of the reason is the battery use by Google Apps of various types and the other is the necessity of allowing those apps access to dial the phone, send SMS etc.
I'd like to see if I can make my phone more efficient AND more secure.
So far I'm looking at getjar.com, androidtapp.com and appbrain.com. Which app sites do you use and is it reasonable to find one that provides apps that don't use Google Play functions?
Suggestions welcome and experiences on any alternative sites would be appreciated? Also opinions or experiences in getting rid of the google connection...
I'm currently running @temasek 's cm13 - v 3.5 (more properly @joshndroid 's cm13 now he is building it )

I tried once
Journyman16 said:
I'd like to try setting up my N9005 without Play Store and Google Play Services. Part of the reason is the battery use by Google Apps of various types and the other is the necessity of allowing those apps access to dial the phone, send SMS etc.
I'd like to see if I can make my phone more efficient AND more secure.
So far I'm looking at getjar.com, androidtapp.com and appbrain.com. Which app sites do you use and is it reasonable to find one that provides apps that don't use Google Play functions?
Suggestions welcome and experiences on any alternative sites would be appreciated? Also opinions or experiences in getting rid of the google connection...
I'm currently running @temasek 's cm13 - v 3.5 (more properly @joshndroid 's cm13 now he is building it )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I once tried to use my Nexus 7 without Gapps. and then my Livescore app said it needed GPServices. again a shopping app said it needed GPS to run. then I installed Gapps :|

So we're stuck with Google unless we reduce functionality way down?
Hm... I recall seeing a CM Apps option a while back and I am running AOSP on my N9005 - will have a look for it. Thanks for the Reply.

Journyman16 said:
So we're stuck with Google unless we reduce functionality way down?
Hm... I recall seeing a CM Apps option a while back and I am running AOSP on my N9005 - will have a look for it. Thanks for the Reply.
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the best thing would be installing Pico or Nano version of GApps. Only Play store, Play Services and Contact Sync come with it.

nijom said:
the best thing would be installing Pico or Nano version of GApps. Only Play store, Play Services and Contact Sync come with it.
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Of course. That is exactly what he wants. :sly:

nijom said:
the best thing would be installing Pico or Nano version of GApps. Only Play store, Play Services and Contact Sync come with it.
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While that sounds good, those are pretty much exactly the apps that crash the phone if you try to interfere with call/SMS permissions. What I am trying to find out is if it is possible to have a functional and useful phone WITHOUT having Google privy to everything I do.
Just because I am paranoid doesn't mean they're not after me.
You may or may not be interested in this talk by Snowden - think it's about halfway through where he discusses how the various companies have peeled away security for the alphabet agencies.

Journyman16 said:
While that sounds good, those are pretty much exactly the apps that crash the phone if you try to interfere with call/SMS permissions. What I am trying to find out is if it is possible to have a functional and useful phone WITHOUT having Google privy to everything I do.
Just because I am paranoid doesn't mean they're not after me.
You may or may not be interested in this talk by Snowden - think it's about halfway through where he discusses how the various companies have peeled away security for the alphabet agencies.
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Click to collapse
It's possible, but it'll depend on your definition of "functional".
I run my phone without gapps, and have calendar and contacts sync with my own server. I use syncthing for file sync, and open source for almost everything (Skype being one exception).
So for me it's fully functional, and the battery life is great. YMMV.
Sent using XDA One

jisoo said:
It's possible, but it'll depend on your definition of "functional".
I run my phone without gapps, and have calendar and contacts sync with my own server. I use syncthing for file sync, and open source for almost everything (Skype being one exception).
So for me it's fully functional, and the battery life is great. YMMV.
Sent using XDA One
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Without GApps where do you get your apps? I've been touring sites trying to find a decent one and also discovering apps to replace those with Google links. The issue currently seems to be many good apps still tie back into Play for updates or verification purposes.
For example I have SPenCommand from a Google+ site but updates can usually be manual - i.e. I could DL them on PC and copy them over. The problem would be needing to have a link to the site (I think) to licence check. But that's something I can ask the Dev about.
That sounds pretty close to what I need. Phone, Contacts, Calendar, preferably syncing to Outlook on PC but given I am also thinking of moving to Linux, not wedded to Outlook or MS Products, nor I guess even to live syncing. I WOULD like to have backups in case phone goes away suddenly, but I can learn to use Cloud - something I have been avoiding.
I like playing with ROMs and have just started a course in App development online - my thought was to set up a dual boot with a standard GApps setup for testing as well as an unlinked one for daily driver.

Been looking at Aptoide as a store that maybe i can use without a Google account. Seems to have quite a few categories of apps so i am currently trying to work out what I need versus what I want on my phone. I currently have quite a few apps that i haven't touched in months so I figure they are probably not needed.
Any suggestions on what you consider a must have app or app category?

One possible alternative to play store is Blackmarket. It works great and it has almost all the apps present in the play store. And its best feature is that it provides paid apps for free

AndroiDTechi said:
One possible alternative to play store is Blackmarket. It works great and it has almost all the apps present in the play store. And its best feature is that it provides paid apps for free
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I think you had better re-read the rules you agreed to in becoming a member here.
Forum Rules
In particular:
6. Do not post or request warez.
If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, then pay for it. We do not accept warez nor do we permit members to request, post, promote or describe ways in which warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained or used. This is a site of developers, i.e. the sort of people who create such software. When you cheat a software developer, you cheat us as a community.
Regards,
The Merovingian
Forum Moderator

The Merovingian said:
I think you had better re-read the rules you agreed to in becoming a member here.
Forum Rules
In particular:
6. Do not post or request warez.
If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, then pay for it. We do not accept warez nor do we permit members to request, post, promote or describe ways in which warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained or used. This is a site of developers, i.e. the sort of people who create such software. When you cheat a software developer, you cheat us as a community.
Regards,
The Merovingian
Forum Moderator
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Oops sorry i forgot about that. My bad. I will remember it now.

Hi.
I'm testing now the following approach.
With Titanium Backup I froze Google Play (not for Google Play Services because I'm testing) and use Aptoide and Uptodown apps to updating.
My issue is Google Play is ALWAYS changing its configs which I've set to "not update automatically" and lots of warnings on screen telling me Google Play or Play Services stopped working.
Also I'm testing whether other apps also stop working.
Aptoide and Uptodown apps obey much better and don't change its configs.
Am I right that all these stuff are related to Google Play, soon I'll be able to return here with a more affirmative answer.

Weapon X said:
I think you had better re-read the rules you agreed to in becoming a member here.
Forum Rules
In particular:
6. Do not post or request warez.
If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, then pay for it. We do not accept warez nor do we permit members to request, post, promote or describe ways in which warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained or used. This is a site of developers, i.e. the sort of people who create such software. When you cheat a software developer, you cheat us as a community.
Regards,
The Merovingian
Forum Moderator
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Why i can't post my question on the main menu? Is cause i don't have the upgrade?

What has your post got to do with this message regarding warez ??