I'm using the latest GOS on Pixel 8 Pro with Play Store as it was mentioned several times that it's more secure than Aurora. I'm also dependent on the Google Maps app. I'm aware of alternatives but unfortunately, they fall short in some regards like navigation rerouting due to traffic and descriptions such as opening hours.
I don't want to swich profiles frequently and I'm a heavy user of Termux, so for both reasons I'm bound to exclusively using the Owner account. I was surprised that Google Apps like Maps and Photos automatically used the Google account of the Play store.
Can I prevent Google apps sharing the account information? I.e. use Maps without knowing there is a Google account?
So far, I did the following:
- Play Store is using a throwaway account that I have created using an old phone that I factory reset just before
- Google Maps is in Incognito mode (after it used the above account)
- Google Camera and Photos do not have network access
- I don't use any other Google apps
- Whatsapp data is backed up (encrypted) to a different throwaway Google account
I'm mostly concerned about privacy given the usability (only Owner profile) and security (Google Play instead of Aurora Store) restrictions i.e. I want to prevent Google as much as possible from creating a profile about me. I'm worried about Google being able to connect my app data (which is probably quite unique) with my location data.
Another (minor) thing, do you know how to change the gallery link in the Google Camera app (left to the shutter button)? I'd like to use Aves instead of Google Photos but when I uninstall the latter, it just asks to install it again when I click on the button left to the shutter in Gooogle Camera.
Thanks!