The GMS Core (Google Mobile Services) goes hand in hand with Google Play services and what is also known as GApps (Google applications: google drive, google calendar, among others). In this post we will delve into these applications and see which ones are necessary on an Android device.
What is the GMS Core?
Apps like Gmail, Chrome, Search and even Gboard need the correct installation of this software to work. Even if you could download these apps independently, they will not work properly without GMS.
To get GMS, you must install and update its files through the bootloader, inaccessible while the system is running, and requires elevated permissions to change the file structure.
In conclusion, you do not need GMS for your device to work, but you do if you want to use all or part of Google's mobile services and applications.
What are Google Play services?
Google Play Services is an application that connects to the GMS framework providing a set of APIs so you can use its applications whatever your version of Android.
You can, for example, include Google Client Library and “talk” to the Play Services application. This means that you can use the newest Android features, but you also have means and alternatives if your version could not access them. By allowing Play Services and its APIs to handle this “translation” between versions, these developers can target more devices.
Play Services is an application that you can find on Google Play. That is done so that it can be updated quickly without the need for the manufacturer to push the update. On the other hand, Project Mainline (Android 10) allows more security-focused features to be updated in the same way.
Why can't I install all this myself?
If you do, you'll be able to make calls, send and receive messages, and even run millions of Android apps you've installed or downloaded from places other than Google Play, but you won't have access to Google's own services.
You may come to deduce that you don't need these services, thinking it boils down to the Gmail app. But to sync calendar, contacts, database, messages between devices, any data from an app that uses Google's integrated method via Drive or use Google search or Assistant, you need GMS.
and then Add to Home Screen.
