title: Google Cloud Messaging for Android library vs. Google Play Services
body: <p>Current <a href="https://developer.android.com/google/gcm/client.html">Google GCM documentation</a> requires you to install Google Play Services and to use them for GCM (Google Cloud Messaging). The library is 1.1MB, yet my current .apk is half that size. My app is intended to receive GCM and display some data on the screen, so I don't need Google Play Services' Maps API, G+ login, etc. Nor I need to be able to respond back to the server after getting GCM.</p>
  
  <p>SDK Manager allows download and installation of standalone Google Cloud Messaging for Android package. It is the one that was used before Google I/O 2013, where Play Services were announced.</p>
  
  <p>My question is: what is the difference in performance between GPS's GCM and standalone GCM for Android? Do I really have to switch to GPS? Is standalone GCM depricated? Can I still receive data (up to 4K) with standalone GCM?</p>