Database Develop

A list of features that lacks in Windows phone 8

Hi everybody, I would like to make a list of those features that lacks on windows phone, even if we are only at very early stages, maybe with the arrive of unlocks some of them could be added, in future..If you have any suggestions I can edit the list
P.S. I consider the GDR3 improvements alredy achieved (like a decent task manager, FM radio..)
-A FILE MANAGER
(yeah, I know that on the market already exists something, but they are definetly FAR from a real file manager. Anyway nokia/microsoft said that in the next months would come out http://www.tuttowindowsphone.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/nokia-lumia-file-manager.jpg , we will see..)
-FLASH PLAYER
(on windows RT exists and works, as in future the WP8 kernel would be almost the same of WinRT, probably we will se it..or at least I hope so)
-LIVE TILE TOOGLE
(Right now we have only shortcuts to settings, would be more useful if the live tile would act directly as a toogle. Maybe someone will give it an attempt :fingers-crossed: )
-A NOTIFICATION LED
(some phones does have the windows logo acting as a led, BUT it works only to notify some battery status (a bit useless..). If it should be used as a proper notification led would be amazing..or at least the camera flashlight could be used for that (ok, this is a desperate suggestion LoL)
-COSTUMIZABLE RINGTONES AND ALERTS RELATED TO THE APP
(A different sound for whatsapp, sms and e-mail. I personally use the phone at 90% in vibration/silent mode, But I know that it could be useful)
-A CUSTOMIZABLE LOCKSCREEN
(I mean lock-patterns and some other useful features..I mean, windows phone 8 lockscreen can be used better, you know..)
-A QUICK WAY TO MANUALLY ADJUST SCREEN BRIGHTNESS
Sometimes the Authomatic sensors don't work well and is necessary to switch the brightness manually.
-A BETTER PUSH NOTIFICATIONS MANAGEMENT (thank's to @Life'sGood for reporting and to @GoodDayToDie for explainations)
Sometimes are delayed

This really belongs in General; it is neither a question (or answer) nor related to troubleshooting.
With that said...
The only thing really standing in the way of an on-device file browser is the need for somebody to write it, but that doesn't mean it'll be worth much to do so right now; until I or somebody else gets more permissions working (ideally, all of them), the amount of the file system which is readable (never mind writable) is extremely small from an app's perspective. To get an idea of what I mean, take a look at my Webserver Native Access app - the all-capabilities version, if you have a Samsung phone - and see for yourself just how little of the system is accessible.
Even completely leaving aside the permissions issue (ha!), Flash player support is somewhat unlikely. First of all, it struggles a little even on the Surface RT, which has nearly twice the CPU power of any WP8 model right now (GDR3 opens the path for quad-core WP devices, but they aren't here yet). Second, the kernel may be the same but the user-space libraries are not; a lot of system components that Flashplayer depends on are probably missing from WP8.
Believe me, such toggles have been attempted, and they will go on being attempted. It'll happen eventually...
Some phones actually have a notification LED, even. There are (unofficial) APIs that could probably be used to control it, too... I wouldn't hold your breath on this one, though. In any case, you won't get colors unless there's actual multiple color elements there to work with; the best you could di is different flash/fade patterns.
Update 3 (GDR3) brings some additional controls over notifications. However, I believe you're right that they still don't offer per-app sounds (though you can set the sound for apps, as a class, I think).
Lock patterns are pretty darn weak and easy to break, but in general I agree with the concept of having more control over the lock screen, and additional features.
Not a problem that I've had, but I can see how it could be. This probably falls under the toggle tiles request, actually; have the ability to create tiles that increase or decrese the brightness.

Sorry for the bad section, I was looking at the same moment at general section and at Q&A and I chose the wrong browser tab, my fault (don't know how to change section)
Anyway thank you for the reply I think that the main problem for indipendent developers is time, because every 18 months windows stops the support on the actual OS and switches to another new (WP8 support is planned to be killed in july 2014, after that it will be an update to extend "phone life" of 6 months, in total: 2 years). After that date will come out another OS but nobody knows if it will be "similar" to WP8 or something totally different (probably the latter option)..and everything probably would start from the scratch. I think that all the OSs producers are making BIG efforts to make you change phones after exately two years LoL
P.S. When I talk about brightness control, I can't figure out how a live tile could directly make it (swiping on it?), it can only turn on/off. My idea was that could be useful something like a swipe on the status bar on the top of the screen, like cyanogenmod does (I don't want to compare android to windows because they are totally a different concept, so I generally don't want to mention functions present in other OSs that could be ported, IMHO it's quite useless thinking in this way.) but I suppose that this is quite impossible on a programmative side :s

You'd have two (small) tiles for brightness control, one to increase and the other to decrease. It would be a little messy and would need to go in significant steps, but it's possible.

I think it's not a bad idea I've just found out that on offical WP8 site exists a section dedicated at suggestions about features to add to windows phone, and many pepole voted on that site..but Microsoft NEVER listened to them LoL probably the task manager improvement in GDR3 will be the first feature accepted by Microsoft from that lists. Anyway the requests on the officiale site are quite the same on my post (file manager is STRONGLY requested)..nobody is asking for flash player or for led notification (quite strange IMHO but that's it).
P.s. any idea about how to reach bootloader (I'm talking about ativ s)? I suppose that with a simple boot is impossible, even pressing a combination of buttons will not work..

There have been multiple items implemented from uservoice, although the custom SMS tones and application closing are certainly notable for having been long-requested and taking until now to be provided.
No idea on the bootloader. I haven't been looking for it in particular, though; not my area of interest.

Technically, you can implement a media stream source to support flash (i believe there is one already on the interwebz).
However, flash is really not meant for mobile devices (which is why very few mobile OSes support flash out of the box), because it wasn't intended to be used on devices with such low computing power. So even if you were to have a flash player, you wouldn't be able to do much with it until your battery drops dead or your phone starts turning into plastic(or aluminum in some cases) soup.
There is also an increasing abuse of flash advertisement all over the internet (which is bad from many points of view), which hurt mobile internet browsing quite a lot on devices with flash support. I just wish google & adobe would stop supporting this dark ages format and move on to HTML 5

Yeah but..just to make a famous example, look at youtube. Many videos are locked down for mobile devices. Combining a flash player and a browser that supports desktop as user agent, you can go beyond this limit. Ok, the result is that it works quite bad, but at least it works..

gigsaw said:
Yeah but..just to make a famous example, look at youtube. Many videos are locked down for mobile devices. Combining a flash player and a browser that supports desktop as user agent, you can go beyond this limit. Ok, the result is that it works quite bad, but at least it works..
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I don't think that the format (flash) is the problem here, you can always watch these videos with an unofficial app, like Metrotube or Tunetube. And I doubt they use some kind of flash player, it's just not allowed on mobile devices by the uploader/youtube I think.
To the OP, what do you mean with "features that lacks in Windows phone 8", something MS should fix or hackers should provide as features? Because a file manager would completely be against windows phone's locked OS, every app is sandboxed and can't access other app's storage, which has its reasons for security. A file manager will never be possible, except for th case they change the whole OS. On iOS, it's pretty much the same, and with a jailbreak you get a file manager (if you want to). And you can brick the whole system, can make apps crash or even modify them, which would cause a lot of trouble for Microsoft.

I have to try those unofficial apps, I've never considered to use them Regarding the lacking of features I mean that with a system well locked down like WP8 is, I think that microsoft should put more effort to provide some features that nowdays are considered basic (you know, a notification led is useful and doesn't require any particular effort from microsoft or manufacters. Even (real) toogglers are essential but they are not in here..don't know why ) Of course I understand that not all the features can be provided by microsoft due to security reasons, and here comes developers' work
P.S. regarding file manager I suppose that, if it will would ever come out, would have been thanks to developers, but as I said in OP, nokia probably would provide it. Don't know if it's true, but let's see what comes next! Some hours ago at Abu Dhabi, at lumia phablet presentation, came encouraging signals to encrease the number of the apps for windows phone. Ok, it doesn't mean anything and Personally I don't use instagram but more apps means more people that will adopt WP8..and more people will call more developers (hopefully) and micosoft ecosystem would finally start (even if there's to solve the "problem" of Windows RT/Windows Phone, first).
As you said even iOS is closed-source but (even if I don't like making comparisons between OSs because they aren't meant to work in the same way) I think that the interest in that platfom made possible to create the powerful mobile substrate, to make even heavy modifications to the system.
But even without moddings, I mean..iOS now has quite al the essential features that a phone requires (quick and real toogglers, a camera flash that tries to act as a notification led..ok, not a file manager but it has a download folder, a quite "useful" lockscreen, battery percentage..), so IMHO is quite usable out of the box because apple now provides many of the basic features expected to be on a phone. So I think that for apple devices jailbreaking is not as necessary as was in the past. WP8 on the contrary strongly needs a jailbreak because is not a fully mature OS..
ANOTHER FEATURE THAT LACKS (IMHO): the new versions of office are not as useful as office 2010 in windows mobile. Who remembers WM, office 2010 was so similar at the desktop version (even fonts could be changed and added!!!)..but since then, the most part of features disappeared, so office mobile stopped being as useful as it was before for business people nobody will care about that (developers can't do anything for this, and microsoft will never provide those features..but I miss it. So I didn't put this in the list because it's more a "personal" thing.
And I was thinking that even a windows phone with the stylus would be useful especially with one note, that on PCs and tablets is ready to be used with a stylus and I found this fantastic. But even this is a "personal" desire that will never come LoL

::facepalm::

snickler said:
::facepalm::
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Click to collapse
Why? I don't think I'm that wrong, there's no real possibility to have a fully featured file manager on WP, is it?

th0mas96 said:
Why? I don't think I'm that wrong, there's no real possibility to have a fully featured file manager on WP, is it?
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In my inner eyes i see next user/professional developer asking if there was a patch to adjust screen brightness to personal needs in more than just the dictated three steps.
Answer: Buy an other phone or program your own OS.

A very simple feature is missing, App update notifications from Store.
WP8 now doesn't seems to be telling me when the apps on my phone has been updated unless I went to look for them. Its only then that the tile shows 1 update available. HELLO???!!!
So that means I have to list out the apps I've downloaded and look for each and every single one of their updates?
How can Microsoft and OP miss this one out?
And my clock isn't synced even if I set it to auto, sometimes it jumps AM/PM or even months!

Life'sGood said:
A very simple feature is missing, App update notifications from Store.
WP8 now doesn't seems to be telling me when the apps on my phone has been updated unless I went to look for them. Its only then that the tile shows 1 update available. HELLO???!!!
So that means I have to list out the apps I've downloaded and look for each and every single one of their updates?
How can Microsoft and OP miss this one out?
And my clock isn't synced even if I set it to auto, sometimes it jumps AM/PM or even months!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added in OP

@Life'sGood and @gigsaw: That's a problem with your phone, not the OS as a whole. I guarantee you that WP8 fully supports app update notifications and clock sync. If yours doesn't, that's a problem with your phone, specifically. Blaming Microsoft for it is nonsense and won't help you fix the problem.
Now, as for fixing the problem... do you have an active SIM card in the phone? If so, does it have a data connection? That's most logical reason I can think of for the app update notifications to not appear; no connectivity when the phone tries to check. The clock can sync off the towers as well (also needs a SIM, I suspect) but it can also sync off GPS satellites (which have extraordinarily accurate clocks, and broadcast time signals that anything with a GPS receiver can pick up even if it can't get an accurate locations fix).
The most likely solution, honestly, is to hard-reset your phone. You might want to call support or take the phone in to a Microsoft store or something first, though; hard-reset will wipe the data (though that's most likely what they'll tell you to do anyhow).

GoodDayToDie said:
@Life'sGood and @gigsaw: That's a problem with your phone, not the OS as a whole. I guarantee you that WP8 fully supports app update notifications and clock sync. If yours doesn't, that's a problem with your phone, specifically. Blaming Microsoft for it is nonsense and won't help you fix the problem.
Now, as for fixing the problem... do you have an active SIM card in the phone? If so, does it have a data connection? That's most logical reason I can think of for the app update notifications to not appear; no connectivity when the phone tries to check. The clock can sync off the towers as well (also needs a SIM, I suspect) but it can also sync off GPS satellites (which have extraordinarily accurate clocks, and broadcast time signals that anything with a GPS receiver can pick up even if it can't get an accurate locations fix).
The most likely solution, honestly, is to hard-reset your phone. You might want to call support or take the phone in to a Microsoft store or something first, though; hard-reset will wipe the data (though that's most likely what they'll tell you to do anyhow).
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Please let me explain why I though it was microsoft's fault: I had an WP7 with a different SIM (but same phone number) and those problems were there for almost Every app I had to update and clock often changed hour. After that I had an Android, at least with date and time no problem..with store of course I can't say after a year of android I switched back to WP8 and the market/time problems happened only a couple of times..but I thought that was something wrong in my phone because here on xda nobody has never talked about it. But I notoced that even whatsapp sometimes misses or delays some notifications with wp8 (with android never happened), and, at least in my country, this is a common problem with many users that complain abouth that, so at least for whatsapp I'm sure it's not my problem. I contacted the support of whatsapp and they said to me, if I remember well, that whatsapp notifications pass trough Microsoft servers, so in their opinion the fault of this problem was microsoft's. So I was thinking that even the other problems are related with Microsoft server's sync..so when another user said to have almost same problem As mine (but As I said, with WP8 happened to me only a couple of times, I don't know if other user has those problems more often), I convinced myself about my theory LoL of course I can imagine I am totally wrong because I don't know how those syncs works and if they work alla in the same way..what do you think about it? Before re-editing the OP I wanted to explain to you the whole situaton because you have for sure better knowledge about that

Push notifications for apps are completely different from update notifications. The latter are polled for, by the OS, at pre-determined times and without the app in question being involved at all; you'll get the update notifications even if you've never run it.
That said, push notifications on WP (7 or 8) are not as quick or reliable as on Android, it's true. The battery impact of push-using apps is lower, though.

Thank's, anyway I will hard reset my device. I have just realized right now that if the glance screen could be ported in future on other devices, a led notification becomes useless (of course, I don't know what is the battery impact on an AMOLED screen..and it's VERY important)

GoodDayToDie said:
@Life'sGood and @gigsaw: That's a problem with your phone, not the OS as a whole. I guarantee you that WP8 fully supports app update notifications and clock sync. If yours doesn't, that's a problem with your phone, specifically. Blaming Microsoft for it is nonsense and won't help you fix the problem.
Now, as for fixing the problem... do you have an active SIM card in the phone? If so, does it have a data connection? That's most logical reason I can think of for the app update notifications to not appear; no connectivity when the phone tries to check. The clock can sync off the towers as well (also needs a SIM, I suspect) but it can also sync off GPS satellites (which have extraordinarily accurate clocks, and broadcast time signals that anything with a GPS receiver can pick up even if it can't get an accurate locations fix).
The most likely solution, honestly, is to hard-reset your phone. You might want to call support or take the phone in to a Microsoft store or something first, though; hard-reset will wipe the data (though that's most likely what they'll tell you to do anyhow).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
afaik i'm not seeing these features. I did a hard reset but I've yet to see the Nokia Camera, network+ (call filter) update.
I googled and found out this is a system wide issue with almost everybody having this issue. So does a half f'ed apple still counted as an apple?
App update notification this feature is simply not available.
I have a SIM and data connection for my 1020, on Wifi most of the time. Clock doesn't sync at all neither.

Very 1st Things to do After Activation?

Hi everyone, just got my N3 last night and I am pretty excited about it.
I am a long time Mac Rumors member and my past phones have been ...... JB 3g, JB 3gs, JB 4, JB 4s
I am very upset with the tiny screens on my iphones and I refuse to wait another year for the 6 to come out.
So now I am a 1st time Android user and what to really check out the Android scene.
What are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away? (different keyboards, apps, etc)
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
edit: does Google Play offer any rebates/coupons/freebies for newly purchased devices?

Hey I would use smart switch to get your things from iPhone to your new phone but that is after you have it activated
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app

XiphoneUzer said:
Hi everyone, just got my N3 last night and I am pretty excited about it.
I am a long time Mac Rumors member and my past phones have been ...... JB 3g, JB 3gs, JB 4, JB 4s
I am very upset with the tiny screens on my iphones and I refuse to wait another year for the 6 to come out.
So now I am a 1st time Android user and what to really check out the Android scene.
My N3 arrived Wednesday evening, and it's STILL not activated, (and its killing me).
The reason being, I wanna know if there is anything I should do BEFORE I call ATT and activate it.
(I do NOT want to close any windows, so is there is anything you folks recommend I do before I activate it)?
Once activated, what are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away?
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
edit: does Google Play offer any rebates/coupons/freebies for newly purchased devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by call ATT and activate it? All you have to do is put your SIM card in and it is ready to go with a few account setups. After that it is up to you except for rooting and modding. Cant be done right now without voiding your warranty.

First thing you do is scratch off the att emblem since they locked the bootloader
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

XiphoneUzer said:
Once activated, what are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away?
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)

XiphoneUzer said:
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the keyboard, i prefer the google keyboard over the samsung one. It provides functionality similar to the iphone and is easy to switch between the iphone and android if you use them both in daily life.
As for apps, here is a small list of apps i like to have on all of my devices.
GOOGLE CHROME. Its much better than the built in browser and is able to synchronize with my desktop browsers favorites, etc.
Skype: Perfect for if you are travelling over seas at all with your device.
Google Hangouts: A good replacement for the built in SMS app.
Facebook & Twitter: If you need an explanation, you shouldn't be useing these apps.
Battery Doctor by KS Mobile: Simple app, but is helpful to save battery life and know exactly how much you have left.
Google Music: I have most of my library stored on google so it makes my life easy to have this.
Google Books: The book equivalent of my music library. Syncronizes what i have read across devices and browsers.
Kindle for Android: For the ebooks you buy on amazon.
Google Keep: Great for taking quick notes and having them on all your devices.
Dropbox: Great cloud file storage. Comes with free storage and you can pay to get more.
Google Drive: Google version of dropbox.
MX Player: This video player will play any video format you throw at it.
Google Maps: A must have for all smartphone users.
Zedge: While its quality has gone down a fair bit from what it once was, its still a great place to find ringtones and notification sounds for your android device.
GPS Status: Great for calibrating your devices sensors and ensuring that it works properly.
Now for the ROOT ONLY apps.
Titanium backup
SuperSU
Triangle Away
Hopefully this is a useful list to get you started. I have all these plus many more installed on my devices, and I find I use them all fairly regularly.

djdelusional said:
Skype: Perfect for if you are travelling over seas at all with your device.
Google Hangouts: A good replacement for the built in SMS app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer Hangouts to Skype because Hangouts features free video multi-chat.
But I use Google Voice for SMS because it provides free unlimited texting. Hangouts insists on using the phone's native number rather than your Google Voice number, so you have to pay extra for a text plan or for individual messages.

Doesn't anyone else have any advice for a first time Android user?

XiphoneUzer said:
Doesn't anyone else have any advice for a first time Android user?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your new to android I'd stay away from root for a while.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I467 using Tapatalk 4

XiphoneUzer said:
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel like for every-day typical phone use cases, there aren't that many gaps that stand out as needing to be filled by a third party app. You'll probably need a new music player, the defaults are crapola - but I can't be much help here; I keep my music as folders full of MP3 files (like God intended!) and play with Music Folder Player, and shun the dirty S&M ("sync and manage") apps.
There's a big list of stuff that I did when I first got the phone to get it to where I'm happy with it, but all of this was root required stuff. There are apps that come pre-loaded on android devices and can't be removed or disabled without root. Also, customizing stuff that can't be customized without root. I couldn't abide by some of the not-changable-without-root defaults. Getting rid of the "screen turns on so you can unlock it when you hit the home key" behavior is probably the most glaring example for me; my ass* was unlocking it constantly - but coming from iPhone, you probably view that as the Right Thing for home button to do.
I think most people use a custom keyboard. Swiftkey and Swype are the most popular. The phone comes with Swype, but it's an ancient version with limited support for changing the dictionary, you want the newest one.
I use Hangouts for gchat, but not for SMS. I actually prefer default app for SMS..
Settings:
Pull down status bar, long press on wifi, WiFi -> menu -> advanced settings, uncheck auto connect to AT&T hotspots (unless they don't suck where you are. Around here, they often don't have internet behind them, and just break your connectivity for the 30 seconds or so it takes for the phone to connect to them, determine that the wifi is no good, and fall back to 4G. At least this phone does that; Original note would just sit there like a fool trying to use non-functional wifi... I've also yet to find a hotspot that performs better than the 4G does. But I live in a city, so the situation may be different elsewhere).
Pull down status bar, long press on GPS. Uncheck "Use wireless networks" - on newer versions of android, this drains battery while idle; the damned thing wakes the phone periodically to check the networks around it - if the phone is nearly idle, this can halve battery life (!!!)
Pull down status bar, swipe to the left along the options at the top (woah, did you know you could do that?), tap multiwindow to enable multiwindow (this was a headline feature for the note 3, but comes disabled by default). If I long-press back button, that makes the multiwindow tab hide or unhide (once it's enabled), but I don't remember if I had to do something to get this behavior.
General must-have things:
AppOps Starter (to kill permissions from apps that request permissions you don't want to give them)
Battery Monitor Widget (gives you a realtime readout of battery usage)
ES File Explorer
If you want to pretty-ize clock + weather widgets:
DigiClock
Eye in Sky
If you work in IT or have need of these (if you aren't sure what these mean, you don't need them ):
ConnectBot (telnet/ssh client)
AndFTP (ftp/sftp client, supports scp if you pay)
RDP Client (remote desktop and VNC client)
FEAT VPN (OpenVPN client)
Hacker's Keyboard (you'll tear your hair out trying to use swype/swiftkey for terminal sessions or RDP)
If you want to root the phone:
Root it, then immediately install titanium backup and "freeze" AT&T software update, so it won't update your phone (breaking root) while you're not looking
Titanium Backup - freeze all the useless bloatware that AT&T and Samsung included (there's a list of what apps you can freeze here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmzC8GFarItSdGpOZzBfWlR4MC03aDMyZ1BDUFNqU0E - not my work)
Root Explorer
Pen Window Manager for adding apps to the pen window feature
Xposed Framework
Wanam - general huge amount of customization, including selecting apps for multiwindow.
Keyboard Manager (almost a necessity if you use ConnectBot/RDP frequently - keyboards designed for messaging and such are garbage for doing administration of non-phone systems, while hacker's keyboard is garbage for messaging and everyday phone stuff)
Terminal Emulator (gives you a command prompt on phone. Doesn't require root, but there are very few use cases for terminal on android that don't also need root)
*Well, I keep it in my front pocket, so technically it wasn't my /ass/ unlocking the phone....

How is the bloatware?

How is the bloatware on the S6 with T-Mobile? Is it usually less than other carriers?

falcon26 said:
How is the bloatware on the S6 with T-Mobile? Is it usually less than other carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tmobile apps that came preinstalled on my s6 are:
My account
Name ID
TV
Visual voicemail
Mobile hotspot
Device Unlock
All can be disabled but I would say depending on who you are some of these actually have some functionality. I don't pay for TV or name ID so I have those along with the my account app disabled.
I think most of the bloatware is from Samsung (as in the carrier is somewhat irrelevant) but I can't talk for other people with other carrier versions of the phone.
The bloat on my S4 from ATT was pretty bad but that was a while ago.

Alarand said:
The tmobile apps that came preinstalled on my s6 are:
My account
Name ID
TV
Visual voicemail
Mobile hotspot
Device Unlock
All can be disabled but I would say depending on who you are some of these actually have some functionality. I don't pay for TV or name ID so I have those along with the my account app disabled.
I think most of the bloatware is from Samsung (as in the carrier is somewhat irrelevant) but I can't talk for other people with other carrier versions of the phone.
The bloat on my S4 from ATT was pretty bad but that was a while ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this phone is always sending me notifications (on the lockscreen) advertising something. its so weird, this is my first samsung phone and my last phone ran stock android.
the worst part is, stock android commands like "navigate to 3100 Missipi Rd in Chicago Illinois" or "call Mom" lag because FLIP BOARD is a mandatory homescreen on your phone.
the last time i reset the phone. it started automatically downloading apps. like ANT antenna and Milk Video. Really? milk video? its so lowclass for them to do something like this on their "flagship" phone.
say what you want about Crap-ple but atleast they're not taking money from small tech companies to put apps on their phone that you cannot remove.

If you dont like flop board use the google experience launcher. Makes it like stock but keeps all of the good stuff. replaces the garbage flop board with google stuff.

coffeeclutch said:
this phone is always sending me notifications (on the lockscreen) advertising something. its so weird, this is my first samsung phone and my last phone ran stock android.
the worst part is, stock android commands like "navigate to 3100 Missipi Rd in Chicago Illinois" or "call Mom" lag because FLIP BOARD is a mandatory homescreen on your phone.
the last time i reset the phone. it started automatically downloading apps. like ANT antenna and Milk Video. Really? milk video? its so lowclass for them to do something like this on their "flagship" phone.
say what you want about Crap-ple but atleast they're not taking money from small tech companies to put apps on their phone that you cannot remove.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So let's see here. You complain about the SOS mode because of your own... usage patterns (which you can disable) and then you are bringing bogus arguments to this thread.
Nothing automatically was "automatically downloading apps" it is called updating system applications built into the device. Android and thereby Samsung separate a lot of their applicaitons from system processes and code into separate applications so they can be updated as required and not have to wait for a system update. Wanna know something really funny? ANT+ is preinstalled on the iPhone as well, it is just separated so the user doesnt know the wiser.
Podcasts, Newstand, Weather, Apple Watch App, iTunes App, iBooks... the same argument could be made for all of these that they cannot be removed, at least on the S6 they can be disabled.

Configure privacy settings equivalent to IOS?

Assuming I was an expert user who knew every single Note 9 device option, samsung account setting, and google account setting.... If I were to configure EVERY single one of them to limit the data it collects, set every app permission to be in its most restricted state, disable every usage access setting, and configured my google and samsung accounts to be the most limited data collection accounts as possible, .... it is even possible to get to IOS level privacy on my Note 9? Is Android just sending everything it can back to google's servers as possible, such as when i turn the phone on, when i walk, move, open an app, browse the web, or whatever? I know some have already setup network analyzers to see the traffic going out, but I can never tell what configuration they do that with. I want to know if getting the privacy to IOS levels is impossible, or is it just a matter of very careful configuration....?

It's impossible. I'm not a fan of Apple devices, but I applaud them from a business perspective and that trickles down from the fundamental ideals of Steve Jobs.
Numerous studies show that Google sucks up information 10x as much as Apple which relies in differential data that doesn't exactly pinpoint the person, but more so the general interests of the person. Google identifies the person and their location. Unless you're walking around with your phone off or granting no permissions to every app, you can't match the security of an Apple device. The doesn't only include Google. Remember we have to deal with our specific manufacturers that are collecting data on us as well since Android is open source. So we just have to hope Googles intentions are good or move to an Apple device.

brainysmurf said:
Assuming I was an expert user who knew every single Note 9 device option, samsung account setting, and google account setting.... If I were to configure EVERY single one of them to limit the data it collects, set every app permission to be in its most restricted state, disable every usage access setting, and configured my google and samsung accounts to be the most limited data collection accounts as possible, .... it is even possible to get to IOS level privacy on my Note 9? Is Android just sending everything it can back to google's servers as possible, such as when i turn the phone on, when i walk, move, open an app, browse the web, or whatever? I know some have already setup network analyzers to see the traffic going out, but I can never tell what configuration they do that with. I want to know if getting the privacy to IOS levels is impossible, or is it just a matter of very careful configuration....?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No fanboi of any company/mfg/OS,but,they all do virtually the same thing with your personal information/usage habits.
The differences are mere semantics & they collect/sell user information.
The following is a 2yr old article,but,I'm guessing the points they make still hold true:
https://decentralize.today/apple-vs...company-handles-your-data-better-a7022bd452b1
Arguably,Android users can control their sharing of personal data usage,but,that has its caveats,such as limited functionality on some apps/etc...
Best advice I can give is the following:
1) Carefully comb through every setting on the phone,most are self-explanatory.
2) Go to every apps internal settings & the phone's setting under SETTINGS > APPLICATIONS & fine tune as best as possible.
Even after all of that,Google/Samsung (or most other mfgs) have settings that are inaccessible or cannot change (greyed-out),so,you're still not in the clear as far as total control/privacy.
This is one of the major attractions to rooting/ROMs for your Android device.
A rooted &/or ROM'd Samsung device is the ideal for gaining control of privacy/permission control,but,it breaks KNOX & Samsung Pay,no going back once rooted,even if restored to a stock state.
You gain more granular control of such permissions & if you want to go all-in on privacy, a ROM such as Lineage gives you the best you can hope for in personal security/privacy. A brief summary,but,that's the gist.
Outside of root/ROMs,If privacy/security is of utmost importance,I'd dare say a Blackberry would be a decent choice. I myself only briefly owned a Blackberry (Android device),so,I can't attest to how private/secure you personal usage/data is,but,I've rarely,if ever,heard of any major concerns in the matter w/Blackberry.
@brainysmurf
Another step you can take to regain some control of your Samsung device is using a package disabler app & the nice thing about these is no root access is required (AppFreeze/Package Disabler Pro/Adhell3).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wakasoftware.appfreezer&hl=en_US
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.powermanager.batteryaddon&hl=en
https://amp.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS8/comments/8nmrfq/how_to_install_adhell_3_a_video_guide/
Use the XDA site search feature or Google for more info on the above mentioned disabler apps.
You can also use ADB Commands to disable apps as well,but,please read the following link carefully before proceeding:
https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/

I have never had an apple device, But I would like to say that android as a system is opensource and the google apps that are put on top are non opensource and are probably where you lose your privacy but as a system it is transparent which attracts devs and rooting (i.e. getting access to the system partitions) is what makes android so customizable. Versus apple which you have to blind trust ios and trust that these options are 100% do what they say..
Yes it is more secure because it is closed source but at the same time For actual privacy you never know. Saying that how do you get your privacy with android needs some setup which koliosis did good explaining. But the difference between the two OSs I believe is because of (opensource)ness of android the amout of customizablity with android is really deep. To which I believe if you invest good time researching, you can get a way better state than iOS. Again not an expert but putting my opinion
For the rest
Koliosis said it all.

that_same_guy said:
Yes it is more secure because it is closed source.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to correct that one. That is a myth spread by some big companies in order try to gain some customers over from the cheaper/free competition. In reality, open vs. closed source has no other effect on how secure the result is than with open source there can be more eyes looking at the code (for both good and bad intentions). As an example, simply compare a decent linux distro (from which only similar applications are installed that would come with corresponding Windows installation) to M$ Windows. Open source (and free at that) wins many times over in overall security (while neither is free from issues).
The biggest effect on the code quality (thus often also how secure it is) is on how many (real) experts work on it, and this in turn depends on popularity (open source) and/or money (company's/organization's income and policies/ideals). For the last part 'policies/ideals' just compare M$ and Apple, both have the money to throw at development if they choose to do so; former makes mostly insecure crap, latter makes half-decent stuff. (And note, I'm not a fanboy of either, or pretty much of any company, except one little local camera shop, so do read the previous with some weight on that "half-" before the "decent".)
As for small input on the privacy squeezing on Samsung devices:
I have so far managed to avoid to use a samsung-account, and that might help a tiny bit, although some features of the phone are then not working, but mostly useless features. Though there are some seemingly useful features that require Samsung-account for some weird reason, but I've manage to live without them. Like the "protected folder" (or whatever it is in English), why on earth would that need an account or anything external for that matter?!?
(Well, technically, I do have a Samsung-account, as that was required to get the phone cheaper, but after that order, I've not used that account anywhere.)

ErebusRaze said:
It's impossible. I'm not a fan of Apple devices, but I applaud them from a business perspective and that trickles down from the fundamental ideals of Steve Jobs.
Numerous studies show that Google sucks up information 10x as much as Apple which relies in differential data that doesn't exactly pinpoint the person, but more so the general interests of the person. Google identifies the person and their location. Unless you're walking around with your phone off or granting no permissions to every app, you can't match the security of an Apple device. The doesn't only include Google. Remember we have to deal with our specific manufacturers that are collecting data on us as well since Android is open source. So we just have to hope Googles intentions are good or move to an Apple device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This actually goes to my point... If indeed I did remove all permissions from all apps, does this mean Android tracking would be completely disabled? Or if I removed google play services, or disabled it, or removed all permissions from it? Technically, would that give it an IOS level of privacy? I'm just wondering if the OS itself is prone to just phoning home and letting it know everything I'm doing, or if it's possible at all to tame it....
Thanks for your repsonse.

ErebusRaze said:
It's impossible. I'm not a fan of Apple devices, but I applaud them from a business perspective and that trickles down from the fundamental ideals of Steve Jobs.
Numerous studies show that Google sucks up information 10x as much as Apple which relies in differential data that doesn't exactly pinpoint the person, but more so the general interests of the person. Google identifies the person and their location. Unless you're walking around with your phone off or granting no permissions to every app, you can't match the security of an Apple device. The doesn't only include Google. Remember we have to deal with our specific manufacturers that are collecting data on us as well since Android is open source. So we just have to hope Googles intentions are good or move to an Apple device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I saw those same studies. And they never seem to provide specific configuration data. For instance, the study showing that android gathers as much as 10x more data specifically mentioned that Chrome was constantly phoning home sending data. However, what if the user didn't log into their chrome account? I think it's much more limited in that case... Or what if the user disabled chrome, and perhaps all google apps? Is it android doing the privacy damage, or google apps/play services? If I disabled those, or removed all permissions from those, would it be equivalent to IOS? I'm an engineer in the business working at a major silicon valley company, and even with high expertise in the design of these things I'm finding it impossible to get basic understanding of what it actually going on. It is either trying to read through legalize of privacy agreements, or reading blogs and studies with claims such as 10x more data, while not providing specifics...

Samsung services dialling home to China (360.cn and 360safe.com) after Pie upgrade

Having ran NetGuard in logging mode for a few days now I've noticed that many of Samsung's in-built services are contacting web services associated at multiple DNS subdomains under:
- *.360.cn
- *.cloud.360safe.com
A lot of them on unsecured HTTP port 80 (some go via HTTPS port 443).
Services I've observed this behaviour so far are:
- Samsung ApexService
- ANT+ HAL Service
- Application installer (com.sec.android.preloadinstaller)
- Assistant Menu
- AirCommandManager (com.samsung.android.aircommandmanager)
- Plus too many other default services to list (most of which cannot be disabled)
Phone's running on stock unbranded SM-N960F build number PPR1.180610.011.N960FXXU2CSA2.
I've scanned the phone using bundled Device Care's McAfee security scan with no findings.
Has anyone else observed this behaviour?

sengork said:
Having ran NetGuard in logging mode for a few days now I've noticed that many of Samsung's in-built services are contacting web services associated at multiple DNS subdomains under:
- *.360.cn
- *.cloud.360safe.com
A lot of them on unsecured HTTP port 80 (some go via HTTPS port 443).
Services I've observed this behaviour so far are:
- Samsung ApexService
- ANT+ HAL Service
- Application installer (com.sec.android.preloadinstaller)
- Assistant Menu
- AirCommandManager (com.samsung.android.aircommandmanager)
- Plus too many other default services to list (most of which cannot be disabled)
Phone's running on stock unbranded SM-N960F build number PPR1.180610.011.N960FXXU2CSA2.
I've scanned the phone using bundled Device Care's McAfee security scan with no findings.
Has anyone else observed this behaviour?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't looked at this as closely as you have,but,I'm guessing it's all tied-in from the Device Maintenance section of the phone.
The name of the company Samsung is currently in bed with is QIHOO:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qihoo_360
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4165136-cheetah-mobile-lost-samsung-relevant-risks
Remember/heard of Cheetah Mobile (of Clean Master infamy) ?
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rel...mobile-security-and-innovation-300043298.html
Well,that's who used to be in partnership w/Samsung & the Device Maintenance aka built-in Clean Master to most,if not all Samsung mobile products.
Fast-Forward to present day & we still have the crapware on our phones,likely scraping info & selling it to anyone interested.
Now,it's just with another company,presumably one with friendlier terms for Samsung.
As you've probably noticed,you can't fully disengage/disable/deny all permissions here,less root (or ADB disabling/package disabler apps).
At least you have a phone that's rootable & can cruise the ROM scene for one that leaves this crap off the phone.
If root isn't an option:
Set up your phone & apps,fine-tune as you like for battery optimization on a per app basis/permissions/etc....
Then,either via ADB or a package disabler,disable the apps responsible for the crapware,especially the ones related to Device Maintenance.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...laxy-note-9-bloatware-removal-thread-t3857508
Follow the link in the OP to the S9/S9+ forum/thread,it gives a better idea of what each .apk actually is/ties into.
Here's the app I use to disable crapware/things I don't use:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wakasoftware.appfreezer
As to which apps to disable,the S9/S9+ thread,while not an exact match,should give you info on what to disable to stop the phone from pinging the 360 mothership & hopefully,not having any ill effects on the apps you want to keep on-board.
If you want a better idea of how each app is interconnected throughout the phone,use these two apps to take a look:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubqsoft.sec01
SD Maid (Pro):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.thedarken.sdm&hl=en_US
(See the App Control & file manager sections of SD Maid for detailed app info).
Anyhoo,back to curbing the nonsense:
Whichever method you use to disable,should you choose to do so,start with this one:
com.samsung.android.lool (Device Maintenance).
This will make the entire Device Maintenance section inaccessible as well.
That is why I suggest disabling vs outright uninstalling (which necessitates a factory reset to get it back).
You may need to access Device Maintenance for whatever reason from time to time,hence the recommendation for disabling vs uninstalling.
Continue monitoring for a day or so & see if the pinging to the Mothership subsides,or hopefully puts a full-stop to it.
Please keep us updated on what,if any actions you take w/the results. :good:

Excellent overview, it's quite an eye opener thanks for the info.
I've disabled and force-stopped "com.samsung.android.lool" (amongst other junkware) and so far NetGuard hasn't shown a single network log entry to any of the 360 domains. I've uninstalled all 4 Facebook packages. Continuing to monitor this closely. My thought is that I can re-enable "com.samsung.android.lool" from time to time whenever maintenance is needed and then disable it again. Even better Adhell3 might be useful for blocking "com.samsung.android.lool" network attempts whilst retaining it for device management purposes however I haven't tried this yet.
For reference, here is my current list of disabled packages:
Code:
package:com.monotype.android.font.rosemary
package:com.samsung.android.app.ledcoverdream
package:com.sec.android.widgetapp.samsungapps
package:com.samsung.android.app.galaxyfinder
package:com.samsung.svoice.sync
package:com.cnn.mobile.android.phone.edgepanel
package:com.samsung.android.easysetup
package:com.samsung.android.provider.stickerprovider
package:com.samsung.android.app.sbrowseredge
package:com.samsung.android.rubin.app
package:com.sec.android.cover.ledcover
package:com.samsung.faceservice
package:com.monotype.android.font.foundation
package:com.sec.android.widgetapp.easymodecontactswidget
package:com.samsung.android.app.settings.bixby
package:com.sec.android.app.billing
package:com.samsung.android.app.selfmotionpanoramaviewer
package:com.samsung.android.game.gamehome
package:com.samsung.daydream.customization
package:com.sec.enterprise.knox.attestation
package:com.samsung.systemui.bixby2
package:com.dsi.ant.service.socket
package:com.microsoft.skydrive
package:com.samsung.SMT
package:com.samsung.android.drivelink.stub
package:com.android.hotwordenrollment.xgoogle
package:com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurity
package:com.dsi.ant.sample.acquirechannels
package:com.samsung.android.aircommandmanager
package:com.samsung.android.bixby.service
package:com.samsung.android.smartface
package:com.android.egg
package:com.samsung.android.emojiupdater
package:com.samsung.android.bixby.agent
package:com.android.printspooler
package:com.android.hotwordenrollment.okgoogle
package:com.samsung.android.hmt.vrsvc
package:com.samsung.storyservice
package:com.android.dreams.basic
package:com.android.bips
package:com.samsung.android.game.gametools
package:com.samsung.android.app.simplesharing
package:com.samsung.android.service.peoplestripe
package:com.samsung.android.da.daagent
package:com.dsi.ant.plugins.antplus
package:com.samsung.android.app.taskedge
package:com.google.android.webview
package:com.samsung.android.app.mirrorlink
package:com.dsi.ant.server
package:com.samsung.android.allshare.service.fileshare
package:com.samsung.android.universalswitch
package:com.sec.android.app.apex
package:flipboard.boxer.app
package:com.google.android.printservice.recommendation
package:com.monotype.android.font.chococooky
package:com.android.dreams.phototable
package:com.samsung.android.bixbyvision.framework
package:com.samsung.android.game.gos
package:com.android.wallpaper.livepicker
package:com.samsung.android.beaconmanager
package:com.sec.enterprise.mdm.services.simpin
package:com.samsung.android.stickercenter
package:com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup
package:com.samsung.android.samsungpass
package:com.samsung.android.spayfw
package:com.linkedin.android
package:com.samsung.android.lool
package:com.samsung.android.knox.analytics.uploader
package:com.samsung.android.sm.policy
package:com.sec.android.emergencylauncher
package:com.samsung.android.visionintelligence
package:com.samsung.android.app.watchmanagerstub
package:com.samsung.android.svoiceime
package:com.samsung.android.mateagent
package:com.enhance.gameservice
package:com.google.vr.vrcore
package:com.hiya.star
package:com.sec.enterprise.knox.cloudmdm.smdms
package:com.samsung.android.app.appsedge
package:com.samsung.android.samsungpassautofill
package:com.monotype.android.font.cooljazz
package:com.samsung.android.allshare.service.mediashare
package:com.samsung.android.app.clipboardedge
package:com.samsung.android.app.motionpanoramaviewer
package:com.samsung.android.bio.face.service
package:com.samsung.android.bixby.agent.dummy

sengork said:
Excellent overview, it's quite an eye opener thanks for the info.
I've disabled and force-stopped "com.samsung.android.lool" (amongst other junkware) and so far NetGuard hasn't shown a single network log entry to any of the 360 domains. I've uninstalled all 4 Facebook packages. Continuing to monitor this closely. My thought is that I can re-enable "com.samsung.android.lool" from time to time whenever maintenance is needed and then disable it again. Even better Adhell3 might be useful for blocking "com.samsung.android.lool" network attempts whilst retaining it for device management purposes however I haven't tried this yet.
For reference, here is my current list of disabled packages:
Code:
package:com.monotype.android.font.rosemary
package:com.samsung.android.app.ledcoverdream
package:com.sec.android.widgetapp.samsungapps
package:com.samsung.android.app.galaxyfinder
package:com.samsung.svoice.sync
package:com.cnn.mobile.android.phone.edgepanel
package:com.samsung.android.easysetup
package:com.samsung.android.provider.stickerprovider
package:com.samsung.android.app.sbrowseredge
package:com.samsung.android.rubin.app
package:com.sec.android.cover.ledcover
package:com.samsung.faceservice
package:com.monotype.android.font.foundation
package:com.sec.android.widgetapp.easymodecontactswidget
package:com.samsung.android.app.settings.bixby
package:com.sec.android.app.billing
package:com.samsung.android.app.selfmotionpanoramaviewer
package:com.samsung.android.game.gamehome
package:com.samsung.daydream.customization
package:com.sec.enterprise.knox.attestation
package:com.samsung.systemui.bixby2
package:com.dsi.ant.service.socket
package:com.microsoft.skydrive
package:com.samsung.SMT
package:com.samsung.android.drivelink.stub
package:com.android.hotwordenrollment.xgoogle
package:com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurity
package:com.dsi.ant.sample.acquirechannels
package:com.samsung.android.aircommandmanager
package:com.samsung.android.bixby.service
package:com.samsung.android.smartface
package:com.android.egg
package:com.samsung.android.emojiupdater
package:com.samsung.android.bixby.agent
package:com.android.printspooler
package:com.android.hotwordenrollment.okgoogle
package:com.samsung.android.hmt.vrsvc
package:com.samsung.storyservice
package:com.android.dreams.basic
package:com.android.bips
package:com.samsung.android.game.gametools
package:com.samsung.android.app.simplesharing
package:com.samsung.android.service.peoplestripe
package:com.samsung.android.da.daagent
package:com.dsi.ant.plugins.antplus
package:com.samsung.android.app.taskedge
package:com.google.android.webview
package:com.samsung.android.app.mirrorlink
package:com.dsi.ant.server
package:com.samsung.android.allshare.service.fileshare
package:com.samsung.android.universalswitch
package:com.sec.android.app.apex
package:flipboard.boxer.app
package:com.google.android.printservice.recommendation
package:com.monotype.android.font.chococooky
package:com.android.dreams.phototable
package:com.samsung.android.bixbyvision.framework
package:com.samsung.android.game.gos
package:com.android.wallpaper.livepicker
package:com.samsung.android.beaconmanager
package:com.sec.enterprise.mdm.services.simpin
package:com.samsung.android.stickercenter
package:com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup
package:com.samsung.android.samsungpass
package:com.samsung.android.spayfw
package:com.linkedin.android
package:com.samsung.android.lool
package:com.samsung.android.knox.analytics.uploader
package:com.samsung.android.sm.policy
package:com.sec.android.emergencylauncher
package:com.samsung.android.visionintelligence
package:com.samsung.android.app.watchmanagerstub
package:com.samsung.android.svoiceime
package:com.samsung.android.mateagent
package:com.enhance.gameservice
package:com.google.vr.vrcore
package:com.hiya.star
package:com.sec.enterprise.knox.cloudmdm.smdms
package:com.samsung.android.app.appsedge
package:com.samsung.android.samsungpassautofill
package:com.monotype.android.font.cooljazz
package:com.samsung.android.allshare.service.mediashare
package:com.samsung.android.app.clipboardedge
package:com.samsung.android.app.motionpanoramaviewer
package:com.samsung.android.bio.face.service
package:com.samsung.android.bixby.agent.dummy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good: THX for the update,much appreciated! :good:
I was gonna post this in a bit (just noticed it myself this afternoon,LOL) ,but,it looks like you have added the other two .apks to your disabled list:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78103170&postcount=123
It'a a shame the mfgs aren't required to be more up-front & state ,in common use language where the print is larger than a gnat's ass, the exact nature of the .apks & even more control over the services installed on them.

KOLIOSIS said:
It'a a shame the mfgs aren't required to be more up-front & state ,in common use language where the print is larger than a gnat's ass, the exact nature of the .apks & even more control over the services installed on them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The closest to a manufacturer application list I came across was:
- https://support.samsungknox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015195728-Common-Criteria-Mode
- For example https://docs.samsungknox.com/CCMode/N960F_O.pdf
This seems to relate to computer security certification known as Common Criteria:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Criteria
So the dial home behaviour seems to have passed this security certification (or perhaps the network flows were not part of the certification process). We can only guess...

I've had to reenable the following items to get APK installs to function (either through Play Store or locally stored APKs):
Code:
com.samsung.android.sm.policy
com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurity
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...val-thread-t3857508/post78744845#post78744845
Continuing to monitor with NetGuard. So far ~1hr I haven't seen the packets repeat.

sengork said:
I've had to reenable the following items to get APK installs to function (either through Play Store or locally stored APKs):
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...val-thread-t3857508/post78744845#post78744845
Continuing to monitor with NetGuard. So far ~1hr I haven't seen the packets repeat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC,something like this was mentioned in the S9/S9+ debloat thread.
I didn't mention it earlier as you hadn't reported any issues,but,glad you were able to figure it out/find the same info I'd stumbled upon.

Well after a day of usage I can say that battery life is poorer without "com.samsung.android.lool". I've enabled it again now and blocked its domains via Adhell 3:
Code:
360.cn
360safe.com
*.360.cn
*.360safe.com
Furthermore I have disabled its WiFi and Mobile network access in Adhell 3. However this block is bypassed whenever applications using Android's native VPN facility are switched on so its not absolutely fool proof. Similar blocking can be done using NetGuard itself as long as you keep it switched on and filtering continuously.
I'll keep an eye on which other domains it attempts to contact.

sengork said:
Well after a day of usage I can say that battery life is poorer without "com.samsung.android.lool". I've enabled it again now and blocked its domains via Adhell 3:
Code:
360.cn
360safe.com
*.360.cn
*.360safe.com
Furthermore I have disabled its WiFi and Mobile network access in Adhell 3. However this block is bypassed whenever applications using Android's native VPN facility are switched on so its not absolutely fool proof. Similar blocking can be done using NetGuard itself as long as you keep it switched on and filtering continuously.
I'll keep an eye on which other domains it attempts to contact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much of a difference in battery life are we talking about?

It felt to be about 20%. Is Pie without Device Maintenance expected to put applications to sleep? I am guessing sleep is the major factor here (opposed to cleaning up caches and other storage capacity functions of Device Maintenance app).

sengork said:
It felt to be about 20%. Is Pie without Device Maintenance expected to put applications to sleep? I am guessing sleep is the major factor here (opposed to cleaning up caches and other storage capacity functions of Device Maintenance app).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to think so,hoping Device Maintenance isn't ingrained to the level where it breaks the native Doze feature in Android.
JMHO,Device Maintenance seems to be just like Clean Master,running on top of Android/counterproductive,putting a hat on a hat,so to speak,LOL.
I haven't had a Nexus device since the N6 & never had a Pixel,but,I'm pretty sure none of 'em have DM..................................
Whenever I decide to update to Pie,I'm going to continue as I am now:
Battery Optimize all apps that I don't rely on for auto-updating or push notifications & then disabling Device Maintenance.
If something starts acting up,only then do I re-enable DM,take a look at Battery Optimizing for whatever is affected & again,disabling DM.
Guessing you've just recently updated to Pie.......
If it were me,I'd continue to disable DM & give the new OS upgrade a week or so,see what your battery life looks like then.
Battery life loss could be due to some user-installed apps that aren't playing nice w/Pie & not due to DM being disabled.

You will find the logo or text "powered by 360" on storage screen in Samsung device management app.

KOLIOSIS said:
Battery Optimize all apps that I don't rely on for auto-updating or push notifications & then disabling Device Maintenance.
If something starts acting up,only then do I re-enable DM,take a look at Battery Optimizing for whatever is affected & again,disabling DM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have taken your advise a few weeks ago and have concluded that removing DM whilst manually optimising all individual apps has resulted in no battery loss (in fact it has probably improved but this is within a margin of error). Thanks for your guidance.

Unless you need to connect to a Chinese domain for whatever reason, just block *. cn for good and forever about it.

hello guys i have bought galaxy note 9 in China and there is not preinstalled google play store app...
can anyone tell me how to install safely ))?? thank you ...

hey thanks for your attention but i dont need to access i have vpn i know how to access i want to know how to install because it is not installed so do you have some ideas ?))) how to do it

sandro comaia said:
hey thanks for your attention but i dont need to access i have vpn i know how to access i want to know how to install because it is not installed so do you have some ideas ?))) how to do it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just side-load this .apk & you should be good to go:
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/googl...5-22-all-0-pr-254908059-android-apk-download/

Was original poster was the only one who had this issue?
Is this a samsung thing or all androids?
Can this be a security risk?
There was a link to the s9 bloatware thread but it doesn't work
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...laxy-note-9-bloatware-removal-thread-t3857508
Says 404 not found for me

Nameduser6 said:
Was original poster was the only one who had this issue?
Is this a samsung thing or all androids?
Can this be a security risk?
There was a link to the s9 bloatware thread but it doesn't work
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...laxy-note-9-bloatware-removal-thread-t3857508
Says 404 not found for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be only Samsung phones. Interestingly i haven't seen it dial home since my original post and up until i uninstalled the Device Care package. Samsung might have changed the domains the tool dials home to.
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