Related
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/new-licensing-service-replacing-existing-copy-protection-metho/
Looks like pretty soon the days of people copy and pasting apk's all over the place are coming to an end.
I hope this doesn't make theming harder.. We'll see.
From reading that article,
Seems like airplane mode or a firewall would crush all the hopes and dreams of google and app devs.
It seems that every time we open an app it needs to verify that it's been paid for by contacting a "licensing" server and retrieving a response.
I feel like that could slow down launch times, and being unable to use an app when offline would be like UBISOFT hell all over again.
I really hope google puts a lot of thought into this..
I wonder if this if already being done? Every time I try to play that golf game on my EVO on an airplane while the radios are off I get a FC when it starts. As soon as I an on the ground and turn the radios on the game works fine.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
what if you are in an area with no signal or on a plane or something? you cant open any apps???
This is already in place in a number of apps, one is IP Cam Viewer.
I paid the money for it. I transferred all my files to my wife's Evo 4G, and thought "hell I'll see if it works..." Well it didn't. When I try to open the app, it tells me that I have to purchase it from the marketplace.
I'm all for buying apps when they're good, and I understand single user licensing. Guess I was just hoping I wouldn't have to spend double the money for all the apps I use.
simplyphp said:
This is already in place in a number of apps, one is IP Cam Viewer.
I paid the money for it. I transferred all my files to my wife's Evo 4G, and thought "hell I'll see if it works..." Well it didn't. When I try to open the app, it tells me that I have to purchase it from the marketplace.
I'm all for buying apps when they're good, and I understand single user licensing. Guess I was just hoping I wouldn't have to spend double the money for all the apps I use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard of couples sharing the same email as apps get replicated on the two phone
I can confirm that they don't get replicated..
I have two evo's right now under the same email and they're definitely not replicating crap.
cahiatt said:
I wonder if this if already being done? Every time I try to play that golf game on my EVO on an airplane while the radios are off I get a FC when it starts. As soon as I an on the ground and turn the radios on the game works fine.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that's a problem I understand about paying for apps but not working when I'm in a place with no signal. I see a law suit brewing up. I paid for the app I should be able to use the app whenever I want to. Class action law suit coming real soon.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Crap....
"A limitation of copy protection is that applications using it can be installed only on compatible devices that provide a secure internal storage environment. For example, a copy-protected application cannot be downloaded from Market to a device that provides root access"
...Seriously???
EDIT - the above quote was misrepresented in the place I copied from...research shows it to be misleading. the actual bit of Google's text is posted over on page to of this thread. disregard my indignation in this post...
This is discouraging, because a lot of people like to try the full before they buy it expecting more than what full has to offer, only to be disappointed later.
willwgp said:
This is discouraging, because a lot of people like to try the full before they buy it expecting more than what full has to offer, only to be disappointed later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do get a 24 hour refund option when you buy from the market so I'm not worried about trying before you buy. I do worry about not being able to play something when I'm in the bathroom at work because I don't get a signal there.
well how many ppl do actually piracy apps??? oh my bad forgot that this is Android, for a second i though it was apple!!
Just to clarify a couple of things:
There are 2 ways to use the Licensing - one is Strict - you CAN NOT USE THE APP WITHOUT ACCESS TO MARKETPLACE. Personally, screw that.
Option 2, however, is a non-strict policy. Server managed, where the license is 'cached' to storage. You also can programmatically set how long your app can be used without any license check.
That'd be the way i go
josue85 said:
You do get a 24 hour refund option when you buy from the market so I'm not worried about trying before you buy. I do worry about not being able to play something when I'm in the bathroom at work because I don't get a signal there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That'll be up to the developer. I like this approach, as I'd be happy to do say... a 5-7 day turn around on the license check. After 7 days with no data signal, seriously, where the hell are you? LOL
Besides, if you've used a paid app for 7 days, and by that time can't decide if you need it or not - wow.
And of course, as soon as you got signal again, the license check would go through and you can use the app again, no problem.
I'm sure there will be UbiSoft and EA style implementations though - way too damn draconian for my tastes. I don't care to know every single second that someone's using my app. I would just like to know that they haven't 'copied that floppy' as it were LOL
I have no doubts this will be defeated in time, though. All it would really take is mimicking the server license response, which can be extracted from the locally cached license of an actual paid product.
People that pirate software are going to do it, regardless. Don't make the honest people pay the price of draconian DRM.
The best approach I can make as a developer, is give my customers the features they want, in a stable, good performing package, and discourage 'casual' piracy. Beyond that, it's out of the developer's control, and honestly, any more than that usually just pisses off the customer and annoys the pirates for about a day and a half.
Ok...had to read the SDK paperwork as I really wanted to know this...my previous post was incorrect and here is the update...
From Google:
Android Market Licensing is a flexible, secure mechanism for controlling access to your applications. It effectively replaces the copy-protection mechanism offered on Android Market and gives you wider distribution potential for your applications.
A limitation of the legacy copy-protection mechanism on Android Market is that applications using it can be installed only on compatible devices that provide a secure internal storage environment. For example, an application using the copy-protection mechanism cannot be downloaded from Market to a device that provides root access, and the application cannot be installed to a device's SD card.
With Android Market licensing, you can move to a license-based model in which access is not bound to the characteristics of the host device, but to your publisher account on Android Market and the licensing policy that you define. Your application can be installed and controlled on any compatible device on any storage, including SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also...there are options for the Devs to allow for apps to be used a chosen number of times before they need to check in for licenses. Strict has to check in every time....other option allows dev to choose based on times used or time since last check in.
SO...all in all I am much less worried about this now.
topdnbass said:
I can confirm that they don't get replicated..
I have two evo's right now under the same email and they're definitely not replicating crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With licensing the dev can choose whether an app can be accessed from different phones. It is an option...
(greeked...multiple times)
Question: Does that mean we won't be able to open, modify, and resign apks? Like...to change the appearance (make a widget clear, etc).
More like bad news for paying consumers. That's who always pays for everything. Those of us who actually buy the products.
I plan on speaking with my wallet. I wont buy any app that requires I have an internet connection.
A limitation of the legacy copy-protection mechanism on Android Market is that applications using it can be installed only on compatible devices that provide a secure internal storage environment. For example, an application using the copy-protection mechanism cannot be downloaded from Market to a device that provides root access, and the application cannot be installed to a device's SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait so according to google us rooted folk couldn't download copy-protected apps before now?
Urrr, i think im missing something
This is actually a nice implementation for both the software developer and the user. Most will implement this where it only has to check-in every week or two. So the odds of getting caught in a spot where there is no connection is low.
At the end of the day, it is a pretty straightforward way to handle copy protection that really shouldn't inconvenience anyone.
Also it will bring more developers to the platform if they know they don't have to worry as much about piracy.
Piracy will still run rampant. People will find ways to circumvent this, that's just how it is. At least it will curb some piracy since copying and pasting an apk file wasn't much of a deterrent.
So what are you doing/evaluation to incorporate Xoom into your environments?
I have been asked to test a Xoom for company use, and I'm curious if there are other administrators out there who are doing the same thing atm.
There is little to no "administration" features aside from being able to remote wipe with Exchange 2007.
You can't create user accounts that I am aware of.
The tablet syncs to a gmail account. If I use an account for administration, such as placing purchased apps on the Xoom, how can I keep users from accessing the market or the account? If I remove the Market App are they able to put it back on? So far we don't care if they put Music or Movies on it for when they travel. But since these are a company provided we just don't want unapproved apps.
There are more things, like basic document editing, RDP etc that we are evaluating several apps for.
Phutchi said:
So what are you doing/evaluation to incorporate Xoom into your environments?
I have been asked to test a Xoom for company use, and I'm curious if there are other administrators out there who are doing the same thing atm.
There is little to no "administration" features aside from being able to remote wipe with Exchange 2007.
You can't create user accounts that I am aware of.
The tablet syncs to a gmail account. If I use an account for administration, such as placing purchased apps on the Xoom, how can I keep users from accessing the market or the account? If I remove the Market App are they able to put it back on? So far we don't care if they put Music or Movies on it for when they travel. But since these are a company provided we just don't want unapproved apps.
There are more things, like basic document editing, RDP etc that we are evaluating several apps for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm well I assume you understand that someone could root the device and put whatever they want onto it, which is unlikely if they value their jobs but I was just putting that out there. I don't believe there is a way to remove the market unless you have root access so that makes it a bit more complicated :/
I'm also interested in seeing what others have to say so consider this my subscribing post
I would think the same barriers to using Android phones would exist for the xoom.
Your question about market, paid apps, etc.. would be the same for android phones.
Apps/Products like Touchdown for Tabs, Roadsync (Can't tell if its been updated for tablets or Xoom yet), or something like Good for Enterprise (better for a more "complete" solution, per their site v1.7.1 of the client supports Xoom) could help with some/many of the challenges and obstacles.
But it sounds like some of the control you are looking for will only come from a closed environment like RIM's Blackberry... where when using a BES, you can completely lock down or restrict the devices via IT Policy.
My phone is both unlocked and rooted. I couldn't stand the crap. I just froze it since all the apps I want install on the card anyway.
With this leak for Android (which Google is patching) is there any app or ROM that will make password entry required (no saved passwords - I don't save them on the computer, so it's no hardship)
I do have wifi calling, and I will use it over public wifi. I go to places where I get one bar at the most, and the motel has free wifi. I want my pet sitters and house watcher to be able to contact me at any time. My daughter moved to England, so I need Skype, and Skype only works on wifi on Android.
I don't use Picasa, sync the calendar, but I don't want my contacts to be bothered if that is what a hacker has in mind. There is no personal info saved on my phone. I also don't game. I don't watch movies.
Also, I would like a firewall. I have both Bing and Groupon banned in the firewall and in the hosts file. Bing is getting too far ahead of itself. It's allied with Yahoo and I do have a Yahoo mail account.
I use the phone as a PDA reference guide, and the processor speed and screen is why I bought it. I have frozen all the social apps and I might delete them. The phone has been working super since it's been rooted and I enjoy it.
Thanks,
Zuben
I am not sure what you are exactly asking?
You mention password entry? If you are talking about accessing the phone, there is the lockscreen that you can either password enable or choose a pattern to lock the device.
You also mentioned about a firewall? There is webroot security which you can manage things. But, you said that you blocked a few things already? I dont understand.
fknfocused said:
I am not sure what you are exactly asking?
You mention password entry? If you are talking about accessing the phone, there is the lockscreen that you can either password enable or choose a pattern to lock the device.
You also mentioned about a firewall? There is webroot security which you can manage things. But, you said that you blocked a few things already? I dont understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want the apps to ask for a password - not the phone. If I use app market I want to log in every time - do not save the password.
Google mail and Tmobile I could stop from automatic sync. I don't want them syncing automatically unless it's a needed function.
Example: I got a list of updates today, and I can't block the ones I don't want.
There's one in the list for Youtube and Youtube is frozen. So is Facebook. So I didn't allow the updates.
So does anyone have a custom ROM or an app that does this? And where do you find info on webroot security?
Unfortunately the SGS4G is still in its early stages of development, there are a couple good roms out there but they are still stock and not custom, however they do improve the performance of the phone. As for what your asking for, no there are no roms that do this yet
dsexton702 said:
Unfortunately the SGS4G is still in its early stages of development, there are a couple good roms out there but they are still stock and not custom, however they do improve the performance of the phone. As for what your asking for, no there are no roms that do this yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, do you think there will be one?
How far can developers go to get rid of stuff?
I saw this:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-05-09-emergency-alerts_n.htm
and I don't want it. Especially presidential alerts. I would guess that the final version isn't out yet, but I'm curious. I think it would eventually lead to abuse.
I buy my phones for my own reasons and use them in my own way, so I'm not your typical user. I see the phone as a PDA, only voice/text is communication.
The rest is all my required information at my fingertips, and the new screens and processors on the phones are great.
SwitchMe - share your device!
SwitchMe is a unique application for root users that allows you to log in and out of multiple user spaces just as you would on a desktop computer, with each profile having its own separate system settings, apps and data.
Some of the benefits of this technology:
Privacy
Securely share one device among many users, protect your accounts with passwords and log out automatically.
Kids
Create a profile for the kids, with only the apps and access you feel comfortable with.
Gaming
Overclock your profile for maximum performance in intensive games
Speed
Imagine a buttery smooth profile, with no kids games, messengers or bloatware to slow things down.
Testing
Create a sandbox profile to easily test applications and themes - no more nandroid nightmares!
Battery
Switch to a profile which only contains the essentials to save power through brute force.
Critical usage warning:
Incorrect use of this application can potentially harm your device. Before proceeding with use we strongly recommend that you perform a full nandroid backup through the device recovery.
READ THE HELP FILE CAREFULLY TO AVOID ISSUES
Without the Key, this application allows a maximum of 2 profiles and no security features.
Only the standard Android implementation of Apps2SD is currently supported. Use all others at your own risk.
Most devices should be compatible as long as they have enough free internal memory to create secondary profiles. The application will warn users if available memory is low.
Stay tuned for new features, and please rate the application by pressing the star button on the main screen - good ratings help us improve and expand functionality!
Market link:
https://market.android.com/details?id=fahrbot.apps.switchme
The free version only allows the creation of two profiles and has no security features.
Screens:
Great idea, thanks! Any chance the future versions will not need to reboot in order to sandbox into another account?
When using fast switch, the pseudo-reboot will take no more than 10 seconds.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using XDA Premium HD app
<-- already in USE .... on TWO DEVICES (( Samsung tablet and Asus tablets)
can highly recommend = worth the price !!
Cheers
ftgg99 said:
When using fast switch, the pseudo-reboot will take no more than 10 seconds.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. So what does "May cause strange behavior" exactly mean in this case?
Issues with multiple languages, wallpaper and screen orientation are possible, though to be honest they are minor.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using XDA Premium HD app
Cool, it works, but switching to an almost empty profile takes 30 sec, to my default one - 90. Will have to suffice for now, hope it could be faster in the future, but it's nice to have this. No issues in this mode.
d14b0ll0s said:
Cool, it works, but switching to an almost empty profile takes 30 sec, to my default one - 90. Will have to suffice for now, hope it could be faster in the future, but it's nice to have this. No issues in this mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first time you switch between any 2 profiles FS will be disabled, after that switching will be much quicker.
Still 30 / 90 (including the launcher). Not that I'm complaining..
I'm at work, so forgive me for being lazy and not just trying this, but I'm interested for using my tablet and handing to the kids (3 year old twins). My main concern is locking out the dialer as they have accidentally made numerous phonecalls. Is this possible?
Chief Geek said:
I'm at work, so forgive me for being lazy and not just trying this, but I'm interested for using my tablet and handing to the kids (3 year old twins). My main concern is locking out the dialer as they have accidentally made numerous phonecalls. Is this possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can lock out whatever you want or make any other changes through apps. For example, install TB in a new profile and freeze whatever apps you want. Or install a locking app and do it that way.
This app simply creates profiles - their maintenance is down to you.
Interesting. So if I flash something, but it's avail to both, but if I install something under one profile, it's only available to that profile. Very interesting concept. With the advent of tablets such as the transformer series with physical KB, and the lines are quickly blurring between pc, tablet, and and even phone. Your paving the way for a whole new area of apps and for that I applaud your efforts.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Err... thanks
If you like it, rate it on the Play Store - that's the best kind of applause!
Chief Geek said:
I'm at work, so forgive me for being lazy and not just trying this, but I'm interested for using my tablet and handing to the kids (3 year old twins). My main concern is locking out the dialer as they have accidentally made numerous phonecalls. Is this possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chief Geek, have a look at Seal or App Protector.
Really like this, wanted to buy full version. Problem is I'm only able to pay for apps in play store using EURO. This app is delivered using USD. Don't know anything about the payment in play store but perhaps it's also possible to pay using EURO
The price will be the same...
know that the the price is the same, but i am technically not able to pay for an app which will be sold using USD. I'm not using a credit card but using my mobile communication bill to pay in play store. And for that it is only allowed to pay for apps using EURO (this is a limitation of my mobile communication provider)
I see. Nothing to be done but use a credit card I'm afraid - we only retail in USD.
Switched to the Infinity (not through Best Buy method, btw),just wanted to +1 this app here. Will install the app after checkups and unlock/rooting...
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
Great App. Working fine.
I'm looking for something that will have a few features
1. Remote location including turning on GPS
2. Remote phone locking/ turning off mobile and data connections
3. Prevent access to security settings
4. Prevent easy uninstallation of the app.
I think most parental control apps should fulfill this, but I'm struggling (on my phone) to get honest pricing details, what is "free" from the play store then seem to require monthly subscription.
Does anyone have any experience of these apps, and can maybe recommend one with a single payment (or even really free)
Where's my droid was great for location, but too simple to remove
Thanks
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
They all will be monthly subscriptions and to be honest any kid with internet access will be able to get around it. As a test I tried everyone I could find on my 12yr old sons devices. And within a few days they had it disabled. And they are not really all that tech savy. When I asked them about it they just said they searched the internet and found out how to remove it.
Wayne Tech Nexus
Maybe I've found a part solution? Installed where's my droid pro and set as administrator, then applock used to lock itself and settings. Might work?
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It depends on. How bad they want to get rid of it. A simple wipe will remove it.
Wayne Tech Nexus
When I was in college I was an admin on one of our development labs. CS 1.6 by then was a plage there, most of the people spent more time playing it than coding. I removed everybody's permission to install software, they just used a portable version. I downsized their quota to about 50mb, they put it on the shared drives our university had. I downsized their quota there as well, so they shared the files over their quotas do get the full game there again. I made a script to search and delete the game files hourly, they had the game patched, so the files had names my script could not find. It was 2003, they did it as freshmen, and none was really skilled, and after looking at someone's browse history I just found what they used to deceive me. After that I gave up, printed a poster asking them to play only after 5 pm (when the classes ended). If you accomplish to have parental control on a kid's smartphone is just a matter of time and interest on the little guy/girl's part to have it circumvented.
At least if he finds a way around it he'll have learnt something
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