Just to be clear--if you download an app using Aurora, and it requires Google Play Services, it'll still be sending info to Google (no matter where you may have found the APK).
Discussion
I see. so, finding apps on github would be best ? what is your method ?
No--it's not where you find the APK - it's how the app is programmed. If the devs say it needs Google Play Services, then it needs GPS, and it doesn't matter where it comes from.
Make sense?
absolutely. I get it now, thanks.
If you're looking for apps without GPS, then I'd start with F-droid (get the reference for the APK and then us Obtanium to get the apk from git-hub).
You can also search the Graphene community to find apps the community uses and recommends.
For games, I use an old Android phone without a SIM and use WiFi, and only use it ONLY for games. If Google wants to know what games I'm playing, they're welcome to that information.
Thanks a lot Banjo !!