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This is why I install so few apps. Yes granular permissions are a thing, but I always ask myself am I okay with this app potentially getting my data even if I s

This is why I install so few apps. Yes granular permissions are a thing, but I always ask myself am I okay with this app potentially getting my data even if I saw no thanks to some yet-unknown side channel attack? Google apps are whatever because obviously they already have my data since I'm on Android.

heleninboodler 4y ago
Yes, I am waiting patiently for the backlash against everyone and their brother "needing" you to install an app. Every device you buy, every new service you sign up for, they all want you to install an app that easily could have been a web page. My phone contains none of this (ok, I have 6 apps that I consider essential and they all have permissions as restrictive as possible, and I honestly even feel a little dirty with a few of those). My old phone, which spends 99% of its life in a drawer in airplane mode, is riddled with trash apps like my Asus router setup app and any app that is forced down my throat by a product that I want to use and can't be properly set up without installing an app. Loyalty program app? Not a chance. I have no idea what group of clowns wrote that thing, but one thing I do know is that it was outsourced most of the time. I look forward to the day when we've reverted back to simple web-based interfaces and most of the general public says "install an app? yeah, right" because they've learned not to trust that shit.
- runevault 4y ago
  Yup completely agreed. Restaurant chains badly wanting everyone to install apps is one that really annoys me. Mind you the general hunger for data even beyond mobile bugs me. I went and bought shoes a few weeks ago and they needed my email address as that was how I would get my receipt. So of course now they keep sending me all their sales bullshit. It is all incredibly frustrating and stupid.
  - frosted-flakes 4y ago
    For what it's worth, the email address for receipt thing is not always a marketing scam. Home Depot asks if you want a receipt emailed to you, and they have never sent marketing emails. Furthermore, they link the email address with the card you used to pay, so the next time you buy something it auto-fills the email address field. If it's a one-off purchase it's not worth it, but if you buy stuff there all the time (often expensive stuff that might need to be returned), having emailed receipts is great.
    - runevault 4y ago
      Home depot also lets you choose email receipt or paper. This time it was a case of just "what's your email so we can send you the receipt"
SoftTalker 4y ago
Same, also on Android. I have maybe half a dozen apps installed that did not come with my phone. Most of the apps that did come with my phone I have removed or disabled. I also keep location turned off unless I am actively navigating in Google Maps. I know that doesn't eliminate all tracking but it's an easy thing to do.
- ThePowerOfFuet 4y ago
  Have you tried any of the alternatives to Google Maps, such as OsmAnd+ or Organic Maps?

heleninboodler 4y ago

Yes, I am waiting patiently for the backlash against everyone and their brother "needing" you to install an app. Every device you buy, every new service you sign up for, they all want you to install an app that easily could have been a web page. My phone contains none of this (ok, I have 6 apps that I consider essential and they all have permissions as restrictive as possible, and I honestly even feel a little dirty with a few of those). My old phone, which spends 99% of its life in a drawer in airplane mode, is riddled with trash apps like my Asus router setup app and any app that is forced down my throat by a product that I want to use and can't be properly set up without installing an app. Loyalty program app? Not a chance. I have no idea what group of clowns wrote that thing, but one thing I do know is that it was outsourced most of the time. I look forward to the day when we've reverted back to simple web-based interfaces and most of the general public says "install an app? yeah, right" because they've learned not to trust that shit.

runevault 4y ago
Yup completely agreed. Restaurant chains badly wanting everyone to install apps is one that really annoys me. Mind you the general hunger for data even beyond mobile bugs me. I went and bought shoes a few weeks ago and they needed my email address as that was how I would get my receipt. So of course now they keep sending me all their sales bullshit. It is all incredibly frustrating and stupid.
- frosted-flakes 4y ago
  For what it's worth, the email address for receipt thing is not always a marketing scam. Home Depot asks if you want a receipt emailed to you, and they have never sent marketing emails. Furthermore, they link the email address with the card you used to pay, so the next time you buy something it auto-fills the email address field. If it's a one-off purchase it's not worth it, but if you buy stuff there all the time (often expensive stuff that might need to be returned), having emailed receipts is great.
  - runevault 4y ago
    Home depot also lets you choose email receipt or paper. This time it was a case of just "what's your email so we can send you the receipt"

SoftTalker 4y ago

Same, also on Android. I have maybe half a dozen apps installed that did not come with my phone. Most of the apps that did come with my phone I have removed or disabled. I also keep location turned off unless I am actively navigating in Google Maps. I know that doesn't eliminate all tracking but it's an easy thing to do.

ThePowerOfFuet 4y ago
Have you tried any of the alternatives to Google Maps, such as OsmAnd+ or Organic Maps?