Discover microG, and what it is used for

Good on linking the microG implementation status table even in a high-level overview! It can’t be linked often enough. I look forward to the day when App developers will test against microG and give it a “compatible” label :slight_smile:

A user asked once for a non-text introduction to microG in this forum, youtube offers a microG explanation as video that goes into many details of microG

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I’m a big fan of Microg and what it does. I do wish there was an option to get Microg free of all Exposure Notification code. I know it can only be activated with a compatible app, but for me it would be better if there was nothing there to activate in the first place.

I expect /e/ to do this by default. If I check Settings > System > microg > scroll to foot the installed version is noen – unless you install exposure notifications.

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As a matter of interest why would it be better in your opinion?

Without the possibility of activating it, users (including me) would not have been able to use our official contact tracing app. I would have needed to install a different custom ROM. I did for a while until the EN Framework got included in /e/'s fork (before they took it out again).

Mostly I think it’s a privacy nightmare. I would like the option to choose a Microg without Exposure Notifications. I live in Florida, USA where contact tracing is very frowned upon. I understand Europe is required to have it and I would just like it if there were two options of Microg to choose from, depending on your individual needs.

An interesting opinion. I’ve seen no evidence to that effect and, from what I understand about how it works, I think it’s wrong. but it takes all sorts…

But /e/ are already doing that for you - there already two options. The version you get by default (i.e. what ships in the EOS ROMs) does not have the EN Framework. If a user wants it, they can install it (via App Lounge) in the MicroG settings page. If they don’t do that then they don’t have the EN Framework, so no “privacy nightmares”.

For EN to work, you have to

  1. Choose to install it
  2. Choose to install an app that uses it
  3. Run that app
  4. When that app asks to allow/enable EN, choose ‘OK’

You seem to be asking for a third option which is a version of eOS / Microg which does not allow users to choose to install EN.

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Do you maybe now where you rad that they are developing in-app payments?

No, not in app payments, rather developing the functionality in microG that makes the purchased apps to be able to check their license, verify purchase. (So the non-free app can start up normally) Now I am able to download my purchase apps but I am unable to use rhem.

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As I don’t need Google Services in any shape or form I have microG disabled by default. I’m more than happy to be off-grid. I’ve recently learned that here in the UK, copper is being turned off for FTTP. This is when I will be ending my Internet. Fibre is £10 pm dearer on lowest package and £1 more per month for digital phone. As energy prices are expected to exceed £4000 per year next year, ending internet connection, 2 streaming services, PSN subscription and closing my Vimeo account will equate to saving almost £800 per year. Then I will wear one of my offspring’s T-shirts that reads “I don’t need the internet, the internet needs me”.

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Well just looked at microG backend and some settings are not able to be turned off. At this rate considering becoming a Luddite and saving even more money!

Which microG backend are you referring to? All location backends can be turned off if you don’t need them. The Google Services options can also all be toggled off. What else is left other than permissions?

I’m talking about Self-check which shows Play Services activated plus others. If I remove microG completely will it screw up the phone?

Oh I see.
The self check shows if all the bits and pieces that microG needs to function properly are present and accounted for. It does not show or say that Play Services are activated, that section is as it says, “Installed packages”.

Play Services (GmsCore) = the main microG app.
Play Store (Phonesky) = FakeStore (in our case) or the real Play Store if present.

As far as removing, I can’t say. It can be disabled though. You could try that and see how things are. Hmm, yeah I don’t think it will hurt anything as it is not a necessary ROM component.
In a number of cases I will setup a ROM without microG and all is good. Don’t really run any apps that require it.
I will, however, have the standalone UnifiedNlp so I can use location backends (UNlp is also a part of microG).

Oh @swarfendor437 I was just reminded of this old thread (via Matrix group/channel)…

If you have TWRP on your device, removal is fairly straightforward.

Hi folks! I’m late to this blog post but since I started using /e/OS a few months ago, I noticed that Google Maps doesn’t really fully work. I get a notification saying “you need to update Google Play Services” and then places details or navigation doesn’t open. Should I open an issue about this?

I’d really like to break free from Google but GMaps is pretty much irreplaceable at the moment (trying a combination of CityMapper for public transport + Organic Maps for places + Waze for car navigation, but I still get only 75 % of the functionality).

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You might want to have a look at GMaps WV … https://f-droid.org/packages/us.spotco.maps/ … which wraps the Google Maps website in an App, and since it wasn’t mentioned: OsmAnd~ (same as OsmAnd+, but cost-free) … https://f-droid.org/de/packages/net.osmand.plus/

This can always happen on degoogled OSes without the genuine Google Apps and services. Sometimes there will be a quick fix, sometimes not.

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Personally I find Magic Earth that ships with eOS to be superior to Google Maps in every way … unless you really need street view.

Does Magic Earth implement live traffic updates (i.e. re-routing when traffic problems occur on your planed route)?

Yes
but not bus lines on the city map, only bus stations

If you need bus routes then Moovit is the best app for that. In addition to better layout of Google Maps instructions are more clearer and better advanced notification of roundabouts. Further if you have suitable dashboard mount it can also act as a dashcam.

Latest version has more map features: