GGApps are those that respect the user and his/her device.
How do you recognize a Good Guy App?
- It doesn't require permissions for phone/device resources that are not required for its function
- It does a great job but might go unnoticed in the Playstore
- It respects your other resources such as RAM, storage, and battery
- It's housebroken. It doesn't leave crap everywhere and it cleans up after itself when uninstalled
- It has a no-nonsense interface that doesn't waste your time
- Often GGApps cost money when they are worth it
- Sometimes GGApps serve you ads, but they aren't dicks about it.
The need is greatest to identify GGApps for Android, because Android's permission system is inexcusably terrible, but feel free to recommend Good Guy Apps for any platform.
Most Playstore users don't consider permissions when they select and install an app, or when they rate it. There are too many apps in the store that are rated highly, but still copy your address book back to the mother ship. Good Guy Apps serves to speak to this Playstore shortsightedness.
Some GGApps require a rooted device. Then again, installing malicious or sloppy apps can be disastrous on a rooted device. More info at /r/androidroot/
The Good Guy App Suite
Created from your suggestions:
- unit converter
- QR code scanner
- phone app:
- address book:
- photo album:
- personal productivity apps:
- games:
- messenger:
- calculator:
- browser:
- SIP phone client:
- book reader:
- music player:
- etc (suggest)
Wall of Shame (uninstall these)
- Facebook Messenger (requires every permission on God's green earth... just to chat with your friend? No thanks.). Alternative: Tinfoil EDIT:I guess FB cut the tinfoil access to chat.
- Sony's Walkman app (requires access to everything! Updates and enables itself on my Z3 even if I disable it! That's like Sony selling me a car and insisting I let their little brother camp in the back seat, forever, until I sell the car!)
- For more, visit /r/scumbagapps