7 ms·

I'm pretty sure that's incorrect at least today, it's possible to skip through the initial setup on a stock Android device without adding a Google account or ac

I'm pretty sure that's incorrect at least today, it's possible to skip through the initial setup on a stock Android device without adding a Google account or accepting a ToS.

ldjb 8y ago
If there is, they don't make it obvious. Whenever I've tried setting up a stock Android phone, I've looked for a way to do so without adding a Google account, but found no such option. Perhaps it's possible to do so by pressing or holding some obscure sequence of buttons, but in that case it is reasonable to argue that a 'hidden' option isn't really an option at all. After all, you can't hide microscopic text on a paper contract and expect signees to be bound by it. There may be stock Android phones out there that do provide a clear option to not use a Google account, but there are certainly many phones that do not.
- plttn 8y ago
  "Add a google account, enter your email" On the bottom of that page in grey is a skip button. You do that and you've skipped over it.
- codedokode 8y ago
  I am using a chinese noname Android phone without a Google Account. It is somewhat useable even without Internet connection and without SIM card. For example, I can use a camera, radio, music player, a dictionary or offline maps.
  - beenBoutIT 8y ago
    China gets your data now.
    - codedokode 8y ago
      That's why I thought about either routing all traffic through my server or replacing proprietary ROM with open source software.
billysielu 8y ago
Good luck downloading apps though. I can't see how it's necessary for Google to track all your stuff, just to permit you to download an app.
- em3rgent0rdr 8y ago
  You can use third party app repositories like the FOSS-only F-Droid, or even simply download apps directly from individual creators if they release the apk.
  - codedokode 8y ago
    Also there are sites that allow you to download .apk file from Google Play without Google Account.

I'm pretty sure that's incorrect at least today, it's possible to skip through the initial setup on a stock Android device without adding a Google account or accepting a ToS.

ldjb 8y ago

If there is, they don't make it obvious. Whenever I've tried setting up a stock Android phone, I've looked for a way to do so without adding a Google account, but found no such option. Perhaps it's possible to do so by pressing or holding some obscure sequence of buttons, but in that case it is reasonable to argue that a 'hidden' option isn't really an option at all. After all, you can't hide microscopic text on a paper contract and expect signees to be bound by it. There may be stock Android phones out there that do provide a clear option to not use a Google account, but there are certainly many phones that do not.

plttn 8y ago
"Add a google account, enter your email" On the bottom of that page in grey is a skip button. You do that and you've skipped over it.
codedokode 8y ago
I am using a chinese noname Android phone without a Google Account. It is somewhat useable even without Internet connection and without SIM card. For example, I can use a camera, radio, music player, a dictionary or offline maps.
- beenBoutIT 8y ago
  China gets your data now.
  - codedokode 8y ago
    That's why I thought about either routing all traffic through my server or replacing proprietary ROM with open source software.

billysielu 8y ago

Good luck downloading apps though. I can't see how it's necessary for Google to track all your stuff, just to permit you to download an app.

em3rgent0rdr 8y ago
You can use third party app repositories like the FOSS-only F-Droid, or even simply download apps directly from individual creators if they release the apk.
- codedokode 8y ago
  Also there are sites that allow you to download .apk file from Google Play without Google Account.