XPost: misc.phone.mobile.iphone, comp.sys.mac.advocacy   
   From: andys@nospam.com   
      
   -hh wrote on Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:39:24 -0500 :   
      
   > In any event, I'd really want to see a clear comparison laydown of just   
   > what personal information is really required for using Vendor A vs B   
   > before trying to condemn any one vendor.   
   >   
   > For example, for setting up an Android phone, my understanding is that   
   > you're required to provide a Google Account, and to get a Google Account   
   > requires providing full name, phone#, date of birth, gender, & location.   
   >   Gosh, that sounds to be more obtrusive than Apple...is it?   
      
   That's a surprisingly adult question for an Apple troll to ask, so I will   
   faithfully answer that question as best I know as if -hh is an adult.   
      
   Fair enough?   
      
   Bear in mind I'm an expert at Windows & Android & iOS accounts, so you're   
   going to hear the truth from me - not something Apple marketing would say.   
      
   For Windows, Microsoft would love for you to provide an account, for   
   reasons which are obvious, but there is no requirement for an account.   
      
   Not even on Windows 11 where Microsoft tried to copy Apple's model.   
      
   For Linux, I'm sure you're aware there is no requirement to create an   
   account, so again, no personal information is required of you to use it.   
      
   For Android, there is also no requirement whatsoever for an account.   
      
   Google has always allowed you to obtain software from the Google Play Store   
   WITHOUT setting up an account, and of course, anywhere else too.   
      
   I have over 900 apps installed on my Android phone, for example, most of   
   which are off the Google Play Store and I have no Google account set up.   
      
   It's only Apple that requires that account.   
      
   In reality, you do NOT have to set up an account on an Apple iOS device.   
   But... it won't be able to do anything.   
      
   At least a Windows, Linux & Android device works just fine without the   
   account, but the Apple device is even more crippled than normal with it.   
      
   Let me know if you have any other questions as I use them all personally.   
      
   --- SoupGate-DOS v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)