Just got out Brax3’s. New to this privacy and a bit confused. I see Google apps in Aurora app store. My question is if I get g maps or g mail, or Keep Notes and I sign In, is it any different than getting the apps from the play store as far as privacy is concerned?
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Hi @Cruzer01 Aurora Store is a totally trustworthy alternative store, similar to Google’s, whose main attraction is that you can download and update almost the same apps as on the Google store, but without having to log in to your Google account, so Google doesn’t know what you use, when, where, payment methods, search history, and countless other data. You chose the BRAX3 with IodeOS and not just any other device on the market to avoid giving away your data, being monitored, or having money made from your privacy.
When you make this kind of decision, the best thing is to use alternative apps and stay away from the big giants who profit from your privacy. But I always say there has to be a balance between privacy and enjoyment—staying connected and making your life easier. All of this depends on each person. With BRAX3 and IodeOS you can choose whether or not to give your data; that’s the main difference compared to other phones and software. So, choose your own path and enjoy.
Best regards.
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Thank you for your response. So if I download an app on Aurora like Gmail and sign in to get my email, am I sending Google information or is Aurora apps and Brax3 blocking it?
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This is the exact question I’d like to know too. Thanks for asking it.
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I think the idea is to not give google anything on this device. Signing in on the aurora version of gmail will give them info [ i believe]. What I have done for the last couple of years is to forward all my gmail directly to another email client. I also have been changing my email addressees from gmail to my other email [also using duckduckgo email aliases for shopping accounts etc]. I do not need google for work as I am retired so that makes it much easier vs needing google docs etc. Hopefully someone will chime in with more info for you.
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If you use any Google app or connect to Google and operate, it already knows who you are, what phone you use, what you are doing, from where, unless you use a VPN… It can even access other data on the device. With Aurora, you choose whether to download apps without identifying yourself, with zero risk, or if you do it using your Google account. It’s true that you can download them logged in and then block Google services and Google apps so they don’t spy on your usage. Choosing a device and software like this is because you really want to make a change and protect yourself. There are hundreds of better applications than the ones we all know, which don’t trade or profit from our data; what the big companies want is for us to think we need them and to profit at our expense.
Anyway, as I always say, there is no right or wrong way… everyone has their own needs. This is about protecting yourself, not isolating yourself or losing functionality. Best regards!
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Aurora will allow you to get the app installed without login, if you login thereafter then you’re giving up privacy. gmail is probably better accessed through a browser, maybe dedicate one browser for this, one for banking purposes and one for general web stuff. A good maps alternative is Osmand, works offline too. Some of these privacy measures require a change in how we do things and we will lose some slick features.
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As noted, the benefit of using Aurora (in anonymous mode) is that the apps you have installed aren’t tied to a profile that Google builds about you. BUT do note that Aurora does not separately host the downloads, it is just an anonymous connection to the Play Store itself. The apps themselves are downloaded from the Play Store the same as if you used the Play Store.
Also as noted, the key privacy compromise in using gmail is gmail 
The reason the browser is preferred is because as an app it would be constantly running in the background. Additionally, as an app it may possibly “drill sideways” via loose permissions that it thinks are required for you to use it, such as access to contacts, call logs, location, etc. You can ensure the browser you use would NOT have permissions to those components (You may be able to lock down these permissions on the gmail app, but there is a lot of closed code there that is unknown at best).
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Thank you, I’m begining to understand a little.
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Thank you Goosie! I appreciate your response. They made it so easy with apps, now we have to work a little to try and limit our data.
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Osmand: Data this app may collect: Audio, Device or other IDs, App activity, Personal info, App info and performance, Photos and videos, Files and docs
Requires Google Play Services
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Yeah, but my phone is bare bones, any data they may collect is useless.
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The issue regarding all apps is this… if you install the Micro G and use it for Google services, you technically just removed all privacy related security on your device. I highly recommend using all Google or Apple apps and items on your old devices, but connect via HotSpot to your Brax3 to maintain your privacy. Strongly recommend OpenSource products only on your Brax3 device to maintain the highest level of privacy.
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Get OSMand+ from F-Droid rather than OSMand from the Play Store
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I agree, in short it really means how Zucked do you want to be in your life? “A little Zucked” or a full bang up “ALL ZUCKED UP and TWICE on MONDAY”. Either way Zuck, ghates and Palantir have only one goal. Attempt to Zuck everyone, whether they want to get graped or not. I try to anonymize myself so even though when I get Zucked, they don’t know my real name. Somedays they think I am a “they” and other days they think I am a “them”. They are all really losers and are a nest of vipers that need to be deGoogled.
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#~%#~%#~%#~%#~%#
Thanks @pizzalinux1
You just ruined my day and I can no longer drink coffee. lol…
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Did you regurgitate it or vomit? This is essentially a medical emergency method to remove toxic poisons or other food borne diseases to which you may have been exposed. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1l4IqtScziE
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