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Amazon tracking me?

Hi all.
I'm an Amazon customer since their early days, 14-15 years for now, and usually get their emails, with book recommendations. Today I got music recommendations, first time ever and very specific. I only had bought one Eminem album from them, few months ago, no other music purchase. Last week I installed their market app on my Xoom, plus 2 free apps. And the last music I played on Xoom, was the group Yello, cd is called "Eccentrix Remixes", 10 days ago. This album is still shown on music widget. If you don't know Yello, it's very, very different from Eminem )))
That's the background. Today I get an email from Amazon, recommending me Yello, Eccentrix Remixes and other albums of the group. This cannot be a coincidence. No music recommendations until now, installed Amazon app, got this one. Does it mean Amazon is tracking my device and my music? I understand they have to do something to cover their expenses for free apps. I don't mind their recommendations when I go to web page and buy something from there. But tracking my music on my own device is a little bit to much for me. To be sure, I'm playing different artist on the Xoom now, will give them a chance to prove me wrong. If I get another "perfect" recommendation, I'm uninstalling their app and free ones from them.
What else they can track? Email, messages, gps?

Yes they do track trends, on PC too, via cookies.
There have been several dodgy attempts at securing details from fraudsters in the past. Just use common sense.
http://www.wizcrafts.net/blogs/2010/07/beware_of_fake_amazoncom_purchase_order_scams.html

I understand PC and cookies. But on mobile devices, without me buying music from them, they track what music I listen to?

ddavtian said:
I understand PC and cookies. But on mobile devices, without me buying music from them, they track what music I listen to?
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Agreed, sounds like a breach of privacy if ever I saw one. May investigate further on this one, seeing as permissions on Droid etc are in the limelight so much lately. Cheers

And you didn't install their Cloud Player or upload any of your music to their Cloud Drive service? That would be pretty sneaky if they are tracking what music you play with another developer's application. And using a Market app to do it. I'd be curious what the EULA for the Amazon Market actually says about privacy.

I have not installed their music player, have not signed up for cloud services, have not done any Amazon activities on my phone/tablet except installing market app and 2 free apps a week ago.
Yesterday I played The Doors on the xoom, now it's on the widget, waiting for next email from Amazon to confirm my suspicion.

I too have installed this app, and downloaded a few free apps. I have not received any recommendations. (but I may have email recommendations turned off? Is that a setting in amazon?) Anyway, after checking it's permissions it can:
STORAGE
--Modify or delete SD card contents
NETWORK COMMUNICATION
--Full internet access
--View network state
PHONE CALLS
--Read phone state
SYSTEM TOOLS
--Automatically start at boot
So, unless the SD card Storage permission allows the app to see what you access in your SD card, I do not see a permission that looks sketchy. I'm sure a Dev can open the app and see exactly what it is capable of if need be.
Perhaps your music player or Widget are the culprits?

I would consider Google a whole lot worse, but there you go.
I would guess that something is linking you to your account, whether it be a previous sign in, cookies, an IP address, or maybe even a 3rd party partnership, I don't know.

[Q] Market - details page cannot be found

Transformer just arrived. All set up and using my existing Google Account.
However, if i click on any paid apps in the market it states 'Sorry, details page for the requested item could not be found' ....
Its let me sync all my other apps, including paid ones, and it recognised my ID ...
what am i missing ??

There are a couple of other threads open on this, it seems that from yesterday some users are starting to experience the same market issues. I have the same problem and it started this morning, i don't think its a problem with your account or set up. I have emailed Google apps, awaiting their reply or a fix from other users.

If I were a betting person I'd say we're not far off an update of the market that will add a proper tablet specific section, just like itunes has for iphone/ipad apps, as any time an app is reported a few times that it's crashing/FC'ing in honeycomb, it seems to get blocked for tablet installations. So maybe it has something to do with a google reshuffle of the way apps are viewed.

stuntdouble said:
If I were a betting person I'd say we're not far off an update of the market that will add a proper tablet specific section, just like itunes has for iphone/ipad apps, as any time an app is reported a few times that it's crashing/FC'ing in honeycomb, it seems to get blocked for tablet installations. So maybe it has something to do with a google reshuffle of the way apps are viewed.
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Click to collapse
You could be right but it is not affecting incompatible apps, it is any paid app, i have installed a few from your thread prior to this issue and now cannot install new ones you have added as compatible e.g. backup pro.

HasC said:
You could be right but it is not affecting incompatible apps, it is any paid app, i have installed a few from your thread prior to this issue and now cannot install new ones you have added as compatible e.g. backup pro.
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Yeah but I'd assume paid apps were on different servers, as they would have more encrypted data, so possibly one section could be affected while the other remains untouched during an upgrade.

stuntdouble said:
Yeah but I'd assume paid apps were on different servers, as they would have more encrypted data, so possibly one section could be affected while the other remains untouched during an upgrade.
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Click to collapse
Mmm... possibly, will have to wait and see, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Just started getting this today too :-(

I was getting this quite a bit last night, but it wasn't only for paid apps. Some free ones had the problem as well. My workaround for a paid app that I hadn't yet purchased was to buy it on my computer and it was automatically sent to my device.

I got it only once today, don't remember which app. But it has worked fine generally.

I got this message on a few different apps last night. I was able to get around it by either hitting the back button instead of OK in the popup. Or by going to the market through the browser and pushing the app to my device. The market app for HC is really lacking at this point. You can't even review apps. Hopefully they will update soon.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

I'm getting this too.
Temporary solution is to download any app from market.android.com and have it manually download from your browser to your tablet.

I can't install from the market web app - get a notice that I "have not opened the market recently on this device" (which I have - I'm in it now..)

Not sure what I want - but I know what's driving me nuts!

I've got a rooted SGS4G. I still have the stock ROM since I run the phone as a PDA.
I got rid of the social and entertainment apps, and rooting was the only way.
Now Google maps is driving me crazy. I just want the coordinates, I live in this town so I know what's around and will not use an entertainment guide, want no part of Latitude. The stupid app just updates everything and I can't move it to the card or get rid of the extras. If I freeze it, Weatherbug Elite isn't happy. It updated yesterday, I undid the update with Titanium, and it updated itself again today.
I just might want a map sometime, so I don't want to delete it.
Anything suggestions about getting control over this stuff?

you realize that places, navigation, latitude are all a part of google maps. if you dont use it, dont put it on your homescreen and you should be good. let maps update because its helpful. use launcher pro or an app that hides apps and hide the app from your app drawer and you're fine.
dont try to mess with it because it is an integral part of the phone...
im not sure if that helps; im not 100% sure what youre trying to do

It doesn't. I don't need the maps - just the coordinates for astronomy and weather.
If I want a map, I'll download from mapquest on the computer and turn it into a pdf. Or use the printed page. I prefer print maps, I don't need a map to navigate.
If I can tell MS to get lost even though they say they own the latest OSs, then I should be able to tell Google the same. I dislike assumption.
I need a hosts file on the phone.

You could be nicer about it so good luck with what you're trying to do. I don't think it can be done to be honest. whiskey or acid may help you out
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium

Backup with titanium, delete with titanium, restore when needed with titanium.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk

I've been doing that. I have a question about TI backup. I told it to delete the Kindle App, and using manage apps on the phone, Kindle is still listed. Did TI actually remove it?
I can't use Kindle as a reader since it's only linked to Amazon's bookstore. I like Manybooks and Gutenberg project and you can't read them on either the Kindle or Nook apps. It's funny that I could read any file on the Nook Wifi I had.
The phone is rooted and unlocked. I use it mostly as a PDA.
I liked the Palm platform and now enjoying Linux. Ubuntu doesn't assume anything. Mine came with Open Office, but if I'd rather use Libre Office, I can delete Open and install Libre.
The carriers, Samsung, and Google are assuming too much in some cases. There's quite a few that would love plain vanilla Android.

I think you see kindle app after uninstalling because you didn't get rid of correspondent .odex files. Until you do, you're going to see a link to kindle on your app drawer.
Sent from my SGS4G using xda forum app

Thanks for that info. I am not familiar with Android extensions.
There's a couple of apps that will allow you to move stuff to the card. I have App2SD and am not impressed. I can understand some of the built in programs not being moved, but I have a financial app that I bought that won't let me move it.
Do any of the other move to sd card apps work any better?
Since I'm rooted, can I use a firewall to stop the updates? I was looking at Droidwall, but I'm not sure about IP tables.
I read in another section about low memory, I've done most of that, and there's still high usage from something.

Missing Market Apps

Hi all, I have read a lot about missing apps in the market, but it seams to me that there is an unusually high number missing from my rooted Kindle....
Could someone please confirm if the following apps are also missing from their market?
Be Weather
Weather Bug
Go Launcher EX
Dolphin Browser HD
Weight Watchers Mobile (the official app)
I see themes for a lot of these, but not the main apps.
Also, I tried the fix.apk file that I have used on my phone, but it didn't get me what I was hoping for. Thanks

Don't have a fire yet, but can confirm from a few other places that these were removed from the Amazon marketplace for the Fire. You can still sideload them though. Seems this was done a few days ago once everyone started posting that this was a way to get rid of the carousel.

I noticed that, too. There's obviously some sort of filtering going on.
//Tapatalk.KindleFire//

dspcap said:
Hi all, I have read a lot about missing apps in the market, but it seams to me that there is an unusually high number missing from my rooted Kindle....
Could someone please confirm if the following apps are also missing from their market?
Be Weather
Weather Bug
Go Launcher EX
Dolphin Browser HD
Weight Watchers Mobile (the official app)
I see themes for a lot of these, but not the main apps.
Also, I tried the fix.apk file that I have used on my phone, but it didn't get me what I was hoping for. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not on mine either. Perhaps since the Fire isn't one the "compatible" list they are not even available to download.

MichaelVash7886 said:
Don't have a fire yet, but can confirm from a few other places that these were removed from the Amazon marketplace for the Fire. You can still sideload them though. Seems this was done a few days ago once everyone started posting that this was a way to get rid of the carousel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have side loaded done apps, but note all work. Thanks
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium

Thanks everyone sounds like the market is also very limited.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium

i have go launcher ex and dolphin hd running right now. I did sideload them, i just did it when i was sideloading all the google apps and such. You might do some apk searches on the web. Otherwise it may take a couple weeks for them to be available for the fire (widgetlocker has already updated for the fire, for example).

The Android Market does not contain all of the available apps. It only contains apps that are compatible for your device. So if you have a Kindle Fire it will only show you apps they are compatible with the KFire. That does not mean that you cannot sideload those apps from the Internet.
But, not all sideloaded apps work though.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium

When I first got my Kindle, I was able to download Go Launcher Ex from the App Store, then when I had a friend get it, it was gone. Ended up sideloading it, but yes, there appears to be a filter.

It really would be quite awesome if there was a way to override this filtering in the android market for those that are rooted. I would love to take my chances.

Google Voice App Receives, but no way to send texts
I read through all FOUR pages of the Kindle Fire forum but did not see anything about this.
I have successfully installed (side loaded) Google Market and Maps on a rooted Fire. I also installed Google Voice (all apk's from my EVO).
GV runs and displays incoming texts, but there is no way to write or send a text. When you click on a text conversation, it opens but there is no text box to write in.
Clicking menu does not give a "compose" option.
Since GV sends texts over the Internet, I am puzzled why this does not work.
I downloaded another texting app and that one does work, but it gives you yet another "phone" number, which just confuses my contacts (they dont know who is texting them).
Anyone got GV working?

Bad news for Google Play Music All Access users.

It appears Google has once again started limiting the number of devices All Access users can deauthorize on an annual basis. This is definitely a problem for us Flashaholics. I searched to see if there was an announcement. I see nothing listed, but I was personally denied removing any devices. Google states I've deauthorized too many devices. I'd hate to go searching for a new music service, but it looks like I have no choice. Your thoughts?

have you
tried using titanium backup pro to revert android ID?

I thought this had been announced a while ago and the limit was 4 times a year or something like that? I remember reading about this before though. Although my understand was that was the limit of deactivating ALL devices and not the individual devices which I thought that was still unlimited. Might have to look around again for that so I can make sure
Edit: I had misread. Here's an article I found from android central http://m.androidcentral.com/google-play-music-now-limits-you-4-mobile-device-deauthorizations-year

I remember the announcement back in August. Shortly after, it was reported Google decided not to implement this policy. Now it appears they decided to enforce their earlier decision.
Sent from my HTC One M8

I used to use Google Play Music just cause I was able to upload my own mp3's, had the same problem of not being able to delete devices...
That's why Spotify is my poison of choice and haven't looked back ever since.. they have about every song I like and more.

kbrn said:
I used to use Google Play Music just cause I was able to upload my own mp3's, had the same problem of not being able to delete devices...
That's why Spotify is my poison of choice and haven't looked back ever since.. they have about every song I like and more.
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Click to collapse
Does Spotify allow all my music that I already have downloaded?
Sent from my Moto X using Tapatalk

mjs2011 said:
Does Spotify allow all my music that I already have downloaded?
Sent from my Moto X using Tapatalk
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I don't have local music stored on my phone.. the downloaded music I have is a few playlists off of spotify for when I'm on a plane and since you can't have your cellphone radios on and even if you could there's no signal..
So I don't know, but I doubt it works as a music player for your local music files..
there's really no need to (unless you have limited data or listening to music on a plane)

kbrn said:
I used to use Google Play Music just cause I was able to upload my own mp3's, had the same problem of not being able to delete devices...
That's why Spotify is my poison of choice and haven't looked back ever since.. they have about every song I like and more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I almost jumped to Spotify, until I read that only one mobile device can be connected at the same time. If one device is connected, and another starts using Spotify, the first device will pause. I can see my 2 teenage daughters getting frustrated trying to figure out why the service keeps pausing. Lol.
Google allows all trusted devices to play at the same time. I'm set for now. Google reset the account for me. This gives me time to research some options.

i had a very screwy incident when i tried to deactivate two devices - i ended up getting two notices that i cancelled my service. i did get to reactivate at the 7.99 price though and got it confirmed that deactivation are not per calendar year, but each deactivation is freed up after 12 months.
i've got my m8 listed twice - once for the GPE rom and the other for the sense ROM. anyone know if there are any problems restoring an ID across different OS versions?

Spotify will sync across all devices on the same account. So it's not useful for a family on one account. It's great for an individual person though. I've had music playing on my PC, opened the app on my phone and changed the song from a different room entirely. Same thing works with my tablet. I was streaming a playlist during a BBQ had a friend complain he didn't like the song but didn't want to get out of the chair to change it. I grabbed my phone and handled it.... like a boss.
But yeah, family plan is not possible with Spotify.
@mjs2011 You can use your local music as well. The only stipulation to that is that you have to have a paid account. You can all your own music plus Spotify music to a playlist on the PC, open the app on your phone and set it to be available offline and Spotify will download all the music from them and your own PC to your phone.

Could just be me, but as long as I removed the devices from inside the mobile app it lets me remove as many as I want. If I try through chrome on my desktop or laptop it tells me I have run out of deactivations. Really strange, but I'll take it.

Slacker101 said:
Could just be me, but as long as I removed the devices from inside the mobile app it lets me remove as many as I want. If I try through chrome on my desktop or laptop it tells me I have run out of deactivations. Really strange, but I'll take it.
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Click to collapse
one of my deactivations was via the web for a phantom tablet (listed twice for rom flashing), the other was via the device that i decided i won't use play music for any more. i got two notifications of cancellation of service and verified on phone that i only had 1 cancellation left until oct this year. maybe there was just a bug on that day.
my m8 is listed twice and my gn10.1 twice.

I am cannot listen to my music anymore... Turns out I have already reached the limit for 4 devices every year. Feels like Google is screwing me. Does anybody have any suggestions? I have already tried this tip Cnet (unable to post link since I am kind of new too XDA), but in my country there are only tech support via email (the other one was with phone call) which I have yet to recieve a response). Any suggestions?

it's sad that google passed the blame on to the music providers for having to implement this, but it's their fault for implementing it so ****ty. even amazon's deactivation is better than this crap.

Metarino said:
I am cannot listen to my music anymore... Turns out I have already reached the limit for 4 devices every year. Feels like Google is screwing me. Does anybody have any suggestions? I have already tried this tip Cnet (unable to post link since I am kind of new too XDA), but in my country there are only tech support via email (the other one was with phone call) which I have yet to recieve a response). Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out this thread. I started using this app recently. This app will backup & restore your device ID. I've flashed many roms since I came across this app. It works as advertised, and doesn't add to my device count in GPMAA.
Here's what I do. Make sure you backup your current rom first. It's just good practice.
1. Download and install app.
2. Run app and backup your device ID.
3. Copy the folder to your SD card. This is so you'll have a copy should you format your internal storage.
4. After flashing your rom and downloading all your apps. Copy the folder to your internal storage. Do not open GPMAA.
5. Run app and restore your previous ID.
6. Profit.
Like I said, I flashed several rom and haven't had any devices added to my list. Worst case you can call Google and nicely ask them to reset your device list.

Lodingi said:
Check out this thread. I started using this app recently. This app will backup & restore your device ID. I've flashed many roms since I came across this app. It works as advertised, and doesn't add to my device count in GPMAA.
Here's what I do. Make sure you backup your current rom first. It's just good practice.
1. Download and install app.
2. Run app and backup your device ID.
3. Copy the folder to your SD card. This is so you'll have a copy should you format your internal storage.
4. After flashing your rom and downloading all your apps. Copy the folder to your internal storage. Do not open GPMAA.
5. Run app and restore your previous ID.
6. Profit.
Like I said, I flashed several rom and haven't had any devices added to my list. Worst case you can call Google and nicely ask them to reset your device list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your answer! I was finally able to get in contact with Google and they reset my device list
But I will test out your tip next time I am flashing and testing out a new ROM! Don't want to experience this again...
Sent from my LG-D855 using XDA Free mobile app

I do this routinely with tibu as part of my flashing process and have never had a problem.

IIRC it uses the same ID for your phone no matter what rom you are on