microG

microG replaces Google Play Services and lets you use apps that require Google's libraries preventing your data from being shared with the company.

More privacy when using Google's services

Google Play Services is the application that connects Android to the various services provided by the search engine company. In other words, if you want to use applications of the likes of Gmail, Google Play or YouTube, you must have it installed. However, some users are not very happy about having to use it on their phone as it is also the way Google collects user data.

A much more private version of Google Play Services?

To be able to go without using it without giving up the company's various tools, we can take advantage of microG, an alternative to the official app that allows us to use it as if you had the Google libraries installed, and there are some of them that you need.

The benefits of using such an app have a lot to do with our privacy, which increases as we are not monitored by Google. It also improves our battery life, which is very important in old devices. The app was developed with the following components:

• GMS Core Services: a library that provides the connection for applications that require Google Play Services or the Google Maps API.
• GsfProxy: a tool for accessing Google Cloud Messaging.
• UnifiedNlp: Library to provide WiFi or telephony antenna geolocation.
• Map API: for the applications using the map service.
• Phonesky: to access the Google Play Store and update apps.

In this case, it is a must if you want to use applications of the likes of OGYouTube or YouTube Vanced, for example, that use the services provided by the company.

Requirements and further information:

• Minimum operating system requirements: Android 4.0.
• Installing the app using the APK file requires enabling the "Unknown Sources" option in Settings > Applications.