Forum Discussion

Wrace's avatar
Wrace
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013

Smart phone apps updating

Like others, I get frequent notices to update this or that app on my phone. I don't use many apps so it's not a big deal but I wonder about the various modification of permissions that are granted for some of these updates. I see a trend in commonality across most if not all apps for many of the updates such as:

'modify/delete SD card contents'
'prevent phone from sleeping'
'full internet access'
etc.

What is it that drives this type of across the board commonality? New phones or operating systems that come out which require different permissions then the older phones? New popular apps that are developed which require said permissions for increased functionality? Both?

Today I received an update request for a flashlight app with a laundry list of modified permissions. Among those were:
'Your location. Course (network-based) location, fine (gps) location'
Why is this needed for a flashlight app? Maybe to know which way to point the flashlight. :) I don't leave the gps turned on on my phone and I rarely am connected to a wifi spot so I'm not sure what I would gain from this (in my case).

'Network communication. Full internet access'
What does this actually mean, and is it really needed for a flashlight app?

What is your personal policy on these update requests? Do you review in detail each line item of each request and pick and choose which ones you will allow? Or do you give the list a quick glance and then give blanket approval to any/all of them?

Once you allow the update is it possible to go back at a later date and remove the permission modification?

Thanks
  • SCClockDr's avatar
    SCClockDr
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2013
    Android is a fast developing platform. There are a huge # of phones in use, plus the unofficial ROMS and the cycle frequency of updates gets kind of high to stay current.

    Each new device, firmware, or ad hoc ROM as well as user demand for more function & better performance + bug fixes makes for many updates.

    Glad I no longer am driven by it! Camping is way more rewarding.
  • popeyemth's avatar
    popeyemth
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2013
    "...I just update the apps. What I object to is so many updates - and usually of the same app within days of each other. .."
    Amen to that !
    I've got 14 needing updates now.
    When you have a limited data plan and no wifi at home do like me and let 'em wait till you get to a hotspot-but that gets old when you have 15-20 a week needing updates.
  • 1775's avatar
    1775
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2013
    Some of the changes in permissions are to allow new features with the update of the app. If the app has a display that needs to be seen it is going to need to prevent the phone from sleeping, Modify/Delete SD card contents is to allow the app to save what to the SD card instead of the limited amount of memory on the phone. Yes, sometimes they are fishing for advertisers. When the update comes up and you go to the Play Store to update, if there is a change in permissions you have to agree to accept those or abort the update. It is up to you to decide and each permission change is listed.

    I just update the apps. What I object to is so many updates - and usually of the same app within days of each other.

    If only OS platforms and software publishers did that, though, instead of saying, "You bought last year's version and now we fixed and or improved it - so now you can buy this year's version." So far no one has asked me to re-purchase a new app for its updated version - they just give it to you.
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Jul 19, 2013
    rockhillmanor wrote:
    When my apps and everything else stopped working and needed updates, more access, or the phone itself had to be upgraded for them to work anymore.....I threw my 'new' iPhone in the garbage can for just that reason. It amazes me so many people just 'accepted' that when the iphone came out that within just months everything needed to be updated$ or replaced$. Boy do they have the perfect scam going on.:(



    I have never had to pay for additional service or upgrade my iPhone to update an app.
    Got any specific examples?
    Yes, I have had to update the OS to be able to update the app(s) but OS updates are free.
  • SkiingSixPack's avatar
    SkiingSixPack
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2013
    Wrace wrote:
    Bounder Billy wrote:

    What type of phone do you have?

    The cutting edge of technology - HTC Incredible version 1. :D ;)


    Loved that phone. Great hardware and just the right size!!!
  • Wrace's avatar
    Wrace
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2013
    Bounder Billy wrote:

    What type of phone do you have?

    The cutting edge of technology - HTC Incredible version 1. :D ;)
  • popeyemth's avatar
    popeyemth
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2013
    bwanshoom wrote:
    Many of those permissions are required for whatever advertising library they use that makes them free.

    I look at the permissions requested before installing and if they see out of line I either look at the paid version of the app or at another app.

    X2 nobody rides for free.....
    It's the ads that make an app available for "free" and enough info gathered on you let's them customize the ads to you.
    Ever notice if you do much research on a particular product the background ads are for similar products?
  • bwanshoom's avatar
    bwanshoom
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2013
    Many of those permissions are required for whatever advertising library they use that makes them free.

    I look at the permissions requested before installing and if they see out of line I either look at the paid version of the app or at another app.

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