Since I'm on a Pixel 8 Pro and have heard that in order to unlock all Pixel Camera functionality, you need to have downloaded the app through the Play Store directly, I was wondering:

What are the privacy implications between:

  • GOS with Play services (without login to Google), using Aurora for apps
  • GOS with Play Services (logged in using "anonymous / no phone number" Google account), using Play Store for apps

    • [deleted]

    • Post #2

    Duct9143 Aurora only ever makes sense when using it in a profile without Google Play services/Play Store installed. If you're willing to install Google Play services then Play Store is the way to go. You'll also have much less issues down the rode from getting the right variants of apps to these apps not refusing to work because they can check where you installed them from. If you're unfamiliar with the host of issues accompanying Aurora see:

    https://nitter.net/GrapheneOS/search?f=tweets&q=aurora&since=&until=&near=
    https://akc3n.page/posts/banking-app-issues/#auroraoss-is-problematic
    https://privsec.dev/posts/android/android-tips/#aurora-store
    https://discuss.grapheneos.org/?q=aurora

    My guess is most people here use a throwaway account of some kind.

        [deleted]

        Thanks. I guess that makes sense. I will use Play Store in this case. I just tried it, but Play Store does not recognize the apps that I've already installed using Aurora Store (wanted to check if there's any updates). Will it eventually "see" them, once updates are available for those and just seamlessly update them? Or do I need to delete and reinstall every app through the Play Store now?

            • [deleted]

            • Post #5
            • Edited

            [deleted] Another advantage of Sandboxed Google Play over Aurora is that Sandboxed Google Play is an in-house project, so to speak, and any issues affecting its userbase tend to be addressed very quickly.

              alright, I think I will then just leave Aurora Store installed in order to get notified when an app can be updated, and then I'll update it through the Play Store, until all the apps are in the Play Store list..

              [deleted] I meant, is there a way for the Play Store to notify me when there are updates for apps that are not yet listed in my installed apps in Play Store (because they were installed through Aurora Store)?

                  • [deleted]

                  • Post #9
                  • Edited

                  Duct9143 There is an "Updates available" notification channel in Play Store, but I've never seen it work, much they like the "Updates completed" one, which was removed, so no, there isn't a way.