Every detail and bit of use is logged in my Google account (apps used, how many times they were used, timestamps of use, URL's visited, every place I visited, ect...). I know location data was a definite expectation as I've seen maps of where I've been in the past but this seems insanely excessive, not to mention that it also knows what Google notifications I've dismissed.
Ask HN: Why does Google need to log 99% of what I do on my Android phone?
1–10 of 14 posts
Re: Ask HN: Why does Google need to log 99% of what I do on my Android phone?
#2They don't "need" to, but they can use all that data to build a better profile on you and thus sell advertisers better targeting.
Re: Ask HN: Why does Google need to log 99% of what I do on my Android phone?
#3The AI NEEDS DATASETS
Re: Ask HN: Why does Google need to log 99% of what I do on my Android phone?
#4They track you because it's their business model. More data about you means better personalized advertisements and thus more money for google.
Re: Ask HN: Why does Google need to log 99% of what I do on my Android phone?
#5Seems like a lot of Google products have gone from being universally useful to only being useful when you buy into the ecosystem. I've noticed that in the past year or so, my video suggestions on youtube have been terrible (totally off topic, things I've already watched, ect...). I have a hunch that it's because I have youtube's history features turned off. I'm going to turn them back on just to see if the applications get more useful.
Re: Ask HN: Why does Google need to log 99% of what I do on my Android phone?
#6Yeah I would love to use a smartphone that doesn't require to have an account! It's simply not possible with iOS or Android as you need an account if you want to download apps.
Also I would love a smartphone that doesn't come with many preinstalled apps I don't need.
Re: Ask HN: Why does Google need to log 99% of what I do on my Android phone?
#7Pay for an account that isn't Google?
Yes, you're logged, yes, you have a free account, yes you can disable a good deal of it in your account settings. It's not just on your phone either.
Ubuntu has OS analytics
Windows 10 has very detailed OS analytics
Android has a fair bit for the OS
You've confused a couple things. Your subject says phone but the body of your text just talks about using Google services and websites.
It's not just Google that knows this stuff, if they won't be the ones that knows it someone else will. OS level analytics are a good thing. Games have a fair bit of data that goes to the devs on phones and PCs. Free online accounts it should just be a given that stuff is happening with your data.
Re: Ask HN: Why does Google need to log 99% of what I do on my Android phone?
#8Seems like a lot of Google products have gone from being universally useful to only being useful when you buy into the ecosystem. I've noticed that in the past year or so, my video suggestions on youtube have been terrible (totally off topic, things I've already watched, ect...). I have a hunch that it's because I have youtube's history features turned off. I'm going to turn them back on just to see if the applicatio…
Yup. I'm all in on Google and every single aspect of my UX with their products is great. Very useful. No strange "creepyness". I've also never experienced any downsides to living this way.
Re: Ask HN: Why does Google need to log 99% of what I do on my Android phone?
#9They track you because it's their business model. More data about you means better personalized advertisements and thus more money for google.
I wish that made sense to me. Advertisements. I allow Google to literally everything. I use everything they have. I don't block ads but I also never click them. I swear ad money is just like a cryptocoin at this point. Well, it's like the concept of money, all these businesses agree that they are worth value. It's a bubble that should pop soon.
Re: Ask HN: Why does Google need to log 99% of what I do on my Android phone?
#10Its not only google lol Check the permissions for all your apps :)