As much as we hate it, over the years, Google has found its way into virtually every aspect of our online lives. Many of their services are almost synonymous with the services they offer. How often do you hear someone say they’re going to “Search something on the web”? In contrast, how often do people say they’re going to “Google something”? That is just how dependent we’ve become on Google, and not just Google Search, almost everyone out here has a Gmail account, and let’s not forget the chunk of the smartphone industry that Android holds.
That much power in one company’s control just isn’t right. And true, Google hasn’t had much in terms of privacy and use of consumer data compared to fellow tech giant Facebook but then again, all Google services are free yet it is among the most valued companies on the face of the planet. Doesn’t take a genius to see where all the revenue comes from.
Following the Huawei ban, Huawei users seem screwed. And this could only be the beginning of these woes. Should the US-China trade war drag on, many other Chinese OEMs and their users could be out here looking for alternatives to Google’s Mobile Services. It’s time to examine some plausible alternatives to common Google services we’ve come to heavily depend on.
This is actually Possible
Important to note is that this has been tried before. An Android device without Google Services. Back in the glory days of our favorite custom ROM, CyanogenMod, this was attempted. Granted, this attempted to just switch Google’s services with Microsoft’s but the results were impressive.
The result was an Android-powered system with Cortana as the AI assistant, Bing Maps, Office built in and integrated properly, Skype integrated into the dialer, Outlook as the default email service among many other tweaks.
To many of us, this was Cyanogen’s way of “Taking Android away from Google.”
What are these Google Mobile Services (GMS)?
Google Mobile Services ( GMS ) is a collection of Google applications and APIs that help support functionality across devices. These apps work together to form like the ‘Google Ecosystem’. The main apps that makeup GMS include;
- Google Search
- Chrome
- YouTube
- Play Store
- Gmail
Others include:
- Drive
- Maps
- Photos
- Play Music and Play Movies
Some of these apps are obviously more popular than others. Some like Google Maps are simply too good to be replaced because the competition doesn’t even come close to the kind of functionality these apps offer.
Alternatives to Android
Over the years we have seen many new mobile operating systems struggle to take off and then just die because of the kind of hold Android and iOS have on the market.
Luckily, Android’s codebase, while still led by Google, is open source. AOSP as it is often referred to as is free for anyone to acquire and modify to their liking. This means OEMs can still develop their own in-house operating systems based on Android with little legislative fuss.
Replacement for Google Search
Google search is so ubiquitous today but it is far from being the only search engine at our disposal. Microsoft’s Bing has been around for quite a while now but the one we recommend is DuckDuckGo.
DuckDuckGo is an Internet search engine that emphasizes protecting searchers’ privacy and avoiding the filter bubble of personalized search results.
Replacements for Chrome
Recent stats show that Chrome practically owns the web being based on the Chromium Open Source project. But many other browsers are based on Chromium too, some really good. The following could easily be worthy replacements for Chrome on your smartphone.
Opera Browser
Our pick for the most viable alternative to Google Chrome on Android is Opera Browser. My main reason is the built-in VPN functionality. That is one less app you need on your phone.
Opera has been around for ages and the security and proficiency that comes with building good apps for that long is something many people can bank on.
Firefox for Android
Firefox is compatible with Android 4.1 or above devices. Extensions aren’t Firefox’s only unique contribution to mobile browsers. Its night-viewing mode web-page colors in order to minimize eye strain. There’s a robust set of privacy controls that let you block ad networks from tracking your browsing habits. Firefox has Chrome-like bookmarks, history, password, and tab syncing features.
Play Store
Android’s one-stop shop for all your app needs can be a little hard to replace. Not for its impressive app collection but for the behind-the-scenes services. For instance, Google Play Protect. This is a Play Store feature that comes enabled by default on all Android devices running Google Play Services 11 or newer. It is supposed to be a real-time anti-malware scanner that will scan all apps before they are installed. It informs the user if a suspected malicious app is detected.
That said, there are dozens of third-party app stores whose primary function is to contain a bunch of apps that you would have otherwise gotten from the Play Store. They lack some of the more sophisticated conveniences of the Play Store but if apps are what you’re looking for, they have them. Our picks include the following.
- APKMirror
- APKPure
- APKUpdater
- Aptoide
- Huawei App Store for Huawei devices
- Samsung Galaxy Apps for y’all Samsung users
- Getjar
Replacement for Gmail
Again, there are so many email clients even on the Google Play Store but one of them really does stand out. Microsoft’s Outlook for Android is a solid alternative to Gmail.
Outlook has a Focused Inbox feature that sorts emails based on importance. It also integrates directly with Microsoft’s calendar service. Yahoo Mail includes features like Travel View, more granular notification options, and themes. If you have only one email and it’s not a Gmail account, you may want to consider using the official app so you can get the most out of it.
Alternatives to Google Drive
Cloud storage is still very popular for many people. The ability to access your files from anywhere is one of the conveniences of this digital age. Google’s Drive has been around for some time now and has grown in popularity with the prevalence of Android and Gmail as they’re both tied rather well with these services.
Microsoft OneDrive
That said, Microsoft’s solution, OneDrive is also closely tied to Microsoft’s own services; Windows and Outlook. Many people with Android phones already have Windows PCs so switching over is kinda like moving your cloud storage to your other ecosystem.
Mega.nz
One downside though is that OneDrive offers a mere 5GB of cloud storage, a third of Google Drive’s 15GB free storage. If that is a deal breaker for you, you might want to check out MEGA. Founded by tech outlaw Kim Dotcom, the service’s free tier offers a rather generous 50GB free storage and tied to a very complex encryption system that is so hard to crack that even MEGA won’t help you should you lose your Password.
Others
Honorable mentions go to Dropbox and Box.com, services that are kinda geared towards corporates but still prove impressive solutions for your cloud storage needs.
Google Maps alternatives
As mentioned earlier, some Google Mobile Services are class-leading and alternatives don’t even come close. Google Maps is one such service. So good are Google Maps that even automakers are making it their vehicles’ default navigation systems.
That said, Bing Maps and Apple Maps could be considered alternatives. But you will loose many of Google’s new AI features and needless to say, navigation outside any major towns is going to be a nightmare for many of these services.
Best Video Streaming Sites as Youtube Alternatives
YouTube has grown to be almost synonymous with online video streaming. It boasts of millions of content creators and their constant experiments and innovation with new services has driven the market for many years. Alternatives will of course lack most of these services we’re all used to but they do exist so here are some viable alternatives.
- Dailymotion
- Vimeo
- Metacafe.
- Vevo.
- Twitch.
- The Internet Archive.
Conclusion
Google is pretty much the internet as we know it. Google’s Mobile Services are just as indispensable as Google is to the internet. The biggest advantage of using these services is the ecosystem they create. You only need one Google account to access everything from YouTube to Gmail, Maps and Docs and everything in between. Ditching GMS means breaking this ecosystem and getting comfortable with your data spewed across a bunch of different services. A little inconveniencing but still very doable.
Did we miss something? What alternatives to Google’s Mobile Services would you have gone for? Talk to us in the comment section below.
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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