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Can the Nexus 7 be used anonymously?

B

balloonshark

Newbie
I received my Nexus 7 last week and it has the screen lift/separation issue. I haven't even charged it yet. While I'm trying to decide if I'm going to keep it or not I have a question. Is it possible to use the Nexus 7 anonymously or limit the amount of data given to Google?

The only Google account I have is used to sign into youtube in which I used fake info and a throw away yahoo email. I see it's possible to buy Google Play gift cards. Is it possible to use the gift cards with a fake google account? If so will this affect my warranty in any way? I do realize that my real purchase info is needed to get warranty service.

Background: I bought the device to check my yahoo email, surf the web (mainly forums), check the weather and perhaps run a few apps. I don't use social networking sites.
 
The data used on the device has nothing to do with your warranty service.

You can sign in with whatever account you want, including one that has no ties to real data, as long as you have your receipt for the purchase of the device.

Can't answer your question about the gift cards; it sounds plausible but I don't recall if Google Play forces you to associate a payment method with the account. You could, of course, use a pre-paid credit card as a payment source if you wanted to anonymize it, which is probably what I'd do if I wanted to keep myself anonymous.
 
Thanks for your reply. I found this FAQ about payment methods after reading your reply. Accepted payment methods - Google Play Help

According to that link some normal pre-paid gift cards may not work with digital purchases. I think using the "Google Play gift cards" is the way to go. My small town has 3 stores that should sell them. As long as I don't have to link a real payment method I should be in good shape.
 
carracerz14 said:
What's the purpose?
Click to expand...
I just want to limit the amount of data that a search engine collects about me. Nothing more, nothing less.

rootbrain said:
Porn? :D
Click to expand...
Nah! I would prefer using my main machine which I'm more familiar with and has more security. Plus it has a 22" monitor :D.

Unforgiven said:
Android requires a Google account for the Play store. You may be able to use the one you set up for YouTube, I'm not sure.
Click to expand...
Yes, you are correct. Instead of using my google youtube account I created a new yahoo account and then used that email to create a new google account. I used the link in the article below which creates a google account that doesn't ask for extra info like a name.

How to Sign Up for a Google Account Without Being Forced into Google+ or Gmail

I finally fired up the Nexus 7 tonight and it seems pretty cool. I installed firefox, adblockplus and flash among a few other things. I just wish I had more options in the various programs like I do on my main machine.
 
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