Related
I was thinking about buying an Android smartphone since I have a >4yr old Nokia, but I would like to use a Phone without a 3rd party account that syncs with Apple/Google whatever and send everything I do on my cellphone to them. I would like to think as "like a Linux machine, but with a SIM card".
Meego is dead, iPhone I can't install what I want, so I'm stuck with Android. I've read somewhere that when installing CyanogenMod, it doesn't ask for a Google Account. Is it true? Can I use it without associating it with Google? (I know I won't have access to Marketplace, but I can live with that). I'll use the smartphone mainly for webbased mail, dont need facebook/twitter/gmail/maps, and will sync all contacts locally.
Even if I don't associate my phone with google, is it going to send "data for better experience" like app usage, gps location and such using an unique identifier from my cell phone to google?
(I tried to search 'cyanogen "google account" on search, but couldn't find an answer. Sorry if this is a duplicate :/)
Technically, you wouldn't need to asscoiate any rom with Google as long as you don't enter a gmail address. Also, some roms don't come with gapps, allowing you to utilize the phone without any Google apps installed. Cyanogenmod is one of those roms. I suggest checking out the developer page for the various phones you're considering and seeing the type of roms they offer.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Last week I noticed a device under my Google Play account (My Devices) that is not mine, a phone on a Romanian cell phone company network. I also noticed that someone from Russia had accessed my Gmail account. I changed my Gmail password (the old one was alpha-numerica,random, with symbols) and turned on two step authentication.
The Gmail account seems to be ok. The contacts all there and no messages removed or messages sent by people other than me.
The only sign of the intrusion is about a dozen "free" apps ordered by that device. It included sketchy gambling apps, a child's game that from comments I read has adult advertisements, and ringtones. After I changed the password there are new "free" media on the account - books and various video. These appear to be from a different user - all in English as opposed to Russian and nothing sketchy.
My guess on how this started - I downloaded an app with about 100 reviews. The next day the "free" apps started to appear, and the unauthorized device also was added the next day.
My SGS 3 isn't rooted. For Jellybean it seems that I have to wait for a stable root, should be another few days.
I contacted the Play Store support and they were of no help. They referred me to Gmail support but Gmail doesn't offer phone support. I think only support on a Google Group forum.
Any idea how this could have happened and how to get this device off of my account? My PC's are secure and my primary PC is Linux.
starfcker69 said:
Last week I noticed a device under my Google Play account (My Devices) that is not mine, a phone on a Romanian cell phone company network. I also noticed that someone from Russia had accessed my Gmail account. I changed my Gmail password (the old one was alpha-numerica,random, with symbols) and turned on two step authentication.
The Gmail account seems to be ok. The contacts all there and no messages removed or messages sent by people other than me.
The only sign of the intrusion is about a dozen "free" apps ordered by that device. It included sketchy gambling apps, a child's game that from comments I read has adult advertisements, and ringtones. After I changed the password there are new "free" media on the account - books and various video. These appear to be from a different user - all in English as opposed to Russian and nothing sketchy.
My guess on how this started - I downloaded an app with about 100 reviews. The next day the "free" apps started to appear, and the unauthorized device also was added the next day.
My SGS 3 isn't rooted. For Jellybean it seems that I have to wait for a stable root, should be another few days.
I contacted the Play Store support and they were of no help. They referred me to Gmail support but Gmail doesn't offer phone support. I think only support on a Google Group forum.
Any idea how this could have happened and how to get this device off of my account? My PC's are secure and my primary PC is Linux.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the IMEI # of the phone added to my account, also the model number (registered in Russian Federation). Could the IMEI be useful? I can PM if interested.
Imeis are quite useful to many people...Just don't pursue this on xda.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
My account too was almost hacked.
I signed into youtube and a notice was shown that someone from ip in china tried to log into my google account and it denied them and i changed my password. No weird apps nothing.
The thing is probably the app you downloaded.
Just because it has 100 downloads doesn't mean its malware but you need to check permissions always.
Even big games like "Paper Toss" has been know to sell peoples info to companies.
When you read permissions. There should be a list of all the options the app requests.
Be Smart. If you download a calculator, It shouldn't have access to your personal identy, messages and the big key is internet access.
If you download a calender it may need access to contacts but it it also needs internet access, its probably is storing your contacts and sending them out to a site that then sells to a company and lastly, your grandparents receive phone calls asking if they want to buy a service and use your name as who referred them.
Also. rooting is a good option. With an app on here called pdroid or droidwall you can download those apps but it will alert yyou when the app wants to use a permission (like internet) and gives you the option to allow or deny.
good luck
I have one update. I think that after I changed my password and went to two step verification, the purchases of "free" apps and media stopped. It's been four days and nothing new added. So far so good. Thanks for the replies. BTW, Google of no help.
I'd still like to know how the Gmail account was compromised - I may never know.
similar thing just happened to me (Galaxy Note) appeared on my account from no where. When I contacted google if they can help or if they are interested in tracking him down, all they said was we cant help you. And change the pw. Obviously I know that I need to change the pw. I know Apple would have tracked it down somehow if it was an iphone. My pw has 22 characters number letter symbols yet it was hacked.
Since google is not helping me I installed Android Lost app on this NOTE and waiting to get a location update via email. I know it wont do anything much and I cant do anything against him or her since no paid apps were downloaded. Still I would like to do something to crooks like this. He only had 6 apps installed (facebook,viber candy rush) and terminal emulator (which worried me).
I really hope that Android close their unlimited backdoors in the OS.
Hey everyone, how do I sign into Themer? On my Galaxy S4 it gives me the option so sign in with Google or Facebook. I have neither. IF I DID HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE TWO HOWEVER I would get a Google account just for Themer... but I don't know if that is possible. When I select to sign into Themer with Google, it tells me to choose a Google account when there is none on the device. What do? (derp) Thanks in advance.
Abethene said:
Hey everyone, how do I sign into Themer? On my Galaxy S4 it gives me the option so sign in with Google or Facebook. I have neither. IF I DID HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE TWO HOWEVER I would get a Google account just for Themer... but I don't know if that is possible. When I select to sign into Themer with Google, it tells me to choose a Google account when there is none on the device. What do? (derp) Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, we'd advise creating a simple Google account. We use this feature generally for security purposes as well as to display unread email count notifications (as the general population now use Gmail as their preferred email account).
Not everyone wants to participate in social media. I find it disappointing that Themer would require I do so, and is a deal-breaker for me.
Without a google account an android device has only half of its functions. I uderstand google+ but a normal google account?
Gesendet von meinem GT-I9505 mit Tapatalk
Abethene said:
Hey everyone, how do I sign into Themer? On my Galaxy S4 it gives me the option so sign in with Google or Facebook. I have neither. IF I DID HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE TWO HOWEVER I would get a Google account just for Themer... but I don't know if that is possible. When I select to sign into Themer with Google, it tells me to choose a Google account when there is none on the device. What do? (derp) Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just create a easy google acct.
Lurkerdownbelow said:
Not everyone wants to participate in social media. I find it disappointing that Themer would require I do so, and is a deal-breaker for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We understand that it's not for everyone, but it's the best way for us help find new users as well as to keep Themer free. We will soon add options to remove this service.
Lurkerdownbelow said:
Not everyone wants to participate in social media. I find it disappointing that Themer would require I do so, and is a deal-breaker for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't have a Google account you may as well not be using android. "Google account" does not equal "social media". Without a Google account you can't even use the Play Store.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
BakaNeko59 said:
If you don't have a Google account you may as well not be using android. "Google account" does not equal "social media". Without a Google account you can't even use the Play Store.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct. I realized that I had been confusing google+ with my normal google account. My bad here. I had assumed that since it was requesting me to sign in with my google account or facebook that it was social media related. I, in fact, do have a google account and can access the play store - which is how downloaded Themer to try in the first place.
I'd now like to know why it needs me to sign in with either account. How does that help Themer find new users and keep it free? I'm not being an ass here, just trying to learn new things.
Lurkerdownbelow said:
You're correct. I realized that I had been confusing google+ with my normal google account. My bad here. I had assumed that since it was requesting me to sign in with my google account or facebook that it was social media related. I, in fact, do have a google account and can access the play store - which is how downloaded Themer to try in the first place.
I'd now like to know why it needs me to sign in with either account. How does that help Themer find new users and keep it free? I'm not being an ass here, just trying to learn new things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest it's mainly for security reasons on our side. If someone breaches our servers, we can link it to a verified account and take action where necessary. In terms of social, when you log in you might have selected the box to receive emails from Themer about new updates and very important events. In this way, people who have uninstalled Themer because of some reason, might find that it now includes something that they've always wanted. Therefore it helps introduce 'new' users and in turn the more users we have the greater chance we have to generate resources (through the sponsored apps in the Smart Categories, which can also be turned off if the user desires).
ThemerSupport said:
To be honest it's mainly for security reasons on our side. If someone breaches our servers, we can link it to a verified account and take action where necessary. In terms of social, when you log in you might have selected the box to receive emails from Themer about new updates and very important events. In this way, people who have uninstalled Themer because of some reason, might find that it now includes something that they've always wanted. Therefore it helps introduce 'new' users and in turn the more users we have the greater chance we have to generate resources (through the sponsored apps in the Smart Categories, which can also be turned off if the user desires).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks so much for taking the time to answer this in more detail! It's much appreciated. I'll give it a thorough try now.
ThemerSupport said:
To be honest it's mainly for security reasons on our side. If someone breaches our servers, we can link it to a verified account and take action where necessary. In terms of social, when you log in you might have selected the box to receive emails from Themer about new updates and very important events. In this way, people who have uninstalled Themer because of some reason, might find that it now includes something that they've always wanted. Therefore it helps introduce 'new' users and in turn the more users we have the greater chance we have to generate resources (through the sponsored apps in the Smart Categories, which can also be turned off if the user desires).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
ThemerSupport said:
Hi there, we'd advise creating a simple Google account. We use this feature generally for security purposes as well as to display unread email count notifications (as the general population now use Gmail as their preferred email account).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your help. I was also facing the same problem.
Google account is a deal breaker
Hi,
For me this is a deal breaker.
I can follow your reasoning. But how can you give the same app the rights to read (display) all your text-messages, contacts & location together with a personalized login (be it google or facebook).
I know that American mentality is different in this case than German mentality: but I think it is insane to give access to all of these information at once...
I'm not the only paranoid here (if you think I am) but I know a lot of others (Germans) who think the same.
Sorry of I'm too frank: if you want to reach more Germans with your app, then you need to rethink this log-in dialogue.
btw: yes, you can use Android (CyanogenMod) without any kind of account. Works great
Yours, toggle
toggler said:
Hi,
For me this is a deal breaker.
I can follow your reasoning. But how can you give the same app the rights to read (display) all your text-messages, contacts & location together with a personalized login (be it google or facebook).
I know that American mentality is different in this case than German mentality: but I think it is insane to give access to all of these information at once...
I'm not the only paranoid here (if you think I am) but I know a lot of others (Germans) who think the same.
Sorry of I'm too frank: if you want to reach more Germans with your app, then you need to rethink this log-in dialogue.
btw: yes, you can use Android (CyanogenMod) without any kind of account. Works great
Yours, toggle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Toggler,
We understand your concern, as we are simply a launcher. However, that isn't really the case. As all of our widgets are built in, we require these permissions to allow the user to view his/her unread SMS/Email/Missed Call counts on the homescreen. We don't store any of the information, we simply display it. We've now actually had to remove the Dialer Widget to reduce the number of permissions required, but we still need a few to improve the user's experience. Once Facebook introduces anonymous login, we'll implement that straight away, however right now we need it for security reasons on our end (in then breaching theme servers).
Hope this helps!
- Marco
So I finally upgrade my LG simple 1G phone to a VZW Galaxy S4, allowed it to update to MK2, setup my gmail account (not G+ though), take care of organizing it like I want, etc. Next thing I notice, that in my gmail I start getting dangerous looking spam ("update your Amazon credit card info", "update your ###### info", and the image had a link which would've sent me to a Yemen domain. Nothing happens without a reason, and the only thing that changed was I gave the phone my gmail logon. I did not directly give account info to any of the other vendors advertised on the bloatware on this phone. I should add that prior to this I was familiar with the spam I'd get in gmail (and gmail would flag it into spam folder) and it was consistent and never made it into my inbox.
This being my first android I'd appreciate comments on your experiences with this, and anything you can share on how to better safeguard my info. I hate google, or anybody for that matter, having so much access to my credentials which I normally and successfully hold fairly close. (Yes this is my first smartphone).
I am a Malwarebytes registered user on my desktop and laptop so I downloaded their app onto my phone, but something tells me what caused this spammer to source me was over-sharing of data on google's (android's?) part.
Thanks
MessyPotamia ("because in the land between the Tigris and Euphrates, things are a MESS")
Huntsville, Alabama
I think its pretty safe to say its coincidence. My family owns about 5 Android devices and I myself have three Android devices currently in active use , two gmail account, one for my personal devices and the other for family use and so far, we have yet to get any 'weird' spam issues except for the occasional spam that promises me that I'll get bigger manhood and such. Try playing with the app settings or try another email app. I mean, if you have a gmail account all this while and google wants to sell off your personal information, they would have sold it a long time ago and not wait only now because you have a new smartphone right? Lol
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
mha93 said:
I think its pretty safe to say its coincidence. <SNIP> I mean, if you have a gmail account all this while and google wants to sell off your personal information, they would have sold it a long time ago and not wait only now because you have a new smartphone right? Lol
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't mean that I think G directly sold it off, but something enabled a spammer to target me. Have been getting this same spam about 1x / day since I shared my 10 yr old gmail acct w/ VZW/I545/MK2. Something triggered it, I don't believe in coincidences (my prior CI work, sorry!), and the only thing that changed was my new setup.
Maybe its something that you've installed? Like have you pirated any apps or downloaded any sketchy apps? Besides that, I can't think of other ways besides logging in to your gmail account, and actively mark the emails from that address as spam.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
mha93 said:
Maybe its something that you've installed? Like have you pirated any apps or downloaded any sketchy apps? Besides that, I can't think of other ways besides logging in to your gmail account, and actively mark the emails from that address as spam.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two days later from my orig post. First, I have not downloaded any suspicious apps (only 2 banking apps, and they're pretty secure), one or two others from app store (but uninstalled them when I wasn't impressed). I set up my wife's yahoo email account as another account under email; one gmail account I use often as another email account; and my regular gmail account is the main phone account. My regular gmail account gets very little spam.
Now I notice my wife is getting evidence her contacts have been harvested, as folks in her contacts (some very old contacts) are replying "Did you send this? " or rejection messages from their .gov or .mil enterprise mail server. She has had registered malwarebytes on her laptop, as do I on mine. Tomorrow I will run CCleaner and HijackThis on both hers and mine. I must say the neither of us visit suspicious places or have any poor practices regarding opening emails or attachments, and our Secunia PSI scores are usually around 98.
This has to have something to do with my new Galaxy S4 and the fact that I gave it my gmail credentials, and her yahoo credentials.
This is not a coincidence.
After googling around, I came upon several forums stating that their users are getting spam mails after logging into their gmail accounts from their 'new' smartphones. So I guess your case is not unique. In all the cases, they managed to solve the problem by changing their gmail password. So what I'm thinking is that your phone is a 'manufacturer refurbished phone' or at least one that was returned to your carrier and repackaged again and that the previous owner left a malicious code or script in the phone. So short of returning to your carrier or to Samsung, I suggest that you change your password, factory reset your phone, update the firmware before logging in to your gmail account and see if it changes anything. The best bet is to return it to Samsung or your carrier on grounds that its a 'defective device' or at least claim that something is wrong with it. Chances are, they will reflash a fresh new firmware onto your phone and would in theory solve and delete any malicious code in your phone. Or they'll replace yours with a new phone. Yeah sounds troublesome but if you want to skip Samsung and reflash a new firmware yourself, head over to the S4 forums and see the method of flashing a new stock firmware. Sorry that your new smartphone causes so much problems. Google is quite helpful when its working right.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
(Problem solved)
mha93 said:
After googling around, I came upon several forums stating that their users are getting spam mails after logging into their gmail accounts from their 'new' smartphones.<<SNIPPED for brevity>> Google is quite helpful when its working right.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The source of the spam is most assuredly the YAHOO MAIL ANDROID APP (downloaded 3 days ago from App store and put on her android, not mine). After running (reg'd) malwarebytes, plus CCleaner and HijackThis (all showed nominal) I began to suspect it was on Yahoo's side, and sure enough there are plenty of recent articles about their vulnerability. Removed the app from her Moto Droid.
I particularly enjoyed reading this:
[I can't post outside links, google the search terms "even-yahoo-employees-dont-use-yahoo-mail"]
Meanwhile, everyone here I thank for participating in this thread.
Was going to download and try this app from the Google store but have issues with privacy concerns:
This app has access to these permissions:
Your accounts
read Google service configuration
find accounts on the device
use accounts on the device
Your location
approximate location (network-based)
precise location (GPS and network-based)
Your messages
read your text messages (SMS or MMS)
receive text messages (SMS)
access mail information
Network communication
full network access
view network connections
view Wi-Fi connections
Your personal information
read calendar events plus confidential information
Phone calls
directly call phone numbers
read phone status and identity
Storage
modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
Your applications information
retrieve running apps
Your social information
read your contacts
read call log
System tools
read Home settings and shortcuts
write Home settings and shortcuts
test access to protected storage
Affects battery
control vibration
Status bar
expand/collapse status bar
Wallpaper
set wallpaper
adjust your wallpaper size
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why does this app need to access so much of my personal information?
Yearoftherat said:
Was going to download and try this app from the Google store but have issues with privacy concerns:
Why does this app need to access so much of my personal information?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
As you know, Themer helps increase the user experience by providing valuable information straight onto your homescreen.
This includes:
1. Displaying how many unread emails/SMS/missed calls you have. (Your messages
read your text messages (SMS or MMS)
receive text messages (SMS)
access mail information))
2. Displaying your map coordinates on a map image. (Your location
approximate location (network-based)
precise location (GPS and network-based))
3. A built-in dialer app that can display your recent contact as well as allow you to call a number directly from your homescreen. (Phone calls
directly call phone numbers
read phone status and identity) (Your social information
read your contacts
read call log)
4. Display agenda information. (Your personal information
read calendar events plus confidential information)
As you can see, it's all for display purposes. If you look at other widgets on the Play Store that perform the same activities, they will also require these permissions. It just so happens that Themer has all of these features built into one app. Hope this helps clarify the matter.
Thanks for the clarification. Looking forward to trying out the app!
I have the same concerns, beginning with the need to login before using any themes. (The explanation given in the faq seems too lame for me). Looks like a terrific app but possibly not for those who worry about privacy. I'm personally too scared to try it.
One option to explore is using this app with xprivacy installed which allows one to restrict unneeded permissions. Maybe a firewall might help?
Anderson2 said:
I have the same concerns, beginning with the need to login before using any themes. (The explanation given in the faq seems too lame for me). Looks like a terrific app but possibly not for those who worry about privacy. I'm personally too scared to try it.
One option to explore is using this app with xprivacy installed which allows one to restrict unneeded permissions. Maybe a firewall might help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Anderson2,
That FAQ actually sums it up quite well. The login feature creates a security barrier for us, which even though is not the most advanced way of preventing intrusions into our theming servers, it does a good job in finding people who are trying to tamper with our systems. That and of course sending users email updates of new features if they request it.
When exactly do you need login? Just to download themes? After the download can one log out? I don't like the idea that you have access to my emails, texts, and any files your widgets access. That is what concerns me.
I don't know enough about themer because I'm afraid to use it, but I believe your zooper widget doesn't require login. (Does it?) Can you explain how they differ in the need for protection?
I have to say that I share those concerns. Why do you force users to login with their Google or Facebook accounts? I do not understand why this should be a better securitry barrier than the login data from mycolorscreen.com? I would not even give away my login data to someone I know, so why should I give away this data to someone I do not know at all???
Well said.
+1
shibadoo said:
I have to say that I share those concerns. Why do you force users to login with their Google or Facebook accounts? I do not understand why this should be a better securitry barrier than the login data from mycolorscreen.com? I would not even give away my login data to someone I know, so why should I give away this data to someone I do not know at all???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yet you log in to this forum and use it.
The explanations have been given. It's to ensure you are who you say you are when you access their servers to download the themes.
As for all the other access, Themer provides a lot of different information as explained (you DID read what he posted, correct?) GPS position, weather, etc. All of this is based on location, etc, as well as if you want unread email counts, etc. It's all there in Themer given you everything all rolled into one app, rather than having to download each piece separately. If you don't like it, don't use it. Thousands upon thousands of users are using it without any issues. I definitely like to protect my privacy, but this app is the least of your worries about privacy.
There are many other problems that could result if they didn't want you to verify who you say you are. Do you want someone to hack their servers and then you download a hacked theme that could result in even more privacy issues for you?
In the end, if you don't want to use it, don't. Nobody is forcing you to use it and they have every right to protect their investments as well. There are plenty of other apps out there you can use that can provide the same type of experience. Usually, the themes are not housed in a server so you can download them from elsewhere, but unless you're getting them from Google Play, then who is to say how safe those are? Many 3rd-party app stores are NOT the safest as they do not follow Google's security policy. At least with Themer, it's in the Google Play market and has had to go through Google's scrutiny.
A few weeks ago, the app was erroneously flagged as something that could steal your information. Google came back later and stated it was an error on their part and verified that the app is safe and it will not steal your information.
I've used it for months and nothing bad has happened to me.
There are many other ways for hackers to get your PI and this is the least of your worries.
vulcanvillalta said:
As an American, and therefore afraid of everything, I personally vote to not give out so much information. But on the other hand, IF someone wanted to get all of your information, they could probably do it without your consent. I would probably stay away from it, though. Just to "try" to be safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once Facebook introduces its anonymous login feature, our developers will implement the feature into Themer
iBolski said:
Yet you log in to this forum and use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I do use this forum, but of course I do not log in with my Google account. There would be no reason to do so - same goes for Themer. I would have no problem if Themer would ask for my login data from mycolorscreen.
iBolski said:
The explanations have been given. It's to ensure you are who you say you are when you access their servers to download the themes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think you know who I am because I enter some data that nobody ever controls? I could simply enter some Google account data I created only for Themer. But honestly, this is too much effort for me only the check if I like an app.
iBolski said:
As for all the other access, Themer provides a lot of different information as explained (you DID read what he posted, correct?) GPS position, weather, etc. All of this is based on location, etc, as well as if you want unread email counts, etc. It's all there in Themer given you everything all rolled into one app, rather than having to download each piece separately. If you don't like it, don't use it. Thousands upon thousands of users are using it without any issues. I definitely like to protect my privacy, but this app is the least of your worries about privacy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly has GPS and weather to do with my Google Account data? I do not share GPS data with Google, so I would not with Themer as well. And for a weather forecast I would simply type in 5 numbers - my zip code. This is exactly what I do right now.
iBolski said:
There are many other problems that could result if they didn't want you to verify who you say you are. Do you want someone to hack their servers and then you download a hacked theme that could result in even more privacy issues for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And because the people at Themer have may account data, nobody can hack their servers? So the solution to all hacked servers worldwide is so simple? Just giving them Google account data?
iBolski said:
In the end, if you don't want to use it, don't. Nobody is forcing you to use it and they have every right to protect their investments as well. There are plenty of other apps out there you can use that can provide the same type of experience. Usually, the themes are not housed in a server so you can download them from elsewhere, but unless you're getting them from Google Play, then who is to say how safe those are? Many 3rd-party app stores are NOT the safest as they do not follow Google's security policy. At least with Themer, it's in the Google Play market and has had to go through Google's scrutiny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I do not use it. This is the consequence.
iBolski said:
There are many other ways for hackers to get your PI and this is the least of your worries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what should be my worries if it is not giving away voluntarily my Google account data to someone I do not know???
And you forgot something: I know at least 5 people that use their Android phones without a Google account, and they also do not use Facebook. Believe it or not: these people do really exist, and they even survive without a Google and a Facebook account.
So for me there is no credible information why the people at themer need my Google account data, and why this should protect them from being hacked. Or why my Google Account data should be safer than my mycolorscreen account data. This is why I will not use themer and would not recommend it to others.
shibadoo said:
Yes, I do use this forum, but of course I do not log in with my Google account. There would be no reason to do so - same goes for Themer. I would have no problem if Themer would ask for my login data from mycolorscreen.
You think you know who I am because I enter some data that nobody ever controls? I could simply enter some Google account data I created only for Themer. But honestly, this is too much effort for me only the check if I like an app.
What exactly has GPS and weather to do with my Google Account data? I do not share GPS data with Google, so I would not with Themer as well. And for a weather forecast I would simply type in 5 numbers - my zip code. This is exactly what I do right now.
And because the people at Themer have may account data, nobody can hack their servers? So the solution to all hacked servers worldwide is so simple? Just giving them Google account data?
Yes, I do not use it. This is the consequence.
So what should be my worries if it is not giving away voluntarily my Google account data to someone I do not know???
And you forgot something: I know at least 5 people that use their Android phones without a Google account, and they also do not use Facebook. Believe it or not: these people do really exist, and they even survive without a Google and a Facebook account.
So for me there is no credible information why the people at themer need my Google account data, and why this should protect them from being hacked. Or why my Google Account data should be safer than my mycolorscreen account data. This is why I will not use themer and would not recommend it to others.
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You describe me exactly. I don't use my Google account to login anywhere, don't use Facebook, have phone GPS and location turned off, only enter zip code for weather, turn off sync everywhere, use a firewall, xprivacy, etc. - - and Google only thinks it has my info.
Everyone I know who is not a teenager or addicted to Facebook does the same.
vulcanvillalta said:
If you use fake names etc and are vague about your location, no, google doesnt have your name. But what about your IP address. They can tell that your pseudonym is performing functions from the specific location you are in. You might not GIVE them your name or address, but with the IP address linking you to a specific internet connection, they certainly can figure out who you are and where you are, if they want to.
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Which is why I don't want to help other sites identify me by giving them my Google login. Not everyone has Google capabilities.
The points made in defense of keeping your personal information private (and not using your Google login for Themer) are valid and understood.
However, Themer is not designed for that type of mindset.
Themer is designed for the overall market - the vast majority if you will - not for privacy advocates.
It's simply a tool that allows the general Android user base (the FB'ers, Google +'ers, i.e. Socialites) to easily login to an app designed to make their phones look cool. Most of the functionality of the Themes are far more invasive than your Google login anyway (GPS coordinates, access to text/email notifications, call logs, etc) so I really don't see the point of wildly waving your arms around saying "privacy breach! privacy breach!"
Don't use it. Cool. I'm OK with that. I'm sure they are too. But why complain about it? What is the goal? Surely you cannot think they will redesign the app for you.
So really, you're just posting on XDA to aggravate the devs. I mean, what launcher doesn't have access to all of your info? It's like complaining that a specific model of car has a license plate that can be used to identify you. Guess what? All cars do. Take the bus bro
Anderson2 said:
Which is why I don't want to help other sites identify me by giving them my Google login. Not everyone has Google capabilities.
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But your phone can still identify you. You are still logged into the internet via your carrier's internet and they can definitely get who you are on the phone.
You might as well just stay off the internet completely then.
And, if you're going to stay off the internet, then why have a smart phone? You're already identified out there through your carrier. If they breach your carrier account, they have all sorts of information right then and there, more so than Google would have. Think about it. Your billing address, etc.
Don't think for a minute that your carrier is completely safe. Even Verizon has had breaches.
vulcanvillalta said:
Like I said above, IF PEOPLE WANT YOUR INFORMATION, THEY CAN GET IT. There are nasty identity thieves out there that can find all of your information SOOOO easily. So easily. So whether or not you use an app or make a phonecall or whatever, you can still be traced and you can still be monitored and your information can still be acquired. I'm not trying to be a downer, but you can either accept that you are at the mercy of whoever wants to stalk you, or you can spend the rest of your life worrying and trying to protect yourself from something you literally have no control of.
IMHO, if you can use the app and it would benefit you, you might as well enjoy it.
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Not sure why you quoted me bro, I'm on the same page you are.
IT need to display some information about your phone