Does Android require a Google account?

Question

I am developing an API for an Android application. Does the iPhone require the user to obtain an Apple identifier, make Android mobile devices the same as “require” users to get a Google identifier?

Ideally, I want to make sure that users downloading our Android app will have a Google account, so authentication with user interfaces and OAuth is fast.

Answer 1

You do not need to have a Google account associated with your Android device, although most people probably do. You really need it if you download applications through the Market, but you can also download applications with side loading, use other markets such as the Amazon App Store, etc.

Answer 2

For the Android phones I bought in the US (HTC G1 and HTC G2), it forced me to enter my Google account information (or create a new Google account) before I could do anything on the device (it seems like as the iPad forces you to connect it to iTunes before you can use it).

Some people suggest clearing the data associated with all Google applications on the phone to disconnect the device from the Google account, or you can simply delete the account through Settings → Accounts and sync.

I suspect that it comes down to how the operator delivers the phone to users. If you want your application to be globally accessible, you must assume that many users will not have a Google account.

Answer 3

Typically, users need a Google ID to use the Android Market. As far as I know, they do not need to use other markets (for example, Amazon). What do you confirm?