Earlier quoted context omitted.
What does apple have to do with this?
They fought hard to create a platform where this type of thing doesn't/can't happen.
closed platforms FTW!
Verizon announces plans to install a download-tracking app on its Android phones
41–50 of 118 posts
Re: Verizon announces plans to install a download-tracking app on its Android phones
#42Earlier quoted context omitted.
Surely they are going to be loading it using Carrier Configuration tied to the sim card... As soon as you put a verizon sim card into your unlocked non verizon phone it installed a bunch of helper apps. https://source.android.com/devices/tech/config/carrier.html
Very interesting, thanks for pointing out. As far as I can tell nothing was installed by Verizon on my most recent phone. I was using it as a dev device before using at as my primary phone, so I was pretty aware of what was installed on it. This was over a year ago and I think I started with a 5.X version of Android. Will have to see what happens next time I switch phones... welp.
Because of these kinds of shenanigans, I'm seriously thinking about an iPhone for my next phone.
If Verizon did all this stuff on an opt-in basis, I'd have no problem with it. If it were opt-out, I'd be grumpy, but would probably deal with it. When it's required, I'm going to be looking for alternatives.
Re: Verizon announces plans to install a download-tracking app on its Android phones
#43Earlier quoted context omitted.
What does apple have to do with this?
They fought hard to create a platform where this type of thing doesn't/can't happen.
IMO, it is very ignorant to think they are not getting the data from apple. They just have the ability to openly do it on their own with android.
Re: Verizon announces plans to install a download-tracking app on its Android phones
#44Is this really that different from Verizon phones having Google services enabled by default (if that's even true -- I don't use Verizon). Why is Verizon spying on you any worse, or better than Google or Facebook? No one should spy on you. Period.
The reason why I'm okay with Google, but not Verizon spying on me is because I pay Verizon but I don't pay Google. Verizon shouldn't have to sell my data for more money because they already charge money for their service. If their service is too expensive then Verizon can charge more money. However Google gives me services for free so I expect they'll sell my data to other companies.
I actually feel like I'm getting something in return for letting Google index my personal data. I also trust Google far, far more than any ISP (wired or wireless) that I have used.
Re: Verizon announces plans to install a download-tracking app on its Android phones
#45Verizon is the only cell company that has coverage in my home town in central Massachusetts. Thus I have used them all my life. I recently had my first "positive" customer service with experience with Verizon switching to their unlimited plan. My bill dropped significantly. ($120 base -> $80 but really $200 -> $80 because I always go over on data) I just noticed that I have a "phone upgrade" waiting as well. I am an…
Surely they are going to be loading it using Carrier Configuration tied to the sim card... As soon as you put a verizon sim card into your unlocked non verizon phone it installed a bunch of helper apps. https://source.android.com/devices/tech/config/carrier.html
Does it require root to remove them?
Re: Verizon announces plans to install a download-tracking app on its Android phones
#46Verizon's plan when buying AOL [0] wasn't to become a media company, but to become a leader in ad tech. The way to lead in ad tech is to control data. Technology alone is not a moat. Verizon has made several attempts at unlocking the carrier data including the short-lived header injection [1]. Phone data is the holy grail of data (location, voice conversations, web browsing, apps, address, and potentially purchase hi…
Yep. The reason why we are in this mess and attack on Internet privacy is because of Ad Tech.
We need to get developers to stop supporting ad tech. The stigma of working in ad tech needs to result in enough stink on one's employment history that it's not worth the hassle.
Re: Verizon announces plans to install a download-tracking app on its Android phones
#47Is this really that different from Verizon phones having Google services enabled by default (if that's even true -- I don't use Verizon). Why is Verizon spying on you any worse, or better than Google or Facebook? No one should spy on you. Period.
The reason why I'm okay with Google, but not Verizon spying on me is because I pay Verizon but I don't pay Google. Verizon shouldn't have to sell my data for more money because they already charge money for their service. If their service is too expensive then Verizon can charge more money. However Google gives me services for free so I expect they'll sell my data to other companies.
Your android phone was free was it?
Re: Verizon announces plans to install a download-tracking app on its Android phones
#48Is this truly just an app or is it functionality tied to base OS configuration? If its the former, I should be able to uninstall via root like all the other bloatware crap, correct?
Re: Verizon announces plans to install a download-tracking app on its Android phones
#49Earlier quoted context omitted.
They fought hard to create a platform where this type of thing doesn't/can't happen.
closed platforms FTW!
While we're getting a bit into "flame war" territory, it's hard to argue that the current iteration of Android is an "open platform"; practically speaking, most of the useful features of the OS are hidden in the (closed) Google Play Services. Yes, you can go for a custom ROM, but not on all devices and most people don't want to deal with the effort/UX downgrade.
Re: Verizon announces plans to install a download-tracking app on its Android phones
#50Is this truly just an app or is it functionality tied to base OS configuration? If its the former, I should be able to uninstall via root like all the other bloatware crap, correct?
If it is the former, don't forget that having a rooted phone likely puts you in the minority. Most people don't have the patience or confidence in their technical abilities to root their phones.