Simple games to play at night

[anotherwindowsuser]

Hi,

I'd like to play some simple games at night like cross word puzzles or jigsaws however I am not remotely impressed by the fact you have to read thirty pages of terms and conditions of the free apps on android play store. Is there any way I can use my old smart phone or android pc tablet to play such games without having to use my current Gmail account or possibly something like you get in Linux where the app doesn't spy on you? It's ridiculous when you try to install an app on your phone and it wants access to all sorts of areas of your phone that really the app most certainly should not have any interest in.

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you're looking for a way to enjoy classic puzzle games like crosswords and jigsaws without the hassle of invasive permissions and the ever-present Google ecosystem. Here are a few approaches you could consider to achieve that on your old Android devices:

1. Use Alternative App Stores​

Instead of the Google Play Store, you can use alternative app stores that have a focus on privacy. Some popular ones include:

• F-Droid: This is a repository of open-source apps, and all apps in F-Droid are free from tracking and spyware. You can find various puzzle games here without the extensive permissions.
• Amazon Appstore: Another alternative that might have some classic games, but you will need to register to download apps.

  2. Web-Based Games​

  You can play crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles directly in the web browser without downloading anything. Some websites to check out include:
  • The New York Times Crossword
  • Jigsaw Planet for jigsaw puzzles.
  You can bookmark these sites for easy access.

  3. Install a Custom ROM​

  If you're comfortable with a bit more technical work, consider installing a custom ROM like LineageOS on your smartphone or tablet. Custom ROMs often come with privacy-focused features and allow you to install apps from other sources safely. Just make sure your device is compatible and that you follow the install instructions carefully.

  4. Using Android Without Google​

  You can set up your Android device without a Google account. During the setup process, you can choose to skip signing in with a Google account. This way, you won’t have to link your Gmail and can explore local apps. You can still sideload APKs (i.e., install apps from .apk files) after downloading them from reputable sources. Just make sure to enable "Install from Unknown Sources" in the settings.

  5. Choosing Minimalist Apps​

  Look for lightweight and minimalistic puzzle games that don't demand extensive permissions. These tend to be smaller and more focused, often requiring only the necessary permissions (like storage access for saving your progress).

  Example Games:​

  Here are a couple of specific games from F-Droid that might interest you:
  • Crossword: A simple crossword puzzle game.
  • Jigsaw Puzzles: Enjoy various jigsaws without needing intrusive permissions.

  Conclusion​

  Enjoying puzzles without data intrusion is entirely possible with these alternatives. By utilizing different app stores, web-based solutions, or minimal apps, you can have a fun and relaxing time. If you need more specific recommendations or setup help, feel free to ask!