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Often ROM's instruct you to install the gapps package (http://goo.im/gapps ), which adds a collection of Google Apps. I'm often surprised that more people don't know, even sometimes Rom Developers themselves, that you don't always need them.
In fact not installing them, saves not only space, but ram & cpu usage. You end up with a faster device. Everything you need is already added in almost every standard Rom (including Chameleon OS for example).
For example, checking Gmail. You don't need Gmail App. The normal e-mail program that comes with Android already supports Gmail (and other e-mail providers).
You also don't need Google Search. The stock browser already uses it when you search. You save about 20 MB Ram (sometimes more, depending on which Rom you use), by not having Search on the desktop.
About the only con (drawback) is if you're flashing a phone, you're going to want or need gapps as that includes the voice commands (if I recall correctly). But if that's something you feel you can live without or don't need (because you have a tablet or maybe you don't use them on your phone), then not installing gapps can make things easier.
So do you install gapps (Google Apps)?
Actually, for some custom roms, in order for all the features to work, you need to flash Gapps. But for most you dont need. I have never had any bad things from flashing or not flahsing. But i always do flash so i can sync my purchases and apps.
I never flash the Gapps packages for any ROM I use. I only will add the Google Play Store, Google Services Framework and the Account Manager (for JB). All those Google apps are pointless and like stated earlier, will bog down the battery life and performance. Usually I will freeze the Play Store and such when not using them.
Its quite easy to put the required apps in the /system/app folder, set permissions correctly and reboot to get ONLY the Google Play Store. Of course you will need a root explorer like app to do this.
Guitarman2010 said:
I never flash the Gapps packages for any ROM I use. I only will add the Google Play Store, Google Services Framework and the Account Manager (for JB). All those Google apps are pointless and like stated earlier, will bog down the battery life and performance. Usually I will freeze the Play Store and such when not using them.
Its quite easy to put the required apps in the /system/app folder, set permissions correctly and reboot to get ONLY the Google Play Store. Of course you will need a root explorer like app to do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every ROM I've ever used had Google Play already installed. I believe Framework and Account Manager are already inside as well. So I've not needed to track down the actual app for it.
Socially Uncensored said:
Every ROM I've ever used had Google Play already installed. I believe Framework and Account Manager are already inside as well. So I've not needed to track down the actual app for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes I'll get lucky and the Play Store is preloaded like SBlood's CM7. I usually use twa_priv's ROMs as my primaries in which I most always have to add Google Play, except I think the latest release (4-19-13), I believe that had it built in.
Guitarman2010 said:
Sometimes I'll get lucky and the Play Store is preloaded like SBlood's CM7. I usually use twa_priv's ROMs as my primaries in which I most always have to add Google Play, except I think the latest release (4-19-13), I believe that had it built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Play store updates its self. So no matter which version you installed, it will be current sooner rather than later.
Socially Uncensored said:
Google Play store updates its self. So no matter which version you installed, it will be current sooner rather than later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am well aware of that but thanks for mentioning it as maybe it will enlighten other users
I use this Gapps package. It is light apps and RAM usage.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
I think some of you have misunderstood the Gapps.
AFAIK, every AOSP-based ROM will have separate Gapps. Some REQUIRED, some not. You can choose to install or not. NOTE: if you won't install Gapps, you WON'T get Google Play.
Or connection to google services. If you do not flash Google Apps, you get nothing google (beside the software) so your wifi signal, will always be grey, instead of that nice blue. Thats the reason why i flash, that grey bugs me, I only want the blue colour(;
votinh said:
I think some of you have misunderstood the Gapps.
AFAIK, every AOSP-based ROM will have separate Gapps. Some REQUIRED, some not. You can choose to install or not. NOTE: if you won't install Gapps, you WON'T get Google Play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true or at least its not try with the ROMs I use. Google's app store is there without me having to add all the extras that come with Gapps
tobiascuypers said:
Or connection to google services. If you do not flash Google Apps, you get nothing google (beside the software) so your wifi signal, will always be grey, instead of that nice blue. Thats the reason why i flash, that grey bugs me, I only want the blue colour(;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also not true. I have a nice Wifi signal without Gapps. I also connect to my Gmail using the stock e-mail problem.
This was posted using the stock browser without gapps installed.
Well, seeing this thread, I've tried freezing several system apps on my devices. After freezing backupconfirm and sharebackup, apps seems to open up faster and the device snappier..
I used to install gapps every time, now I usually dont. I like the email app in JB a lot better than the gmail app. Usually install the play store and maps
I like the maps and play store hate the gmail
I find that installing gapps, especially Google play services causes more bugs
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD using xda app-developers app
Had no idea!!!!!!!!!
hey guys,thanks for this post i was under the impression I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE...every time i have asked this in a specific rom ...always told to read the beginning of the 1st post on how to install before i post.....maybe wasnt making myself clear..thanks for answering my question...time to experiment !!!!!!!! :good::good::good::good:
Does anyone know exactly what Google flavored apps are required for the just the Play Store to function properly?
Sent from my LG-MS770
I install gapps everytime because I am always getting new apps. It is interesting to hear that it isn't needed and can make things snappier if you don't need to download new apps.
paulsonmcreilly said:
I install gapps everytime because I am always getting new apps. It is interesting to hear that it isn't needed and can make things snappier if you don't need to download new apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to know exactly which ones are absolutely necessary so I can either remove or freeze the ones I don't need. I'm all about battery life and performance
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2
This is a HUGE news in my opinion. Official support for Google Play/Google Apps coming to Nook HD and HD+ soon
Barnes & Noble's press release
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130502006907/en/Barnes-Noble-Announces-Google-Play™-NOOK®-HD
Engadget's Hands On video of the new support.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/03/...nd-nobles-nook-hd-and-hd-we-go-han/#continued
They say it will be rolling out Over-The-Air and provide access to other Google Apps such as GMail, Maps and Chrome (which is now apparently the new default browser)
I personally can't be more excited for this even though I've been running rooted OS and CM10 SD side by side ever since they became available.
Being able to access Google Play and having official support for many more apps will make HD/HD+ just that much more accessible and usable imo.
Now if only we could the the stock multitasking interface too....
UPDATE: New version number is Version 2.1.0, and you can manually download the update file from Barnes & Noble's website
Just select the Software Update link for the corresponding device and follow the instructions. (You just have to put the update file on the root of your Nook's directory)
I have no idea if it closes any of the rooting exploits, but my impression has been that since we got CWM working, we don't really have to worry about not being able to root now. Still please be cautious if you don't want to risk possibly losing the ability to root/downgrade/run custom ROMs. Just wait it out until the wise wizards of the forum figures out exactly what's going on.
That is fantastic news!! Will go and spread it now! Wow!! :good:
can't install downloaded apk apps...fail once again by B&N
I can confirm that keyboard and launchers downloaded from Play Store works as well as they did with previous "manual" installations.
There are still quite some apps that are just listed as "incompatible" from the Play Store, but having Maps and Chrome running without a fuss is great.
The paper-textured dock has been also been changed in favour of sleeker dark one, (with white icons in place of black ones now) and it seems like "white-on-white" problem is resolved too. (Might have to try out more apps though.)
I can confirm that Universal Root zip still works. Took me a while to straighten out the Play Store though. But it works too, even if you had flashed my gapps zip. May take me a while to test everything to be sure the zips still work.
Sent from my Nook HD+ running CM10 on Hybrid SD
Just for kicks I unrooted, erased and deregistered before updating to be sure to have absolutley stock setup. And it's working beautifully!
I have installed all my favourite apps with no problem at all.
I seems to me like the general UI is running a bit smoother than before.
And there is widget support in the stock launcher! (Maybe that was tehre before, but I ran ADW Ex right from the start, so I ddn't explore stock that much before.)
Edit: Making one nice discovery after another! Voice search works! And Zinio works as well. I thought maybe they would have found a way to block their competition in the magazine market, but no!
asawi said:
Just for kicks I unrooted, erased and deregistered before updating to be sure to have absolutley stock setup. And it's working beautifully!
I have installed all my favourite apps with no problem at all.
I seems to me like the general UI is running a bit smoother than before.
And there is widget support in the stock launcher! (Maybe that was tehre before, but I ran ADW Ex right from the start, so I ddn't explore stock that much before.)
Edit: Making one nice discovery after another! Voice search works! And Zinio works as well. I thought maybe they would have found a way to block their competition in the magazine market, but no!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think we will be able to sideload apps and install them through file explorer apps?
Ironically, I bit the bullet and installed the CM 10 Hybrid SD Rom less than 12 hours ago (after using stock root for some time).
Part of me is hoping this configuration has some advantages over the new BN stock but I'd love to hear from people about the advantages/disadvantages of using CM10 vs. the new BN stock so I can make a firm decision about which ROM I'll use daily.
Thanks in advance.
sayw0rd said:
Do you think we will be able to sideload apps and install them through file explorer apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not right away "out of the box" as it looks. I suspect rooting will be needed to "enable unknown sources", but I'd love to be wrong. Can't test right now though.
sayw0rd said:
Do you think we will be able to sideload apps and install them through file explorer apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope
Currently running stock with the latest update, no root. Just tried to install the amazon app store via astro and get the message that install is blocked for applications not obtained from the app store (or google play)
Tierneykev said:
Nope
Currently running stock with the latest update, no root. Just tried to install the amazon app store via astro and get the message that install is blocked for applications not obtained from the app store (or google play)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay so I guess this is a pointless update for me then
This is definitely an improvement: I ditched my other launcher now that I can put non-BN apps and widgets on the homescreen. But I still can't install some of my favorite apps, like Yelp. These and others are listed as incompatible.
What version of Android is the latest stock Nook HD+ running? Is it still on ICS?
That is very cool. I'm not near my Nook now but I hope with this new version it will now show apps loaded from play store in the app drawer as well as in the recent apps?
Sent from my LG-LS855 using xda app-developers app
jm9843 said:
What version of Android is the latest stock Nook HD+ running? Is it still on ICS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, still 4.0.4
kunchers said:
I still can't install some of my favorite apps, like Yelp. These and others are listed as incompatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may be due to missing hardware features. They have added network location provider to this new release so many apps that need location are now compatible but other missing hardware like GPS or camera may still rule out many apps. GPS location can be added via patch, many apps claim to need it.
Yeah, I noticed the new location features in the update and was hoping that it would make apps like Yelp compatible. You mentioned a patch for GPS?
fanoush said:
Yes, still 4.0.4
It may be due to missing hardware features. They have added network location provider to this new release so many apps that need location are now compatible but other missing hardware like GPS or camera may still rule out many apps. GPS location can be added via patch, many apps claim to need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kunchers said:
Yeah, I noticed the new location features in the update and was hoping that it would make apps like Yelp compatible. You mentioned a patch for GPS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is included in leapinlar's location services rev 1 patch http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2062613 it adds android.hardware.location.gps.xml to device hardware features (and with bluetooth gps and Bluetooth GPS app it even works inside apps).
Not sure if Yelp specifically needs GPS though.
So we have "Official" support for installing the kindle app on our nooks now.
Sent from my DROID4 using xda app-developers app
Might be worth checking out -- thanks!
fanoush said:
Yes, it is included in leapinlar's location services rev 1 patch http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2062613 it adds android.hardware.location.gps.xml to device hardware features (and with bluetooth gps and Bluetooth GPS app it even works inside apps).
Not sure if Yelp specifically needs GPS though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xdatoast said:
Ironically, I bit the bullet and installed the CM 10 Hybrid SD Rom less than 12 hours ago (after using stock root for some time).
Part of me is hoping this configuration has some advantages over the new BN stock but I'd love to hear from people about the advantages/disadvantages of using CM10 vs. the new BN stock so I can make a firm decision about which ROM I'll use daily.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried new stock yet, but the things that kept me going back to CM10 even after I had stock rooted and Play installed were the ICS/Jellybean recent apps display and the incompatibility of some apps. If they let launchers override the native notification bar, on-screen buttons and recent apps, I'd probably run straight stock.
So naturally one of the first things I did with my new G2 was to root it, since I have a few favorite apps that require root.
Then I did something stupid: I told Titanium Backup to "Integrate updates of system apps into ROM" - hey, it always worked great with my DesireHD running JellyTime. Well, didn't work so well in this case, leading to many of the "bundled" apps simply disappearing, and others (particularly Google apps) crashing.
Most of the Google apps I fixed by simply uninstalling them using TiBkup, then reinstalling from Play... but one it particular I really liked, that I can't find anywhere else, was the bundled "Photo Album" app - like Gallery, but better. Still trying to figure out a way to get this back, short of re-flashing the stock ROM.
I tried doing a full backup of ALL apps in TiBkup, then uninstalling the Photo Album from there (which SAID it worked), then restoring it from backup... but no go. And of course, this isn't an app that's available in Play.
Any other suggestion (other than re-flashing) to get this and others back to where they were? Is there a list of all the bundled apps that came with this phone?
What about reflashing gapps?
GApps isn't really the problem - SOME of the Google apps had issues, but those I could uninstall and then reinstall from the Play Store. It's the Photo Albums app that I'd really like back, and it doesn't appear to be on the Play Store at all. What I need is another G2 that I can export an .apk of the missing apps (or at least of the ones I liked)...
Soundy106 said:
GApps isn't really the problem - SOME of the Google apps had issues, but those I could uninstall and then reinstall from the Play Store. It's the Photo Albums app that I'd really like back, and it doesn't appear to be on the Play Store at all. What I need is another G2 that I can export an .apk of the missing apps (or at least of the ones I liked)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a link the LG apps themselves from the G2. You can download, unzip and install the apks you want.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx8G-Ji7ejK9T1hvcVJPOFNnZTg/edit
Jimi Mack said:
Here is a link the LG apps themselves from the G2. You can download, unzip and install the apks you want.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx8G-Ji7ejK9T1hvcVJPOFNnZTg/edit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, exactly what I was looking for... unfortunately install fails on any of them I tried. Tried launching the APKs from both Root Browser and ES Browser, same thing. "Unknown sources" is checked...
Is there a log somewhere that might show me what's going on?
I guess worst case, I have to back everything up and re-flash the stock rom...
Are you running the stock rom or another rom?
Stock - only got the thing a couple weeks ago. I probably wouldn't really worry about it, but there were a couple of the bundled apps I really liked that I want to get back.
And honestly, I've looked at a couple of the other ROMs listed here and considered it, but unlike the bloated nonSense on my old HTC, I really like a lot of the stock LG functionality... and of course, I'm worried that some of the stock apps I like might not work on a custom ROM.
I really enjoy Google now. I use it all the time. I've been using it since it came out. I also like the left side of my home screen more then the right. I don't need three different ways to get to Google now from the home screen and I definetly dont want to turn off google now. I also don't want to use nova or apex launcher because I've used them for years. Does anybody know where I can find the KitKat launcher without Google now embedded?
afm1118 said:
I really enjoy Google now. I use it all the time. I've been using it since it came out. I also like the left side of my home screen more then the right. I don't need three different ways to get to Google now from the home screen and I definetly dont want to turn off google now. I also don't want to use nova or apex launcher because I've used them for years. Does anybody know where I can find the KitKat launcher without Google now embedded?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash CyanogenMod 11. In cyanogenmod, use "Launcher 3" as your default
Kwongger said:
Flash CyanogenMod 11. In cyanogenmod, use "Launcher 3" as your default
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to stay somewhat stock for as long as possible. If I start flashing now who knows what I could end up running. If I pull launcher three and run it on stock will it work? Would I need to be deodexed?
There's two or three kitkat launcher clones around, check the xda apps section or google play. Can't recommend one as I'm happy enough with stock, but they seem to be near exact copies.
I'm not sure if this works on the nexus 5 since I only got one three days ago, but on my gnex I flashed a KitKat ROM and then flashed bank's core gapps, not the "standard" ones and the launcher wasn't the Google now one. I did it on accident, but it may work for you. Just flash a stock ROM and banks core gapps and it may work.
Nick
I use this and love it you can turn off the Google now feature
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nick.kitkatlauncher2
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Or even better Epic Launcher : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.epic.launcher
Hi,
I'm looking for a stock ROM without any Google apps or services.
I want to test the phone without Google and see if it is usable.
Is there a script I can use to remove all Google files from the phone?
Thanks
halifage said:
Hi,
I'm looking for a stock ROM without any Google apps or services.
I want to test the phone without Google and see if it is usable.
Is there a script I can use to remove all Google files from the phone?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you aware of it? You can't use the same apps with the same behavior as before. It's not a big deal. messenger apps for example uses google play services for instant messaging. Many other apps are unreliable without play services.
But you need to root your stock rom and can freeze Google play services(only this one is enough for first testing). It's the main service/app that's needed for every other Google service/app/connection.
strongst said:
Are you aware of it? You can't use the same apps with the same behavior as before. It's not a big deal. messenger apps for example uses google play services for instant messaging. Many other apps are unreliable without play services.
But you need to root your stock rom and can freeze Google play services(only this one is enough for first testing). It's the main service/app that's needed for every other Google service/app/connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
vielen Dank
I am fully aware of the repercussions. I want to dive in and delete the files, not just freeze them.
I've used the terminal debloater as suggested by @rajatgupta1998 but it doesn't offer the option to delete lib, jar, xml and other files.
At least i don't get the black screen after deleting, which is better than all scripts i flashed so far.
You could try NanoDroid, but make a backup before.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-nanomod-5-0-20170405-microg-t3584928
thorin0815 said:
You could try NanoDroid, but make a backup before.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-nanomod-5-0-20170405-microg-t3584928
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
vielen Dank,
But i'm not actually looking install microG or any other form of GApps.
I just want to delete the ones that come with the stock ROM to have a Google-free stock ROM.
It seems certain files (like Google Services Framework) cause the phone to be stuck at black screen during boot.
halifage said:
vielen Dank,
But i'm not actually looking install microG or any other form of GApps.
I just want to delete the ones that come with the stock ROM to have a Google-free stock ROM.
It seems certain files (like Google Services Framework) cause the phone to be stuck at black screen during boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I wrote before, you can do the following on stock rom: just freeze/delete Google play services app and you cut every Google communications. You can't execute play store, YouTube, drive, accounts or whatever Google app. You'll see no Google play services wakelock anymore. If framework files are there after that doesn't matter.
strongst said:
As I wrote before, you can do the following on stock rom: just freeze/delete Google play services app and you cut every Google communications. You can't execute play store, YouTube, drive, accounts or whatever Google app. You'll see no Google play services wakelock anymore. If framework files are there after that doesn't matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
Looks like my only option so far.
halifage said:
Thanks.
Looks like my only option so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just do this test and see if it's suitable for your purposes
strongst said:
Just do this test and see if it's suitable for your purposes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Testing now.
@strongst It's actually kinda like having the best of both worlds. It turns out some apps that required the maps API still works, including Maps (from Google).
The added bonus is that is can switch play services on at will.
I just deleted Google apps that i don't use.
Phone has been working without any issues at all. I have very few apps (whatsapp, automateIt, etc). i use xperia keyboard, FOSS apps like new pipe (for youtube), Dnotes (for keep), yalp store (for playe store).
Battery life and SOT have almost doubled.