This is similar to either the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store (can't recall). You used to be able to see what in-app purchases were available, to determine if you weren't ripped off downloading this app. Now you can't.
We can't check the app permissions on Google Play anymore
41–50 of 121 posts
Re: We can't check the app permissions on Google Play anymore
#42The dynamic permissions are not a replacement. Some users would never even install apps that asked for too many static permissions on the Play page. But now, if an app seems to meet their needs and they aren't sure, some of them will go ahead and install it just to try it out. How much can one run hurt after all? Due to unresolved questions or sunk cost dilemmas, they may even grant dynamic permissions. How much can…
> Some users would never even install apps that asked for too many static permissions on the Play page.
This, so much!
Like 90% of the apps on Play ask for an insanely excessive amount of permissions.
It was the #1 indicator for sorting out garbage apps.
Example: Some time ago I needed a kitchen timer app (stock one had some issue). The great majority of them wanted permissions like contacts, access to my files, GPS location, and on top of it internet to upload all of this probably. Even though a kitchen timer shouldn't require any private data at all!
Now think about this:
Even if you're asked by Android before it actually gets the permissions, why would you WANT to run code from someone who does such shady stuff as having a kitchen timer require access to private data? Won't those people probably take any opportunity they can get to do shady stuff with things for which Android doesn't require permissions yet? And even if they don't - isn't it likely that their app just doesn't work properly and has a lot of bugs because they don't care about the user at all?
And this isn't just such utility apps. It's basically ALL apps which are flooded with this garbage.
What Google did here to me personally is the last nail in Android's coffin. I cannot acquire software anymore like this.
Re: We can't check the app permissions on Google Play anymore
#43Earlier quoted context omitted.
On a related note, I don't understand why apps are permitted to require you to enable certain permissions or refuse to run. What is the point of giving users control of their privacy if large popular apps are a able to essentially opt out of the optional part. I'm looking at you Kakao.
Agreed for optional permissions, but not sure what you'd expect a browser to do that doesn't have internet access or a camera app that is not allowed to access the camera
Allow you to open the app still and go through the menus, maybe you just want to export your data? Maybe you want to check the T&C again (which should be available offline from the menu)? Perhaps you wanted to see the design/ergonomics of the app before allowing it? It could be a thousand reasons. Photo app can display "No camera permission granted, click here to setup" instead of the visor or something, and the browser can also inform the user of the situation with a static page.
It's like proper exception handling: Do not just close the app, fall back gracefully and allow the user to retry.
Re: We can't check the app permissions on Google Play anymore
#44Does anyone know of a workaround for this that doesn't require you to install/update the app in question first?
Re: We can't check the app permissions on Google Play anymore
#45This is similar to either the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store (can't recall). You used to be able to see what in-app purchases were available, to determine if you weren't ripped off downloading this app. Now you can't.
Apple's App Store still shows a list of in-app purchases, not sure about the Microsoft Store.
Re: We can't check the app permissions on Google Play anymore
#46I don't think I've checked permissions on the play store in ages. Don't apps prompt when they access things now?
Speaking of which, anyone from Spotify around?
Could you kindly take your request for control over Bluetooth and shove it up your fuckin arse?
Why must I say no to this every time I open the app?
No means no.
Re: We can't check the app permissions on Google Play anymore
#47The dynamic permissions are not a replacement. Some users would never even install apps that asked for too many static permissions on the Play page. But now, if an app seems to meet their needs and they aren't sure, some of them will go ahead and install it just to try it out. How much can one run hurt after all? Due to unresolved questions or sunk cost dilemmas, they may even grant dynamic permissions. How much can…
What they really need to do is to simulate data for permissions that are rejected.
For example, if I reject location permissions, then play back a random GPS trail in a randomly selected city on the planet, complete with simulated error and drift. If I reject Wi-Fi scanning, then show a constantly changing set of fake access points. If I reject camera, then play back some cartoons or deepfaked video as a camera device.
The app should never have to know its permission request was denied.
Re: We can't check the app permissions on Google Play anymore
#48What they really need to do is to simulate data for permissions that are rejected.
For example, if I reject location permissions, then play back a random GPS trail in a randomly selected city on the planet, complete with simulated error and drift. If I reject Wi-Fi scanning, then show a constantly changing set of fake access points. If I reject camera, then play back some cartoons or deepfaked video as a camera device.
The app should never have to know its permission request was denied.
Re: We can't check the app permissions on Google Play anymore
#49Earlier quoted context omitted.
On a related note, I don't understand why apps are permitted to require you to enable certain permissions or refuse to run. What is the point of giving users control of their privacy if large popular apps are a able to essentially opt out of the optional part. I'm looking at you Kakao.
Agreed for optional permissions, but not sure what you'd expect a browser to do that doesn't have internet access or a camera app that is not allowed to access the camera
In the example of Kakao, it lists the contacts permission as optional and the app will install and open without it. But it won't let you past a nag screen without it first verifying that you have given it access to your contacts.
Really anything involving personal data should be up to the user. Especially something like your contacts.
Re: We can't check the app permissions on Google Play anymore
#50The dynamic permissions are not a replacement. Some users would never even install apps that asked for too many static permissions on the Play page. But now, if an app seems to meet their needs and they aren't sure, some of them will go ahead and install it just to try it out. How much can one run hurt after all? Due to unresolved questions or sunk cost dilemmas, they may even grant dynamic permissions. How much can…
> Some users would never even install apps that asked for too many static permissions on the Play page. This, so much! Like 90% of the apps on Play ask for an insanely excessive amount of permissions. It was the #1 indicator for sorting out garbage apps. Example: Some time ago I needed a kitchen timer app (stock one had some issue). The great majority of them wanted permissions like contacts, access to my files, GPS…
We can't have nice things, nor non-evil things.