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Dear mobile device manufacturer,
Today mobile devices like tablets and mobile phones are primarily marketed as consumer devices and the main purpose is to sell content, mobile services, and to display ads. Professional users, especially IT professionals, have different requirements which are are not fulfilled by most of these devices today.
Here are the most important requirements for mobile devices:
- The user must have full control over his data. This means two things: a) The user must be able to read and write all data stored on the device. b) The user must be able to prevent data theft by applications running on the device, either by limiting app access to data, or by limiting app access to the Internet.
- The data on the device must be accessible from another computer through open protocols and interfaces and without sending potentially sensitive data over the Internet (think: USB mass storage). The user must not be forced to use a vendor-proprietary software or shop to access the data on the device.
- The user must be able to create a full backup of all data stored on the device. It must be possible to create such a backup easily, with as little manually intervention as possible. The user must be given the choice to create the backup in the cloud or on a local computer.
- It must be possible to either restore the device backup as a whole or to restore data individually per app. Reason: when an app is updated, it may turn out that the new version is broken, slow, or otherwise not fit for the purpose. If the new app version converted the data to a new format, not only the app must be rolled back, but also the old data must be restored from a backup.
- It must be possible to roll back apps after an update to a previous version. Ideally this shall be made possible by allowing the user to archive app executables outside the mobile device.
- The user must be able to revert to a previous OS version if the new version turns out to have problems. It must be possible to download copies of the OS software in a form the user can install later, at his own discretion, offline, and without intervention from the device vendor.
- The vendor must specify for how long he intends to provide security updates for the device.
- The user must be able to uninstall all applications pre-installed on the device.
These fundamental and simple requirements have been fulfilled by almost any computer system in the past 30 years. Yet there is not a single mobile device that only comes close to fulfilling them today. This is a real shame. We cannot accept that the industry takes control of our data and the devices we paid for.
--->
This list is is probably incomplete. Feel free to add to it.
Any help will be much appreciated.
I have to install an app which I don't trust, but which requires too many permissions, which obviously I am not keen on giving the app. For reasons beyond my control, I can't name the app (it's a work thing).
My idea is to create a new user on the phone, (OnePlus2) and install the app for that user only. Would this stop it from being able to access the data under my own user, and restrict it to only read the data available for the new user for which it is installed?
It requires permission to: (just incase this info helps)
Draw over other apps
Take pictures and videos
Find accounts on the device
Approximate location, precise location
Read SMS/MMS, Send & View SMS/MMS
Modify or delete contents of USB storage
Read contents of USB storage
Read phone status and Identity
Any other solution I should look at? Or will this work just fine?
Cheers!
No way I would install that. Not on a device I use. Unless I had full control over the source code for the apks. I could see some uses.
But to answer your question, I think that should work. I don't have much experience with the details of extra users on the device bit you can look it up on the Google developer site.
That should be enough.
For good measure, I Tried Doing this on my Moto G4 Plus. I created a new user and installed Drupe and Textra. And here is what happened.
1. The New User did not have access to my contacts, call records or SMS
2. The old user could not see these two apps.
since the gallery is tied to photos on the Moto, the users could not see each other's photos.
UPDATE: I just saw an app on another thread that may work for you. - https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/closed-beta-test-incoming-companion-app-t3366295
Hello,
I am looking for an app like Samsung's Secure Folder. Is there something similar? And in particular is there a smartphone which has something similar by default?
I know Xiaomi use that, but you cannot use first and second place together. In samsung, the secure folder is an app so you can use apps hidden there together with normal apps.
I'm looking for the same thing, any alternative to Samsung Secure Folder for other device
I would like to switch to Huawai with EMUI 8 but it dosen't seem to have something similar by default
I've just watched a video on YouTube about the Huawei 20 pros features, and the secure folder is one of the things keeping me with Samsung.
The video shows Huawei has a private space, feature in security settings that you can move apps and files into.
You can have a different finger print and password to the one for unlocking the phone.
I saw videos about private space but I'm not sure if apps can run in background and if you get notifications while is not active
just opened a new thread in P20 forum
Hello guys,
I have been searching for answers to some of the tech stuff, but couldn't find them.
Here are some of those questions. Hope some of you would have answers to these. Thanks in advance!
ANDROID
1. How to share files between multi-users on Android 11?
Before Android 11, it was possible to save files inside the Android/ obb folder, and these files were visible for all users on the device. In Android 11, this is no longer working as the 'obb' folder appears to be exclusive to each user.
I know this is possible via USB OTG or a cloud service, but is there a solution without these?
2. How to copy/ backup game data for non-rooted devices?
Helium Backup doesn't seem to work. I have played a game for long on my Mediapad, and I would like to copy that game to my phone. Unfortunately, my Mediapad is not rooted and losing all that game progress has become a nightmare. I have written to the app developer to provide some sort of backup using either Google Play Games or social media integration like Facebook/ Twitter, but haven't received any response.
3. How to force apps (esp. file managers & gallery apps) to use in-app media viewer without changing system default.
For example, I may use the stock gallery app as default for viewing media. But if I am using another gallery app or a file manager that is capable of viewing media files using its own media viewer, I would rather want it use it than open the default app. Is there a way to do it?
4. Replace stock file manager (a system app) with another app from Google Play Store or other sources. Is this possible?
I am not asking how to convert a user app into system app. I know that part. I tried replacing the apk file of the stock file manager with a 3rd party apk, even renamed it, but it didn't work.
5. Extract a system app from one device and install it on another device without root. Is this possible?
I have tried it, but apk installation fails. For example, Samsung Gallery app on OnePlus phones.
iOS
1. How to install .ipa (iPhone app) on an iPhone (not jail-broken) without a laptop (iTunes)?
2. Is it possible to have SFTP server for iPhone?
All Operating Systems
1. How to provide LAN only access for non-rooted devices as well as in Windows & iOS?
For rooted devices, we have apps like AFWall+ that can do it. But is there a way to do it for devices without root, as well as for Windows and iOS?
For non-rooted devices, we have apps like Netguard that support 'Allow LAN access' whilst blocking internet access.
Are there any alternatives and solutions for other platforms?
2. How safe is it to enter login credentials in an app to allow it access to network drives?
I use several apps (on various platforms) to connect to my laptop over SMB. This requires me to provide the app with my Windows Login Credentials, which is a Microsoft account. Am I risking my account by providing this info to the app? Is it safe to enter login credentials of cloud services in file manager apps?
Just bumping this thread as it seems to have been lost/ unnoticed.
@Ultramanoid can you answer some of these?
Sridhar Ananthanarayanan said:
@Ultramanoid can you answer some of these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't help much, sorry. As to Android, some notes :
1. Never have used an OEM / Google's version of Android, or anything other than rooted single-user systems.
2. In addition to the previous answer, I'm not a gamer.
3. I usually don't ever set defaults with some rare exceptions, so I am always given a choice of what I want to use to handle a file. It may vary depending on many things; I may want to edit an SVG file as text, or view it as an image, for instance. There are applications / services that will intercept intents to allow you to do this sort of thing as well, but I can't recommend a specific one, never use them myself.
4. Possible, but will break Android as by now the system requires it as a file picker in many instances without recognizing alternatives and developers of most applications do expect it as well and their services will not work without it. Don't do it. With recent Android storage changes, including the scoped storage debacle, this is not a viable option anymore.
5. Depends, but not likely as a general rule, specially for OEM garbage, which relies on their own proprietary modifications of Android, their libraries, frameworks, et al. You'd have to carry those over to the destination too, which may not even be possible. Use OEM-independent and not Google Services reliant applications. ( Edit : you'll find some of those applications built to install on all devices here on XDA by single developers, "SONY camera for all devices" and that sort of thing, not recommended anyway, not well supported or long-lived experiments. )
Ultramanoid said:
Can't help much, sorry. As to Android, some notes :
1. Never have used an OEM / Google's version of Android, or anything other than rooted single-user systems.
2. In addition to the previous answer, I'm not a gamer.
3. I usually don't ever set defaults with some rare exceptions, so I am always given a choice of what I want to use to handle a file. It may vary depending on many things; I may want to edit an SVG file as text, or view it as an image, for instance. There are applications / services that will intercept intents to allow you to do this sort of thing as well, but I can't recommend a specific one, never use them myself.
4. Possible, but will break Android as by now the system requires it as a file picker in many instances without recognizing alternatives and developers of most applications do expect it as well and their services will not work without it. Don't do it. With recent Android storage changes, including the scoped storage debacle, this is not a viable option anymore.
5. Depends, but not likely as a general rule, specially for OEM garbage, which relies on their own proprietary modifications of Android, their libraries, frameworks, et al. You'd have to carry those over to the destination too, which may not even be possible. Use OEM-independent and not Google Services reliant applications. ( Edit : you'll find some of those applications built to install on all devices here on XDA by single developers, "SONY camera for all devices" and that sort of thing, not recommended anyway, not well supported or long-lived experiments. )
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Click to collapse
Thanks very much. But I wish you answered the last 2 questions as well.
If time permits, would you be interested in telling us how you use your phone? I mean which device, which OS and what apps you use. I would like to give that a try (on a spare device) and see if it is possible for me to live without Google.
Sridhar Ananthanarayanan said:
Thanks very much. But I wish you answered the last 2 questions as well.
If time permits, would you be interested in telling us how you use your phone? I mean which device, which OS and what apps you use. I would like to give that a try (on a spare device) and see if it is possible for me to live without Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't answer because it won't be helpful.
As to the 1st, I don't use LAN, and I don't keep data in any device or computer unless in use. External independent encrypted storage to be used wherever, whenever, independent of device, cables if needed.
As to the second, it's a matter of common sense, being informed of vulnerabilities and aware of reputation, and trust. Would you trust Chrome or Mozilla with data if you're online banking ? Seems reasonable -- but be aware of major vulnerabilities that may be going on. Would you trust an application released yesterday by a single developer for the same ? Probably not a good idea.
Finally, I doubt what I use and how I use it would be acceptable for you, or most people. In essence you could : Install latest firmware, wipe device, install latest security patched Lineage build for it, remove vendor / Lineage applications, get full root, remove anything you don't need or use which could have vulnerabilities; frameworks, libraries, binaries, etc ( Bluetooth, SMS, Android system-wide downloader, system-wide WebView, NFC, and on and on .. ), install your own binaries, fonts, hosts file, and applications where appropriate ( /bin /etc et al ), install Termux and all Linux packages required for your use, everything open source whenever possible, and stay away from any Google services / Play / applications with ANY trackers, analytics, data mining or even crash report capabilities; zero tolerance. Internet permission only for a secure web browser -- and terminal if / when needed. Half of what I do or use goes through terminal to be honest. In short, for me an Android device is a full Linux laptop replacement with added perks : Always on and on me, camera, GPS, pedometer, unlimited LTE data, and emergency calls for medics / police. ( Edit : And Japanese EEW alarm of course ! Only notification I use. We learned our lesson well in 2011. )
You can use ApkExport to extract any apk including system apks. I've transferred apks between other devices devices with it.
Never had need of doing that though with a system apk.
I have enabled Work Profile on my Samsung phone using Shelter app.
Recently, I noticed that there is a folder called Chamber (see attachment) in the Work Profile, and I'm unable to delete it. I have tried deleting it in Safe Mode too, but it refuses to get deleted.
I can't delete it from my PC because this is inside the Work Profile, which is inaccessible using a PC.
I don't have this folder on my other devices where I have enabled Work Profile using the same Shelter app.
Does anyone know which app this folder is associated with and how to force delete it?
TheMystic said:
I have enabled Work Profile on my Samsung phone using Shelter app.
Recently, I noticed that there is a folder called Chamber (see attachment) in the Work Profile, and I'm unable to delete it. I have tried deleting it in Safe Mode too, but it refuses to get deleted.
I can't delete it from my PC because this is inside the Work Profile, which is inaccessible using a PC.
I don't have this folder on my other devices where I have enabled Work Profile using the same Shelter app.
Does anyone know which app this folder is associated with and how to force delete it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is associated to an app, deleting the folder is pointless unless you uninstall/disable the app that it is associated to, otherwise, it will just keep recreating the folder.
Droidriven said:
If it is associated to an app, deleting the folder is pointless unless you uninstall/disable the app that it is associated to, otherwise, it will just keep recreating the folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true. But it doesn't seem to be associated with any app, or let's say I haven't figured it out yet. I have uninstalled many of the suspected apps in Work Profile, but it continues to remain intact. The folder seems to have been created around the time I installed the Work Profile, and most of the apps that are currently installed were installed much later.
TheMystic said:
That's true. But it doesn't seem to be associated with any app, or let's say I haven't figured it out yet. I have uninstalled many of the suspected apps in Work Profile, but it continues to remain intact. The folder seems to have been created around the time I installed the Work Profile, and most of the apps that are currently installed were installed much later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The it might be part of Work Profile itself.
Droidriven said:
The it might be part of Work Profile itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it is not. I have Work Profile enabled in two other phones (both running on Android 13), and this folder isn't present in those devices.
TheMystic said:
No, it is not. I have Work Profile enabled in two other phones (both running on Android 13), and this folder isn't present in those devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it isn't part of Work Profile and isn't associated to the apps installed in work profile, that only leaves the possibility that it is part of something not installed in Work Profile. You seem to have eliminated all other options, that is all that remains.
The other devices may have the same Android version installed but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are all equal, different devices do different things, even with the same Android version because each manufacturer and carrier puts their own stuff on top of stock android, yeilding different results from one device to the next. It could be something device specific that caused the folder to be created when Work Profile was installed/enabled. Something device specific that doesn't apply to the other devices, if those devices are different than the device you are dealing with.
Droidriven said:
If it isn't part of Work Profile and isn't associated to the apps installed in work profile, that only leaves the possibility that it is part of something not installed in Work Profile. You seem to have eliminated all other options, that is all that remains.
The other devices may have the same Android version installed but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are all equal, different devices do different things, even with the same Android version because each manufacturer and carrier puts their own stuff on top of stock android, yeilding different results from one device to the next. It could be something device specific that caused the folder to be created when Work Profile was installed/enabled. Something device specific that doesn't apply to the other devices, if those devices are different than the device you are dealing with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have another Samsung phone (with Work Profile enabled) to confirm. The other two devices are OnePlus and iQOO. It is not there on Redmi K50i either.
The name of the folder is quite unique. Let's hope someone can confirm if this is indeed a Samsung OneUI thing.
TheMystic said:
I don't have another Samsung phone (with Work Profile enabled) to confirm. The other two devices are OnePlus and iQOO. It is not there on Redmi K50i either.
The name of the folder is quite unique. Let's hope someone can confirm if this is indeed a Samsung OneUI thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did various searches pertaining to "chamber" folder, I didn't find a single search result that even mentions a folder by that name or what app or stock feature it may or may not be associated to.
It might be some kind of Samsung security feature to create a separate, secure partition when you installed/enabled Work Profile. Or it may be because of how Samsung handles that kind of app. I could very easily be completely wrong, without familiarity with Work Profile and without finding definitive information or having the device in my own hands to investigate deeper, I can only guess or go with gut instincts tugging at the back of my mind of potential causes
Droidriven said:
I did various searches pertaining to "chamber" folder, I didn't find a single search result that even mentions a folder by that name or what app or stock feature it may or may not be associated to.
It might be some kind of Samsung security feature to create a separate, secure partition when you installed/enabled Work Profile. Or it may be because of how Samsung handles that kind of app. I could very easily be completely wrong, without familiarity with Work Profile and without finding definitive information or having the device in my own hands to investigate deeper, I can only guess or go with gut instincts tugging at the back of my mind of potential causes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no such folder in the Main Profile, so one can safely rule out an association with any system app that automatically got installed in the Work Profile.
There is no such folder inside the Secure Folder too, which is actually very secure. So a security related aspect can be ruled out in my opinion.
.
There is no system app by that name either. At this point, it is a dead end to tracing the source of this (empty) folder.
TheMystic said:
There is no such folder in the Main Profile, so one can safely rule out an association with any system app that automatically got installed in the Work Profile.
There is no such folder inside the Secure Folder too, which is actually very secure. So a security related aspect can be ruled out in my opinion.
.
There is no system app by that name either. At this point, it is a dead end to tracing the source of this (empty) folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know, this still feels like it has something to do with Samsung's secure folder feature, whether in the secure folder or not or maybe Knox. Without giving anything away, what is in your secure folder. The fact that it is doing this on your Samsung but not the others is speaking to me. It just feels like something Samsung would do
Droidriven said:
I don't know, this still feels like it has something to do with Samsung's secure folder feature, whether in the secure folder or not or maybe Knox. Without giving anything away, what is in your secure folder. The fact that it is doing this on your Samsung but not the others is speaking to me. It just feels like something Samsung would do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Secure Folder on Samsung Galaxy devices is basically a separate user profile (multiple users) with advanced Knox security. I have my banking apps, password manager, authenticators, and other apps installed in it. It is also where I save some important/ private files.
The benefit of Secure Folder (on Samsung Galaxy devices) and Work Profile (on all devices) over other 'multiple users' is the ease of accessing apps in them. Secure Folder and Work Profile are just a special type of multiuser whose apps can be easily launched from the main profile itself. Notifications for apps in these profiles are accessible from the main profile too.
But with all other multiusers, one has to 'exit' the main profile to get into the mulitiuser environment, which takes a few extra seconds. Notifications from the main profile are not accessible in multiuser, and vice-versa.
The Work Profile is a very convenient 'multiuser', which is why I enable it on all my devices. Samsung OneUI has disabled the 'multiuser' feature of Android, so this is another reason why I enabled the Work Profile. On stock Android and also most OEM Android versions, user can setup a maximum of 5 multiusers, in addition to the main profile.
But on Samsung Galaxy devices, user can only have the main profile, Secure Folder and Work Profile (max 3 users). Not sure why Samsung has removed this useful feature. They allowed multiusers in Samsung OneUI 5 Beta, but removed it from the Stable builds for some unknown reasons.