Nexus 7 without a Google account

[Mark77]

I like the looks of the Nexus 7 as a web browser, etc., overall fairly compact tablet with good functionality but I do not want to sign up for a Google account as I do not agree with their Terms of Service nor with keeping any of my data on their computers. The idea of giving Google any of my personal information freaks me out.

How much is this going to limit me? I will still be able to play Youtube videos, use IMAP-based email, use the web browser, etc., right?

Does Android include tools to browse SMB/CIFS/NFS shares on my local (wireless) network for content playback? Can I easily get a friend who does agree to Googles' TOS to download free Android apps and then transfer them to me?

[Menace]

You can create a dummy gmail account just for Nexus 7. ES File Explorer is a very good app which let you browse LAN/FTP/Dropbox. Yes, you can play Youtube (stock app).


The idea of giving Google any of my personal information freaks me out.

[djemzine]

You cannot get a friend to sign into your tablet with his Google account and then transfer apps.

Just a question how come you don't agree with their TOS even thought thou claim it's a privacy issue. Since you don't, why did you buy a Google tablet then? Kind of defeats the purpose. The whole point of a tablet especially is the apps and such.

I know it's not my business to say but still.

[will888]

@Mark77, create a new Google account, turn off all tracking features, don't sync anything, use Bing for searches, sideload all your apps instead of using the play store, don't sign up for the $25 play store credit and that should keep Google out of your hair. If you really want to go hardcore, try installing a custom rom without Gapps. BTW, are you having any problems with backlight bleeding?

[shabby]

Only a few of google's apps actually require an account, maps/navigation comes to mind, youtube doesn't need one. Also read the permissions of each app that you install, they data mine you also. You're going to miss out on the play store without a google account, your friend is going to have to be rooted to pull the apps from the /system/app directory so you can sideload it.