Database Users

Do you install gapps package (Google Apps) ?

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

[GUIDE] Nexus 5 apps safe to remove

Hi there!
I've put together a spreadsheet of apps that are (or so far seem) safe to remove from the Nexus 5. Note that I am running 4.4 KitKat, which has been unlocked with TWRP and rooted. The spreadsheet comes from the combined efforts of hallstevenson's spreadsheet on the Galaxy S3 for Spring (which I adapted and updated for the Verizon version), and referencing MoJo's script for removing Nexus 5 bloatware. I used Titanium Backup to go through and type in the packages and APK names.
CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS TO THE SPREADSHEET [GOOGLE DOCS]
Click the "5.1" tab.
If you have questions, comments, suggestions, concerns, or want to tell me exactly where I'm wrong about something, please leave a comment here! If such a list already exists, I couldn't find it through searching. And if I'm in the wrong category, I apologize; seeing MoJo's script here led me to think this would be the appropriate place.
**UPDATE FOR LOLLIPOP 5.1**
Here are the apps I've personally removed, if anyone is interested (this list changes with each update):
Basic Daydreams
Cloud Print
Downloads
Earth
Email
Exchange Services
Fit
Hindi Input
Korean Input
Google Now Launcher
Pinyin Input
Books
Movies & TV
Newsstand
Text-to-Speech
iWnn IME Japanese input
MusicFX
News & Weather
Nfc Service
Slides
Sun Beam
Tags
Talkback
Trusted Face (Facelock)
Wallet

Thanks dude!
Nexus 5 Droidkang Rom and Chaos Kernel, ART/OC/UV.. super smooth, and blazing fast.

Anyone have any insight?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

thanks a lot bro

Updated for Lollipop!
I'm back with an update! You can use the same link above. Note that this time I've added a tab for Android 5.0 Lollipop. (There's also a tab for what I believe is 4.4.4, which I started and didn't finish... Sorry!) Again, I'm on a stock ROM from Google's firmware page, and I used Titanium Backup (v 6.2.0) to go through this list. I had a couple of app updates after flashing the new ROM, so the version numbers might not quite match up. As usual, let me know if there are any issues, or if you've figured out if an app can be removed that I've left blank. If you're going to be adventurous, it's best to freeze an app and test rather than delete it, and make a backup before you delete.
Enjoy!
Here are the apps I've personally removed, if anyone is interested:
Basic Daydreams
Cloud Print
Downloads
Earth
Email
Exchange Services
Fit
Hindi Input
Korean Input
Pinyin Input
Books
Movies & TV
Newsstand
Text-to-Speech
iWnn IME Japanese input
News & Weather - I use Chronus
Nfc Service
Sun Beam
Talkback
Trusted Face (Facelock)

Can we get rid of Google+ and still be able to have a photo gallery?
I tried freezing it and I couldn't access my photos because I had to enable Google+.
Sent from my Nexus 5

tybo31316 said:
Can we get rid of Google+ and still be able to have a photo gallery?
I tried freezing it and I couldn't access my photos because I had to enable Google+.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Stand by. I will upload a flashible zip for you
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0G5X8qmEBxFMXJuZmFKcEdRMjA/edit?usp=docslist_api
Flash in recovery, no wipe is needed. Flash n go.

tybo31316 said:
Can we get rid of Google+ and still be able to have a photo gallery?
I tried freezing it and I couldn't access my photos because I had to enable Google+.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure. I'd think the Photos app would still work, but maybe not. I actually use Google+ on a constant basis so I haven't removed the app.

You deactivated the exchange services, so do you get any emails with auto synchronisation ? Or are the exchange services only for the E-Mail app, which isnt working on L anymore?

Blackbox421 said:
You deactivated the exchange services, so do you get any emails with auto synchronisation ? Or are the exchange services only for the E-Mail app, which isnt working on L anymore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I removed the email exchange services because I do not use them. I strictly use the GMail app. I imagine they still work fine!

this is awesome
awesome ... phone is a little faster now .. still have the google apps on it .. as i use all of them

Bump for 5.0.1 update (see original post)

Hey, I am a tad bit confused here..
I currently have two Exchange Services.
1) com.google.android.gm.exchange
(ver. 6.5-1520254)
2) com.android.exchange
(ver. 4.4.4-6936)
I'm sure the second one is the one I can delete but was just unsure about the first one.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

First thing I do is strip this space taking rubbish out. Never once had problems

IllogicalKris said:
Hey, I am a tad bit confused here..
I currently have two Exchange Services.
1) com.google.android.gm.exchange
(ver. 6.5-1520254)
2) com.android.exchange
(ver. 4.4.4-6936)
I'm sure the second one is the one I can delete but was just unsure about the first one.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first one is the one I have marked as safe to delete. I don't know what the second is, maybe something left over from KitKat? Try freezing them with TitaniumBackup and reboot, see if they give you any issues. If they don't, make backups and remove them.

pWEN said:
The first one is the one I have marked as safe to delete. I don't know what the second is, maybe something left over from KitKat? Try freezing them with TitaniumBackup and reboot, see if they give you any issues. If they don't, make backups and remove them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I didn't think this would have much to do with it but I am using Slimkat 4.4.4, so I didn't think to look in the 5.0 tab. I shall see what happens when I freeze the other EServices.
Thanks for the reply.
Edit: Well, I have backed-up both Exchange Services and removed them both and nothing seems to have changed *Shrugs* Ahh well.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

IllogicalKris said:
Okay, I didn't think this would have much to do with it but I am using Slimkat 4.4.4, so I didn't think to look in the 5.0 tab. I shall see what happens when I freeze the other EServices.
Thanks for the reply.
Edit: Well, I have backed-up both Exchange Services and removed them both and nothing seems to have changed *Shrugs* Ahh well.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, generally speaking, you should be looking in the tab for your current Android version. (Or as close as your custom ROM gets.) The list is based on a fresh install of the ROM, so if your apps have updated since, they'll show different version numbers and possibly different locations, too. Something I didn't think to include in my post, sorry!

pWEN said:
Well, generally speaking, you should be looking in the tab for your current Android version. (Or as close as your custom ROM gets.) The list is based on a fresh install of the ROM, so if your apps have updated since, they'll show different version numbers and possibly different locations, too. Something I didn't think to include in my post, sorry!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I flashed the ROM last week, so anything could have updated. Anyway, thanks for the help. I just wanted to have an opinion on the random system app first before I went ahead and removed it.
Cheers.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

IllogicalKris said:
Hey, I am a tad bit confused here..
I currently have two Exchange Services.
1) com.google.android.gm.exchange
(ver. 6.5-1520254)
2) com.android.exchange
(ver. 4.4.4-6936)
I'm sure the second one is the one I can delete but was just unsure about the first one.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first works with gmail exchange second is for email app exchange. Should be no issue deleting both. I use 1 and delete 2.

Do not remove g+ on lolipop if you want photos to work. They are linked

BB10/Playbook and Kindle Apk Similarities - Working Google Maps Example

So I posted this in the Apps section, but perhaps there's more patched BB10 versions that will work on Kindle.
"So, I was browsing the Blackberry Playbook forums. They can install converted apk's, but not Google Framework (similar to Kindle). Cobalt232 posted a few instructions on getting the latest version of Google Maps working for BB10.
Overall, the app works with directions, but the text is a little messed up. Give it a try, perhaps BB10 and Kindle users could cooperate on apps.
I have Google Account Manager, Services Framework, and Play Services installed. Not sure if the app will work otherwise
https://www.dropbox.com/s/13jcbdzcy26jrxc/com.google.android.apps.maps-707001313.apk
Link to forum and credit: http://forums.crackberry.com/android-apps-apk-files-f413/how-patch-android-apps-depending-google-maps-google-play-services-914930/index5.html#post10175045"

Ur Dropbox is deprecated.
Sent from my LG-D800 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Install latest youtube on FireOS 4.5.3 and be able to login WITHOUT ROOT(!!!)

I am running FireOS 4.5.3 on Fire HDX 7" and it is not (and never has been) rooted.
Settings > Applications > Apps from unknown sources is On
I have the file manager with zip support installed.
Uninstall any versions of the 5 apks mentioned below.
Download this zip file:
https://mega.co.nz/#!OItCnSSA!VqBqlbwUa3h5VR0bmIXmRVBq4UeYo5bhBmzmflml3Vk
Open or extract it and install the apks in this order:
account manager 4.0.3
framework 4.0.4
play services 7.3.29
playstore 4.3.10
youtube 10.16.53
Reboot the tablet.
Go to youtube and you should get that normal google account login screen.
Login and presto! There you have it latest youtube apk with sign in ability.
Hasn't crashed on me (yet), but play store does not work (I've tried a few versions).
Yes I am aware of that youtube app with the blue icon in the amazon app store but I wasn't satisfied with it.
I haven't tried any other google apps yet with this combo.
I really hope this works for others. I just spent the last 5-6 hours figuring this out and it's now nearly 2am.

works for me

Youtube works.
Not for playstore gmail.

Oh that's cool I'm glad it's worked for others.
I just wanted to give something back to this forum cause I've gone to it so many times myself.

Found a gmail apk that works

Don't want to burst your bubble, but someone already figured out how to get YouTube to work on unrooted devices (along with other Google apps): http://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/themes-apps/how-to-install-gapps-root-t2954372

Yes true but that guy (at end of thread) is 4.5.2 and has to execute some kinda command I don't. Lemme have my glory! Lol

Thanks. Works for me. How about Chrome?

kkcheong said:
Thanks. Works for me. How about Chrome?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chrome should work regardless of framework (at least it did last time I tried). If not try Opera. Same underlying engine (Chromium) with a different skin.

mrw187 said:
Yes true but that guy (at end of thread) is 4.5.2 and has to execute some kinda command I don't. Lemme have my glory! Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That command is for Google+ to work. It's not needed if you don't use G+. But at least you provided newer versions.

Is it just me, or does doing this break other apps? Skype won't work properly (no contacts or message history), TuneIn radio won't even get past the initial screen. Why is this happening? Sorry I'm new to this stuff.
I should add that uninstalling these packages then causes everything to work again, so it does seem to be causing it.

Burr11 said:
Is it just me, or does doing this break other apps? Skype won't work properly (no contacts or message history), TuneIn radio won't even get past the initial screen. Why is this happening? Sorry I'm new to this stuff.
I should add that uninstalling these packages then causes everything to work again, so it does seem to be causing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing Google framework/services/store/etc on Fire OS is always a crap shoot as Amazon has its own set of conflicting services. Many get it to work (at least partially) while others experience problems. Installing framework/services on an unrooted device presents additional challenges....but also adds a layer of safety as you can typically install/experiment/uninstall without serious consequences. Unfortunately, I don't have an answer to your current situation; responding to "why is this happening?". You'll probably get it to work eventually with help from others.

That makes sense. I did manage to get Skype 5.1 working but anything after that breaks. Must have added a new feature since then that gets into that services conflict you mention. No luck with TuneIn, though I found an alternative for that.

Any word on a working play store app? Wife got a Fire Tablet today on 4.5.3 and so far its unrootable and most google things arent working. Thinking about a new tablet at this point.

myke66 said:
Any word on a working play store app? Wife got a Fire Tablet today on 4.5.3 and so far its unrootable and most google things arent working. Thinking about a new tablet at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your family is looking for unfettered access to the play store you should definitely look for another device. It will be awhile before alternative roms become available to newer Kindles and most play store implementations are hacks at best. While the hardware is wonderful you really have to be wed to the Amazon ecosystem to truly appreciate the device (or be fortunate enough to have an 'older' model that can be rooted/unlocked and run a Google friendly rom).

Davey126 said:
If your family is looking for unfettered access to the play store you should definitely look for another device. It will be awhile before alternative roms become available to newer Kindles and most play store implementations are hacks at best. While the hardware is wonderful you really have to be wed to the Amazon ecosystem to truly appreciate the device (or be fortunate enough to have an 'older' model that can be rooted/unlocked and run a Google friendly rom).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the frank reply. I was able to set her up with Chrome and Gmail which were her main concerns. The 1Mobile 3rd party marketplace had any of the other apps she was looking for. I also finished moving all her books over so she's going to take it for a spin this weekend when we head to the beach for a night and see how it goes.

myke66 said:
I appreciate the frank reply. I was able to set her up with Chrome and Gmail which were her main concerns. The 1Mobile 3rd party marketplace had any of the other apps she was looking for. I also finished moving all her books over so she's going to take it for a spin this weekend when we head to the beach for a night and see how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are comfortable with 1moble (one of my favorite 'alternative' marketplaces) then many of the shortcomings inherent with the Amazon store can be mitigated. Chrome (more often Gmail) can get fussy without google services/framework. Opera is a nice alternative that utilizes the same core engine as Chrome. Gmail is a little tougher to directly emulate; plenty of alternatives if the Gmail app coughs up a fur ball (I happen to like Aquamail). You really don't need root but if you choose to do so Xposed framework adds a few nice touches that can further tame an HDX without compromising native functionality.
Hope it works out for you folks.

You can run Google services framework without root. People have been having issues with the newer builds however. If it does not work for you, try build version 7.0.99.
Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk

lekofraggle said:
You can run Google services framework without root. People have been having issues with the newer builds however. If it does not work for you, try build version 7.0.99.
Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will work for now (thanks @lekofraggle for the tip) but be aware Google is quickly adapting apps to leverage capabilities introduced in newer builds of services framework. For now that appears confined to Maps and Google Now (eg: card features) and primarly targets Lollipop.

You are welcome. I know about the impending issue with Google play services. Hopefully they fix the issues soon. Google maps works for now but complains.
Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk

Incompatible Apps on different ROM's.

Hey I have a Samsung S4 International, jfltexx.
Different ROM's are sometimes incompatible with some apps.
For example on Euphoria OS 1.1 I cannot install Vainglory from the store, but on Albe95 Lollirom I can install Vainglory from the store.
The app I'm talking about, Vainglory, is a game that's frequently updated and has lots of events that are time limited, waiting for a 3rd party site to upload the apk takes too long and some events might be missed which is a huge loss for me.
My questions are : What causes this?, How can this be fixed?
Thanks.

Just a reminder, I know that 3rd party sites exist but those only give you the apk for the game which will bring up an error as the game needs to come with an obb to be installed 3rd party. And as said, it will take a lot of time, usually 2-3 days, while most events are 24 hours only.

I don't know why. But my ZenFone 2 running XOSP has it compatible. Maybe because it would detect your device as jfltexx and marked it as incompatible...
* Just my thinking...
Sent from my ASUS_Z00A using XDA Labs

Serese said:
Hey I have a Samsung S4 International, jfltexx.
Different ROM's are sometimes incompatible with some apps.
For example on Euphoria OS 1.1 I cannot install Vainglory from the store, but on Albe95 Lollirom I can install Vainglory from the store.
The app I'm talking about, Vainglory, is a game that's frequently updated and has lots of events that are time limited, waiting for a 3rd party site to upload the apk takes too long and some events might be missed which is a huge loss for me.
My questions are : What causes this?, How can this be fixed?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not the best site to talk about warez downloads perhaps ? I had similar problems when an update was demanded by an app but the update didn't show in the store. once I'd restored an older rom to download it I made sure to keep a backup of it with titanium as that will put it back into the playstore for me once it's been restored...

3mel said:
not the best site to talk about warez downloads perhaps ? I had similar problems when an update was demanded by an app but the update didn't show in the store. once I'd restored an older rom to download it I made sure to keep a backup of it with titanium as that will put it back into the playstore for me once it's been restored...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, didn't know Titanium put the apps back in store, thanks for the info. That's great.
Thanks! Though I still don't know why the apps don't show up..