Related
This thread is dedicated to discussing the possibilities and implementation of multiple user profiles within Honeycomb.
A phone is a very "personal" device. There are very few people in your life, if any, with whom you'd simply leave your unlocked phone with for any extended amount of time. Your Google account is very closely tied to you. Gmail, Talk, browsing history, text messages, call history, all easily accessible through your phone.
What about your tablet? Do you want any one who picks up your tablet to allow access to all of this private information? Probably not.
Obviously, I have a Google account which I could tie to both my Xoom and my G2. If I was the only person using each device, this would be acceptable. But I am not. My significant other also has an Android phone, and of course, her own Google account. So whose account did I register my Xoom with? Neither. I created a neutral Google account to be used with the Xoom.
This means I do not have access to my purchased apps, or integrated access to the Gmail app, my browser bookmarks, and many other features considered to be benefits of Android.
Solution? How about access to multiple user profiles from the lock screen? Imagine being able to choose from individual profiles, Google accounts, before entering the OS. Using a pin, pattern or password, you could then enter you own specific profile, with full access to your apps, accounts and settings, even your own customized home screen. How about creating a "guest" account for visitors? An account with no Google profile, or even a dummy account for protected access to the browser, apps and other features, without sacrificing your privacy.
I'm aware of a few tools, like password protecting specific apps and such, but I'd like to start a discussion sharing your experiences in this regard and possible solutions.
I know I am not the only one in this situation. A phone is a very personal device. The tablet shouldn't have to be.
EDIT: POSSIBLE SOLUTION
After playing around with the idea, I think I may have found a streamlined solution that's easy and fast. First: Have a neutral account.
Using Bettercut, I created two shortcuts on the home screen. ADW allows access to system shortcuts as well, and I am sure there are a few others.
One shortcut I created, called Sign-In, takes you directly to the Add Account page, using the system setting shortcut. From here, simply click Google, then sign in. It says it will take up to 5 minutes to sync, but I have found it to take more like 5 seconds. Two clicks and signing in is all it takes. Open Gmail, you will find your newly added account, clicking in the upper right hand corner allows you to change accounts within the App. In the market, you can choose which account to use. Choosing my personal account allows me access to my previously purchased apps.
But how about when my session is done?
The second shortcut, called Sign-Out, takes you directly to the Accounts and Sync page within settings. Click on the account you wish to sign out of, then remove account. Two clicks. No more access to gmail, talk or any other personal info. And guess what? My previously purchased and installed apps still work!
This is by no means perfect, but I'll be honest, it's a lot easier than I thought it would be when I posed this question to the community.
Try it out, see how it works for you. Post questions in the thread.
FuzeAction said:
Solution? How about access to multiple user profiles from the lock screen? Imagine being able to choose from individual profiles, Google accounts, before entering the OS. Using a pin, pattern or password, you could then enter you own specific profile, with full access to your apps, accounts and settings, even your own customized home screen. How about creating a "guest" account for visitors? An account with no Google profile, or even a dummy account for protected access to the browser, apps and other features, without sacrificing your privacy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This... would be awesome. And put us one step closer to handheld computing over desktop computing. Well, at least when you're on the go you'll want to do more tablet computing than laptop computing.
I agree that tabs should be more "social" devices. My SWAG is that as these mobile OS'es mature, that will be true. As of now, both Android & iOS are still in the toddler stage. Many more important features are missing, eg networking and peripheral connectivity. Most Android tabs don't even have USB host mode.
I disagree that this is a discussion. It's more of a shoulda-coulda. I think you're preaching to the choir, as I can't imagine anyone disagreeing with you. But the only one can do anything about it is Google. I think the solution is, as with most things, time.
when koush releases his recovery you could have multiple nandroids 1 for you 1 for your SO and then just backup and restore it would probably be less than 5 min between saving and swapping on my nexus S i imagine it should be about the same for the xoom its not ideal but its better than nothing
godsfilth said:
when koush releases his recovery you could have multiple nandroids 1 for you 1 for your SO and then just backup and restore it would probably be less than 5 min between saving and swapping on my nexus S i imagine it should be about the same for the xoom its not ideal but its better than nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is obviously less than ideal, but it is indeed a solution. If the process could be streamlined with a single button push, I could see potential, but waiting any longer than the standard boot time would be cumbersome.
I have tried adding/removing Google accounts in the settings. Does anyone have experience with this in regards to App accessibility? If I sign in to my personal google account, download a previously purchased app from the market, the remove my google account, will I still have access to the app?
SOLUTION
After playing around with the idea, I think I may have found a streamlined solution that's easy and fast. First: Have a neutral account.
Using Bettercut, I created two shortcuts on the home screen. ADW allows access to system shortcuts as well, and I am sure there are a few others.
One shortcut I created, called Sign-In, takes you directly to the Add Account page, using the system setting shortcut. From here, simply click Google, then sign in. It says it will take up to 5 minutes to sync, but I have found it to take more like 5 seconds. Two clicks and signing in is all it takes. Open Gmail, you will find your newly added account, clicking in the upper right hand corner allows you to change accounts within the App. In the market, you can choose which account to use. Choosing my personal account allows me access to my previously purchased apps.
But how about when my session is done?
The second shortcut, called Sign-Out, takes you directly to the Accounts and Sync page within settings. Click on the account you wish to sign out of, then remove account. Two clicks. No more access to gmail, talk or any other personal info. And guess what? My previously purchased and installed apps still work!
This is by no means perfect, but I'll be honest, it's a lot easier than I thought it would be when I posed this question to the community.
Try it out, see how it works for you. Post questions in the thread.
Just a note the Ipad version of Facebook allows multiple accounts. When you start it it lets you pick which account you want to use. Pretty sure your account can be password protected.
not that I like Ipad I am just saying I wish android had that so my wife could use the tablet to do her facebook. (Yes I realize the full facebook web page works great from Xoom browser and she can log in using that)
Also when I let me 4 year old have the tablet to play games I Wish I could at least password protect the market to keep him from buying games. He could go crazy one day and buy like $100 worth of games real quick.
I can understand why google hasn't implemented it yet. It complicates everything a lot having multiple users.
I know their are workaround android apps that let you password protect your launcher so some apps require a password to launch.
Dan
despich said:
Just a note the Ipad version of Facebook allows multiple accounts. When you start it it lets you pick which account you want to use. Pretty sure your account can be password protected.
not that I like Ipad I am just saying I wish android had that so my wife could use the tablet to do her facebook. (Yes I realize the full facebook web page works great from Xoom browser and she can log in using that)
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, sounds to me like that is EXACTLY what you were saying. I myself cannot wait till a forum mod finds this and boots your sorry ass off for it too! My only hope is that a few people read this and flame your but from here to a crappy mac forum first!
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Morkai Almandragon said:
Uh, sounds to me like that is EXACTLY what you were saying. I myself cannot wait till a forum mod finds this and boots your sorry ass off for it too! My only hope is that a few people read this and flame your but from here to a crappy mac forum first!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem???
Ok, lets not turn the xoom forum into /b/ plox
generic.imitation said:
Ok, lets not turn the xoom forum into /b/ plox
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is /b/?
rules 1 & 2
Here's the problem I see with this: Apps.
Your apps are tied to the google account you use to sync. If you purchase an app on account A, account B cannot use that app. It would mean purchasing multiple applications for the same device to allow users to switch back and forth.
This isn't a desktop, android wasn't meant for multiple users.
It would be more advantageous to limit logins in the respective application, like Facebook. Sign into the facebook app, and sign out of the facebook app when your done. When the next person opens the app, it asks for a login.
Having multiple google accounts to sync to just for a few social network apps or email doesn't seem worthwhile to me. I don't want to have to login and out every time I want to check my email or play a game.
Sirchuk said:
Here's the problem I see with this: Apps.
Your apps are tied to the google account you use to sync. If you purchase an app on account A, account B cannot use that app. It would mean purchasing multiple applications for the same device to allow users to switch back and forth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have actually found that even after I have removed my personal google account, the one with the purchased apps, I still have access to those purchased applications with the neutral account, even after a reboot.
Adding/Removing the Google accounts in the settings turns out to be a pretty painless and reliable solution, I'll report back if I encounter further issues.
FuzeAction said:
I have actually found that even after I have removed my personal google account, the one with the purchased apps, I still have access to those purchased applications with the neutral account, even after a reboot.
Adding/Removing the Google accounts in the settings turns out to be a pretty painless and reliable solution, I'll report back if I encounter further issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So whats stopping 10 people from pitching in on a "neutral" account to buy some games/apps, logging into their device, installing those apps, then logging into their personal account and using them?
That would be one hell of a security hole. Is it still considered piracy if X number of people technically share a Google account?
I currently like the fact that if I purchase an app on my phone, I can use it on my Xoom. A hole like this would certainly ruin that and we would start to see device limitations.
Sirchuk said:
So whats stopping 10 people from pitching in on a "neutral" account to buy some games/apps, logging into their device, installing those apps, then logging into their personal account and using them?
That would be one hell of a security hole. Is it still considered piracy if X number of people technically share a Google account?
I currently like the fact that if I purchase an app on my phone, I can use it on my Xoom. A hole like this would certainly ruin that and we would start to see device limitations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering how it easy it is to pirate and sideload Android apps, paid and free, allowing multiple device installation is of limited concern. I have purchased an App, I should be able to do with it what I please and use it on whatever device I choose.
If you want to talk about a security hole, allowing multiple device installation is not it. How about the fact that I can find cracked versions of almost every paid app simply by using a Google search(irony?).
There is nothing stopping multiple people from "sharing" a Google account and thus sharing apps, but at least the dev is getting paid. Why wouldn't they just side-load the apk? Given my specific situation, highlighted in detail in the OP, there is nothing nefarious afoot.
By signing in to my Google account to download purchased apps, I am simply checking in and letting Google know that I own this device as well. If you are looking for ways to manipulate the system, I assure you there are easier ways than what I am doing. Easier and illegal.
FuzeAction said:
...Easier and illegal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the final point though. 10 people all pitching in $10 for $100 worth of apps to load onto their Android devices would be considered legal, since they're sharing them and not pirating them. They all paid for a portion of the applications.
I know, it's a small issue regardless. Still, unless it's an application made by Apple, I don't support pirating it.
I posted an issue on android's google code section two weeks ago. The more stars it gets the more likely it is to get attention.
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=15030
I found a simple solution on my NC for the time being : Dual Boot.
Default Boot : Them . Hold down a key press on boot : Me.
-m
Morkai Almandragon said:
Uh, sounds to me like that is EXACTLY what you were saying. I myself cannot wait till a forum mod finds this and boots your sorry ass off for it too! My only hope is that a few people read this and flame your but from here to a crappy mac forum first!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow I hit a nerve there evidently. Sorry I was not really trying to start a apple vs android discussion, there are plenty of those already on the site. Just pointing out that multiple users on a single tablet have evidently been thought about enough that some apps are starting to support it. Turns out I was wrong the facebook app that supports multiple users is not even a Apple made app so it's likely if/when that app comes to android (hell it may even be here already) it will support multiple facebook accounts.
I think it's likely that tablet apps that need multiple accounts to support multiple people (facebook/twitter/foresquare etc) may build in the ability to switch between accounts easily and workaround the issue of the base OS being designed for a single person.
p.s. Personally I don't own any apple anything but have multiple android devices, including the xoom so I'll let that indicate how I stand.
despich said:
Wow I hit a nerve there evidently. Sorry I was not really trying to start a apple vs android discussion, there are plenty of those already on the site. Just pointing out that multiple users on a single tablet have evidently been thought about enough that some apps are starting to support it. Turns out I was wrong the facebook app that supports multiple users is not even a Apple made app so it's likely if/when that app comes to android (hell it may even be here already) it will support multiple facebook accounts.
I think it's likely that tablet apps that need multiple accounts to support multiple people (facebook/twitter/foresquare etc) may build in the ability to switch between accounts easily and workaround the issue of the base OS being designed for a single person.
p.s. Personally I don't own any apple anything but have multiple android devices, including the xoom so I'll let that indicate how I stand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it pretty clear he was joking...
found an app called Location Cache Map in market and it seems from what it says that it prevents maps and other apps from setting location data on phone and clears map cache while still allowing full use of GPS functions. i tried it and it worked, though it takes an extra couple seconds to lock on.
seems to work. you can see your stored location data with it even if you dont want to block location cache. interested in hearing from others on if this seems to really be working.
Any aftermarket Rom do this.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
sure if ya delete maps or something. mine always still saved location data on my phone. this lets you use the functions without phone saving cache data. ive never seen this function on any rom ive used. but if so id like to know how and save some time.
Has anyone else tried this?
Google has always kept this type of information---even before android. It's in their terms and conditions. Honestly, anyone who doesn't want to give Google access to this information, shouldn't use their phone.
aczarney said:
Google has always kept this type of information---even before android. It's in their terms and conditions. Honestly, anyone who doesn't want to give Google access to this information, shouldn't use their phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should, at minimum, have the choice to turn it off and delete the data that is stored on your phone readily.
Let's get real, corporations have too much freedom when it comes to using us as pawns. It should be an option to opt out period. I use google stuff cause I like the way it works, they don't need my location for that.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Google's been collecting information rather openly for years. I just don't get why people are surprised they are collecting it with their phones too. It was never really a secret. There's no option to turn it off simply because that's the terms and conditions for use of the phone--that Google is entitled to access to your location as well as other information regarding how you use your phone. It honestly is like they're watching your every move. If you don't want access given to Google for this information, don't use the phone. That's literally your only option, and legally, Google is completely backed up on that. Now apple, that's a different story. But Google has been doing these things ever since Google as a company was created, its actually part of what has allowed them to grow. To know how their services are used and how their users function more or less.
I could really care less. Ask yourself. What is Google going to do with your information besides direct ads based on you interest. As long as Google execs aren't going to come track me down, I could really care less what data they collect. If your worried about people collecting your data then don't ever buy anything off the internet or for that matter, don't ever use a credit card to make purchases.
read this. its a rant but its how it REALLY is.
Grammer and spelling errors warning!!!
its doesnt matter what they are going to do with it. i have a right to privacy. the more you look into your specfic settings for your google and gmail account, the more you'll see that a lot of what they ask for they don't tell you. they allow you to turn it off.... if you even know how to where to find it, or if you even know they are collecting it.
they keep much more than just location and basic data for ads. im not going to get into all of it because theres too much. go look for yourself.
basically these days to have a phone thats fun (smartphone) you are forced to choose iOS or Android. Both are bull**** when it comes to privacy. THATS WHY THEY ARE DEFENDING THERE ASSES IN COURT!!! Just the fact that it has gotten to the point of major national news shows that it isn't just nothing. $500 million lawsuits aren't to be taken lightly.
And it's not just my privacy. Many MANY apps and services including googles require access to many things that the app has absolutely no reason to have. theres a dev in the market called FREE WING go download his persmissions apps named after specific permissions example: READ_PHONE_STATE, it shows you some of what that permission pulls from your phone such as your name, device ID, phone number, contacts, and more. SMS permission had not just the ability to "tell if i get a text" but has, and records, everything that was said, who sent it, and their numbers. or go get an app called "Denied permissions" it will show you how many each app has and break them down and explain a little of how they work. then use it to look at Google Docs app permissions. it shouldn't have the ability to change,delete, modify my account passwords, and that's just one of its BS permissions.
any facebook app that uses facebook to as an alternative log in gives that app by DEFAULT the ability to read my contacts, status, my FRIENDS status and apps they are using, where they also go, their photos, mine, and more (go to the apps privacy settings on facebook to find this stuff). my friends apps one THEIR phone have access to MY personal information, just because we are associated in facebook. NOT COOL! Facebook just told its game devs a couple days ago that they had like a week or something to change their games to prevent 3rd party apps that are associated with their games from accessing or keeping their patrons information while they play their games.
basically it comes down to my information can be accessed by places i didn't give the OK to or even have heard of. google shares information with apps. try reading the privacy polices for apps sometime (go read AppPack's - Highlight app and T-mobile Mall's app privacy policies). its like the fine print that no one ever reads in contracts or car advertisements. its there but no one takes the time.
google used to be a damn search engine. now they own android, google, Google Chrome OS (just came out), admob, and more. im ok with ads. and them having info i know i asked them to hold on to. I can't imagine what dirt someone could find on someone running for president in 10 years. dirty pics from when someone texted them when they were 25, 18, 16. or their online diary they kept for some reason. things they said on a forum, damn i couldn't imagine my old myspace stuff. some of that could get me in to trouble. i was a party animal at the time. ya see where i'm going? wouldn't have posted that stuff 10 years ago if i had known what i know now.
theres enough info of ours unintentionally online and accessible. go google yourself. they don't need my location to boot
don't believe any of this then take some time to read what you are saying ok to. some privacy policies are like when in those cartoons (devil and daniel mouse) the devil asks you to sign a contract in your own blood, but you forgot their was stuff written on the back page.
But you don't have a right to privacy.....you agreed to the terms and conditions of Google's use when you began using your phone. You signed those rights to privacy away when you signed that Google account into your phone (which, in fact is where the agreement to the terms and conditions lie). You installed Google docs and said "yeah, its okay if this app has access to these things." You update your Google apps every release of a new version. Apple is having issues with this yes, but that's because it was never previously a part of their terms, and they were doing it without customers knowledge. Google is not having issues, will not have issues, and presented all that information to you upfront when you signed up for your Google account, well within your buyer's remorse. Likewise, they do have an option to opt out of "Location services" during most device's initial setup procedures. I bet if anyone sued Google, they wouldn't even prepare a case. They'd refer the judge to the terms of your Google account or those permissions you were okay with.
Bottom line, Yes you have your right to privacy. But you can't give away those rights away to Google or Facebook or whoever then complain about it. Those terms and conditions aren't just there for show, they create them for these specific reasons. It'd be like If I gave you my social security number, checking account number, and address and then was shocked when my identity was stolen and went to file a police report. Working for T-Mobile, I hear these types of arguments on a daily basis, but let me just say it hasn't once changed a thing. Once you agree to them, you can't change your mind until the terms are changed and presented to you again.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you like privacy, DO NOT USE A SMARTPHONE. You see, I use a smartphone because I could give two ****s less what Google has access to in my phone. There are only 9 numbers I don't want anyone having access to and lets be honest. I highly doubt Google is stealing our SS #'s.
A link to google and it's work it does for the NSA and CIA. They are more than a company pushing Internet mobile ads. Do not do anything with your phone that you do not want recorded and handed over to the government.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/188581/the_googlensa_alliance_questions_and_answers.html
Remember what google and others did to to people yearning for freedom in China.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/15/technology/15cnd-internet.html
I wanted to know if there was a way to fool an app that always needs to connect to a server to do a part of it's job. The app is moboclean. It can restrict other apps from being too invasive, simulating some root controls to non-rooted device. I have downloaded some apks and used moboclean to keep them from digging into my contacts and what not, so that part is working fine. But i also wanted to install other apps, and since moboclean always needs to connect to it's own servers, this became a problem. For a couple of weeks moboclean servers were down. So moboclean would not install some recent apks i had. Already wrapped apps could still work, but to initiate a new app with those controls, moboclean won't do it without connecting. For now, seems that the servers are back up since it can now connect again. Moboclean does declare that it downloads it's custom apk of the app i would like it to control, but thats not quite true since it seems to give root control to apps that cannot be found in it's database of custom wrapped apps. Which again only fails sometimes , an example being the firefox app. What i'm trying to portray is that moboclean can work without needing to connect to it's server everytime i want it to wrap up a new app and install it so that i can control some if it's permissions. And since the creator of the app is no longer active, user named "uusafe", or perhaps goes now by a new username, i feel the that very useful app will eventually become useless once it's servers go down for good. Is there a way to make moboclean work without needing to connect online, since that part really doesn't do anything, and it just wraps the app up anyway. Just to force it to do what it does, but skip the connecting part.
As a disclaimer, i'm not exactly sure how everything works in this case. i could be misinterpreting or becoming confused with how some apps work and can be forced to work, but any help and enlightenment would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Hi all, I work at a group home and one of the clients recently purchased an Amazon Fire tablet to facebook chat with his dad.
My issue is that thanks to the crapiness of humanity I know that there's a strong potential for the tablet to grow legs.
Without getting into details, the client cannot have the tablet always in their posession, and we can't conveniently lock it down anywhere, and ideally whoever is supporting him needs to have access to the tablet whenever possible.
I'm wondering if there is an app, or even better, a device, which can cause the tablet to alert my manager the moment the device leaves the property? Ideally something not easily accessed or removed.
I know getting a tablet just for facebook chat is overkill, I wasn't the one who purchased it for the client, I'm just trying to make do with what is available.
theseventensplit said:
Hi all, I work at a group home and one of the clients recently purchased an Amazon Fire tablet to facebook chat with his dad.
My issue is that thanks to the crapiness of humanity I know that there's a strong potential for the tablet to grow legs.
Without getting into details, the client cannot have the tablet always in their posession, and we can't conveniently lock it down anywhere, and ideally whoever is supporting him needs to have access to the tablet whenever possible.
I'm wondering if there is an app, or even better, a device, which can cause the tablet to alert my manager the moment the device leaves the property? Ideally something not easily accessed or removed.
I know getting a tablet just for facebook chat is overkill, I wasn't the one who purchased it for the client, I'm just trying to make do with what is available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an Android right?
I had a look at the Amazon store for anti-theft apps but there were none that I recognised from sources I trust (nit that I have researched them, but maybe you can find a reliable review) You have to be certain it's from a trusted source as these type of apps require special permissions eg admin in order to do their job, and could be abused by a malicious app.
I would recommend Cerberus Anti Theft, I used them for years & they have a good reputation, even though Google removed the app form play store. This is because they had to link the Google app to additional downloads in order to maintain the functionality of the app that made it the best, after Google changed what permissions apps could be granted for apps downloaded from Google store.
You can download for Android devices from their website
https://www.cerberusapp.com/
However there is a potential problem with all antitheft apps, ie. Turning off wifi/data means you can't communicate with it(but Cerberus could be activated via SMS), also a factory reset will remove them, so if a knowledgeable person steals a phone/tablet they can remove the antitheft app, so possibly you would have limited time to activate it. Which is why I used to root & install as a system app, which meant only reinstalling the full factory Android operating system to remove it.
There should be the basic "fined my device" on Android built in (I'm not familiar with Amazon variants) but its not very powerful.
I'll look into it, thanks. It does have tracking but unfortunately that wouldn't alert in time to be able to accurately determine who took it.
If Cerberus can do sms then my manager might be able to get immediate notification if it walks away, once it disconnects from wifi
What I don't get is why isn't there a hardware based solution, something that you have connected to your wifi that alerts you if devices in connected to that wifi signal get disconnected. Or even simpler, bluetooth based.
The problem is that tablets don't all have data, and if turned off they lose the anti theft features. So there needs to be something outside of the device itself that can alert the owner. Maybe it's just to specific a problem unfortunately.
theseventensplit said:
What I don't get is why isn't there a hardware based solution, something that you have connected to your wifi that alerts you if devices in connected to that wifi signal get disconnected. Or even simpler, bluetooth based.
The problem is that tablets don't all have data, and if turned off they lose the anti theft features. So there needs to be something outside of the device itself that can alert the owner. Maybe it's just to specific a problem unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PS. You could use Tasker app (or other automation app) on your phone to set up an alert when the tablet losses connection, if you use your phone as a hotspot, I think.
I am the proud owner of a brand new Isudar PX6 (tailored for my VW Golf 6), with Android 10.
I am concerned about security: I want to use things like Google maps, but also other Google Play apps (Tomtom, etc).
But if I configure my personal Google account, anyone driving the car can have access to my personal data (including mails, can purchase from Google Play, etc).
So, if my car get stolen, not only the car is stolen, but my Google account as well.
Thinking about a solution, I am wondering if there is a way to unlock the unit automatically based on a smartphone being connected using Bluetooth?
Ideally, one could configure a specific Google Account for a specific connected Bluetooth smartphone, so that my wife gets her Google account and data when driving, I would get mine when driving, etc.
Anyone having a clue on how this could be done, or suggest alternatives?
I could use a specific Google account for the car, but this has drawbacks: I'd have to purchase the same application twice (once for my personal account, once for the car account) for example.
Thanks in advance,
Laurent
Is it an MTCD device?
marchnz said:
Is it an MTCD device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I can see (I am a beginner), it is be a MTCE.
ldebacker said:
From what I can see (I am a beginner), it is be a MTCE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post MCU version
marchnz said:
Post MCU version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MTCE_GS_V3.67_3
You could create a secondary Google account for free. Exclusively for use with your car head unit and not provide too much information about yourself on the acct. Especially don't setup any associated payment methods tied to the acct. If you wanted to purchase apps for the head unit, I suggest buying a Google Play gift card and load that into your head unit exclusive Google acct.
If you have purchased apps with another Google acct, you can login with the acct that you paid for the apps with. Install whatever you want and then remove the acct that you don't want to use on the head unit the rest of the time. The apps won't get removed by removing the acct. However some apps check their licenses via Google Play services so it's possible some might not work without the paying Google acct present (see Goggle Play gift card suggestion).
jlbooth said:
You could create a secondary Google account for free. Exclusively for use with your car head unit and not provide too much information about yourself on the acct. Especially don't setup any associated payment methods tied to the acct. If you wanted to purchase apps for the head unit, I suggest buying a Google Play gift card and load that into your head unit exclusive Google acct.
If you have purchased apps with another Google acct, you can login with the acct that you paid for the apps with. Install whatever you want and then remove the acct that you don't want to use on the head unit the rest of the time. The apps won't get removed by removing the acct. However some apps check their licenses via Google Play services so it's possible some might not work without the paying Google acct present (see Goggle Play gift card suggestion).
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Yes, this is the workaround I came up with as well.
This is only a work around, though, because applications check the user account for licenses, but also for other reasons (such as having to replicate data between Google accounts, no access to e-mails, etc).
It would be much more elegant upon connection of bluetooth device to automatically switch to the corresponding Google user account and unlock it.
I use the Automate app from the Google play store to script/automate tasks like this. The tool is as easy as creating a flowchart and connecting the flow. The app is free for flowcharts having a small number of flowchart blocks. I have the paid version of the app and it does have a "Pick account" flowchart block. This probably could be called into action when a certain bluetooth device is connected. Just search Google Play for "Automate LlamaLab."
Also worth mentioning the developer of the app was very responsive and helpful when I have had questions.
Just an idea.
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Another thought, if you were to take this suggested approach, you would still have to have both your "regular" Google account and the secondary account on the head unit. In my mind this kind of defeats the reasons for switching back and forth between accounts. I suppose it warrants the questions why the apprehension for having the "regular" account on the head unit full time and is it not safe for some known reason?
Bloody hell, is there really no way to remove a posted comment in this forum, or am I stupid enough to not see how to do it?
jlbooth said:
I use the Automate app from the Google play store to script/automate tasks like this. The tool is as easy as creating a flowchart and connecting the flow. The app is free for flowcharts having a small number of flowchart blocks. I have the paid version of the app and it does have a "Pick account" flowchart block. This probably could be called into action when a certain bluetooth device is connected. Just search Google Play for "Automate LlamaLab."
Also worth mentioning the developer of the app was very responsive and helpful when I have had questions.
Just an idea.
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Another thought, if you were to take this suggested approach, you would still have to have both your "regular" Google account and the secondary account on the head unit. In my mind this kind of defeats the reasons for switching back and forth between accounts. I suppose it warrants the questions why the apprehension for having the "regular" account on the head unit full time and is it not safe for some known reason?
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Click to collapse
Many thanks for the idea. I had a look at the Automate app, and even if I am unsure I can solve my issue this way, it gives me a lot of other ideas.
One would be to install the Automate app on my Smartphone, so that as soon as I connect to my Head unit using Bluetooth (which is done automatically), my mobile phone would turn cellular data on (I am an old fart, I only connect to 4G when I need it ;-) and the Wifi hotspot. This way, my PX6 head unit will automatically be connected to the internet when driving (and reverse operations when I get out of my car).
Coming back to the idea of having different Google accounts, I need to think how I can do this. Switching would be no problem, but this would still mean pre-configuring the accounts on the head unit.
May be I could have the Google accounts configured, but password protected (I don't know if this is feasible), and emulate the password entry using Automate, which would get the password from a source file hold on my mobile phone for example(if that is feasible, I don't know if file sharing is allowed in the Bluetooth profiles of the android head unit).
I am very concerned about security indeed. I think as it is configured now is completely absurd and represents a huge threat: pre-encoded Google accounts, completely unprotected for whomever has the unit in his hands.
Using Bluetooth smartphones as a key to unlock the access to the device seems like a nice way, but I haven't seen much efforts in this direction.
My pleasure. I was thinking Automate could run on both the head unit and the phone. That's the nice thing about paying for an app once. You can run it on as many devices as desired.
I created an Automate script on my phone that kicks in the mobile hotspot automatically when the bluetooth connects, etc.
Incidentally you can do UI operations like data entry and stuff from Automate. I actually have some logic in one of my Automate scripts that will key in my phone unlock code if needed. I didn't want to have to be fidgeting with the phone and entering a PIN while trying to drive.
ldebacker said:
Bloody hell, is there really no way to remove a posted comment in this forum, or am I stupid enough to not see how to do it?
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Click to collapse
You can use the report button and ask the forum moderator to delete for you and/or you can edit the post to say whatever you want.
jlbooth said:
My pleasure. I was thinking Automate could run on both the head unit and the phone. That's the nice thing about paying for an app once. You can run it on as many devices as desired.
I created an Automate script on my phone that kicks in the mobile hotspot automatically when the bluetooth connects, etc.
Incidentally you can do UI operations like data entry and stuff from Automate. I actually have some logic in one of my Automate scripts that will key in my phone unlock code if needed. I didn't want to have to be fidgeting with the phone and entering a PIN while trying to drive.
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Click to collapse
The Automate script you developed to kick the mobile hotpot on Bluetooth connection is what I was thinking about. I gave it a try, but this (activating data) requires rooting the smartphone, which I'd like to avoid. Anyway, thanks!
jlbooth said:
You can use the report button and ask the forum moderator to delete for you and/or you can edit the post to say whatever you want.
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That's what I did with this one (edit the post to say what I wanted) ;-)
ldebacker said:
The Automate script you developed to kick the mobile hotpot on Bluetooth connection is what I was thinking about. I gave it a try, but this (activating data) requires rooting the smartphone, which I'd like to avoid. Anyway, thanks!
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Click to collapse
I was able to get it to work without having to root my phone, but I suppose it is very subjective to a lot of variables (e.g. model phone, carrier, Android version, etc). There are ways to get the phone to do various things that might require root to do directly, but one action might cause the phone to do another. For example, to turn off the mobile hotspot, I found that I could just enable WiFi which causes the phone to turn off the hotspot (which doesn't require root).
Anyway best of luck to you on getting your phone, Google accts, and head unit working to your satisfaction.