Hi, I'm looking for a lock app for my phone and this one seems to be the best, ton of useful features, and i have installed and used it before and loved it.
However upon reviewing the permissions, i've gotten a bit cautious. It has quite a few permissions which seem shady, any i'm aware that as it locks any app you choose it may need to access certain permissions, without these permissions it may not be able to lock a specific app but some of the permissions seem off.
It does have between 1 - 5 million downloads, and every review, including my personal opinion, seems to be positive but the permissions seem odd.
I've emailed the dev to see what he says, but i'd like some second opinions
Smart App Protector - Google Play Page
is it safe?
For me several permissions make no sense (why this app need access to my sms, personal info or the phone dialer?).
If the developer answers your email, please let us know
I use this app, that does basically the same thing and doesn't require a lot of permissions:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock
I've actually used this app myself (great one btw ) and I was cautious at first about the Permissions but then I figured that it probably needed them for example;
One of the Permissions is "Read SMS".
It probably needs this to be able to kick into action if somebody (or you) open the app. If it didn't have that permission then I'd presume it'd just let you in to the app. Even if you told it to ask for a password.
Just my two cents. I'm not certain about this but, thats what I figured...
- Swift - said:
I've actually used this app myself (great one btw ) and I was cautious at first about the Permissions but then I figured that it probably needed them for example;
One of the Permissions is "Read SMS".
It probably needs this to be able to kick into action if somebody (or you) open the app. If it didn't have that permission then I'd presume it'd just let you in to the app. Even if you told it to ask for a password.
Just my two cents. I'm not certain about this but, thats what I figured...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree but something like permission to make phone calls strikes me as odd, that shouldn't be necessary to bar access to the phone app. Also App Lock doesn't require this permission
BUMP, really need help with this
If anyone else is interested, i got a reply from the dev (he's korean)
Hello,
First of all, Protector has many permission, so I can't explain all.
And Free version has Advertisement,(so it has Call permission) so It has permission more than Pro version.
I hope that you believe my Protector.
Thanks.
PS. Sorry for my English.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to use another app to block the permissions that seem odd and see if the app can still do it's job. I'll report back to say how it goes. I'm sure someone might use this in the future.
I'm using this app in pro too and wondered about the permissions... I've not had any issues so far but am interested in what you find..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
I got this further reply.
Hello,
There are no unnecessary permissions. all permission is needed for Advertisement and features.
(but Call permission isn't used but it is needed for Ad SDK default permission - Ad SDK is other company library)
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I trust it enough to use it, but am going to block some of the more curious permissions with this app.
If, after millions of downloads, it stays up and has decent reviews, I would trust it.
Related
hi
here's a little pet peeve of mine
whenever i go to share a picture, website link, etc i am presented with a *huge* list of apps that i could ever possibly use
but here's the truth - i only ever use three (maybe four) of those apps
and, just an extra bonus, those three or four are distributed all up and down that list - and yeah, the gmail icon is at the bottom! lol
is there *any* way to modify that list??
or an app that lets us mod that list??
i'm asking you guys cuz you would know
and... if anybody wants an idea for an app to build... there ya go! i'd pay 99cents (heck, probably even 1.99) for such an app!
and, while i'm asking, i might as well say what would be just killer features ---- allow us to pick the say top five apps that would always show up, and the last entry says "all" so the entire list becomes available
would be good to be able to sort the apps that show up in that list too
anyway.. just gonna throw that out there
??
no one has anything to say about this?
Shame that there are no replies, as this is also bugging me. Here's a bump for the topic.
Annoying me as well. Recently downloaded a QR app and the damn thing added TWO entries. I'd love to be able to remove everything but email, facebook, and messaging...
How can this still be an issue
I can't believe there's no way to filter the list or at least sort the list in order used.
'Intents' and MIME-types
Recently I find that I've become rater annoyed with the list for "share via", and started wondering how I might go about deleting specific items or at the very least rearrange the order in which they appear.
I've been unable to find the answer, as most threads, only consist of the question, and no answers.
I did however find out that what causes an app to appear in the "share via"-list is an 'Intents'-argument with regards to MIME-types (.jpg or .txt etc.) when coding the app.
See: (add the http yourselves, as I'm unable to, with this being my first post)
stackoverflow .com/questions/7891473/how-to-write-an-android-share-plugin
&
stackoverflow .com/questions/3553017/android-share-via-dialog
That means, that in order to remove them from the list, we would need some app, like LBE Privacy Guard, that could limit the "offending" app's 'Intents' in certain regards.
However I've been unable to find anyone that seems to know which file to tweak in order to rearrange the order in which they appear.
I doubt this helps anyone very much, but it may just lead someone on the right path to maybe coming up with a fix for this.
Try 'Andmade Share' from the market, seems like it would be what you're after.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5hbmRtYWRlc29mdC5zaGFyZSJd
or
share customizer
Play link
Feature request added at code.google 2012-01-25
It would appear that a feature request has been put in at code.google at 2012-01-25
(Again add the http-part yourselves)
code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24741
While we are waiting for this "obvious" feature, the above reply's seem to offer what I'm asking for, at least in an app, though it ought to be built in...
Thx a lot itscro & biopsin
EDIT: I think I'll pass on the Share Customizer, with all the funky (chinese?) writing, and dec. 2011 latest update.
Andmade Share however looks like a winner, and I like the fact, that it doesn't require any permissions...
Awesome. Andmade Share seems to do the trick. Love it when old threads are brought back to life and solve a problem.
Nitsson said:
Awesome. Andmade Share seems to do the trick. Love it when old threads are brought back to life and solve a problem.
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Click to collapse
Can´t agree more with you, because this problem annoys me a long time now!
Regards,
Guido
Kosh_ac said:
Can´t agree more with you, because this problem annoys me a long time now!
Regards,
Guido
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, though it doesn't seem to work on Jelly Bean unfortunately.
Nitsson said:
Indeed, though it doesn't seem to work on Jelly Bean unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe not right now, but give it time, JB isn't exactly widespread just yet.
Such is the cost of being on the bleeding edge...
Bawl said:
Maybe not right now, but give it time, JB isn't exactly widespread just yet.
Such is the cost of being on the bleeding edge...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its been quite awhile since this thread was active, but I'm hoping someone has something new on this topic. I can't find any other threads that cover this issue...
Im suspicious of things you can buy jenga for 10p today but i can't understand why it wants phone call permissions? Why would a game want to know my phone number and call status? I can't think of a single reason, is there one?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
sgs2_user said:
Im suspicious of things you can buy jenga for 10p today but i can't understand why it wants phone call permissions? Why would a game want to know my phone number and call status? I can't think of a single reason, is there one?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might have to do with this:
In Android Market Jenga Goto News Tab --> in "What new in this version":
"CHAT"
"Send a text message to your opponent with each move in an Online game"
Fair enough, i would just use the internet, not sure my what partner would need my phone number. Plenty of games use the internet without needing to know who im currently phoning, i think I'll leave this one!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Android apps that have silly requests for permissions is the worst aspect of Android.
I rooted and installed lbe security which allows me to block some permissions after the install.and asks with a pop up for requests at other times.
You have reason to be suspicious.
Good reason.
But most of it is just collected and used to better advertise to you.
Welcome to the cloud.
With the all seeing eye.
nutpants said:
Android apps that have silly requests for permissions is the worst aspect of Android.
I rooted and installed lbe security which allows me to block some permissions after the install. you.
Welcome to the cloud.
With the all seeing eye.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow man, im lucky to read this far and to gain this great tip!
I know its off topic but THNKS =)
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
I agree,
you have to be suspicious.
Even better than LBE (and the best if combined) is CyanogenMod with the possibility to block ALL the permissions (have to consider which you block btw => FC's)
But games want to know your phone status to be able to pause when a call is coming in, I guess... Not sure though.
Muta
Ah will try that nut pants!
Ah yes, phone interruption, that will be it!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Wich permisions can i block?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Any you don't like i guess as long as it doesn't break the app
So i saw a single player game that wanted my Gps...why? And can it access Gps history?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
just root your phone and download denied permissions
How is an app that has automated settings for denied permissions going to help ME understand wich permissions i can block.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
The same goes with me...
You can block anything that a phone may not support (any developer that makes an app that crashes because you have no internet should not bee installed)
I remove everything I don't like (which is everything) and bring back what I'm willing to allow if it FC's.
Google needs to have developers give full reasons for required permissions.some developers already do that, they are the ones I support.other I email to ask and i am fully willing to rate badly if no response.
Some one should start a Android full disclosure group to work together to get the info every one wants.
And get start up control (or something like that) you would not believe how many apps fire up when you get a text or change your network connectivity.
If any one knows of a Android security website or forum post it here.I have not found one worth reading.
You suggestion seems like it could benifit loads of people. It seems like you already have a good grasp what 2 ask the developers for. Maybe you can make up an format for me and others who are willing to email devs to get some awnsers.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
I've had my i9100 for 5 months and just rooted last month. Before that I was on windows mobile, after10 years using a wm phone I bailed on ms forever because of all the unacceptable "features"of windows phone. I believe in security and being anonymous as possible to big corporate interests.Android being open source was my only choice as apple is closed and militant about it, even more so than Ms. (and imagine my horror to see all the permissions on my phone)
But to be honest I know much more about what I don't like than I know how to fix it.
I do know that Google makes more money from advertising and knowing the actions and preferences of its users than any other company in history.the app developers make as much money or more from advertising than from selling their apps.and in sure some make money by learning what you like and don't.
And almost none of them will abandon that source of cash.
When ics is out and ready for my device I will go to cm9ics and it's security options built in the kernel.
I hope some one builds a locked down Android that randomly fakes all the privacy questionable permissions so all apps work.but I don't think that will ever happen. None of the big movers in the phone market want that.
As for finding out why a developer asks for a permission just mail them and ask.if you don't like the answer uninstall and rate it why you removed it.
some times permissions are there for options that you may love like your keyboard needing your contact list so it can spell your friends names. But is there really a reason for that keyboard to have internet access?
Carrier IQ brought into the open just what your phone might do with it you knowing.sadly most phones don't need an extra app to monitor your every move.
Don't even get me started on the"cloud" and all the bad things it represents.
as I learn more I'll share more but right now I feel like a very big man in a very small boat fishing for information in a very big sea.
Good luck out there
I totally understand your feelings. And agree on most of it. I wrote an essay about digital privacy a few years back. The thing is i know my every digital move is being monitered and stored. I think your best option is to build a cutom rom .. maybe 1 wich feed the apps with bogus information. That way you can get the apps you like help the developers get random data/ advertising revenue and stay anonimous.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
I wanted to share an app I found. It's free on the market (there's also a donate version). It's an incredibly smooth Facebook client. It has a nice UI and notifications (with a wide range of refresh intervals). Best of all, it seems really light on battery. In my opinion, it's worlds ahead of anything else available. Let me know what you think.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.krm.fbm
Hmmm... I don't allow "anything" permissions to do anything on or with my Facebook. If you choose "Allow None" it puts you in a loop consistently asking you for the same permissions. Just not going to happen with me. I'll stick with the standard one.
Why does this app look so close to the official app? I mean REALLY close.
DarienA said:
Why does this app look so close to the official app? I mean REALLY close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's modeled after the mobile website. The official app only recently made this change.
Sent from my Galaxy SII
Simba501 said:
I wanted to share an app I found. It's free on the market (there's also a donate version). It's an incredibly smooth Facebook client. It has a nice UI and notifications (with a wide range of refresh intervals). Best of all, it seems really light on battery. In my opinion, it's worlds ahead of anything else available. Let me know what you think.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.krm.fbm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha after googling the package name this is the first thing that popped up. This is actually my app so thanks!
The app FBM is just a wrapper for "touch.facebook.com" that has been tweaked and had a few additional features added. I've actually just published an update which will hopefully fix the notifications bug (which have been a bit intermittent for some users). I still have a fair bit of work to do with the photo uploading and sharing but unfortunantly due to work I don't get to devote nearly as much time as I would like to towards it.
@Cozmo1 - the permissions thing is a little annoying and one day I'll get round to tidying it up. I added that loop in when I added the "Upload Photo" feature so that I didn't have to deal with different permission sets between users. Some of the permissions are not even used such as the access data 24/7 one but when I first wrote it I thought I might use it.
Anyway, thanks for the mini-review Simba501 If anyone has any issues just PM me.
I suppose I'll give it a go. Thanks for sharing
Hi
I can not push the button for upload a picture.
Is this a bug?
Yes this is a nice Facebook app
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
Today my US bank app was asking for root permissions.. weird since it shouldn't require root. Anyone think someone is trying to breach my info??? Should I allow it?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA
Same here
I saw that the app auto-updated this afternoon now it's asking for root. I did not allow it as I have no idea why it would need to do so.
I see no reason why such an app should ask for root permissions... Try to run the same software on another non rooted android phone and match the result
I have seen the same issue and have no idea why so I denied it.
I see no valid reason why the app would need root permissions and quite frankly I wonder if it is the actual US Bank app requesting it.
Makes me wonder with all of the physhing and viruses going around.
I got a notice this morning that someone from Russia loggied into my Facebook account. Facebook locked my account until I could verify if it was allowed and then required a password change.
Hi Everyone!
Greeting for the day! I hope you all are doing good.
I am here to ask a question which is bothering me from past few days . I am not any developer or geek, actually. So apology if this question is not relevant. I have been using mod apks from last few month but now I am realizing that all the apps requires almost full access or say permissions to your cell phone. So my question is "Why full permission is required for MOD apps?".
I mean is it really required to give full permission while creating a mod version or the developers unnecessary ask for it? So may be then can play with the data or other things when they are bored. :cyclops:
I used to download those apks from ONHAX or OSMDROID because they seemed better than any other place but now it's not same for me. I used to give full access but now I can n't. Could you please share your view and let me know if I can trust these websites or the full permissions?
I mean what about the application shared on XDA as well? Can we trust them? I know mostly people wants to help and seriously they do whatever they can, but still I have some confusion about this. Hence this thread.
Also if no, then is there any alternative way? like install app and then give only some permission manually which might be required for app.
Thank you in advance! :angel:
Have a nice day! :good:
Aknecromancer said:
Hi Everyone!
Greeting for the day! I hope you all are doing good.
I am here to ask a question which is bothering me from past few days . I am not any developer or geek, actually. So apology if this question is not relevant. I have been using mod apks from last few month but now I am realizing that all the apps requires almost full access or say permissions to your cell phone. So my question is "Why full permission is required for MOD apps?".
I mean is it really required to give full permission while creating a mod version or the developers unnecessary ask for it? So may be then can play with the data or other things when they are bored. :cyclops:
I used to download those apks from ONHAX or OSMDROID because they seemed better than any other place but now it's not same for me. I used to give full access but now I can n't. Could you please share your view and let me know if I can trust these websites or the full permissions?
I mean what about the application shared on XDA as well? Can we trust them? I know mostly people wants to help and seriously they do whatever they can, but still I have some confusion about this. Hence this thread.
Also if no, then is there any alternative way? like install app and then give only some permission manually which might be required for app.
Thank you in advance! :angel:
Have a nice day! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know about why they ask full permissions but yes,you can definitely change the permissions.There are many apps available on play store to change permissions but I would prefer advanced permission manager because it is reliable and easy to use.It also doesn't requires root to work,so it is really a nice application
Regards,
milkyway3
milkyway3 said:
Don't know about why they ask full permissions but yes,you can definitely change the permissions.There are many apps available on play store to change permissions but I would prefer advanced permission manager because it is reliable and easy to use.It also doesn't requires root to work,so it is really a nice application
Regards,
milkyway3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Milkyway3,
Thank you for your view. Indeed we can manage permissions. May be we can give same permission as the original app and hopefully that work. :laugh:
Let's see what other guys think of this.