Google Removing Apps Ability to read SMS - Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion

I just found some disturbing news that I wanted to share. Google will be blocking applications from reading SMS. You might use this in more ways than you realize, I know I use it with Tasker, where's my Droid, and to automatically reply to text while I'm driving that I can't text back because I'm driving.
This reminds me of how Google removed Miracast... But what really bothers me is how many entrepreneurial apps have been created improved and on the market for years with a solid user base that are going to be decimated by this move.
not only that but it reminds me of Microsoft and how it treats its end users as if they are incapable of making a decision for themselves, IE: hitting yes or no to the proper permission requests...
See this thread for more information and to leave a comment for Google....
https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/117486314

FreeSoftwareServers said:
I just found some disturbing news that I wanted to share. Google will be blocking applications from reading SMS. You might use this in more ways than you realize, I know I use it with Tasker, where's my Droid, and to automatically reply to text while I'm driving that I can't text back because I'm driving.
This reminds me of how Google removed Miracast... But what really bothers me is how many entrepreneurial apps have been created improved and on the market for years with a solid user base that are going to be decimated by this move.
not only that but it reminds me of Microsoft and how it treats its end users as if they are incapable of making a decision for themselves, IE: hitting yes or no to the proper permission requests...
See this thread for more information and to leave a comment for Google....
https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/117486314
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google gonig to be like Apple / ios.
Pixel 2 XL cihazımdan Tapatalk kullanılarak gönderildi

Another Feature purposefully removed...
Can no longer setup Chromecast via PC. Since I use Hotspot on my cell I can't use my cell to setup either. I will need to borrow a friend's phone... Thanks Google.
https://9to5google.com/2018/12/30/chrome-72-killing-chromecast-setup-mac-windows/amp/

Another Feature purposefully removed....
No WPS while visiting Family over the Holidays.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/9to5google.com/2018/07/10/android-p-wps-support-deprecated/amp/

Who needs features anyway?
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3239864/android/android-nostalgia-old-features.html

Related

Necessary Changes in The Android Market..

If this isn't in the right place, please move it mods.
Basically I think that the market is a bit incomplete.
There are changes I'd like to be made and i've voiced my concerns with google.
Now I need the community backing to actually see these things implemented.
To read about the suggestions and comment, visit this link
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=3c9422da6b79a597&hl=en
I try and address problems with the market and even underlying Android issues that have yet to be resolved.
Add your input and they'll have to listen.
Good idea... You might also add to the list a way to delete apps from download that won't be used anymore. I have three in my download that I will never install again and can't get them off the list. Imagine a few of those in there and it starts to take up alot of space with apps you aren't interested in anymore.
I posted a reply there as it seems to have gotten some attention there. Some of the issues are already in feature request on android issues, I linked to them. Starring the issues increases chances someone will take care of it.
Suggestion added Jeffro.
Thanks for posting Areinu!
If I could make suggestions for Android Market:
(1) Fix all this missing protected apps for new device / firmware quickly
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=665742
This is silly issue and will only hurt Android platform. This will greatly discourage Android developers for making good apps.
I want to support Android, I want to make it success! I can do this by spending money on Android apps, but I simply cant because of this issue.
And I am afraid this will repeat once new firmware released.
Take a look how long this issue is ... ridiculous
(2) Remove restrictions on countries for purchasing apps
Right now, certain countries like Sweden for example cannot even see the apps!
(3) Add ability to FILTER apps TITLE
I want to "hide" all those WALLPAPERS, SEXY whatnot.
Android is nice, really nice platform. But this Android Market issues are blocking its success.
here in Denmark we can't even see non-free apps in the ma market. because of this, users of ex. iPhone won't even try the platform. its sad really.
Sent from my HTC Legend using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Filtering is very much needed. I tend to view the 'just in' apps, but lately its just a list of MMCANDROIDs latest releases of boarderline under age Asian girls. Its really annoying that you cant block out the stuff you have no interest in.
I'm adding them as they come.
Post a comment on the page to make sure Google eventually sees it.

Attention all Android fans - This is Important

We really need to rally and get Google to fix some major issues with the Android OS. If Android is going to be truly universal and be able to compete, and beat Apple, it needs to at least be able to do what it can do. Please read: http://claar.org/blog/?p=180 and call, email, post, blog, whatever you can to get Googles attention on these issues.
And thank you for your support.
P.S. Pass this url on to every android user you can.
http://claar.org/blog/?p=180
Sent from my ADR6300, not my wife's iPad...
You have a legitimate argument but those items you listed are never performed by me. =[ Sorry. Everything I need done, works. =]
[ Sent from an LG Optimus V ]
Android still has a way to go before being all things to all people. It has the potential though so i'm sure we'll see improvements in the areas where it's currently weak.
Nice write up though. I hope these issues are resolved for you soon.
Write your congressman. Attend your local PTA meeting.
Don't gey me wrong, I love my Android phone, just saying that Google is missing the boat on the Enterprise side of things. Used to have an iPod touch that worked flawlessly on our corporate intranet, can't say the same for my dinc. As the workforce continues to become more mobile, they'll be carrying iPads instead of Xooms or Galaxy tabs.
Sent from my ADR6300, not my wife's iPad.
are there really people who use android's and ipad's/iphone's for work???
o-o?
id rater use a PC or laptop. but yha.
think all the company's want to be cool?
i cant go suport this.because my android does what it needs to do.
remember. smartphones and tablets aren't pc's,so they shouldn't do the work of a pc.
ghost010 said:
are there really people who use android's and ipad's/iphone's for work???
o-o?
id rater use a PC or laptop. but yha.
think all the company's want to be cool?
i cant go suport this.because my android does what it needs to do.
remember. smartphones and tablets aren't pc's,so they shouldn't do the work of a pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why shouldnt they? Why should they have limitations. I say the more capabilities the better!
Universally, I don't understand Googles LACK of contact and attention to it's customers. Like most people are aware that e-mailing google is a complete WASTE OF TIME. I'd love to meet someone who has yet to actually get a meaningful response from google. I understand that they are a HUGE company and can easily get overwhelmed by emails, but the complete lack of response in general is UNACCEPTABLE. Why do they act this way, ESPECIALLY to their customers? Eitherway, they should respond in some way to all emails, understandable for free products, but for PAYING customers like us Android users, should get a response.
Google is worse than Sprint when it comes to response. I don't get it or understand.
I'm an IT Director for a medium sized medical manufacturing company and I've been testing ipads as a laptop alternative for our salesforce, and I have to say, I would be absolutely pissed if I had to use an ipad(or any tablet for that matter) for work.
Don't get me wrong. They work. But do you want to do all your work on them? HELL NO.
I have a remote desktop app on my mytouch 4g and I use it every now and then when I need to fix something or get onto the server for any reason. That doesn't mean I'm going to ditch my computer because my phone is capable of doing something my laptop does. Tablets, smartphones, mobile devices in general...they should be used to supplement computers, not replace them.
And as far as google 'not listening to their customers', you obviously haven't been on any sort of development team before. Especially not one that had any sort of fast progress. I don't know if you've noticed, but chip manufacturers have released dual core mobile cpu's. So google can either work on your vpn problem and appease a small number of enterprise users(people who will actually use a vpn on their phones), or they can concentrate on optimizing their code so it will work well with the next generation of hardware. They're obviously going to concentrate their manpower(or womanpower) on development for next-gen hardware. If the support ticket exists, they'll work on it. But there are thousands of them, and people need to realize that just because it's important to you specifically, doesn't mean it's an important problem. VPN access doesn't effect the overall functionality of the os during normal use, so it's going be put on the back burner, that doesn't mean it won't be fixed.
And whoever said go to pta meetings, PTA = parent teachers association. Good luck getting heard there.
While on the subject of fixes, I'm more concerned about linked market data and being able to transfer purchases to different accounts. I.E. switching from a google apps account to a gmail account. Also, the 'master account' crap. There should be a way to change which login you use to connect to gtalk and the market without having to reset your device to factory. That just sucks.
LOL, I used to get those "wake-up" calls from the 3rd shift platform operators. I got my butt out of bed, got on my PC and fixed the problem or marked it "next day" and fixed it when I got to work.
I can't see using a phone's screen size to debug a couple hundred lines of JCL or batch COBOL program Not to mention, I was usually talking to the operator at the same time I needed to see something on the PC; very hard to do with a phone.
Can it connect to Microsoft's pptp? Yes - http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/smartphones/connect-to-a-pptp-vpn-from-your-android-phone/2145
problem 1. You can connect to a proxy (unless i'm not understanding your complaint) There's Proxy options under the settings menu.
Problem 2. I've noticed this but apparently some 3rd party browsers can do it.
Problem 3. Not sure about this one, but i connect to many different networks (public, domestic and at uni) and have never had a problem like this.
What you're saying is that you have various problems that the vast majority of people will never experience and you are wondering why Google aren't dropping everything to fix it immediately? These problems (to me at least) seem incredibly minor.
kccasey said:
Universally, I don't understand Googles LACK of contact and attention to it's customers. Like most people are aware that e-mailing google is a complete WASTE OF TIME. I'd love to meet someone who has yet to actually get a meaningful response from google. I understand that they are a HUGE company and can easily get overwhelmed by emails, but the complete lack of response in general is UNACCEPTABLE. Why do they act this way, ESPECIALLY to their customers? Eitherway, they should respond in some way to all emails, understandable for free products, but for PAYING customers like us Android users, should get a response.
Google is worse than Sprint when it comes to response. I don't get it or understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because they already have your money, therefor they could care less. And they will continue to get your money, his money, her money etc because they make a product and provide a service that we all have come to rely on. They've got the hook set, you can't break free and they can let us dangle as long as they want.
But maybe the combination of google, samsung, and verizon has destroyed my outlook.
Samsung Fascinate
Frankenclean 2.8
EB16-ish Voodoo Kernel
Mob87's Honeycomb theme
Sent from XDA Premium App
I think many of these issues will take a long long time to see resolved.
You need to consider what motivates google RE Android. Hint: It is not paying customers.
Thing is, normal market forces are not at work in the Android space. This is
my BIGGEST issue with Android.
@andmiller
You don't think your needs are most important ones, do you? There are many, many things to do, not only these mentioned by you.
For me your "This is Important" bugs are minor. Actually I didn't know about them to this time. I care much more about NDK APIs, performance and UI improvements and this is exactly what Google does.
Also there is one good reason to focus on new APIs, standard libraries, developer tools, etc.: Google is only one who can improve them and sooner is better. They could fix bugs at any time, they could also port them to older versions of OS. But if they add new API, it will take some time for developers to use it, because new API won't be supported by most of devices. So it's much better to work on a new features first and fix minor bugs later.
BobPaul said:
I think many of these issues will take a long long time to see resolved.
You need to consider what motivates google RE Android. Hint: It is not paying customers.
Thing is, normal market forces are not at work in the Android space. This is
my BIGGEST issue with Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have got that completely backwards. Iphone is not normal market space. Each manufacturer running android os have to set themselves apart from each other, hence skinning the os. If customers demand, need it, it will get fixed or innovated.
Apple controls all, What they say goes. Example: no flash, theming....
Amazon drops their android app store on tues. Why, market forces.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
hey dude most of those issuses were fix sort of well i wouldnt say fix because google came out with a whole new O.S. most of ur issuses hav been resolved in the honeycomb os and greater but u dont need a fix u need a app that can handle what u need
> Can it connect to Microsoft's pptp? Yes - http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/sma...oid-phone/2145
No, or at least, not for several hundred people at least, some who have even provided logs of both sides of the conversation. Some bug comments are from companies, representing complaints from their customer base, so it is probably more. I could write an article that shows how to do it, too, but that doesn't mean that I've tested all combinations. If the author's VPN was not encrypted, he wouldn't have seen the problem, and--since his connection worked, and there's that encryption checkbox--he might have just assumed it worked. He might have even tried it: You can connect with encryption, you just can't stay connected for any length of time.
> problem 1. You can connect to a proxy (unless i'm not understanding your complaint) There's Proxy options under the settings menu.
I can manually set a proxy, although there are reports that this is not a standard part of android, but a value-add by the phone mfr. A third-party program could perhaps recognize which WAP I connect to and set values accordingly, but only if I want everything to go through the proxy, and not just some things. That would have worked at HP, but my ulterior motive is to proxy a specific blocked port so that I can pop my email to my wifi tab. OK, I'll admit, my actual reason isn't a compelling case for Google! ;-)
> Problem 2. I've noticed this but apparently some 3rd party browsers can do it.
I'm not surprised that some clever programmer patched around the breakage, but it needs to be solved generally. Really, this and VPN are the most important issues for me.
> Problem 3. Not sure about this one, but i connect to many different networks (public, domestic and at uni) and have never had a problem like this.
You have never had a problem like this that you know of! Most folks have been bitten by this when the run into a place with short leases, and only find out--if they do--by accident, since most places don't check for violators.
Other comments
For the person who asserted that these are fixed in the latest release, that doesn't appear to be the case, according to the bug reports.
Are there really people who use their portable device for work? Not if it is android-based! (I know, cheap shot, but--for many of us--a true statement).
I have a galaxy tab. With working VPN and ssh, I could login and do a simple database change "echo blah blah blah|mysql", restart a job, whatever. I'm not going to write a couple of thousand lines of code, but I might look at a couple of thousand lines of a log file! Instead, I have to fire up the PC, which means I have to be around the PC, and I'd rather have the freedom of mobility.

[Q] Multiple users on Acer tablet?

I am looking at getting the Acer Iconia tablet. It would be something my wife and I would share around the house (i.e. in the living room so both of us could use it when we wish). So how does Android Honeycomb handle multiple users? I assume we wouldn't each have a 'logon' ID? But I am just wondering how my wife could keep her bookmarks, email, etc on it along with mine. For instance, I might come in, use it a bit to get email, browse the internet, run some apps, etc. Then later my wife might pick it up and want to do the same thing, but use her email and browser settings, etc.
How is that handled in Android?
/Tom (Chimp)
hi,
in the windows world we would call that profiles, as far a i know this doesn't exist (yet?) at the operating system level. I would love to have it.
Firefox mobile has a 'mobile profiles' addon but it didn't work correctly for me.
I could switch account but not switch back.
cheers
monki-magic said:
hi,
in the windows world we would call that profiles, as far a i know this doesn't exist (yet?) at the operating system level. I would love to have it.
Firefox mobile has a 'mobile profiles' addon but it didn't work correctly for me.
I could switch account but not switch back.
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap... so we are saying any Android tablet is basically a one-user tablet? It's weird that Google would build it that way...
SimpTheChimp said:
Crap... so we are saying any Android tablet is basically a one-user tablet? It's weird that Google would build it that way...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Especially considering Linux has no issue supporting multiple users.
Well, shucks, I guess I won't be getting a tablet. I don't feel like buying two of them...
I found out that even the iPad is the same way! Bad design for tablets, Google and Apple. (Although I love my Android phone - that was why I was looking at the Acer tablet!)
Provided you're not having an affair, and email would be the main thing you'd want compartmentalized, you could just use two different email apps or no?
The current state of tablet OS's is really smartphones writ large. They're (again, currently) very personal electronics. There are a handful of Windows-based tablets which should support multiple user profiles etc, but they tend to suffer from GUIs intended for larger monitors & smaller pointers (single pixel precision mice and/or stylus.)
While linux certainly has no problem with simultaneous users, much less multiple profiles, keep in mind we're dealing with systems which have problems dealing with expandable memory (again, only at this time.) At least Android has SD card support without an external add-on.
Given enough feedback from users, eventually tablet OS makers will design in multiple user profiles, probably starting with apps & profiles loaded off memory cards or from "the cloud". But I wouldn't honestly expect it to happen until tablets became very thin internet clients.
For now the tablet market is still very much in an early adoption phase, no one's really sure of the "final" shape of tablets and their usage at this time, but coming at them from a "more portable laptop" design goal could lead to what you're looking for.
TLDR: Not yet aside from Windows tablets but eventually, maybe
This could be an interesting dev project for someone. Isn't it just a case of having an app that would remount /data depending on the selected user? Granted root would be required for it to work but it certainly sounds feasible.
I certainly don't have the time or skill to do this myself, but I will throw this around in the dev forum to see what people with actual skill and knowledge of Android/Linux think.
I saw something about multiple user handling.... It is in a "how to" document posted by L.t.r. consulting. (I'm to new on XDA to be allowed to post outside links, so you have to Google it)
It is made for the Nook Color device but could be at god starting point.
Email should be no problem. The stock Email client will allow you to link to multiple Email accounts, so as long as both have individual Email accounts, they can read them seperately. They would not be able to keep each other out of thier Email since it is in the same client. Also, if they use WEB mail, they can then read thier mail without allowing the other on thier account. As for browsing, I believe that some of the browsers allow grouping of links, so each could setup thier own group with thier own links.
This might be the answer until multi accounts are added natively to the tablets.
http://www.enterproid.com/index.html
I use my Iconia together with my wife and I just set up an extra gmail account so she can read her mail alongside mine. It's important not to want to hide anything from eachother in such a setup though. I also found a twitterclient that allows to setup multiple accounts (tweetcaster). So, in the end it's doable but not practical.
There is an issue on the Android bug tracker which you can star to help raise awareness of the lack of multi-user support
(I can't post links which is irritating, but...)
code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=15030
The Viewsonic Tablet has multi-user functionality.
I would have thought it would be stock in all. Maybe it's in a custom ROM. I'll gop look.
dan
SimpTheChimp said:
Well, shucks, I guess I won't be getting a tablet. I don't feel like buying two of them...
I found out that even the iPad is the same way! Bad design for tablets, Google and Apple. (Although I love my Android phone - that was why I was looking at the Acer tablet!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, there is an aplication called Switch Me, here in xda in the themes forum, is in beta fase but it makes what youre looking for, an they need testers so I think you need to give a try on this.

PrivateOS on OnePlus X?

Hi everyone. I'll explain you. After i watched the documentary about Edward Snowden, i feel that someone is spying on me. I found the blackphone online, and his PrivateOS is awesome! I'm not a porter, so if someone may port the PrivateOS to our OnePlus X, it would be awesome!! Some guys, wanted to port it on xperia (sauce: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/general/privatos-rom-1-0-1-t2833178)
If you want privacy buy a BlackBerry.
Hi, I had it on my Wiko Wax. I didn´t like it because de UI it´s not nice and it has a lot of security apps that I think it´s unnecessary for users like us. We have decent protection with security patches and the best security is the user. Maybe the blackphone rom is very secure yeah but if you want 100% security with this ROM just buy the blackphone, I don´t think it will be useful on our OPX. And yeah someone is spying on you. Google.
Exodusche said:
If you want privacy buy a BlackBerry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Respect his idea, don't make fun.
sheraz1015 said:
Respect his idea, don't make fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much sheraz1015!
Yesterday, i found a video on youtube. This guy was explaining how to get your search history of Google.
I found that Google, was spying on me...they recorded with microphone of my OnePlus X my voice, every 2h!!
I was surprised that they recorded me also when i was sleeping!!!
I found also that they tracked my position, but my gps is always switched off!!
I didn't know that, but everyone who has google play services on the phone, they keep in history when you open
or close any app that you have. I'm pissed off!
Will someone try to port it, or make a secure rom, maybe not based on google apps?
WithoutValorFreedomDies said:
Thank you so much sheraz1015!
Yesterday, i found a video on youtube. This guy was explaining how to get your search history of Google.
I found that Google, was spying on me...they recorded with microphone of my OnePlus X my voice, every 2h!!
I was surprised that they recorded me also when i was sleeping!!!
I found also that they tracked my position, but my gps is always switched off!!
I didn't know that, but everyone who has google play services on the phone, they keep in history when you open
or close any app that you have. I'm pissed off!
Will someone try to port it, or make a secure rom, maybe not based on google apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you send me the link please..
sheraz1015 said:
Can you send me the link please..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here it is dude
Sauce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtmR9L0ITlM
Go to minute 2:03 also
Wasn't trying to be rude just herd blackberry has best security. But In this case I don't think it would matter. Thanks for sharing this don't think too many people know about it.
okay first: appreciate, that obviously there are other people concerned about their privacy.
second: there are people even more concerned about their privacy, like i.e. German's chancellor, making them pay 10,000$ for a cell phone - hacked. so how secure can som cell phone for some 100$ be?
next: about BlackBerry: where is ur privacy when all ur communication is routed through a private companies servers? As long as u do not fully trust such a company i'd call that surveillance too...
that being said: what do u consider to be secure regard ur privacy? first answer urself this question before making any progress. keep in mind, that ur cellphone is basically a full featured tracking system (which isnot a bad thing per se).
What do I mean?ˋWell for instance personally i don't consider photos synced to dropbox/google drive/microsoft's whatever to be private. they're located on servers inside the use, and as such accessable by officials whenever there's desire. also I do absolutely not consider my passwords to be safe when synced to my google account. Next i will not consider any call to be secure in a matter of "no one can listen"- that wont change unless u use end-to-end encryption which requires the called person to have an according setup. etc etc
i came to the conclusion that my phone simply is NOT secure! So if u do not intend to just keep ur hands off any device connected to the internet/gps u can be tracked. Just a matter of the effort to achieve that....
Now how can i just keep calm with all that. well i actually don't. its a compromise for me, as i just don't want to miss certain points which are provided by smartphones.
However I totally disagree with just handing over my private data making it needless to spy on me cause i instafacetweet**** whenever i'm at starbucks taking a coffee or sending private photos using services, that claim property of such (needless to call it by name..)
finally, to shorten this and maybe give u one or two hints especially regarding google apps etc:
- y handing google my actual name (u certainly won't be able to hide ur identity just because of this!! but referring to the last paragraph above this is step no1)
- personally i use opengapps pico which shrinks the amount of spyware down a bit (however there are some packages included safe to uninstall)
- regarding the "google tracks my app usage": well this is because u grant playstore/play services permission to do so (settings-->security-->app ausage access)
- also i have restricted access to pretty much anything for google apps as i only want playstore running(privacy guard or similar)
- using greenify (xposed required i guess) u can "uncover hidden synchronizations" which will (what a surprise) a HUGE list of syncs to be disabled in settings -->accounts-->google-->whatever
- also take a look in google settings (ads/"security")
- system administrator
etcetcetc...
if u want to minimize the chance one can create location profiles: mac spoofing (i guess thats the english term). also when u use buetooth headset, u ar visible for any near device. same goes for wlan search, nfc bla.
These are just a few things that make me personally feel a bit more comfortable using such devices. a huge part in this takes NOT using whatsapp/facebook or anything like that. i'm convinced computers don't understand social interaction, and as such they should only take a minor "transmitting" role in this and not tell me who/what i might like or what the f***
I actually do have friends and they will know if theres sth worth to know, which works the other way round too.
I hope I somehow stuck to the read thread (do u really say so? ) and maybe there were 1 or 2 points of use for u.
Whats most: the more u use/rely on such technology, the more of ur life can/will be exposed OR the more effort u will have to put into it to prevent that. (with the only result u increase the effort in spying on u/whatever).
Gesendet von meinem ONE E1003 mit Tapatalk
tet-bundy said:
okay first: appreciate, that obviously there are other people concerned about their privacy.
second: there are people even more concerned about their privacy, like i.e. German's chancellor, making them pay 10,000$ for a cell phone - hacked. so how secure can som cell phone for some 100$ be?
next: about BlackBerry: where is ur privacy when all ur communication is routed through a private companies servers? As long as u do not fully trust such a company i'd call that surveillance too...
that being said: what do u consider to be secure regard ur privacy? first answer urself this question before making any progress. keep in mind, that ur cellphone is basically a full featured tracking system (which isnot a bad thing per se).
What do I mean?ˋWell for instance personally i don't consider photos synced to dropbox/google drive/microsoft's whatever to be private. they're located on servers inside the use, and as such accessable by officials whenever there's desire. also I do absolutely not consider my passwords to be safe when synced to my google account. Next i will not consider any call to be secure in a matter of "no one can listen"- that wont change unless u use end-to-end encryption which requires the called person to have an according setup. etc etc
i came to the conclusion that my phone simply is NOT secure! So if u do not intend to just keep ur hands off any device connected to the internet/gps u can be tracked. Just a matter of the effort to achieve that....
Now how can i just keep calm with all that. well i actually don't. its a compromise for me, as i just don't want to miss certain points which are provided by smartphones.
However I totally disagree with just handing over my private data making it needless to spy on me cause i instafacetweet**** whenever i'm at starbucks taking a coffee or sending private photos using services, that claim property of such (needless to call it by name..)
finally, to shorten this and maybe give u one or two hints especially regarding google apps etc:
- y handing google my actual name (u certainly won't be able to hide ur identity just because of this!! but referring to the last paragraph above this is step no1)
- personally i use opengapps pico which shrinks the amount of spyware down a bit (however there are some packages included safe to uninstall)
- regarding the "google tracks my app usage": well this is because u grant playstore/play services permission to do so (settings-->security-->app ausage access)
- also i have restricted access to pretty much anything for google apps as i only want playstore running(privacy guard or similar)
- using greenify (xposed required i guess) u can "uncover hidden synchronizations" which will (what a surprise) a HUGE list of syncs to be disabled in settings -->accounts-->google-->whatever
- also take a look in google settings (ads/"security")
- system administrator
etcetcetc...
if u want to minimize the chance one can create location profiles: mac spoofing (i guess thats the english term). also when u use buetooth headset, u ar visible for any near device. same goes for wlan search, nfc bla.
These are just a few things that make me personally feel a bit more comfortable using such devices. a huge part in this takes NOT using whatsapp/facebook or anything like that. i'm convinced computers don't understand social interaction, and as such they should only take a minor "transmitting" role in this and not tell me who/what i might like or what the f***
I actually do have friends and they will know if theres sth worth to know, which works the other way round too.
I hope I somehow stuck to the read thread (do u really say so? ) and maybe there were 1 or 2 points of use for u.
Whats most: the more u use/rely on such technology, the more of ur life can/will be exposed OR the more effort u will have to put into it to prevent that. (with the only result u increase the effort in spying on u/whatever).
Gesendet von meinem ONE E1003 mit Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your dedication on a precise answering. All that you said.....you are right. Damn
I'm just trying out Nameless ROM. I noticed it has privacey guard as mentioned above. Whether it actually does anything who knows.
I'm paranoid about google services aswell.
Hence i installed a fresh build of CM13 / AOSP CAF
Installed F-Droid as primary market and replaced apps with open source replacements. (Replaced Chrome/AOSP browser with chromium etc.).
I also installed Firewall, adblocker+ and system manager for monitoring malicious apps and processes. Privacy guard & app ops also works wonders together
this not only gives u ability to customize android your way but also provides good level of security.
If you are still paranoid about identity, u can use orbot and tor network for anonymous identity. (Both found on F-Droid).
This also greatly improves battery life and keeps the phone snappy.
Hope this helps
In all honesty, just use Sailfish and remove everything you find funky. Private OS isn't worth porting. Another alternative would be to just flash any ROM without flashing GAPPs
---------- Post added at 04:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:01 AM ----------
At the end of the day though, you are still at the mercy to some company... We have already lost this fight.
karan5chaos said:
If you are still paranoid about identity, u can use orbot and tor network for anonymous identity. (Both found on F-Droid)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree... in theory. however if u assume to be under surveillance, u better assume that u are not the only one inside the tor network to be under surveillance. u just need to observe a not too small amount of tor servers (which is still a relatively small amount, taking the capacity of todays intelligence services into consideration) to be able to reconstruct the whole path of any communication routed through that network. now also seeing that bandwidth is just lousy, there's just no point in using tor (except u want to access services, that require u to do so).
To cut a long story short, if u want ur internet traffic to be secure, u'll have to go for a vpn provider! (of course u have to trust that provider, as they are able to read anything u pass through that gate)
regards
t
P.S.: if u're interested in vpn service, pm me and i'll tell u my hoster which i think is one of the most trustworthy around and also provides some advanced methods other just don't.
(just to stick to the rules and not advertise here )

Attention: this phone is a spyware device!

According to Samsung customer support and some members of this forum, this device does not have a built-in way of blocking Internet access for specific applications!
Many of those apps have permissions like "storage", "phone ID", "contacts", "calendar", "camera", "microphone", etc...
Therefore, when those applications are given Internet access they will be able to send all our data via the Internet...
That's why it would be of crucial importance and vital to have a built-in way of blocking Internet access to those apps.
For example, if an application has access to your data, to your storage or your contacts, it stands to reason that it should not have Internet access...
The only explanation for the lack of such an integrated system of blocking Internet access for specific applications can only be explained by the fact that Samsung and Google intend to have all our data and info sent over the Internet ... probably for specific domains ...
Google, Samsung or any other companies should not have, simultaneously, access to our storage data, contacts, calendar, camera, microphone..., and Internet access to send out all those data and info...
Besides, most apps are proprietary... so nobody knows what info or data the app is really sending out...
(Curiously and as a side note, my son has a Huawei P10 and that device allows the user to block Internet access to specific apps).
Therefore, given that this Samsung device does not have a way to limit specific applications from reaching the Internet, the phone is a spyware device!
Niccolò Paganini said:
The only explanation for the lack of such an integrated system of blocking Internet access for specific applications can only be explained by the fact that Samsung and Google intend to have all our data and info sent over the Internet ... probably for specific domains ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its google that doesn't want to implement an internet permission, we can block apps from access to storage/location/contacts and whatnot but not the internet, blame google not samsung.
peachpuff said:
Its google that doesn't want to implement an internet permission, we can block apps from access to storage/location/contacts and whatnot but not the internet, blame google not samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, blame them both. Samsung is knowingly 'accepting' the Google 'flaw' on it's phone. So Samsung is also culpable.
Talk about an Over the Top Melodramatic 1st post!
Stay off the internet - Get rid of your Smart TV - Live in a box... SMH
Sent from my SM-G955W ??
Niccolò Paganini said:
According to Samsung customer support and some members of this forum, this device does not have a built-in way of blocking Internet access for specific applications!
Many of those apps have permissions like "storage", "phone ID", "contacts", "calendar", "camera", "microphone", etc...
Therefore, when those applications are given Internet access they will be able to send all our data via the Internet...
That's why it would be of crucial importance and vital to have a built-in way of blocking Internet access to those apps.
For example, if an application has access to your data, to your storage or your contacts, it stands to reason that it should not have Internet access...
The only explanation for the lack of such an integrated system of blocking Internet access for specific applications can only be explained by the fact that Samsung and Google intend to have all our data and info sent over the Internet ... probably for specific domains ...
Google, Samsung or any other companies should not have, simultaneously, access to our storage data, contacts, calendar, camera, microphone..., and Internet access to send out all those data and info...
Besides, most apps are proprietary... so nobody knows what info or data the app is really sending out...
(Curiously and as a side note, my son has a Huawei P10 and that device allows the user to block Internet access to specific apps).
Therefore, given that this Samsung device does not have a way to limit specific applications from reaching the Internet, the phone is a spyware device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't worry about it the NSA and Google already know everything about you.
without permissions 99% of your apps won't work. want to stop tracking ?dig deep into your account, real real deep to cut off a lot of privacy issues
then when you have time, google your name
pltctytc said:
....then when you have time, google your name
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not much came out for me, just a Google+, Twitter, Photobucket and my company activity...
But: I must agree with OP to some extent...at the end it is weighting between functionality vs privacy.
Gregzi said:
Not much came out for me, just a Google+, Twitter, Photobucket and my company activity...
But: I must agree with OP to some extent...at the end it is weighting between functionality vs privacy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreeing to ANY extent with the OP's RIDICULOUS and ABSURD post & a Thread Title that is Entirely Misleading and Uninformed!
While everyone is entitled to their opinion - This Thread & Particularly it's Title are perilously close to warrant being Reported to the Mods!
It's a simple process to Disable Background Data for each and every Application that you decide to disable in Settings - Apps - Permissions - Data - Background /Toggle Off.
I made reference to Smart TV's as they are constantly "listening" in order to provide functionality - Then there's Laptop cameras which could be equally used to "spy" on their users... Are we to disable the functionality offered by Ok Google - Which is also "listening" to provide the functionality that we have come to expect from our technology?
Two Tin Cans and String are the bastion of the Paranoid & Conspiracy Theorists.
Sent from my SM-G955W ??
**** this I'm going back to a Palm Pixi so the NSA can't spy on me!
What if.....
The NSA IS Google?!
Seriously? You're downloading things from F-Droid and Yalp and you're concerned with what data individual apps are sending? If you don't trust an app to have an internet connection, why on earth are you using it? If you don't trust the company behind an app to use your data appropriately, whey are you using that app? Do you shut off all data so your internet/mobile provider can't sniff out what you're doing? Tin foil is relatively cheap.
Niccolò Paganini said:
The only explanation for the lack of such an integrated system of blocking Internet access for specific applications can only be explained by the fact that Samsung and Google intend to have all our data and info sent over the Internet ... probably for specific domains ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surely this is "the only reason", surely. I'll assume you have thought through the entire process of creating a mobile phone operating system as complex as Android, and also every detail involved in creating an application ecosystem that scales to millions of user created applications access by billions of people that worldwide probably generates over a trillion dollars in overall economic revenue (including employment by business built around it, advertising money spent, etc). Surely you saw a foolproof way too easily do all of this AND follow seemingly arbitrary privacy rules? You MUST have also COMPLETELY ruled out every other innocent explanation using this model, including showing conclusively that it wouldn't cause ANRs, app crashes, or anything else. Right?
You also have data showing more than just you would revoke this permission right?
Right?
Mr. Orange 645 said:
What if.....
The NSA IS Google?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean you only just realised this NOW???!
I have to say, I'm always amazed how little people care about the spying that's being done through their phones. Saying "live in a box" or "just don't use the app" is a stupid response. You can still want to be part of society (which nowadays REQUIRES using whatsapp/facebook/google) EVEN THOUGH you're uncomfortable with the privacy implications. Someone acknowledging and being aware of this, and trying to improve upon it (or even simpler, just demanding improvements by the companies you pay a thousand dollar for a new phone) is often ridiculed as if it wouldn't matter, or people accept it as an something that is required for the systems we use. Social networks could work totally fine without being centralized, google maps doesn't actually need to send your location to google to function, and no app that i know of needs to send your usage of the phone to their company to do whatever it promises to do. Yet many apps do. It's not so much about that it is possible, the problem is that it is allowed. It shouldn't be allowed, much of the data collection should simply be outlawed. But, since hardly anyone seems to care, I don't see that coming anytime soon. I've tried to find people interested in this, but not even on reddit /r/privacy/ this seems to be a major concern.
@the_toast
There's a difference between being responsible for the amount of privacy you have and the amount of personal information that has already been made available... long before people were even aware of the amount of personal information that was already gleaned from the Products and Services that you have been using for years. To some extent trying to reign in your personal information is like closing the barn door after the horse is long gone.
The guy who originally posted this Thread is focusing his "panic" on one device and THAT is naive and Grossly Misleading!
Whether it's FB (which I don't use) or signing up for a Loyalty card - Your personal information is everywhere! Using common sense going forward is the only rational approach, but standing on an imaginary mountain top and shouting to the world that one device is "spyware" is ridiculous and deserves to be called out ?
Sent from my SM-G955W ??
Ahh, the time of the Internet where everyone knows who you are, what you're doing, what you're buying, what sites you browse, your fetishes, etc. Most importantly, here in the U.S., your IP now can sell your internet history to anyone they please, even that time you looked up 2 girls and a cup. Sorry, Charlie, your life is no longer a private one and never will be again.
MiMtnBiker said:
Ahh, the time of the Internet where everyone knows who you are, what you're doing, what you're buying, what sites you browse, your fetishes, etc. Most importantly, here in the U.S., your IP now can sell your internet history to anyone they please, even that time you looked up 2 girls and a cup. Sorry, Charlie, your life is no longer a private one and never will be again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And if you Travel into the USA... Did you know THIS?
https://www.google.ca/amp/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4494371#ampshare=http://www.cbc.ca/1.4494371
Sent from my SM-G955W ??
@shaggyskunk True, the OP is alarmist and uninformed. I was just put off by many of the answers, which basically said "why do you use Internet then". With respect to your post about searching phones - we can easily make this a scare thread (and people would be scared for good reasons). Let me continue:
- apps that want to use your microphone without apparent reason (of course also the ones WITH a good reason to use the mic) can track you through high-pitched sounds you cannot hear, which are emitted e.g. by some retailers to track you through their store.
- You talk about 1 in 13.000 people arriving in the US getting their phone/laptop looked at and potentially copied? How about knowing for 1Bn people (1 in 7 on earth) who they talk with, when they talk with them, and in which location they are whenever their phone has internet. That's Whatsapp.
@MiMtnBiker Gnn that's exactly my problem, people just accept it and believe it's never going to change. I'm not happy they know what kind of porn I'm looking at, and even less happy that they could sell the information (although I don't live in the US). If it is that way, it CAN be fixed, you CAN prohibit selling this information. Or to collect it at all. It's definitely better to know the big 5 have all my information but won't have all future information about me than to know they can continue like this forever
@the_toast
Many of the answers - including "live in a box" - "stay off the internet" were in direct response to the careless & irresponsible comments by the OP - like = like?
Not only your phone has the potential to gain access to your personal information - But your Laptop camera - Your Smart TV (that is "listening") But this technology is something that most people appreciate and expect their tech to provide them with the functionality that they want - Being aware of the capabilities of your Tech is prudent - being paranoid & frightened by it is just sad.
The issues of Privacy are extensive and if someone decides to pull on that thread - it's going to be never ending.
Common sense & being informed is the most appropriate way to go ??
Sent from my SM-G955W ??
the_toast said:
@shaggyskunk True, the OP is alarmist and uninformed. I was just put off by many of the answers, which basically said "why do you use Internet then". With respect to your post about searching phones - we can easily make this a scare thread (and people would be scared for good reasons). Let me continue:
- apps that want to use your microphone without apparent reason (of course also the ones WITH a good reason to use the mic) can track you through high-pitched sounds you cannot hear, which are emitted e.g. by some retailers to track you through their store.
- You talk about 1 in 13.000 people arriving in the US getting their phone/laptop looked at and potentially copied? How about knowing for 1Bn people (1 in 7 on earth) who they talk with, when they talk with them, and in which location they are whenever their phone has internet. That's Whatsapp.
@MiMtnBiker Gnn that's exactly my problem, people just accept it and believe it's never going to change. I'm not happy they know what kind of porn I'm looking at, and even less happy that they could sell the information (although I don't live in the US). If it is that way, it CAN be fixed, you CAN prohibit selling this information. Or to collect it at all. It's definitely better to know the big 5 have all my information but won't have all future information about me than to know they can continue like this forever
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid the only way you are going to change it is to completely get off the grid. Many people are oblivious to the fact that they are willingly giving up their personal information when they have their noses buried in their smartphones pert near all day. What's worse is that the politicians only seem to cater to the wealthy, and since they are salivating at the idea of getting their grubby hands on your info, this will continue. Unless there is a huge uprising and people assemble in protest of this, it will not stop. Heck, I don't even think it will stop, then. Nope, money is the reason as to why this won't change and, unfortunately, you have no say in the matter. Unless, that is, you do get completely off the grid.

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