Open-source alternative to Google libraries for Android
microG is a free development application for Android devices that was developed by the microG Team. It is an open-source implementation of the propriety set of libraries that are used in the Android mobile operating system on smartphones and tablets. It comes with various components that serve as alternatives to Google’s.
Similar to Google Services Framework, microG aims to replace the set of APIs provided by Google Play Services, as well as Mobile Service with less tracking involved on user devices. Its developer describes it as an all-in-one framework that contains everything need to make Android work properly.
What is microG?
In a nutshell, microG is a free and open-source alternative to the set of proprietary libraries that Google provides to be able to use Google Play Services on Android devices. It is an essential API that allows Google-based services and various applications to communicate with one another to function properly. Various security and usability concerns have been brought up over Android through the years, and these have given way to independent projects like microG to be born.
microG has made tremendous strides in developing the components needed to replace Google’s own. The Service Core is for applications that require Google Play Service and the Google Maps API. Meanwhile, the Services Framework Proxy is used for apps developed for Google Cloud services. For Wi-Fi- and Cell-tower-based geolocation to applications that use Google’s network location provider, you have the Unified Network Location Provider component.
The last two components are the Maps API and Store, a frontend app that allows you to download and update Google Play Store applications and games. If you’re interested in the project, just note that the project was made for developers and advanced users. As such, beginners might find the steep learning curve to be quite overwhelming at first.
Android without Google
If you’re one of the people who take issue with Google’s proprietary services and the potential security and privacy concerns that they pose, then microG is worth taking a look at. It offers a free and open-source solution that gives you more control and offers better transparency over the various components and libraries that make Android work properly, and none that don’t.
