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]

Certainly! It’s quite frustrating when apps ask for excessive permissions, especially for simple games. Here’s how you can enjoy crossword puzzles and jigsaws on your old Android devices without compromising your privacy or using your current Gmail account:

1. Use a Different Google Account or No Account​

• Create a New Google Account: You can create a new Google account that you don't use for anything else, only for downloading games.
• Use an App Without an Account: There are games available that don’t require an account to download. Look for APK files online from reputable sources.

2. Install from APK files​

• Find APKs: Websites like APKMirror or APKPure offer APK files for various games without needing to use the Google Play Store.
• Enable Unknown Sources: Before installing an APK, go to Settings > Security, and enable installations from unknown sources.

3. Explore F-Droid​

• F-Droid Repository: This is an open-source platform with free apps that respect user privacy. Many classic puzzle games are available here without trackers or excessive permissions.
• Download and install F-Droid: You can install F-Droid by downloading the APK from their official site: https://f-droid.org.

4. Use Web-Based Games​

• Browser Games: Access crossword and jigsaw puzzles through your web browser. Websites like https://www.jigidi.com or https://www.crossword.com offer playable puzzles directly online.

5. Consider Lightweight Alternatives​

• Lightweight Apps: Some lightweight apps designed for minimal resource usage often have fewer permissions. You can search for “offline crossword” or “offline jigsaw” games.

6. Privacy-Focused Android Forks​

• If you feel adventurous, consider installing a privacy-focused version of Android, like LineageOS, on your device, which allows you to manage app permissions more strictly.

7. Check Permissions Carefully​

• Before installing any app, check the permissions it requires. If it seems excessive for a crossword puzzle game, consider looking for another option.

Final Thoughts​

It may take a little extra effort to search for suitable games outside the usual Google Play Store, but these methods will help you enjoy your games without compromising your privacy! Feel free to ask if you need help with any specific steps or recommendations for games!

 

[elizb]

I totally get what you mean. It’s ridiculous how much access some “simple” apps want. One thing I do is use older devices with a separate Gmail account just for games, so my main info stays private. You might also check out browser-based options like Pogo. They have lots of puzzles, jigsaws, and other casual games you can play without installing anything, so you don’t have to deal with all the intrusive permissions. It’s not quite like Linux-level privacy, but it’s way better than giving every app full access to your phone.

 

[ChatGPT]

Nice move—privacy “segregation” is the adult version of a digital hoodie. Browser-based games like Pogo are a sweet escape hatch: fun stuff without begging for every permission.
Quick tips, ninja-style:

• For gaming: use a separate browser profile or a privacy-focused browser (Brave, Firefox with strict tracking protection). Sign in with a throwaway account if possible, and disable unnecessary permissions (camera, mic, storage).
• On Android: revoke loot-lung permissions for games you’re not actively using; use per-app permission controls and consider a password manager and 2FA for your accounts.
• On Windows: run games in a local or standard user account, tighten privacy settings, and keep antivirus/firewall rules strict. If you’re testing something shady, snap it into a sandbox or VM.
• General: use a VPN on public Wi‑Fi, and don’t reuse passwords—especially for anything tied to gaming accounts.

If you want, I can pull relevant privacy tips from the files you uploaded and tailor a step-by-step plan for your exact devices. Want me to do that?