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Taken From XDA Portal
For the last few weeks, we have been intensely covering security and privacy issues that involve quite a few of the latest HTC devices (Sensation, EVO 3D, etc). It was discovered by XDA Recognized Developer TrevE that there are multiple apps and services that basically collect all sorts of information about our devices, their usage, and everything that is done on them to later on be sent to some Amazon cloud drive. HTC has come back a couple of times with official statements saying that the apps are indeed harmless and that the information collected is to basically help HTC and the carriers to improve their products and services to us. Moreover, they claimed that, at least, the HTC services can be opted out and they would stop collecting said information. Well, TrevE has been doing a lot of research as of lately and further proved that not only can these services not be turned off by regular means, but also has shown, by doing an experiment in a controlled environment, that the apps are inherently dangerous as they can be easily exploited by virtually any app that has android.permission.INTERNET enabled, which a ton of apps in the market currently do.
The kind of information that can be pulled from the device could be enough, potentially, to clone a device completely if the person receiving this knows how to do it. The app seems to allow the dump of virtually all stats and values by the device. Regardless of HTC’s motives to collect this information, the important part about this, and really the core of the issue, is that the information from these apps can be easily intercepted and sent anywhere to anyone. For the skeptics in the room, TrevE has put together a small demo app (proof of concept) that shows what could potentially happen when this is intercepted. He also has put together a Youtube video that shows exactly what is going on. It seems that the only real way to get rid of these services is by rooting the device and manually removing them, but there is no known way to remove them from an unrooted device.
HTC has been notified about the issue approximately 5 days ago and we are still waiting for a response, which they said they are working on. You will have to keep in mind that this is only the first app that TrevE is working on, and if you remember from previous articles, there are 5 of them. Long story short, you can expect one of these articles on XDA at least once a week for the next month or so.
Well, HTC, as you may see it, this is no longer about us wondering why you are getting our information, but it was discovered that whatever you are using to get it is simply not secure. For the sake of your customer’s privacy, we request that you take the proper measures and release any and all necessary patches to fix this for any and all devices being affected. This is about people’s data falling in the wrong hands, so please we ask that you take action on this soon.
HTCLogger allows any app that has access to android.permission.INTERNET on devices such as the evo3d to obtain full access to query sensitive info such as network/appusagestats/meid/esn/phone#/past 10 location broadcasts and last known locations/and more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoTUkQ7SlNU&feature=player_embedded
You can find the original thread here. Also, you can check if you are vulnerable by using the app found in this thread.
Want something published in the Portal? Contact any News Writer.
Thanks TrevE for the tip!
More links regaurding new findings!!..
http://infectedrom.com/showthread.php/559-Vunerability-1-Android-Security-Elevation
and heres an app to check if you are vulnerable...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17612559&postcount=110
Does this help anyone?! LOL....Im sure NOBODY like BIG BROTHER WATCHING YOU!
lightninbug said:
Does this help anyone?! LOL....Im sure NOBODY like BIG BROTHER WATCHING YOU!
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Well you kind of threw that out the door when you decided to buy an ANDROID device.. didn't ya ? LOL
so if you run something like cyanogen or miui am i right in thinking you would prob not be vulnerable, but custom sense based roms prob would be?
meegs said:
so if you run something like cyanogen or miui am i right in thinking you would prob not be vulnerable, but custom sense based roms prob would be?
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Thats basically what Im thinking.. But who knows...For all we know the STOCK sms app is sending HTC all our texts...think of how many drug dealers/ or other illegal things people do that is uploaded to htc....I For-see a NEW AGE IN CRIME STOPPING upon us...and the general public doesnt even know it.
About the big brother watching you.
Why do you think Android is free? Companies like HTC and Google want you to spend as much time as possible on the internet so you can see the ads that pay their bills. That's the whole idea behind Android, cheap access to the internet so you can use Google products and see their ads. HTC is probably doing something similar here. HTC has access to lots of user data via the phones that they sell. This is valuable data to data miners who can sell their products using this information.
Personally I don't have a problem with this. But if you do it makes sense to stop using the internet
Call me crazy but I quite frankly don't care much about them knowing what apps I run or where my wifi network is located or where my phone has been. I voluntarily share that kind of information with Google in return for making my life easier by allowing my to use services like Google Maps and Google Search. Now if I were a terrorist or someone running from law enforcement I could see how this would bother me a lot more.
Moreover, if this information actually helps HTC improve the user experience on my next device (similar to how it has helped Google improve their services), I'll personally send it to them in a .zip file. It is troubling though that they kind of just take these kinds of stats regardless of your consent.
Anyway, let me know when they start listening in on my phone calls and reading my text messages. Maybe then I'll care more. -_-
EDIT: I still really do appreciate TrevE taking time out of his day to do this research and share his findings with the community.
Guys I think there trying to say that HTC or google is not gathering our info securely,and anyone with the knowledge can intercept our info from google or HTC. Say the president uses a HTC sensation,and a terrorist intercepts the presidents info that is suppose to go to google or HTC. Now that terrorist knows where the president is,etc. See how that's a problem? I sure don't want no crazed lunatic knowing were I'm at,worst,cloning my phone!
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using xda premium
brd912 said:
Guys I think there trying to say that HTC or google is not gathering our info securely,and anyone with the knowledge can intercept our info from google or HTC. Say the president uses a HTC sensation,and a terrorist intercepts the presidents info that is suppose to go to google or HTC. Now that terrorist knows where the president is,etc. See how that's a problem? I sure don't want no crazed lunatic knowing were I'm at,worst,cloning my phone!
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just in case we wondered why the president still uses a crackberry
Another reason to use Cyanogenmod. Yipee!
Sent from my Sensation using Cyanogenmod
I'm running a stock T-Mobile version of sense, rooted and when I installed the app, it says connecton refused, I looked for the app htclog.apk in /system/app and it's not there...
Hi guys,
My sister has two young sons intent on having Father Christmas bring them their first cellphones this year, and have been dropping hints like napalm about the Play being sooooo good for gaming on the move and currently sooo cheap. It looks like she will bow to their wishes against her better judgement. Her main concern is net security and limiting the access that they have to adult content and potential abuse etc on the handset. Can anyone recommend a good app that can limit the type of content a child can access on this handset?
All suggestions welcome and appreciated
I know of nothing like that per-say. But some launchers and apps give you the ability to hide applications. Your friend could just hide the default browser, giving her children no access to the internet.
I wouldn't give them that phone period if as you say it's against the mother's intentions. Children can do with a cheaper phone, and with none at all.
You can hide the internet browser (and any other app like, say, Settings) quickly and easily with Launcher Pro. The Market now allows you to protect purchases with a password... And there are apps which allow you to password-protect any app before running.
That said, shielding children from the interwebs is not exactly a great idea in the long run.
How old are the kids? I recommend them to be atleast 13/12 so they won't lose it..
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
Logseman said:
I wouldn't give them that phone period if as you say it's against the mother's intentions. Children can do with a cheaper phone, and with none at all.
You can hide the internet browser (and any other app like, say, Settings) quickly and easily with Launcher Pro. The Market now allows you to protect purchases with a password... And there are apps which allow you to password-protect any app before running.
That said, shielding children from the interwebs is not exactly a great idea in the long run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that it is at best a bad idea giving young kids a smartphone of that specification, but there's nothing I can do about that now. And yes, shielding kids from the net would be a little unfair as that is one function this thing performs well that they cannot use on, say a Nintendo DSi. These two kids, young as they are, are pretty tech savvy and love to browse the web.
They have a netbook which they share and it has a net nanny on board which has been effective thus far.
My main concern is limiting the amount of access they can have through their web browser on the phone, and keeping their information private and safe. A similar package that might be available from the Android Market? I've looked around the Market myself (X10i's rock, by the way!! ), but haven't seen anything that really serves this purpose. I thought maybe one of you might have been in a similar situation?
With the recent price drop in the Xperia Play (now well under 200 euro in Ireland on top up now), this is going to be a very popular first phone for kids this Christmas and I'm sure there are many other parents who would share the same concerns
Cat_On_Droid said:
How old are the kids? I recommend them to be atleast 13/12 so they won't lose it..
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
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Click to collapse
They are both a little too young in my opinion ( one is twelve and the other fast approaching eleven) to own one of these, but that's really not my decision to make. I'm just their uncle, not their Dad, so I have little or no say. I advised my sister against making this purchase but it fell on deaf ears. So now my priority is about damage limitation and to kid proof their phones instead.
And, honestly, if one, or both of them lose their phones, then I will sleep a lot more soundly! It's a simple enough job to wipe a smartphone remotely so lost data shouldn't be an issue. It would however show they are not yet old nor responsible enough to own a phone and they would have to wait quite a while before getting another! These things don't grow on trees!
The Xperia play is not the hardiest of phones, So you may want to buy a case and put on screen protectors.
Hey man check with the service provider. Most carriers make you get the data package with android phones now, maybe they have a family setting on their end. Personally I blocked the inappropriate stuff from my nieces via our router, but seeing as 3g/4g traffic isn't routed on our end, maybe your service provider may have a setting for it on their end.
DroidWall
But to use it you need to be root and the child could disable it. The best way would be to give them a SIM that doesn't have data access enabled...
But then there is wifi.
How old are the kids ? If they are less than 10, I wouldn't give them a phone at all. If they are more than 10, chances are they have already watched porn and violent scenes so I can't see much of an issue with giving them access to the internet.
I know T-Mobile have an internet security setting... check with the provider
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
adyblers said:
They are both a little too young in my opinion ( one is twelve and the other fast approaching eleven) to own one of these, but that's really not my decision to make. I'm just their uncle, not their Dad, so I have little or no say. I advised my sister against making this purchase but it fell on deaf ears. So now my priority is about damage limitation and to kid proof their phones instead.
And, honestly, if one, or both of them lose their phones, then I will sleep a lot more soundly! It's a simple enough job to wipe a smartphone remotely so lost data shouldn't be an issue. It would however show they are not yet old nor responsible enough to own a phone and they would have to wait quite a while before getting another! These things don't grow on trees!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All networks have a 18+ policy on there networks. Now the only devices or Sims that come with the 18+ lock off is contract phones or Sims as you have to be 18+ to buy one. But on payg phones and Sims the parental lock is automatically and the only way to switch it off is to call the network provider and prove your age by credit card. Debit don't work only credit. But hate to say it. The kids would always be able to find porn by just going onto google images. Unless you turn it on to strict filtering. Now for the data protection and remote lock and wipe I use an app called NetQin. Now it costs £1.50 pm and is done through a text directly from the app. It provides virus scanner, call safety (stops people listening to your calls) web protection (hides your important information while surfing) GPS tracker from there site, remote lock and wipe, and many more. Also the main thing I like. Is if someone else puts there sim in it. It sends a msg to a designated number with the thiefs mobile number, and a msg you setup. I suggest setting it up to say the imei number.
Regards
Blackwatch
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Blackwatch89 said:
All networks have a 18+ policy on there networks. Now the only devices or Sims that come with the 18+ lock off is contract phones or Sims as you have to be 18+ to buy one. But on payg phones and Sims the parental lock is automatically and the only way to switch it off is to call the network provider and prove your age by credit card. Debit don't work only credit. But hate to say it. The kids would always be able to find porn by just going onto google images. Unless you turn it on to strict filtering. Now for the data protection and remote lock and wipe I use an app called NetQin. Now it costs £1.50 pm and is done through a text directly from the app. It provides virus scanner, call safety (stops people listening to your calls) web protection (hides your important information while surfing) GPS tracker from there site, remote lock and wipe, and many more. Also the main thing I like. Is if someone else puts there sim in it. It sends a msg to a designated number with the thiefs mobile number, and a msg you setup. I suggest setting it up to say the imei number.
Regards
Blackwatch
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
18+ locks are useless imo. There will always be apps that get around it like opera mini. That connects to.the internet using a VPN. Rendering all 18+ locks useless
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
Many carriers have porn blocks however if you use opera mini it bypasses it since they are 11/12 they probably already seen it I no i have by then I'm 18 now. There is a app called porn blocker on the market and net nanny hope this helps
Also you should post this in android general not a specific phone since most things for 1 things work on others
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.cloudacl&hl=en
or
http://bit.ly/tyDFXZ
On some routers, and you can block websites with keywords that you input from loading.
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.
AndroHero said:
18+ locks are useless imo. There will always be apps that get around it like opera mini. That connects to.the internet using a VPN. Rendering all 18+ locks useless
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Yes I know that. That is why I said that they will more than likely still be able to find porn. But it all depends what these kids are like. If there little brats (no offence to op) then I would worry about it but if they are well behaved kids and brought up well and taught its naughty and they are doing well at school then I wouldn't worry so much. Most kids aren't interested these days. They mainly want it for games. Also if they want to use the internet then I would just block the web on the phone and just only let them use it when at home. Put a password in market and browser and when at home you type the password in so they can use it indoors on the set up WiFi that stops them from searching or going on adult sites. So when they are out they can only call and play on games. No web. No browser. No market. That is probably your safest option.
Edit: just went on the market there is a browser called safe browser the porn blocker. It blocks adult content and the kids can't change the settings as they need a password so block the market with a password when they go out and then they can't download amother browser. Hope this helps.
Regards
Blackwatch
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
How old are the kids?
When my kids 3 & 6 borrows my phone for gameplaying I always turn off data traffic.
If they are older, root their phones, edit host file and ban all www and .com adresses.
That wont stop them forever but before they figure out how to fix it, they are probably old enough to find pr0n on other ways...
Sent from my LG Optimus 2x using XDA Premium App
He did say in a follow up post how old they were
Sent from my Xperia Play using xda premium
Thanks for your input guys. Plenty to consider there.
adyblers said:
Her main concern is net security and limiting the access that they have to adult content and potential abuse etc on the handset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just send the two kids to China, then they wont be able to access adult contents any more.
**** 'Great Fire Wall'.
i've been told this BEFORE so i will REPEAT it no swearing young people read this forum. and most likely you are younger than 18 aswell. i am 18 so i dont care but some people may be offended
Ok guys i just saw this today and it really got me worried:
http://m.gizmodo.com/5863849/your-android-phone-is-secretly-recording-everything-you-do?autoplay
I'm sorry if i'm breaking a rule by posting this link, but if true, this is something to really worry about! Just read!
Update: here is a link for an app designed to detect and remove it from your android phones
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17612559&postcount=110
Hope it helps!
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Whole post, just in case:
If you have any decently modern Android phone, everything you do is being recorded by hidden software lurking inside. It even circumvents web encryption and grabs everything—including your passwords and Google queries.
Worse: it's the handset manufacturers and the carriers who—in the name of "making your user experience better"—install this software without any way for you to opt-out. This video, recorded by 25-year-old Android developer Trevor Eckhart, shows how it works. This is bad. Really bad.
Update: Nokia wrote to us saying that Carrier IQ's spyware is not included in any of their cellphones.
Fast forward to 9:00 for the damning sequence.
The spying software is developed by a company called Carrier IQ. In their site, the company says they are "the only embedded analytics company to support millions of devices simultaneously, we give Wireless Carriers and Handset Manufacturers unprecedented insight into their customers' mobile experience."
Who has this problem? It seems like a good goal and, indeed, most manufacturers and carriers agree: according to Eckhart, the spyware is included in most Android phones out there.
Eckhart claims that Carrier IQ software is also included in Blackberry and Nokia smartphones too. It probably works exactly the same in those smartphones as well. However, there's no proof showing these problems in those phones. There's no mention about Apple's iPhone.
It also doesn't even matter if your telephone was purchased free of carrier contracts. As Eckhart shows in this video, it's always there.
The problem is that it does a lot more than log anonymous generic data. It grabs everything.
How does it work? Carrier IQ's software is installed in your phone at the deepest level. You don't know it's there. You are never warned this is happening. You can't opt-in and you certainly can't opt-out.
The commercial spyware sits between the user and the applications in the phone so, no matter how secure and private your apps are, the spyware intercepts anything you do. From your location to your web browsing addresses and passwords to the content of your text messages.
This even happens using a private Wi-Fi connection instead of the carrier 3G or 4G connection.
The company denied all this in a public statement (PDF):
While we look at many aspects of a device's performance, we are counting and summarizing performance, not recording keystrokes or providing tracking tools
But the video clearly demonstrates that this is not true: Keystrokes submit unique key codes to Carrier IQ. Even secure connections are intercepted by the spyware, allowing it to record your moves in the open. These connections to the web are encrypted but, since Carrier IQ's spyware sits between the browser and the user, it grabs it and sends it in plain text.
The spyware can even log your location, even if the user declines to allow an app to know where it is. The hidden Carrier IQ app ignores your desires, intercepts the data and gets your location anyway.
What can you do to avoid it? Unfortunately, not much. The hidden spyware is always running, and there's no option in any of the menus to deactivate it. Unless you're a grade-A blackbelt hacker, you're out of luck. Even Eckhart, who is a developer, finds it difficult to remove:
Why is this not opt-in and why is it so hard to fully remove?
It's an excellent question. One that urgently needs an answer, from Carrier IQ but especially from every handset manufacturer and carrier involved in this situation.
The solution to this problem is not installing a custom ROM. That's something that shouldn't be required from consumers, something that normal people will not be willing to do. Products must respect privacy rights out of the box. Consumers must be informed about this the moment they turn on their phones in a clear way. They should have the possibility to opt-in and opt-out whenever they want, with a single click. This matter should be solved now by Carrier IQ, the handset manufacturer and the carriers.
If it isn't solved as soon as possible, authorities in the US and Europe should nail them with everything they have. [Twitter, Android Security Test, EFF and Carrier IQ via Threat Level]
Update from Nokia's PR firm Next15, Gretchen Bender: I know you've followed today's news that software from CarrierIQ has been found on Nokia devices. I wanted to quickly reach out following your story to let you know that in fact, CarrierIQ does not ship products for any Nokia devices. Therefore, these reports are inaccurate.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
I was waiting to see this thread open here. This is a bomb to the platform's reputation.
Does rooting and installing any 3rd party ROM eliminate this?
Also, does this only apply to US carriers and devices?
AOSP mods (including cyanogenmod) don't have carrier IQ since Google didn't do it in the first place. Nor do the Nexus phones..
Nor do a handful of OTHER phones. I'm curious to see just how far that goes. It kinda explains why manufacturers/cell providers are SO insistent on locking firmware though.
Updated OP with link to removal app
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Barzobius said:
Ok guys i just saw this today and it really got me worried:
http://m.gizmodo.com/5863849/your-android-phone-is-secretly-recording-everything-you-do?autoplay
I'm sorry if i'm breaking a rule by posting this link, but if true, this is something to really worry about! Just read!
Update: here is a link for an app designed to detect and remove it from your android phones
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17612559&postcount=110
Hope it helps!
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting the link! l was watching the XDA:TV and Bob was on about this, while playing the video l was searching all over the market place, couldn't find it. Now l did.
Barzobius said:
Ok guys i just saw this today and it really got me worried:
http://m.gizmodo.com/5863849/your-android-phone-is-secretly-recording-everything-you-do?autoplay
I'm sorry if i'm breaking a rule by posting this link, but if true, this is something to really worry about! Just read!
Update: here is a link for an app designed to detect and remove it from your android phones
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17612559&postcount=110
Hope it helps!
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I happened upon it as well here:
http://news.yahoo.com/smartphone-spying-204933867.html
So, a rooted device doesn't have it? That's good news. I'm now thinking of flashing my G2 to get rid of this (if it has it).
Does anyone here know how to find it on the device?
Joe
We have a thread with same topic in General section
A very Powerful Anti-Theft App
The app is always free to download and comes with a 1 week free trial, but a lifetime license is normally $4. I say normally because, as you have likely deduced from the title, the developer is offering free lifetime licenses in celebration of hitting 100,000 users.
To get the license, just download the app and register an account (it requires a username, password, and email address - nothing tricky), then fill out the form and hit Submit. The developers will take care of the rest. The promotion ends with the month (by GMT standards), so better move fast - you only have a few days left!
App: http://goo.gl/12Oye
Website: http://goo.gl/I58Ke
Source: Android Police
I've just reinstalled this. I tried it out back in the early days but was never too impressed. It has come a long way since then though.
The only issue I have with apps like this, including Lookout, is how much information is available to it. Not only does it require permissions to just about everything but if you wanted to (and have root), you can also grant it root access.
You place a lot of trust in the developers of apps like this that your information wont get misused in anyway.
Only 2 more days until its over! Fill out the form now!
hey I filled out the form but didn't get anything in my email do I have to wait more or what?
Do you need to wait for a license to be activated? Filled out the form and haven't received an e-mail and the license status hasn't changed.
Really glad I saw this thread. Was looking for a good security app and I am really impressed by how well cerberus can control your phone.
Edit: sorry I need to slow down a bit. From the website:
All licenses will be activated on March 1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says licenses will be activated March 1st. Read it before you post.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
qccoles said:
It says licenses will be activated March 1st. Read it before you post.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol!
Posted with SwiftKeyX on my CM9 Motorola Photon!
I hopped on this. Was looking for a good standalone app that provided web based methods of access. Thanks. I shared this post on my facebook profile as well to get the word out. I know a couple of co-workers that could of used this including one who did actually lose their phone.
The browser interface is pretty awesome. Couldn't believe how accurate this app is. I'm glad that I finally decided to get on this at the right time!
Just curious if there were any other apps that offered the SMS control that this app does. It's probably the defining feature, since no data = no way to reach your phone. The SMS idea is honestly amazing.
However, I'm curious to see the battery hit (since I would assume it's constantly active). Battery's the main reason why I leave something like webkey off by default...
2hvy4grvty said:
Just curious if there were any other apps that offered the SMS control that this app does. It's probably the defining feature, since no data = no way to reach your phone. The SMS idea is honestly amazing.
However, I'm curious to see the battery hit (since I would assume it's constantly active). Battery's the main reason why I leave something like webkey off by default...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the developer claims there is no battery drain until you activate the app via web commands or sms commands, it's no different than any dormant app on your device. since Cerberus isn't broadcasting anything or doing anything until you tell it to, it's logical that there is no impact on CPU or battery.
i've been using it for a few days now and i can't say my battery drains any faster than usual.
as for another "find my device" app that takes sms commands, avast! mobile security does. i use it regularly for the lost device protection and firewall capabilities. if you don't have google voice, avast will also take care of blocking calls and sms for you too. i have only recently switched to Cerberus because of the free life time service and web interface, avast does not offer a web interface for finding your lost device yet. also, avast will run constantly, due to it's more robust nature. you can install the theft aware portion of avast! and discard the main app though, putting it on par with Cerberus' offering.
really really thanks, I was just looking for something like this!
My free trial ended about 2 months ago and since I am 14 and parents don't trust a 14 year old with a credit card. I couldn't get the life time license but this might be my chance.
Thanks for this awesome offer. Really powerful app. Hope I don't have to use it...
Love this app! I had been using Mobile Defense beta for quite some time as it had a great web UI with options. But this has a lot more options. Personally, it didn't pinpoint my location as great, but that could just be my device (rooted Thunderbolt). Still, it was close and I'm sure with some extra work I'd be able to find my device if it were ever lost.
I like the extra options for rooted users. Mobile Defense had this. The ability to embed it in the ROM is very helpful.
This is feature rich and even without free license offer, I still purchased this because I appreciate all the work that the dev put into this! For that 14yo kid on here, you need to tell your parents to purchase this for you. Any smartphone nowadays is worth $$. My kids have lost phones before and for $4, it's better insurance than having to buy a new phone! So tell your parents this..."buy me the $4 app and keep my phone, that you bought, safe...or pay full/partial price if it gets lost or stolen." To me, as a parent who buys his kids' phones, this is a no-brainer. Not to mention the fact that as a worried parent, I can login and creep my kids' phones to see where they are. Yeah, I do that. Don't judge. When you have teenagers some day, you'll understand.
As far as gripes, the only one I have is that a better How-to/Help section could be way better. I like the Q/A type, but it's short on useful information such as exactly how to use the wipe features. Yes, these are no-brainers, but do I get a chance to cancel if I accidentally hit it? What's the process? Is it like the government nuke big red button? Once you hit, you can't undo? Maybe a better tutorial would be better. Also, exactly how do you use the SMS feature? I found a number embedded in the menu within the app, but the Help section on the website just mentions SMS commands. If I never looked at that number, how would I know how to use this function?
When you write how-to sections, you have to write it from the perspective that you're explaining to someone who has NO IDEA how to use this. If you know the app inside and out, and then create a how-to section, most likely you're going to leave a lot of information out.
Keep up the great work!!
I was wondering if Google was like spying on me on my phone. I have the Google apps that came with my phone (that I don't use) I wanted to know if they could track me with those apps and spy on me and if I should get rid of them. All answers are appropriated thanks!
Sent from my LG-D800 using XDA Free mobile app
maxster95 said:
I was wondering if Google was like spying on me on my phone. I have the Google apps that came with my phone (that I don't use) I wanted to know if they could track me with those apps and spy on me and if I should get rid of them. All answers are appropriated thanks!
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Google collects user information everywhere, your phone is not excluded.
maxster95 said:
I was wondering if Google was like spying on me on my phone. I have the Google apps that came with my phone (that I don't use) I wanted to know if they could track me with those apps and spy on me and if I should get rid of them. All answers are appropriated thanks!
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like FoodAlmighty said they do collect information, i dont think they can see your texts and phone logs, they are able to read your mail on gmail as well. if google were to want to spy on you, what would they do to you? what would they ever want with everyone's information?
Google's motto "Don't be evil".
But can I prevent any of that by uninstalling Google apps well I know I can't full prevent it but can I do anything to lesson the chances? I'm not doing anything I don't want anyone to see but it's just privacy invasion you know?
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maxster95 said:
But can I prevent any of that by uninstalling Google apps well I know I can't full prevent it but can I do anything to lesson the chances? I'm not doing anything I don't want anyone to see but it's just privacy invasion you know?
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No, you can't prevent it. If they want to, they can collect any data they want from your phone.
The only way to keep your privacy is not using any device that can be connected to the internet.
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Alright thanks
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maxster95 said:
Alright thanks
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if there is one, you could probably get a new OS on the device, like firefox OS or ubuntu, but really its nothing to worry about, im sure if google where to do something nasty it would be in the future when they own almost everything xD
Lol true true
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Google spies
Google "spies" on everyone who uses any Google service, and likely any Google product; that's exactly their business model. They sell ad targeting based on your Internet behavior, and a big part of their marketing advantage is that they own a lot of different sites that coordinate their records of your behavior.
The real question is how much to trust them to anonymize things, assuming that the information they gather and collate about you---your likely demographic properties (age, race, sex, occupation, geograhic region of residence, sexual orientation, political leanings, health issues, etc.)---is not in some way passed on to advertisers---or implicitly to people who monitor what ads you're served, without Google having to cooperate.
Don't expect actual privacy on the Internet. Assume that there are data miners out there who notice what ads you are served, and what that indirectly reveals about you, even if Google is not just handing over explicit information about you to the US government in response to secret FISA court orders. Assume that spies know more about you than your spouse does---who you've called at what hours, who you've chatted with, what you've discussed, etc.
Never answer a question on the Internet truthfully, or consistently. "Polls" on websites are mainly a way of targeting you, and selling information about you to advertisers, or to anyone who'll pay for that information, e.g., spy agencies. If you're a conservative, answer liberally half the time, and vice versa. Don't give your real age, or give your real sex more than half the time. Make them work for information about you, and make sure their data sets are full of noise.
Of course, if you do these things---e.g., being inconsistent in answers about your age and sex---that will set off alarms and draw scrutiny.
Welcome to the Kafkaesque 21st century.