Yes that's what it's probably for, I've found this discussion: http://www.wirelessforums.org/uk-telecom-mobile/latest-google-maps-why-does-google-need-these-pe

Yes that's what it's probably for, I've found this discussion: http://www.wirelessforums.org/uk-telecom-mobile/latest-google-maps-why-does-google-need-these-permissions-120223.html http://www.wirelessforums.org/uk-telecom-mobile/latest-googl... Though others claim that for calling it launches the phone app, and doesn't call out itself... Anyway -- it is just a pretty harmless example. Some games are much worse. I don't have time to research or decompile all interesting apps to see what they are doing with a certain permission. I never call from my map, so don't want to grant it. It may also use the permission for calling premium/foreign numbers behind my back and cramming my cellphone bill. I don't like the "Accept it all or leave" approach.