Wikipedia Android app now requests identity permissions • Hacker News Board

Re: Wikipedia Android app now requests identity permissions

#41

Post by arjie » Mon, Apr 11, 2016, 1:52 AM UTC

dredmorbius wrote: post #21

radley wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If someone was truly that concerned, they'd make the choice to buy a Nexus device for that protection rather than embrace a 3rd party device with manufacturer and carrier crud.

The user in question: 1. Purchased the device at a major electronics reseller during a period of specific contingency whilst travelling. 2. Prefers strongly to avoid mail-order purchasing for numerous reasons, including the possibility of in-transit interceptions and undocumented third-party enhancements. 3. Couldn't find a Nexus device at said major retailer. 4. Isn't aware of Nexus devices which offer expandable st…

The Nexus 6P comes in a 128 GB variant and it's available at a couple of Best Buy locations in the Bay. It also has the latest Android version.

Re: Wikipedia Android app now requests identity permissions

#42

Post by cyphar » Mon, Apr 11, 2016, 4:25 AM UTC

dredmorbius wrote: post #19

dkopi wrote: post #2

This reads to me as an overreaction. Sure, it's important to be vigilant about the permissions you give apps, but it's also important to understand the underlying OS and permission layers. TLDR: If you're concerned about your privacy, upgrade to Android 6.0 There's nothing wrong with Wikipedia letting you manage your Wikipedia account using the app. They're using the Account Manager API, which is the right way to app…

TL;DR: Many Android devices don't have the option for arbitrarily upgrading at the user's option. You're limited to OS updates if and when your vendor can be arsed to get around to it. The versions of Android on which this permission are required are precisely those on which it's a security issue. Ergo: don't use the permission. Wikipedia's app describes what their intent is. Last time I checked, a large number of so…

> I find some attributes of Android hardware compelling. I find the actual environment to be rather a complete clusterfuck.

Considering how easy it is to break the security on a powered on Android phone by just attaching a debugger to the JTAG interface, I would consider the hardware to also be inadequate when you compare it to the better physical security of iPhones. I don't like Apple or iPhones, but current Android phones can't beat them when it comes to physical security.

Re: Wikipedia Android app now requests identity permissions

#43

Post by dredmorbius » Mon, Apr 11, 2016, 5:41 AM UTC

arjie wrote: post #41

dredmorbius wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The user in question: 1. Purchased the device at a major electronics reseller during a period of specific contingency whilst travelling. 2. Prefers strongly to avoid mail-order purchasing for numerous reasons, including the possibility of in-transit interceptions and undocumented third-party enhancements. 3. Couldn't find a Nexus device at said major retailer. 4. Isn't aware of Nexus devices which offer expandable st…

The Nexus 6P comes in a 128 GB variant and it's available at a couple of Best Buy locations in the Bay. It also has the latest Android version.

What's the 10" tablet Nexus equivalent?

(Another gripe, this one about electronics generally: sorting out manufacturer's offerings is all but impossible ... so I don't bother. Apple actually does far better than most through simplicity, though I have other objections...)