Related
Hello,
I noticed that several apps I install require that I enable my location/position.
For several of them my location has nothing to do with the purpose of the app.
For instance: Bubble Birds.
I was wondering why??! And also, are the developers using the users' location info for some reasons?
Thank you.
This is something that irks me too, and is often a deciding point on whether I buy/install said app.
I can see it as being used for statistical purposes, but still brings out the conspiracy theorist in me.
I think it might be for ads. Maybe it is for stats though
Sent from my HD7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
The "ID_CAP_LOCATION" capability is included by default when creating a new project. If the location requirement is derived from this, it could mean that many developers just haven't removed it before submission, making it look like the application needs location info. This would probably be pointed out during submission, though. Maybe it's for the ads?
Thank you for all the answers.
I suppose it's not for the ads. I live in France and, luckily, all the ads are totally irrevelant and in English.
arturobandini said:
Thank you for all the answers.
I suppose it's not for the ads. I live in France and, luckily, all the ads are totally irrevelant and in English.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my App, I have a trial mode that uses ads. If you pass the location information to the adControl, it enhances the selection process for the ads and will provide better focused ads, which also enhances money the developers receive.
AFAIK, WP7 doesn't support the ability to say "no" to the location and still use the app. If you decline the location, the application will not run. It would be nice to deny access to Location to the app, and still let the application run.
spokanedj said:
On my App, I have a trial mode that uses ads. If you pass the location information to the adControl, it enhances the selection process for the ads and will provide better focused ads, which also enhances money the developers receive.
AFAIK, WP7 doesn't support the ability to say "no" to the location and still use the app. If you decline the location, the application will not run. It would be nice to deny access to Location to the app, and still let the application run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well they have a very strict policy with the location service, it should be comppetely turned off from within the app if the user desires, i had an app with a button to activate and find the current location and it failed certification since the user could not bypass this button! If the user does not want to supply his location dont press te button and the location service will remain off, but this was not strict enough there should have been an extra switch to deactivate this button....
Weird policy really really weird
Can anyone suggest application that will allow me to see network traffic on my phone?
I’m currently using 3G Watchdog to see what is using my data plan.
What I like to know is why for example Dialer used almost 1 Meg. of data, where was it getting data to/from.
User the one that se supplies... Just search the market for Sony Ericsson. It's called data control I believe.
Sent from my LT15i using xda premium
@wallytax,
It's called Data monitor. But I don't think that's what JarekG is looking for. He's already got 3G Watchdog to monitor his usage.
@JarekG,
I'm sorry mate. Not sure if there's a program which tells you what you wanted.
JarekG said:
Can anyone suggest application that will allow me to see network traffic on my phone?
I’m currently using 3G Watchdog to see what is using my data plan.
What I like to know is why for example Dialer used almost 1 Meg. of data, where was it getting data to/from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn auto sync and etc off...this is what takes most you traffic.
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk
Actually I found one Connection Tracker
I'm using the free version and it's nice.
The paid version allow to save to SD
Some tim ago I used an application named "Shark for Root", which allowed me to captures traffic and save it to a file, just the same way Wireshark does on my PC. It's free ,available on the Android Market. There are two editions, you may choose depending on your rom:
https://market.android.com/details?id=lv.n3o.shark
https://market.android.com/details?id=lv.n3o.sharknative
alvaroag said:
Some tim ago I used an application named "Shark for Root", which allowed me to captures traffic and save it to a file, just the same way Wireshark does on my PC. It's free ,available on the Android Market. There are two editions, you may choose depending on your rom:
https://market.android.com/details?id=lv.n3o.shark
https://market.android.com/details?id=lv.n3o.sharknative
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like this, it's not exactly what I was looking for but I can have some fun with it.
I still don't know what application made the request but I can see something is updating my GPS info (even though my GPS is not on )
I also found a thread in here about that application (but no development for at least a year ) which sucks.
I have an app (calorie counter) that keeps showing a notification there is an update. I don't want to update it because the new permissions seem intrusive (allowing hardware controls - take picture and video).
Does anyone know how I can disable getting a notification about the update?
Cheers,
Open Google play, go to settings and uncheck " notifications" option.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
That will turn off notifications for all apps though, which I'd rather not do.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Gucci.Nexus said:
That will turn off notifications for all apps though, which I'd rather not do.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could use titanium backup to disassociate the app with the Google Play store. I've personally never done it myself, but I think this is the solution you're looking for
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium
Gucci.Nexus said:
That will turn off notifications for all apps though, which I'd rather not do.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also specify it on a per app basis. Just open the app in Google play and uncheck the checkbox.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Petrovski80 said:
You can also specify it on a per app basis. Just open the app in Google play and uncheck the checkbox.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can't
The only check box is for Automatic Updates, not update notifications.
Go to settings, apps, select the app, uncheck notifications.
Solution by using ZipSigner 2
I just came across a solution (android.stackexchange.com/a/25527)
If you've got root access and have the original apk of the version you want to keep at hand (via Titanium backup or copied out of your \data\app folder), you can use ZipSigner 2 to give that apk a different key (auto-testkey).
When you install the apk with its new key, the Play Store will not recognize the installed app and will therefore not try to search or push any updates. :good:
ZipSigner 2 is available for free in the Play Store: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kellinwood.zipsigner2
If you have root, you can simply use ti backup to detach an app from the market.
It was assumed op doesn't have root though.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Petrovski80 said:
If you have root, you can simply use ti backup to detach an app from the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was my understanding that detaching an app in Titanium does not work anymore since an update from Google Play has more checks on the server side.
http://www.titaniumtrack.com/changelog/titanium-backup/4-8-4-1
Djezpur said:
I just came across a solution (android.stackexchange.com/a/25527)
If you've got root access and have the original apk of the version you want to keep at hand (via Titanium backup or copied out of your \data\app folder), you can use ZipSigner 2 to give that apk a different key (auto-testkey).
When you install the apk with its new key, the Play Store will not recognize the installed app and will therefore not try to search or push any updates. :good:
ZipSigner 2 is available for free in the Play Store: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kellinwood.zipsigner2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this. What a quick and easy solution. Now I can keep the old Foursquare without getting it automatically updated to that new version.
Please note: ZipSigner 2 does not require root!
The solution probably still works. Thanks for the hint!
Now I did test it.
1. Use App Backup and Restore to save the apk
2. Use Zipsigner to give the apk a different autokey
3. Uninstall original app
4. Install the apk modified by Zipsigner, you may need some file manager like TotalCommander for this
It is all possible without root and works well
Gucci.Nexus said:
I have an app (calorie counter) that keeps showing a notification there is an update. I don't want to update it because the new permissions seem intrusive (allowing hardware controls - take picture and video).
Does anyone know how I can disable getting a notification about the update?
Cheers,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this is an old thread. And I understand that Ti Backup used to work for detaching an app from Play Store. But I also understand that this works no longer. For those who are interested, I have created an app that does a pretty good job of this. It is called Hide Updates In Play Store. There is a video showing the app at work. It does require a rooted device. Thanks
Let me summarize:
- it costs money
- it needs root
- it needs an additional app
- the solution may not persist if you uninstall the controlling app
All these disadvantages can be avoided by reading just one posting higher ...
tag68 said:
Let me summarize:
- it costs money
- it needs root
- it needs an additional app
- the solution may not persist if you uninstall the controlling app
All these disadvantages can be avoided by reading just one posting higher ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are, of course, correct in the disadvantages. But the above method has its own limitations:
1) I wonder how/if it will work with system apps unless you have root. For instance, I actually wanted to get rid of updates to Google Search since later versions hose-up Utter.
2) It is something of a pain to "undo" since you will loose any settings or data (unless you are VERY CAREFUL) related to the app when you uninstall the "fake-signed" app and re-install the "real" app. Of course, this would also happen during the install of the "fake-signed" app in the first place. In some cases, this may be trivial but in others, it may not. And App Backup/Restore - which I use - fine app - only processes the .apk file.
3) It requires a minimum 2 apps be installed.
4) It isn't terribly easy to do. Developers would likely be able/willing to handle this - or even know what signing is or what to do. But how about others? The first one would be hardest for sure.
Like my solution, it also seems not likely to work with paid apps or apps having in-app purchases. I am not 100% sure, but would guess that the re-signing will mess up most Play Store license checking. Indeed, App Backup/Restore handles these differently and with far less functionality.
Still, for someone who is willing to do it and for those lacking root, the solution suggested above seems like it will work and those who are rooted can certainly save that $1 which can be used to make a one-time purchase of maybe 1/2 cup of coffee at the nearest Starbucks
Cheers!
David, if you would have mentioned the possibility of resigning in the description of your app, maybe even give the manual how to do without your app, I'd much more be willing to believe and support you.
Without that hint it has a little smell of betraying for me, not showing people who do not know better or do not have root that there are cost-free alternatives. But probably I have just to admit that you seem to be good at selling. I usually don't like people who are good at selling.
tag68 said:
David, if you would have mentioned the possibility of resigning in the description of your app, maybe even give the manual how to do without your app, I'd much more be willing to believe and support you.
Without that hint it has a little smell of betraying for me, not showing people who do not know better or do not have root that there are cost-free alternatives. But probably I have just to admit that you seem to be good at selling. I usually don't like people who are good at selling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, I developed and posted my app on Play Store before I even saw this forum thread with its reference to resigning apps. So I was not aware at the time.
Second, I still have not even tried to confirm that the re-signing approach will work (although I can see that it might). I will take the word of the person who posted this technique that it does indeed work. But I now have a solution that I like and use. So I have no real need to find and test other solutions.
Third, there are often many possible solutions to a given problem. In fact, my original approach to this particular problem was done via Tasker and shell scripts. It worked but was not particularly user friendly. I tried to remedy that in my app. It seems you are saying that a person (me) choosing to implement one possible solution must also run down, verify, and advertise all other approaches. If so, I think that is a bit ridiculous and would appreciate a list of examples of app authors who are doing this who you do "believe and support." I do not think it is very common.
Fourth, I found this thread via a google search. I think it is fair to believe others will as well if they are seeking alternative approaches. So they too can learn about the resigning approach and decide for themselves how to proceed. I never claimed (here on in my app) that mine is the only approach. I never say it is the "best" approach. I do not denigrate proponents of other approaches. I only implemented one approach that seemed reasonable to me. I posted here so others who suffer from this weakness in Play Store can, if they wish, can check it out for themselves. Play Store gives buyers 2 hours or so to test the solution and decide if it works for them. If not, they are free to return the app and cancel the sale and charge.
Fifth, if you check my list of apps on Play Store, you will see that they are all very small apps and all are either free or very low cost. All of these apps were the result of my trying to resolve situations that I found personally irritating. I then thought that maybe others would find them useful as well. If you look at the number of installs for all of my apps combined, I think you will find that I am NOT at all good at "selling". Indeed, if the net proceeds from all of my paid apps combined exceeded much more than $300 total it would be a miracle. With programming, testing, and support time this likely works out to be maybe $0.10 per hour. I figure the market for this app will be no larger than my previous apps and at $1 per sale, it will be a while before I can use the proceeds to buy even a six pack of beer (especially after Google takes their cut). So I can hardly be considered a successful salesman. If only that were true! I do sell some of my apps. But truth be told I really do this, not for the money, but so I can show some revenue to the tax authorities so they permit me to write off some computer-related expenses.
I am sorry you feel "betrayed" by me somehow. And I am sorry that you have somehow decided that you don't like me for the rather limited reasons you have managed to list here. I really do not think I have given you or anyone else cause to reach such conclusions. It really makes me kind of sad. But you are entitled to your opinions and I will leave it at that as I walk away in wonder.
You admit that you googled where you could post ads for your app, did not even have a look what was last written in the thread and then sent your ad? In my opinion that IS Spam, nothing else ...
So thank you for the offer, and for staying away from this thread in future. For everyone who needs a good working solution free of cost and less use of resources but with a bit more manual handling of apk-files, have a look at posting #13 of this thread.
Djezpur said:
I just came across a solution (android.stackexchange.com/a/25527)
If you've got root access and have the original apk of the version you want to keep at hand (via Titanium backup or copied out of your \data\app folder), you can use ZipSigner 2 to give that apk a different key (auto-testkey).
When you install the apk with its new key, the Play Store will not recognize the installed app and will therefore not try to search or push any updates. :good:
ZipSigner 2 is available for free in the Play Store: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kellinwood.zipsigner2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank-you! That worked like charm!!
Ok,
The nexus 7 is my very first tablet that I bought last week.
I need to keep Google at bay to some degree and guard my privacy. My tablet is not rooted but I need a top notch privacy application.
A link to an xda post about the best Nexus 7 apps would be nice too.
I chose the Nexus 7 to avoid the Vendor bloatware/crud but Google had movie, books and other crud to remove. Sheesh!
klepto said:
Ok,
The nexus 7 is my very first tablet that I bought last week.
I need to keep Google at bay to some degree and guard my privacy. My tablet is not rooted but I need a top notch privacy application.
A link to an xda post about the best Nexus 7 apps would be nice too.
I chose the Nexus 7 to avoid the Vendor bloatware/crud but Google had movie, books and other crud to remove. Sheesh!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(You should have posted in General or Q/A Thread about this) but what exactly are you looking for? Everyone seems to be worried about Google's Privacy issues, and I'm not sure why.
Movies and books are a big reason why people buy tablets..
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
You can just disable them if you want.
Opethsgh747 said:
Movies and books are a big reason why people buy tablets..
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And in my opinion Google's apps work pretty well anyways.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
klepto said:
Ok,
The nexus 7 is my very first tablet that I bought last week.
I need to keep Google at bay to some degree and guard my privacy. My tablet is not rooted but I need a top notch privacy application.
A link to an xda post about the best Nexus 7 apps would be nice too.
I chose the Nexus 7 to avoid the Vendor bloatware/crud but Google had movie, books and other crud to remove. Sheesh!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I share your sentiments. Unfortunately it is hard to do without rooting.
If you don't want your calendar and contacts on Google, be sure to turn off "sync" in their settings. Turn off sync in all apps you don't want to share with the world. Use Adaway app.
Avoid Google searches and use DuckDuckGo or Ixquick instead.
LBE security suite, firewall apps (I use Avast but there are others) help.
Look at Xposed Framework installer (there's an xda thread) and the XPrivacy Module.
Hope this helps.
Anderson2 said:
I share your sentiments. Unfortunately it is hard to do without rooting.
Look at Xposed Framework installer (there's an xda thread) and the XPrivacy Module.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard that there are some risks involved with that application I broke down and rooted my Nexus 7 and installed AppOpsX. Is the app you suggest much better?
Not familiar with with Appopsx. Sorry.
Have had no problems with what I recommended.
Anderson2 said:
Not familiar with with Appopsx. Sorry.
Have had no problems with what I recommended.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xprivacy is excellent but as soon as I enabled the module SuperSu went nuts and wouldn't allow root access for other apps.
Interesting. Doesn't do it on my Nexus 7 2013 with Android 4.3. Maybe something on KitKat.
I would suppose so as I enabled shell access with Xprivacy.. I'll keep testing.. It's too great to give up on.
Xprivacy is great, it is working fine with Cyanogenmod 11. I have to tweak it every now and then but it is far and above better than any privacy based app I've ever used.
Don't forget to wear your tinfoil hat. Lol.
Out of curiosity, what exactly are you worried about?
Actually it should be obvious, if you go to your Google account via desktop Google has a log of where you have been via GPS. It has voice prints from Google Now, it keeps wifi passwords and much much more. I don't work for Google so I don't know how trustworthy they are with other people's data. I wouldn't want any company to have all my information at their fingertips.
Some companies sell your information, others use it to profile you so that they can show ads that are closer to your liking. Trust is everything.
@klepto You can close location reporting, and it won't have a log of where you've been. I don't know what a "voice print" is, but google now is all about collecting information about you, i know this answer is frustrating but if you want privacy don't use google now. It keeps wifi passwords for your convenience, who would google sell your wifi password, your neighbour? Every company you ever used have all information you give them at their fingertips, but they cannot use it as they like because you are protected by law, you are not trusting and you shouldn't trust any company, you are trusting the law. As for the OP, first decide which information you want to hide from them, for example are you trying to hide your searches, or your messages etc, then search/use the app that hides it. There is a project like this if you are interested: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1715375
klepto said:
Actually it should be obvious, if you go to your Google account via desktop Google has a log of where you have been via GPS. It has voice prints from Google Now, it keeps wifi passwords and much much more. I don't work for Google so I don't know how trustworthy they are with other people's data. I wouldn't want any company to have all my information at their fingertips.
Some companies sell your information, others use it to profile you so that they can show ads that are closer to your liking. Trust is everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's hardly important, or a big deal though. If you're concerned about what they do/can do with the data, read their policies.
Dan1909 said:
It's hardly important, or a big deal though. If you're concerned about what they do/can do with the data, read their policies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with the OP. Many others do too. Privacy may be a thing of the past but one can try.
When identify theft becomes more rampant than it already is, more effective privacy laws will probably be enacted. Till then, some of us prefer to lock our home's front doors - even though we are well aware that they can be kicked open. Not everyone has joined the Facebook groupies who share all their private moments for all to see.
Anderson2 said:
I agree with the OP. Many others do too. Privacy may be a thing of the past but one can try.
When identify theft becomes more rampant than it already is, more effective privacy laws will probably be enacted. Till then, some of us prefer to lock our home's front doors - even though we are well aware that they can be kicked open. Not everyone has joined the Facebook groupies who share all their private moments for all to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you though, privacy is important.
However, the information google use/take isn't ever going to cause an issue to my life, so there's no reason for me to get worked up worrying about nothing. So what if they have some records of where I've been, or any wifi passwords I've let them save, what negatives can actually happen arising from that?
Fair enough if it's just a matter of principle, but there's no actual need to worry about anything happening.
Dakura said:
@klepto You can close location reporting, and it won't have a log of where you've been. I don't know what a "voice print" is, but google now is all about collecting information about you, i know this answer is frustrating but if you want privacy don't use google now. It keeps wifi passwords for your convenience, who would google sell your wifi password, your neighbour? Every company you ever used have all information you give them at their fingertips, but they cannot use it as they like because you are protected by law, you are not trusting and you shouldn't trust any company, you are trusting the law. As for the OP, first decide which information you want to hide from them, for example are you trying to hide your searches, or your messages etc, then search/use the app that hides it. There is a project like this if you are interested: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1715375
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem with that thinking is that 1 your expecting them to obey the laws and 2 you don't know what level of protection they or their partners that they share your info with have in place, and how easily it can be uses to steal your identity. What is a internet the if "is" your neighbor we give out our email address freely with that if they hax Google they can now remotely access your WiFi and put a keystroke logger on your network. Sounds a bit far fetched but just think just because you live in a good neighborhood don't you still lock your doors at night?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Since I am new I have spent the last few hours reading posts on the XDA site so that once I make my post hopefully I won't get attacked with "that information is/was listed on" or "I've already posted that" or "you should read previous information before posting". I'm sure you get the idea. Anyway, I can't find any consensus on having virus/malware/spyware/adware installed on the Note 2014 or Galaxy SIII. Even amongst senior moderators. I've ready the links some have attached to their emails and still no consensus. Do mobile devices need them or is it just "scare tactics" as one article referred to them as. Forgive me for saying this and no name calling please, but I come from a long line of BlackBerry devices before switching to android. I haven't switched my contacts and calendars over to my tablet or phone yet because BB was known for its security protections. I didn't have to give apps half as many permissions as I do in the play store and the app would still work!
Also please help me understand how you can tell if an app from the play store is a "safe" app or not? I can't base it on names I know since as most of you probably already know BB didn't have a great app selection and didn't support android unless you rooted your tablet.
Can I get some feedback from a moderator please.
to know if any app is safe or not is reading permission list before install it...
and as far as i know there is no reason to install antivirus in android device... it wil make your device very slow...
What are some of the things to look out for when apps ask for permissions?
Well there are different things. A game does not need to read your contacs, nor your gps. But most android apps are using more permissions as they would need. My advice is : download only the apps you need and not every junk...
Gesendet von meinem GT-I9505 mit Tapatalk
Any app that has been in the playstore for a reasonable amount of time, has a reasonable amount of downloads and you guess it reasonable rating will be perfectly safe.
Obviously people will have different thoughts as to what reasonable is but if you're new to Android. Google best Android apps for doing "This" and you'll get heaps of suggested apps that have been tried and tested and are perfectly safe.
Do that and no you won't need antivirus but follow the same rules you wouldd with a PC..... opening links in dodgy email etc.
You shouldn't have any problems browsing the web either, even with "unknown sources" ticked you still have to give the app permission to install.
Also this tablet has a fair amount of resources available, if it was going to put your mind at ease I don't think getting an antivirus app like AVG (most recommended I think) is going to have a noticeable or at least only minimal effect on performance.