Today I decided it was time to finally update my tablet, but in the process I wanted to try to ditch all the Google in the Nexus 7 and run pure, stock AOSP. I wasn't too worried about getting apps, or side loading or anything, but I will say that there are a few curve balls I wasn't expecting.
The first problem I ran into was actually installing .apk files. While usually not an issue, when you can't even install a file explorer there are some serious problems! I ended up using the adb command from android tools (linux made this much easier in my opinion). After loading a few essential tools, as well as some alternative markets, I was ready to go! Or so I thought.
The problem for me is that no matter how much I like the freedom of choosing every service and knowing that I'm not being "forced" to use Google's services, I'm also turning my back on the largest android market. I had thought that it would be easy to get .apk files for all of my favorite apps, but it turns out I would have to pirate most of them to get them on the AOSP Nexus. For example, my favorite music player is Neutron, which isn't available anywhere but the Play store. The list is much longer in reality.
Originally I thought that I would just be able to pull the .apk files from the play store using chrome, as there is a wonderful extension for doing just that. However, the issue is that you need a G-services address, and without using GAPPS, there isn't a code. So that went out the window, along with getting apps easily and legally.
So, after playing around with it and dipping my toe into this area, I think that for me the better option is to stick with my custom rom, and just dial back to the smallest GAPPS package I can. That way I get very little, if any Google services, and can still use the play store, as well as other 3rd party alternatives.
I'm sorry, did you just say that you wanted a AOSP experience, on a AOSP from the manufacturer device? The Nexus 7 Ships whit the cleanest version of Android you can get and you want AOSP?! Please define what AOSP means so I can test your sanity.
AOSP, without the google apps and without play services. I may be confused about the name, I'll be honest. I basically wanted the cleanest device possible.
It wasn't for nothing. Like killerwhalepat said it makes sure to avoid all the data mining, etc. Plus, it's something fun to try, and I've learned a bit from it. This was a really easy way for me to learn how to use the adb and fastboot tools in a linux environment, since I've only used windows until now. Plus, it didn't take very long to do all this. Just flashed PA to the nexus and didn't flash the G Apps package. Once I realized I could install apps through the terminal (remember, I'm still learning!!) it worked real fast and well. I just use too many apps that I either pay for (ie. my music player, neutron) or are difficult to get without google play. So, now that I've learned, tried something new, and seen that it wont work for me, I just flash the GApps package and I'm set! No trouble at all! :)
The Nexus 7 (2013) is honestly a kickass tablet. It's fast, clean, lean, and worth the money. I purchased one for my company's safety team and they love it as well.