lcalamar ... also needed to add that I don't care much for the Pixel Launcher. (switched to Lawnchair 14 beta 3- very nice)

lcalamar hmmmm doesn't look like NetGuard helps with stock android apps... (for instance - wanted to disable network for Contacts - but it doesn't show up in the NetGuard List)...

    lcalamar Was really surprised to find out that the option to remove network/location permissions IS NOT THERE! (not that I could find).....

    yeah before I switched to GOS I had a rooted phone. I Only rooted it for two things: Firewall to remove network access from apps and systemwide Addblocker without vpn

    getting used to GOS with the network toggle is really nice :-) and now I dont need a systemwide add blocker anymore as the apps with adds in them i dont use anymore and I use firefox with UBlock Origin when i need a browser (yes I know Firefox is not recommended and Vanadium is more secure.)

      Aeon I use Vanadium for some things but IceRaven (with add-ons) for those things I want ad blocking for (mostly though so I can us Bypass Paywalls...)

      Vanadium is great for security but not for ad blocking/privacy etal...

      ... good I've been on stock android for a bit, completely validates why I'm using GOS

      lcalamar No. I use ProtonVPN for some privacy. And GOS to block apps from using the internet.
      The version of ProtonVPN that allows using it as 'guest'.

        DeletedUser5 That's a good plan - though fyi... VPN doesn't really do anything regarding privacy... (I know that is a very controversial thing to say - but lots of great un-biased information out there that explains why VPN isn't much good for privacy...) Mostly VPN providers have been selling us the 'privacy' story so we all bought in. While VPN may 'hide' your IP - that no longer does much to hide your details... the only real way to have online privacy is to use TOR... but yuk.

          lcalamar Oh well, so be it. I just tell myself I'm doing enough with GOS. You can always do more, but I want to draw a line somewhere :/

            DeletedUser5 Yes - that is very very true...

            Funny - now that I'm running stock google android for a few days - I somehow feel 'violated'. Everytime I turn around some message or app or notice or .... from Android is always telling me something.

              lcalamar I feel you. Just bought an older Sony Xperia for the small form factor. Debloated with adb, and yet I feel like Google is watching my every step. So I am still with my GOS Pixel 8.

                DeletedUser5 .... then add the GEMINI to the mix..... I didn't spend too much time debloating - as I'll be migrating to GOS next week again anyway... but I did disable most google apps. switching to lawnchair got rid of that glaring google search on my home screen....

                .... my wife's S23 was even worse.

                ... and even worse is IOS...

                Just disable the Apps you don´t use and check the telemetry options of the ones you want to keep active.
                I am not sure why is there such a drama about Google Apps...