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Hey guys,
I've been keeping an eye on a task manager in Android lately, and here's why. A bunch of mainstream apps seem to be running long running services that are constantly chugging away at something in the background. These are the kinds of apps that should do fine without any such service. In fact, almost all my apps run a service, but that's because they need to in order to perform a function the user expects to be completed (for example keeping the screen on). The apps I'm talking about are apps like Snapchat, Facebook messenger, Instagram, Google Play Services (I'm aware other apps can call on this as well). I would understand if they did something once in a while but sometimes they just won't go away, constantly running the CPU for who knows what (they aren't idle). This is surely impacting battery life on my rapidly aging Nexus 5. Apart from using something like Greenify to in-effect kill the processes from coming back, are there any other solutions? If you do that you stop getting notifications, the app loses it's place when you do finally go back into it, etc.
Why are such mainstream apps being designed with such bad management? I think it's because that's clearly not a priority for them, user engagement is, but I'm curious what you think.
Hi all,
I had the suspicion for some time now that my Android phone is somehow collecting private information without my knowledge and using it to bombard me with ads but I wasn't sure how. I know that google is reading my emails, my calendars and has access to my data stored on Google Drive but today something totally weird happened. I was watching a video clip on YouTube when suddenly the clip paused and an ad show up about a salve I was discussing about the night before with my girlfriend. This cannot be a coincidence! The phone was during the conversation on Standby mode.
I've found some articles and even some videos on YouTube regarding this topic so I'm not paranoid.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Meanwhile I have deactivated microphone permission for all google apps but I doubt this is enough. What else can I do to stop it if it is really true?
I have stock ROM from Honor installed, would it be helpful to install a custom ROM?
droidis said:
Hi all,
I had the suspicion for some time now that my Android phone is somehow collecting private information without my knowledge and using it to bombard me with ads but I wasn't sure how. I know that google is reading my emails, my calendars and has access to my data stored on Google Drive but today something totally weird happened. I was watching a video clip on YouTube when suddenly the clip paused and an ad show up about a salve I was discussing about the night before with my girlfriend. This cannot be a coincidence! The phone was during the conversation on Standby mode.
I've found some articles and even some videos on YouTube regarding this topic so I'm not paranoid.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Meanwhile I have deactivated microphone permission for all google apps but I doubt this is enough. What else can I do to stop it if it is really true?
I have stock ROM from Honor installed, would it be helpful to install a custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google, Amazon, etc do pay a lot of attention to what you do online, which can seem a little intrusive. But we're not quite at the stage yet of people being listened to for the purposes of advertising.
It would be very labour-intensive, kill your battery and wreck your data. Not to mention the massive backlash from the public if and when it was discovered.
It's not impossible that some malware could be made which does listen to you, but it's not going to be an official Google app.
But, if you're still worried, deactivating microphone permission will stop the apps from being able to hear anything. There's no way to sidestep this to my knowledge. If an app doesn't have permission to use the mic, it can't use it.
Ticklefish said:
Google, Amazon, etc do pay a lot of attention to what you do online, which can seem a little intrusive. But we're not quite at the stage yet of people being listened to for the purposes of advertising.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree. If you know someone who has a Google Home or Amazon Alexa product, ask them if they've had a similar experience. I know people who have those products, and they had a similar experience as OP.
Eavesdropping via Google Home/Amazon Alexa is a little different than eavesdropping on private phone conversations, because you must give Google Home/Amazon Alexa explicit permission to listen in order for it to work. However, I would not be surprised if Google monitors phone calls/texts in some manner to tailor advertisements.
answers
Google, Amazon, etc do pay a lot of attention to what you do online, which can seem a little intrusive. But we're not quite at the stage yet of people being listened to for the purposes of advertising.
http://qz.com/1145669/googles-true-...nd-nsa-research-grants-for-mass-surveillance/
http://www.theverge.com/2018/8/13/17684660/google-turn-off-location-history-data
https://video.foxnews.com/v/5731183327001/
Ads are being fed to users based on their voice content, online searches, etc. It is easy for machines to convert voice to text nowadays. That text is analysed for any text or phrase. Been going on for years with our spied-on phone calls and emails. Just see some YouTube videos for realtime subtitles in various languages for proof that this is done routinely.
Cameras, wifi, cellular and GPS are activated without our knowledge or permission routinely by OS, games and apps. Info is sent to Google and third parties when online. If your device is filled with Google's own battery-sucking apps, forget any semblance of privacy, I reckon. If your front camera is not covered...you are probably a sitting duck. You can buy camera covers on ebay if you want to be selective about when it's OK, these have a slider, otherwise consider taping it over. Same with your laptop.
If you are using Google Services or using Google Apps then I think you are a sitting duck ready to take some bullets. Much like Apple and Microsoft users are. To be fair, that is probably 99.99% of device owners.
Third-party apps and games do it too. So there's that. Your data is siphoned-off and sent over the interwebs by them.
Is your device rooted? If not, I'd recommend using a device that has TWRP for it, so you can more cleanly root it without resorting to more questionable root software with its own spyware. I'd recommend making a TWRP back-up before heavily uninstalling apps.
I'd recommend downloading open-source apps on f-droid.org. With a root uninstaller you can uninstall many things they normally don't let you: like all the Google spyware apps and components. Also things that you don't see listed under your Apps. Disabling Google apps doesn't stop them running. Uninstalling them then removing leftover files is a far better approach. For that you'll want a root uninstaller and a root file manager. Some uninstallers are better than others.
Trusting Google's own Permissions thing was always a bit like entrusting your kid to the local paedophile, to me. Google have CIA origins (and backing) and NSA funds keeping them primed. Do you know what just these 2 do worldwide? Unspeakable horrors. Consult William Blum or Susan Lindauer for starters.
I'd consider an open-source keyboard from f-droid.org. Like AnySoftKeyboard. I'd.consider replacing all default stock apps, including the Launcher.
The following has been safely removed by me after rooting my devices (various Mediatek-based Lenovo tablets):
Android Live Wallpapers, Android Work Assistant, Basic Daydreams, Black Hole, BSPTelephonyDevTool, Bubbles, Calculator, Calendar, Calendar Storage, Certificate Installer, Chrome, Clock, com.android.backupconfirm, com.android.browser.provider, com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks, com.android.sharedstoragebackup, com.android.wallpaper.holospiral, com.huaquin.factoryservice, com.mediatek, com.mediatek.voiceexztension,ConfigUpdater, Contacts, Contacts Storage, Device Service, dongle,Drive, DRM Protected Content Storage, Email, Exchange Services, FactoryKit Test, FM Radio, FTPrecheck, Fused Location, FwkPlugin, FWUpgrade, Gallery, Gamestore, Gmail, Google Account Manager, Google Backup Transport, Google App, Google Calendar Sync, Google Keyboard, Google One Time Init, Google Partner Setup, Google Play Movies, Google Play Music, Google Play services, Google Play Store, Google Services Framework, Guvera Music, Hangouts, Launcher3, Lenovo ID, Maps, Market Feedback Agent, McAfee Security, MmsService
Mobile Data, Mobile Network Configuration, MTKFloatMenu, MTK Logger, MTK NLPService, Music Visualisation Wallpapers, MusicFX, PacProcessor, Permission Control, Phone, Photos, RawDataTEst, RunInRebootSystem, Schedule power on & off, Search Applications Provider, Setup Wizard, SHAREit, Skype, SmartcardService, Sound Recorder, SYNCit HD, System Update, Tap the Frog HD, Tedongle Settings, Twitter, UC Browser HD, UpgradeSys, Vcalendar, VoiceCommand, Volidation Tools, YGPS, YouTube
Some of thistuff might be needed for phones but I use a tablet. All the telephony stuff is uninstalled.
If i need an app from Google's Spyware Play Store I use sites like https://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/ to download the APK directly without signing in to Google's Spyware Store infrastructure (since no Google apps are installed on my device). Otherwise f-droid.org caters to 95+% of my needs.
AdAway is one of the first things I install, along with a decent firewall like AfWall+
Xprivacy deserves some of your attention as do these apps from Tibor Kaputa https://simplemobiletools.github.io/
many apps don't actually need Google play services to run properly. It's a huge battery hog, and since I only use the very occasional maps, and I check for app updates manually already anyway. I have it frozen with no ill effects for what I normally use, and enable when needed.
The only problem is that popup saying to enable them or the app won't run. I can disable notifications for Zedge and I don't care, but for something like my texting app, if I disable those ones I won't know about new messages either. The texting app itself, of course, runs just fine as well.
Please don't preach about how essential those services are, I know most users rely heavily on them. My situation is rare, I know that. Just looking to save battery without the hassle of those pretend warnings.
Pawprints1986 said:
many apps don't actually need Google play services to run properly. It's a huge battery hog, and since I only use the very occasional maps, and I check for app updates manually already anyway. I have it frozen with no ill effects for what I normally use, and enable when needed.
The only problem is that popup saying to enable them or the app won't run. I can disable notifications for Zedge and I don't care, but for something like my texting app, if I disable those ones I won't know about new messages either. The texting app itself, of course, runs just fine as well.
Please don't preach about how essential those services are, I know most users rely heavily on them. My situation is rare, I know that. Just looking to save battery without the hassle of those pretend warnings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe, instead of freezing Google Play Services, you can manage the individual services that it has running(I can't remember the name of the app used to disable in-app services) to disable the battery hogging services while leaving the rest of the services going. This might trick the system into detecting that Google Play Services is running(this might stop the error message), but the services that are running will use very little battery(depending on which services you disable).
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
Maybe, instead of freezing Google Play Services, you can manage the individual services that it has running(I can't remember the name of the app used to disable in-app services) to disable the battery hogging services while leaving the rest of the services going. This might trick the system into detecting that Google Play Services is running(this might stop the error message), but the services that are running will use very little battery(depending on which services you disable).
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only issue with going that way is I've never found a comprehensive list as to what each service is needed for (for my needs mainly the play store, but also the occasional maps). Those are the only 2 things that truly don't run properly with all of those services stopped. With the apps I currently use that is. I know things could change, but for now at least...
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Today I was on my Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact, reading Facebook (using the Android Facebook app).
I was reading a bicycle forum, and replied to a thread regarding a local landmark.
I decided to double-check I was getting the name right, so I went to the Google search widget, and started typing the name of the landmark. The landmark is called "Hawk Hill" - I typed "ha" and "Hawk Hill" popped up as the first suggestion.
Now, that seems way too damned coincidental for it not to have been Google services scanning what I type in other apps.
I've searched here for discussions on what kinds of spying Google does; I mean, I know they scan data in their own apps, examine my search history, look at what web sites I've visited, etc. I don't love that, but I can live with it.
However, Google spying on my Facebook app? Really? I thought that the terms of service don't allow Google services to spy on non-Google apps. I could believe that they might see what websites I visit, but on an SSL-encrypted connection, how could they be reading the data exchanged?
Has anyone been following what the current state of Google spying on user activity is, especially vis a vis "always on listening" on the mic, or spying on other apps data?
- Tim
G-Works
tbessie said:
Today I was on my Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact, reading Facebook (using the Android Facebook app).
I was reading a bicycle forum, and replied to a thread regarding a local landmark.
I decided to double-check I was getting the name right, so I went to the Google search widget, and started typing the name of the landmark. The landmark is called "Hawk Hill" - I typed "ha" and "Hawk Hill" popped up as the first suggestion.
Now, that seems way too damned coincidental for it not to have been Google services scanning what I type in other apps.
I've searched here for discussions on what kinds of spying Google does; I mean, I know they scan data in their own apps, examine my search history, look at what web sites I've visited, etc. I don't love that, but I can live with it.
However, Google spying on my Facebook app? Really? I thought that the terms of service don't allow Google services to spy on non-Google apps. I could believe that they might see what websites I visit, but on an SSL-encrypted connection, how could they be reading the data exchanged?
Has anyone been following what the current state of Google spying on user activity is, especially vis a vis "always on listening" on the mic, or spying on other apps data?
- Tim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lool that's the point of google company lol... get custom ROM and don't install gapps, lol even facebook is spying on your activities, even your personal data aka phonebooks, messagess, etc... where did you live all these years lool...
Don't get me wrong but all that gapps and others social apps were make that way. that's the price of your digital life.. you become a product.
I'll never gonna use that [email protected], spyware, datamining, etc in my life.. get custom ROM and don't install [email protected] and you'll be safe.
Respect your privacy and your device.
Good luck and stay safe.
tbessie said:
Today I was on my Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact, reading Facebook (using the Android Facebook app).
I was reading a bicycle forum, and replied to a thread regarding a local landmark.
I decided to double-check I was getting the name right, so I went to the Google search widget, and started typing the name of the landmark. The landmark is called "Hawk Hill" - I typed "ha" and "Hawk Hill" popped up as the first suggestion.
Now, that seems way too damned coincidental for it not to have been Google services scanning what I type in other apps.
I've searched here for discussions on what kinds of spying Google does; I mean, I know they scan data in their own apps, examine my search history, look at what web sites I've visited, etc. I don't love that, but I can live with it.
However, Google spying on my Facebook app? Really? I thought that the terms of service don't allow Google services to spy on non-Google apps. I could believe that they might see what websites I visit, but on an SSL-encrypted connection, how could they be reading the data exchanged?
Has anyone been following what the current state of Google spying on user activity is, especially vis a vis "always on listening" on the mic, or spying on other apps data?
- Tim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Tim,
Let me start by saying that I am not in favor of all these practices and I do not like that these companies use our information however they please.
That said I will try to be as impartial as possible
"I've searched here for discussions on what kinds of spying Google does; I mean, I know they scan data in their own apps, examine my search history, look at what web sites I've visited, etc. I don't love that, but I can live with it."
You can look at myActivity (google it) and see all the data they have collected from you, you can delete it, pause the data collection (partially) or even have it deleted only after a few months.
They do everything you just said, and much more.
"However, Google spying on my Facebook app? Really? I thought that the terms of service don't allow Google services to spy on non-Google apps. I could believe that they might see what websites I visit, but on an SSL-encrypted connection, how could they be reading the data exchanged? "
Well technically all they did was read your clipboard, which if you're using gboard , they can.
Also note that Facebook will not work without Google's cloud services installed on the phone, so there is already a comunication overlay between the two services .
You can try to take some control back by using a different keyboard , using the web browser version of facebook and/or installing blokada wich will block not only ands but some of the more intrusive trackers they use .
if you have any questions or observations , please tell me!
FB is spyware... and malware.
I ditch it after a month over 12 years ago.
Wouldn't call any of this spying, just an auto/smart suggestion based on your browsing/typing history. Also doubt Google is reading everytging from your Facebook app to make these suggestions.
If you are using gboard, that most likely is how this suggestion was made. If you aren't using gboard then it would be a bigger mystery. Either change keyboard or look into keyboard settings and turn off suggestion/autocomplete/learning and similar "smart" settings.
Also, got rid of intrusive Facebook years ago...
drnightshadow said:
Lool that's the point of google company lol... get custom ROM and don't install gapps, lol even facebook is spying on your activities, even your personal data aka phonebooks, messagess, etc... where did you live all these years lool...
Don't get me wrong but all that gapps and others social apps were make that way. that's the price of your digital life.. you become a product.
I'll never gonna use that [email protected], spyware, datamining, etc in my life.. get custom ROM and don't install [email protected] and you'll be safe.
Respect your privacy and your device.
Good luck and stay safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a lot of lols and lools.
You're not telling me anything I don't already know. If you'll reread my post, I was asking for info on the specifics of what types of spying are KNOWN and verified to be occurring - what is google spying on? What is the mechanism of action? Are they recording every keystroke, reading every encrypted stream, reading all app data, etc? What info is exchanged between Android/google and other apps? Etc.
I'm a software guy, and I was asking for TECHNICALLY SPECIFIC answers, as this is a technical forum. General warnings and hyperbole aren't helping. :-/
Disable Google Firebase... it inventories all kinds of personal files.
With regards to the question asked with this thread's title:
Google Play Services is a library ( read a collection of software routines accessed by Android programs - mainly GMS apps ) not an Android program , hence you must not fear you - or any app - will be spied on by Google Play Services.
FYI:
Google Play Services basically acts as a shim between the normal Android apps and the installed Android OS. Right now Google Play Services handles the Google Maps API, Google Account syncing, remote wipe, push messages, the Google Play Games back end, and many other duties.
If you ever question the power of Google Play Services, try disabling it. Nearly every Google App ( keyword: GMS ) on your device will break.
Don't confuse things!
jwoegerbauer said:
With regards to the question asked with this thread's title:
Google Play Services is a library ( read a collection of software routines accessed by Android programs - mainly GMS apps ) not an Android program , hence you must not fear you - or any app - will be spied on by Google Play Services.
FYI:
Google Play Services basically acts as a shim between the normal Android apps and the installed Android OS. Right now Google Play Services handles the Google Maps API, Google Account syncing, remote wipe, push messages, the Google Play Games back end, and many other duties.
If you ever question the power of Google Play Services, try disabling it. Nearly every Google App ( keyword: GMS ) on your device will break.
Don't confuse things!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I normally run with it disabled; it saves time, trouble and battery (a fair amount too). Disabling it saves me from firewall blocking a bunch of apps; it's easier to toggle gps on/off when needed.
Keeps Find my Device from setting it's self as a System Administrator, which I really don't want running, ever. Kills gmaps too, yah.
Maps, location don't need to constantly be running in the background unless you need them to be running.
The only time disabling it is a pain is to access Playstore which requires a reboot with it enabled. I have only one app that requires constant Playstore connection to work, SD Maid Pro; it gets disabled anyway as I get tired of it constantly running in the background.
I flat out don't trust any Google product... as a result of Google's actions and history.
Hi, I've been with Google play Services since yesterday, draining my battery, they are always connected in the background.
I have deleted all the data, I have deleted the app updates but it is still the same.
Does anyone know what it is due to? any solution? format the phone?
Thank you.
Disable it when not needed.
Google Background Transport, Playstore and Gmail are dependencies of it. Even when behaving it's a power parasite.
If you factory reset the issue will likely return... don't attempt to fix it like that!
Clear system cache, use Device Care to clean storage, clear Google GMS data, disable Google Framework if present and Backup Transport*. Turn off Google Firebase.
You can also try deleting then recreating your Google account but like a factory reset don't expect miracles if you do... just wasted time.
*if consuming excess battery with screen off Backup Transport is a likely suspect.
I have formatted the mobile and it is correct until I install a game from Google play where the following message appears "google play services will install additional components 3.6 megabytes that are necessary to use this application"
If you install any game that has that warning, it starts to drain the battery and get quite hot.
Any solution?
Until 3 days ago this did not happen to me, I updated my Wacth 4 classic and bought Streets of rage 4 from google play the problems started.
thank you
elevation_ph said:
I have formatted the mobile and it is correct until I install a game from Google play where the following message appears "google play services will install additional components 3.6 megabytes that are necessary to use this application"
If you install any game that has that warning, it starts to drain the battery and get quite hot.
Any solution?
Until 3 days ago this did not happen to me, I updated my Wacth 4 classic and bought Streets of rage 4 from google play the problems started.
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep the junkware off the device.
Update/upgrade at your own peril.
This stock N10+ is still running on Pie, hasn't been updated in 2.5 years, it's current load will be 2 yo this June with minimal maintenance. It's still snappy fast and stable. Security simply isn't an issue. What's not to like?
blackhawk said:
Keep the junkware off the device.
Update/upgrade at your own peril.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What mean? I don, t update never? Only install apps from google play and i have a stock firmware from OTA of Samsung
elevation_ph said:
What mean? I don, t update never? Only install apps from google play and i have a stock firmware from OTA of Samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough, good!
I have one game install and it's internet access is always firewall blocked. Just because it's on Playstore doesn't mean it's "safe".
Any Google services in general tend to be a pain and battery hogs. I normally keep Google play Services disabled unless needed, that tones Google down a lot. Gmail, Playstore and Backup Transport are some of it's dependencies.
Firewall blocking Playstore after activating bought Playstore apps and also firewall blocking those apps themselves cuts down the constant Playstore lincense checks.
Karma Firewall uses very little battery however it's valuable logging feature is not functional on Android 10 and above. However it will still block apps, services and list those present. Lost is the time stamp of the app's last internet connection except on Android 9 and lower... this is a very useful feature.
For stock Androids other firewalls are available but many use a lot of battery. Not sure of a better alternative with low battery usage on Android 10 and higher. It may exist...
blackhawk said:
Fair enough, good!
I have one game install and it's internet access is always firewall blocked. Just because it's on Playstore doesn't mean it's "safe".
Any Google services in general tend to be a pain and battery hogs. I normally keep Google play Services disabled unless needed, that tones Google down a lot. Gmail, Playstore and Backup Transport are some of it's dependencies.
Firewall blocking Playstore after activating bought Playstore apps and also firewall blocking those apps themselves cuts down the constant Playstore lincense checks.
Karma Firewall uses very little battery however it's valuable logging feature is not functional on Android 10 and above. However it will still block apps, services and list those present. Lost is the time stamp of the app's last internet connection except on Android 9 and lower... this is a very useful feature.
For stock Androids other firewalls are available but many use a lot of battery. Not sure of a better alternative with low battery usage on Android 10 and higher. It may exist...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Android 12 on my Note 20 Ultra.
What firewall recomended?
Thanks
elevation_ph said:
I have Android 12 on my Note 20 Ultra.
What firewall recomended?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. Let me know if you find a good one.
I need one for my other N10+ running on Android 10...