[Q] App to tell you what is using your GPS? - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II SGH-I777

Is there an app or log or something that will tell me what is using my GPS and WIFI? I'm starting to get horrible battery life because something on my phone is trying to access WiFi/GPS every hour or so... and where I work, there is neither.
I did a search and found that Lookout security does something similar, but I'm not looking for a full-blown solution like that, and I know how "intrusive" lookout can be. Just a simple "this app used your GPS at this time" etc so I can delete the app or change the settings.
any and all help is greatly appreciated!

mister2quick said:
Is there an app or log or something that will tell me what is using my GPS and WIFI? I'm starting to get horrible battery life because something on my phone is trying to access WiFi/GPS every hour or so... and where I work, there is neither.
I did a search and found that Lookout security does something similar, but I'm not looking for a full-blown solution like that, and I know how "intrusive" lookout can be. Just a simple "this app used your GPS at this time" etc so I can delete the app or change the settings.
any and all help is greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better Battery Stats might work.

I know this probably isn't what you are looking for, but LBE Privacy Guard will alert you when programs try to access you GPS (or other permissions). Facebook always would try to get my location, then I blocked the app from accessing the GPS. I'm not sure if it logs events though.
Note - some people question the legitemacy of LBE...so just a heads up on that. I've never had a problem and never hurts my battery.

Related

[Q] News app misbehaves... can it be disabled?

I installed Watchdog Lite on my Tbolt and it constantly tells me that the News app is overstepping its bounds CPU-wise. I tell the monitor to kill the app but it starts back up again of its own accord.
Is there any way to disable this app without rooting my phone? Or even WITH rooting my phone? I'm not even using it anymore.
major_works said:
I installed Watchdog Lite on my Tbolt and it constantly tells me that the News app is overstepping its bounds CPU-wise. I tell the monitor to kill the app but it starts back up again of its own accord.
Is there any way to disable this app without rooting my phone? Or even WITH rooting my phone? I'm not even using it anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you are rooted, titanium backup and 'freeze' the app or delete it completely.
but i would also check to make sure under sync settings it isnt set to sync.
You can try startup auditor and disable the app... if its a system app, I wouldnt touch it.
Thanks to you both for the suggestions. I've made sure it isn't syncing, and I installed the free version of Startup Auditor and sicced it on the app. We'll see what happens...
either uninstall it, or root and use titanium back up to freeze it.
Just to follow up, the News app hasn't been an issue since I took those measures earlier today. Thanks to all!
just wondering, what kind of readings were you getting from the app?
magneticzero said:
just wondering, what kind of readings were you getting from the app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was basically telling me that the app was exceeding CPU-usage limits. I don't recall noting quantitative information. Didn't really care, I just didn't want it sucking up battery for no reason.
what is the news app called in /system/app/ i cannot find it.
Dunno... I can't find it either.
Htc changed it now... Try htcgreader.apk **backup incase you come across a problem** i remember on my incredible there might be some sense stuff that relies on that apk....just saying..
yeah, like the weather.apk is required to view specific dates in the calander
Hi all...TBolt newbie here. I think the "news" app is bloatware as it was already installed with many other apps on my Verizon TBolt. Like an idiot, I subscribed to several news sources and now cannot remove them and the app continues to ask at numerous random times for more sources. I've tried killing the task with ES Task Manager, but it keeps re-initializing itself. Hopefully there's some way of getting rid of this intrusive piece of crapware, short of rooting or custom ROM, which I have no idea how to do!

[Q] How do I find out what is using the GPS?

I noticed that whenever I'm on WIFI, the GPS icon would come on and blink for a few seconds then go away. It would keep doing this every 3 seconds on the dot.
On 3G, it would not happen.
On stock KG1 ROM, rooted. I have the Widget Locker and the touchscreenfix.
How do I find out what app or process is using the GPS? I even used the Samsung Task Manager to kill all the apps and cleared the memory. I also rebooted. Whatever it is, it simms to start up when the OS starts. Looking at autostarts, there are too many apps listed in the"after start up" category to pin point the offending app.
I think I found the problem. It was the AT&T Mark the Spot app.
I noticed the GPS also comes on when I change charge/discharge state, as well as network state changes. I looked at Autostarts to see what do these have in common, and out of all the other apps, this one is more likely the culprit.
I'd still wish for a way to find out what process is using what resources. Currently, there is no app for that.
naddie said:
I think I found the problem. It was the AT&T Mark the Spot app.
I noticed the GPS also comes on when I change charge/discharge state, as well as network state changes. I looked at Autostarts to see what do these have in common, and out of all the other apps, this one is more likely the culprit.
I'd still wish for a way to find out what process is using what resources. Currently, there is no app for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is this app (if your rooted that is), I have it as it allows me to prohibit some permissions of certain apps. Also in a sense enhances security. If you found this helpful don't forget the thanks button (as im trying to build that up! lol).
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lbe.security&hl=en
additionally for security there is also: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout&hl=en
EDIT: LBE lets you know what is using what or what potentially can.
Htc HD2 Spirit said:
There is this app (if your rooted that is), I have it as it allows me to prohibit some permissions of certain apps. Also in a sense enhances security. If you found this helpful don't forget the thanks button (as im trying to build that up! lol).
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lbe.security&hl=en
additionally for security there is also: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout&hl=en
EDIT: LBE lets you know what is using what or what potentially can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but that's not what I'm looking for. I don't want to prevent the app from accessing GPS, which looks like what those apps you mention can do. I just want to know for future reference if I can find out what app is using what resources.
For example, if I see the GPS keep coming on again even though there isn't anything apparently running, I'd like to know which app or process is using the GPS.

[HELP] Trying to find a solution to apps running in background. Any way to stop them?

First of all, I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP BILLIONS OF TIMES, SO BEFORE YOU REPLY WITH "Search the forums" READ THIS.
I have been looking for WEEKS trying to find an answer to this,and no answer given on any forums are what I am looking for.
I have an android phone (sidekick 4g) and there are apps that run in the background when not necessary. Now I know some stuff need to be aways running for the phone to function. But I also know that apps like Facebook, Market, Gmail, T-mobile's Media Store, MyYearBook, Maps, Aptoide, etc don't. When I force close them, they just start up a few seconds later. I've tried task killers and got the same result. I've read the "Why you shouldn't use a task killer" articles but everyone keeps saying different things about it so I'm confused.
Like many others, I want my battery to last at least half way through the day. The above mentioned apps (and some others) DRAIN THE BATTERY WHEN RUNNING IN THE BACKGROUND WHEN I DON'T WANT THEM TO.
Please does anyone know of a way to fix this?
My phone is rooted, if that matters.
Also, "freezing" the apps don't help cause then I can't use them when I actually want to.
Thank you very much in advance anyone who can help me out!
magnoidgoat said:
First of all, I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP BILLIONS OF TIMES, SO BEFORE YOU REPLY WITH "Search the forums" READ THIS.
I have been looking for WEEKS trying to find an answer to this,and no answer given on any forums are what I am looking for.
I have an android phone (sidekick 4g) and there are apps that run in the background when not necessary. Now I know some stuff need to be aways running for the phone to function. But I also know that apps like Facebook, Market, Gmail, T-mobile's Media Store, MyYearBook, Maps, Aptoide, etc don't. When I force close them, they just start up a few seconds later. I've tried task killers and got the same result. I've read the "Why you shouldn't use a task killer" articles but everyone keeps saying different things about it so I'm confused.
Like many others, I want my battery to last at least half way through the day. The above mentioned apps (and some others) DRAIN THE BATTERY WHEN RUNNING IN THE BACKGROUND WHEN I DON'T WANT THEM TO.
Please does anyone know of a way to fix this?
My phone is rooted, if that matters.
Also, "freezing" the apps don't help cause then I can't use them when I actually want to.
Thank you very much in advance anyone who can help me out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Applications running, doesn't mean cpu cycles are being used. Sitting in memory is no different then a song sitting on your sdcard. Your issue with the battery has to do with processes using cpu cycles. If you have applications that update, force updates manually.
Just having apps in memory isn't your issue.
Use the features built into the os, find out what apps are causing the problem. Look at the settings. If you have looked at your settings, then you have one of three choices. Open bugreports with the application developers, don't install the apps causing problems, or upgrade your phone.
lithid-cm said:
Applications running, doesn't mean cpu cycles are being used. Sitting in memory is no different then a song sitting on your sdcard. Your issue with the battery has to do with processes using cpu cycles. If you have applications that update, force updates manually.
Just having apps in memory isn't your issue.
Use the features built into the os, find out what apps are causing the problem. Look at the settings. If you have looked at your settings, then you have one of three choices. Open bugreports with the application developers, don't install the apps causing problems, or upgrade your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you that makes sense.
I would think those apps would use battery because it pushes notifications for the app (like new messages and stuff). Does that not use battery?
magnoidgoat said:
Thank you that makes sense.
I would think those apps would use battery because it pushes notifications for the app (like new messages and stuff). Does that not use battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does use battery because to process the notification it needs to use the cpu. If you force applications to update manually. Your batter would be better. Check into battery saving tuts. All that information has already been discussed plenty. Won't change in this scenario either.
The more apps you have updating information the more data and notifications are being processed.
lithid-cm said:
It does use battery because to process the notification it needs to use the cpu. If you force applications to update manually. Your batter would be better. Check into battery saving tuts. All that information has already been discussed plenty. Won't change in this scenario either.
The more apps you have updating information the more data and notifications are being processed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
Also, I have another problem, if you know anything about this kinda stuff. The Facebook app icon just (like 10 minutes ago) disappeared from my home screen, and it's not in the app drawer either. I uninstalled and reinstalled and still having the problem. I can only open it by manually searching "facebook" in the google search widget and that's when it gives me the option to open the app. It's really bizzare and I have no idea what's going on.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda premium
magnoidgoat said:
Thank you!
Also, I have another problem, if you know anything about this kinda stuff. The Facebook app icon just (like 10 minutes ago) disappeared from my home screen, and it's not in the app drawer either. I uninstalled and reinstalled and still having the problem. I can only open it by manually searching "facebook" in the google search widget and that's when it gives me the option to open the app. It's really bizzare and I have no idea what's going on.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a issue with the rom or launcher. Try installing another launcher from the market and see if the application is installed. If its there with another launcher then its your stock launcher, if its not then its the rom.
lithid-cm said:
Sounds like a issue with the rom or launcher. Try installing another launcher from the market and see if the application is installed. If its there with another launcher then its your stock launcher, if its not then its the rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked thank you!

What does this Service actually do?

Yes, I did google and search on XDA, but couldn't find an answer.
I'm looking at com.htc.autobot.cargps.provider I've seen it pop up on my battery monitoring apps, and I'm still not sure what it's for. It shows up on days I don't even use the car app or anything like that.
ML417 said:
Yes, I did google and search on XDA, but couldn't find an answer.
I'm looking at com.htc.autobot.cargps.provider I've seen it pop up on my battery monitoring apps, and I'm still not sure what it's for. It shows up on days I don't even use the car app or anything like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Autobot is a car gps tracker. Sounds like you have an app loaded that instantly tracks your movements. Like your gps share is enabled on your phone or something like that. Open navigation, and check to see if your location sharing is enabled. If it is turn it off. Also see if you have your phone connected to your car security or home security systems. These types of apps also have gps automated functions.

Is an app killer what I need?

There are at least two apps (that I've noticed) which seem to act strange when I run them again after running them once. The strangeness vanishes if I go into recent apps, swipe the app away, then run it from scratch. I get annoyed at having to do this frequently. Would one of the many background app killers out there achieve the same effect automatically without me having to swipe the app away? Any recommendation for a killer I can restrict to just certain apps? Is there any setting on the s21 to say "never cache this app in memory"?
Claghorn said:
There are at least two apps (that I've noticed) which seem to act strange when I run them again after running them once. The strangeness vanishes if I go into recent apps, swipe the app away, then run it from scratch. I get annoyed at having to do this frequently. Would one of the many background app killers out there achieve the same effect automatically without me having to swipe the app away? Any recommendation for a killer I can restrict to just certain apps? Is there any setting on the s21 to say "never cache this app in memory"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense but it sounds like the issue is with the apps and using an app killer to autokill the app is nothing more than band aid. The app killer would be yet another service that will run in the background using up your resources. I think you would be better off contacting the developer and see if they will allow you to submit logcats so they can fix the issue(s). This would help you and potentially help others as well. I would also see if there any alternative apps that can do the same thing.
aybarrap1 said:
No offense but it sounds like the issue is with the apps and using an app killer to autokill the app is nothing more than band aid. The app killer would be yet another service that will run in the background using up your resources. I think you would be better off contacting the developer and see if they will allow you to submit logcats so they can fix the issue(s). This would help you and potentially help others as well. I would also see if there any alternative apps that can do the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The most irritating one is the Chase mobile app. Attempting to contact the "developer" gets me chase customer service who wants to help me reinstall the app. Pleas to forward my mail to the actual developer are met with total incomprehension .
Okay. We might try going deeper here. Did the problem always exist or did it start randomly? If each one was working fine at one point it could be an update from the developer broke Apps. Did it start after an update to the app or the phone Rom?
Did you customize and/or disable the os or rom baked services/apps?
How long have you had the phone? Did you upgrade from android 11 to 12 and do a factory reset? Just some questions to see if there might be other root causes.
Everything is stock with all system updates from samsung applied. I'm pretty sure it started after an app update. The chase app insists "You are not connected to a network", but since I was just on chrome looking at web pages, that seems unlikely. It acts more like the app doesn't clean up everything correctly on exit, then if android keeps it around in memory, it has trash in uninitialized variables when starting back up again. I've gotten pretty good about swiping it away from recent apps, so even if they fix the bug someday, I'll probably keep doing it from reflex .
Have you looked at recent comments for the app on the play store? Are there similar complaints that started around a certain time? That would be a definitive indicator if it was an update issue.
I commented about it and since then 15 people have found my review helpful, so maybe that means they have the same problem.
Claghorn said:
I commented about it and since then 15 people have found my review helpful, so maybe that means they have the same problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah...that is unfortunate. It looks like you may have to wait on the company and developer to fix it.

Categories

Resources