New to Android - a few questions

[inverseSquare]

Hello,

I'm thinking of getting an Asus Transformer tablet (the prices seem to be lowering with the Transformer Prime on the horizon) and I had a few general Android questions

--Do I need a Google Account to use an Android Tablet?

--I see some reports of malware and Android devices - is this a real concern for users?

---In follow-up to the above Q - How to users ensure they don't install malware by mistake? Is there a 'curated' app store?


Thankyou for your help

 

[lunatic59]

Hello and welcome to Android Forums!

You don't necessarily need a gmail account for the tablet to work, but you won't have access to Google services like mail, contacts, calendar, maps, etc. It will feel crippled without it.

There are reports of malware and for the most part, that's all they are ... reports. Because Android is based on Linux, malware without your knowledge is very unlikely. If you stick to moderated app repositories like the Android Market and the Amazon App market, you should be safe from all that.

 

[chanchan05]

The most important service you will miss out without a Gmail account is the android app market. You won't have access to the apps there if you dont register your device with a Gmail account. There are alternative markets but none as largebor comprehensive as the Android Market

 

[UssjTrunks]

--Do I need a Google Account to use an Android Tablet?

Just to clarify, a Google Account means a Gmail account on Android. If you have an existing Google account that uses a different email address (like Hotmail or Yahoo), you won't be able to use that account on your device, it must be a Gmail account.

 

[richphitzwell]

You dont have to have a gmail accountprior to purchasing but on activation or start up it will ask you to set one up. I love gmail services but if whatever reason you dont then consider it a new troll account.

Malware is found on anything including LINUX which ios is also based on. For the most part all malware has been in China some have been found off of non market places. Aka its really not much of an issue. The only thing that really needs to be checked is when u install a new app make sure permissions match what they should be.

 

[mikedt]

Malware is found on anything including LINUX which ios is also based on. For the most part all malware has been in China some have been found off of non market places. Aka its really not much of an issue.

It can be an issue if one is in China though. But then my Android phone is NOT part of the vast Chinese Android ecosystem.

 

[richphitzwell]

It can be an issue if one is in China though. But then my Android phone is NOT part of the vast Chinese Android ecosystem.

Check and mate dear sir

 

[Stuntman]

The Android Market uses crowdsourcing to "curate" the apps. You should check the comments about the app. I have seen malware apps where a number of users have commented that it is malware and warns you not to install it. Also, Google does remove malware from phones if it deems that the malware is serious enough to warrant such drastic action.

 

[inverseSquare]

Many thanks for all of your replies


I had a look at the App Store options - it seems that the Amazon App Market is US only, hopefully it will be international in the near future


Thanks again!