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While I am waiting for my Pioneer to arrive, one thing occurred to me. What happens to notifications from other apps? For instance, SmartThings notifies me if I left my garage door open after I leave the house; will those simply be silenced if my phone is connected to Android Auto beforehand?
Solutions Etcetera said:
While I am waiting for my Pioneer to arrive, one thing occurred to me. What happens to notifications from other apps? For instance, SmartThings notifies me if I left my garage door open after I leave the house; will those simply be silenced if my phone is connected to Android Auto beforehand?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question. I don't think it silences them, but it doesn't show them on the head unit. You could have ST send you an SMS instead (and that would show up.)
I suspect (hope) that google will eventually allow other app notifications to pop up on the head unit's screen - even if you can't interact with them (other than to just clear them.)
Thanks. It kinda sucks that AA cripples your notifications. I don't need to interact with them, but not getting them at all seems overkill.
I share your hope that they revisit some of their decisions.
Solutions Etcetera said:
Thanks. It kinda sucks that AA cripples your notifications. I don't need to interact with them, but not getting them at all seems overkill.
I share your hope that they revisit some of their decisions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt Google will backtrack on these decisions.
There is a new AA API for Audio and a new AA API for notifications.
Apps must implement these for Google to allow them to work with AA. Furthermore, the apps must be submitted to Google for approval to try and ensure they are not driver distracting.
These are very intentional business decisions Google has made.
Google does NOT want to be sued for driver distraction, nor get bad press from cases where people try and blame AA ("The tree jumped out in front of me") and does NOT want regulators banning Android Auto.
Furthermore, this reduces the competition Google faces from other audio and messaging apps. Only "select" apps will be allowed.
mikereidis said:
I doubt Google will backtrack on these decisions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possibly, but Google's nature is to throw it against the wall and see what sticks.
If even non-interactive aspects of your device are crippled, folks may feel the need to disconnect while driving (which defeats the whole point of it).
Or, avoid the platform entirely. I know that after seeing a demo of AA I thought "my Moto X does all of this and more, without having to look at or touch it".
I'm betting that this will evolve in the same way as other projects.
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.
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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...
Hello,
I am interested in the Mi 9 and want to buy it.
The bad news is, that Lineage just started to support the Mi 8 version, so Mi 9 support will take 1 year, too maybe.
I read all threads here, but I dont see any users who are interested in a ROM without Google.
Can someone tell me if there are other ROMs without Google which will maybe support the Mi 9 in the future?
And one question to the Google users: Why do you use ROMs with Google?
Thanks!
hi!
Room without google is chinese MIUI
I personally use google ROMs, as I use some of their services, mail, calendar, youtube to name a few
Well, the device came out two weeks ago and - not as usually Xiaomi do - has already the sources out too (usually they come out around 6 months later)!
So, a ROM like Lineage (unofficial) will probably come from the dev community very soon when someone with the right skills will invest some of his/her time (and then we will have to thank that person massively ).
Anyway if you ahve already the bootloader unlocked, you can try with some of the Treble ROMs (https://forum.xda-developers.com/project-treble)... It can be that some of them works already, even if with some bugs If I remember right phhusson bought a Mi9 too (am I wrong?)! So probably Phh-Treble ROM should sooner or later work for the Mi9
P.S. MIUI China is without Google but with so much more bloat
P.P.S. Well, I like Android for its integration with the Google ecosystem that I use widely in my real life (like probably most of the users... Gmail, Maps, Calendar, Youtube, etc...). If probably I wouldn't have needed it, I would have look to some of the other (few) OS alternatives in the market
mr-mauro said:
Well, the device came out two weeks ago and - not as usually Xiaomi do - has already the sources out too (usually they come out around 6 months later)!
So, a ROM like Lineage (unofficial) will probably come from the dev community very soon when someone with the right skills will invest some of his/her time (and that then we will need to thank massively ).
Anyway if you ahve already the bootloader unlocked and you can even try with some of the Treble ROMs (https://forum.xda-developers.com/project-treble)... It can be that some of the works already even if with some bugs If I remember right phhusson bought a Mi9 (am I wrong?) so probably Phh-Treble ROM should sooner or later work for sure on Mi9
P.S. MIUI China is without Google but with so much more bloat
P.P.S. Well, I like Android for its integration with the Google ecosystem that I use widely in my real life (like probably most of the users... Gmail, Maps, Calendar, Youtube, etc...). If probably I wouldn't have needed it, I would have look to some of the other (few) OS alternatives in the market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your answer, very helpful.
Why use a ROM with Google services in it?
Because Gmail is one of the better free email services out there. Google Music is far better than Spotify. Games saves my progress when I change to a new phone. Contact sync is extremely easy when it is saved to your gmail anyway. Play Store is the best app store on Android by far. Google's customized news feed lets me stay updated on things far easier than visiting other sites individually or manually setting up new feeds with third party apps that also take your data anyway. Google Photos+Drive is a great way to easily and automatically save your photos and sync them to new phones and without even taking up extra space on your new phone because they are really still in the cloud. Calendar is fine simply because it comes with the rest of the apps and dont have to bother with going and finding a third party app.
EniGmA1987 said:
Why use a ROM with Google services in it?
Because Gmail is one of the better free email services out there. Google Music is far better than Spotify. Games saves my progress when I change to a new phone. Contact sync is extremely easy when it is saved to your gmail anyway. Play Store is the best app store on Android by far. Google's customized news feed lets me stay updated on things far easier than visiting other sites individually or manually setting up new feeds with third party apps that also take your data anyway. Google Photos+Drive is a great way to easily and automatically save your photos and sync them to new phones and without even taking up extra space on your new phone because they are really still in the cloud. Calendar is fine simply because it comes with the rest of the apps and dont have to bother with going and finding a third party app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forget one thing: It is Google.
I understand people who want to use Google, because they are rich and enough capacities to develope the best UIs.
I understand that some of you don't care about the data you leaves - but please don't forget that a monopoly is not good in any case, and we are talking about a monopoly with huge financial interest.
And yes, Google services are very good, but just the UI. The thing behind is just bad - they are a way better alternative services.
Keep in mind, that there are so many Android phones and on most of them is running a Google service, a monopoly with financial interest.
It is your decision if you stay with Google or not. But someone who care about the future and about his data should go away from Google.
xeDroidz said:
You forget one thing: It is Google.
I understand people who want to use Google, because they are rich and enough capacities to develope the best UIs.
I understand that some of you don't care about the data you leaves - but please don't forget that a monopoly is not good in any case, and we are talking about a monopoly with huge financial interest.
And yes, Google services are very good, but just the UI. The thing behind is just bad - they are a way better alternative services.
Keep in mind, that there are so many Android phones and on most of them is running a Google service, a monopoly with financial interest.
It is your decision if you stay with Google or not. But someone who care about the future and about his data should go away from Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. So you can give your data instead to all the other 3rd party companies who want to eak out every Dollar they can since they have so fewer users? Nothing is different except Google, Apple, MS, Amazon has to maintain far more responsibility. By handing your data to unknown persons from various smaller companies you have no idea whether your data is being used responsibly or not or even if it is safegaurded well (which it isnt). At least with Google or Apple you know exactly what it is used for and where it is stored (which in the case of Apple, it is stored with Google anyway).
EniGmA1987 said:
lol. So you can give your data instead to all the other 3rd party companies who want to eak out every Dollar they can since they have so fewer users? Nothing is different except Google, Apple, MS, Amazon has to maintain far more responsibility. By handing your data to unknown persons from various smaller companies you have no idea whether your data is being used responsibly or not or even if it is safegaurded well (which it isnt). At least with Google or Apple you know exactly what it is used for and where it is stored (which in the case of Apple, it is stored with Google anyway).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GMail is not open source for example. Why should I trust a closed source more then a open source service?
And I prefer services where I pay with my money and not with my data. And the monopoly fact is still there.
I know it is not easy to prevent all data leaks, but it is possible to 99%.
At the moment it is not easy, because there are so much money interested companys, which will collect your data.
For example: Why do you use WhatsApp, when you are using eMail? This make no sense, because eMail is decentral and WhatsApp not.
So you suceed to use a decentral message service like eMail, but failed to do the same with your IM.
The french goverment understand this, thats why they switched to an good new IM open source protocol.
But is is your decision. You need to understand the whole thing. I can't decide it for you.
If you want you can send me your browser history via PM, thank you.
xeDroidz said:
But someone who care about the future and about his data should go away from Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you shouldn't be using a Xiaomi phone with MIUI, read their Privacy Policy. Miui even has you accept different
privacy policies and user agreements for different BUILT-IN apps. It's ridiculous.
More on point; mostly every android based custom ROMs have you install Open GApps to use Google functions,
so simply don't do this. When setting up your device don't sign in with a google account. Then root your phone and
strip any leftover (if any, I'm not sure) packages from your device. I think this is the most non-Google you will get.
LineageOS would be the go-to ROM for you (and me).
Here is some more info for you: link
The Dutchman said:
Then you shouldn't be using a Xiaomi phone with MIUI, read their Privacy Policy. Miui even has you accept different
privacy policies and user agreements for different BUILT-IN apps. It's ridiculous.
More on point; mostly every android based custom ROMs have you install Open GApps to use Google functions,
so simply don't do this. When setting up your device don't sign in with a google account. Then root your phone and
strip any leftover (if any, I'm not sure) packages from your device. I think this is the most non-Google you will get.
LineageOS would be the go-to ROM for you (and me).
Here is some more info for you: link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your answer.
Which ROM do you use atm? There is not Lineage Support for the Mi 9 atm.
I have same. I dont want Google framework and services in my phone when Android is open source system. Its very difficult have good translated rom with MIUI and havent Google. I testing remove Google from MIUI.EU rom long time but all my tests failed and China rom is bad for losing translations, have bloatware and more.
I'm interested too, I've long dreamed of a Roma without Google services as it was not enough they also added covid-19 if you find a solution let me know, thanks.
To start: I've been highly anticipating this phone. I've had two Google Pixel 3 XLs that my SO and I have been using since release day. Probably one of the best overall phones I've owned, first phone to make it past the two year mark before attempting replacement. I've had cell phones since 1996 mind you (I was in high school at the time and lucky enough to have a job in web development / system administration and I was on-call for the company I was employed by, but I digress). Anyway...
I've worked in enterprise security (consultant, FTE and on the vendor side) for the bulk of my professional career post-college. I've been, generally, OK with both Android and IOS over the years - give or take different areas of concern/complaint. I own a number of iPads and iPhones currently, but my daily driver is the P3XL.
I didn't realize Samsung was as bad as they currently are for hidden apps and outlandish permissions in their own ecosystem of software.
The first problem I noticed was that Facebook is installed by default. Red flag. I uninstalled and immediately went to look through the system apps to validate there were no other Facebook components lying around. And there are. There are three Facebook components you cannot uninstall but can only disable: Facebook App Installer, Facebook App Manager and Facebook Services. If you're keeping your Galaxy S21 and don't use Facebook I'd recommend disabling them and validating background data is disabled as they may be reenabled on system updates (I'm not sure if that's true or not). The reality is they very well could be and you wouldn't know it - given the circumstances I'd err on the side of trust - but definitely verify.
The second problem I ran into was Microsoft OneDrive. Again, not able to uninstall it - you can disable it. Obviously these apps are all part of the system image and is the reason you can't actually remove them. FFS.
The third, and final nail, is Bixby Voice. This app cannot be uninstalled, cannot be disabled and all permissions are immutable (meaning they cannot be changed). I understand Samsung is, and has been, trying to force Bixby on it's users for years. I thought Samsung had moved on and relinquished control. I was, unfortunately, wrong. Final nail in the coffin for me.
So... Does Google do this on Pixel devices? Sure, to an extent with Google components. Does Apple do this on IOS? Yes. The difference is that the Google apps on a Pixel device aren't harboring controls that can't be overridden. I can turn off permissions on the "Google" app, say - the microphone permission, even though it may break functionality. I can live with that. But I'm not OK with giving control up to something like Bixby Voice that has, literally, every permission 24/7.
I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the complacency involved with being OK with this and that's the rationale for returning the device. So, Samsung, if you're reading this (who am I kidding, you're not) - what an amazing phone with regard to the hardware. Truly top notch, truly polished and pushes all of the right buttons. You didn't lose a customer because the phone wasn't designed well. You lost a customer because it's clear that on top of the $1200+ phone you have the audacity to treat your customers as if they don't care - that they're not concerned with privacy in the least, and you clearly don't want them to be given what you've delivered. The reality is Google isn't a bastion of hope in that department either. Nor is Apple. But the Pixel line and IOS devices give end users a level of control if they're willing to give up features or functionality. I'd be fine with Bixby being on the phone if I could disable it and know that it's not able to phone home. But that's not possible sans drastic measures. Measures that would lock me out of functionality I do use.
So Samsung. No, you don't get my money and a complacent response to your privacy ignorant stance. I won't waste my time with the Samsung brand moving forward. I hope others voice their concern and skip Samsung until these things are handled correctly. I know I'm a minority at this point in time, but the tides are slowly changing.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/l6hn2y/returning_the_galaxy_s21_ultra/
jesus christ you waited 3 months to repost this wall of text from reddit?
just return the phone and go away, no one cares
I'm in agreement with your view regarding Samsung's dedicated apps, particularly when they dont require permissions however you may be able to scrub the device with the process outlined here.
How to Remove Samsung Bloatware without Root
Samsung phones and Galaxy Tabs come with lots of preinstalled apps many of which are useless to the end-user. Such apps are called bloatware and because they are installed as system apps, the uninstall option for them remains unavailable. Below is a big list of Samsung bloatware that is safe to...
r1.community.samsung.com
These days with top shelf devices costing over $1,000 USD it pays to spend some time at a retailer to get a better understanding of whatever device you're considering, particularly if you're jumping to a brand you haven't used in the recent past.
LavenderBirch said:
To start: I've been highly anticipating this phone. I've had two Google Pixel 3 XLs that my SO and I have been using since release day. Probably one of the best overall phones I've owned, first phone to make it past the two year mark before attempting replacement. I've had cell phones since 1996 mind you (I was in high school at the time and lucky enough to have a job in web development / system administration and I was on-call for the company I was employed by, but I digress). Anyway...
I've worked in enterprise security (consultant, FTE and on the vendor side) for the bulk of my professional career post-college. I've been, generally, OK with both Android and IOS over the years - give or take different areas of concern/complaint. I own a number of iPads and iPhones currently, but my daily driver is the P3XL.
I didn't realize Samsung was as bad as they currently are for hidden apps and outlandish permissions in their own ecosystem of software.
The first problem I noticed was that Facebook is installed by default. Red flag. I uninstalled and immediately went to look through the system apps to validate there were no other Facebook components lying around. And there are. There are three Facebook components you cannot uninstall but can only disable: Facebook App Installer, Facebook App Manager and Facebook Services. If you're keeping your Galaxy S21 and don't use Facebook I'd recommend disabling them and validating background data is disabled as they may be reenabled on system updates (I'm not sure if that's true or not). The reality is they very well could be and you wouldn't know it - given the circumstances I'd err on the side of trust - but definitely verify.
The second problem I ran into was Microsoft OneDrive. Again, not able to uninstall it - you can disable it. Obviously these apps are all part of the system image and is the reason you can't actually remove them. FFS.
The third, and final nail, is Bixby Voice. This app cannot be uninstalled, cannot be disabled and all permissions are immutable (meaning they cannot be changed). I understand Samsung is, and has been, trying to force Bixby on it's users for years. I thought Samsung had moved on and relinquished control. I was, unfortunately, wrong. Final nail in the coffin for me.
So... Does Google do this on Pixel devices? Sure, to an extent with Google components. Does Apple do this on IOS? Yes. The difference is that the Google apps on a Pixel device aren't harboring controls that can't be overridden. I can turn off permissions on the "Google" app, say - the microphone permission, even though it may break functionality. I can live with that. But I'm not OK with giving control up to something like Bixby Voice that has, literally, every permission 24/7.
I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the complacency involved with being OK with this and that's the rationale for returning the device. So, Samsung, if you're reading this (who am I kidding, you're not) - what an amazing phone with regard to the hardware. Truly top notch, truly polished and pushes all of the right buttons. You didn't lose a customer because the phone wasn't designed well. You lost a customer because it's clear that on top of the $1200+ phone you have the audacity to treat your customers as if they don't care - that they're not concerned with privacy in the least, and you clearly don't want them to be given what you've delivered. The reality is Google isn't a bastion of hope in that department either. Nor is Apple. But the Pixel line and IOS devices give end users a level of control if they're willing to give up features or functionality. I'd be fine with Bixby being on the phone if I could disable it and know that it's not able to phone home. But that's not possible sans drastic measures. Measures that would lock me out of functionality I do use.
So Samsung. No, you don't get my money and a complacent response to your privacy ignorant stance. I won't waste my time with the Samsung brand moving forward. I hope others voice their concern and skip Samsung until these things are handled correctly. I know I'm a minority at this point in time, but the tides are slowly changing.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/l6hn2y
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So.... return pickup still not arrived in 3 months?
Or you're just baiting us into defending Samsung and start a pointless debate here?
It's been 3 months since that post man... Either you've returned it and are now happy with the other gazillion devices you say you have, or you are just trundling along with the S21U just looking to vent your frustration... or maybe, you got yourself a OnePlus 9 Pro and are now missing the S21U. I dunno - but whatever it is, please for the love of God, tell us what you want us to do about it?
Why on Earth did you go through the hassle of creating a new thread here on XDA just to Copy-Paste a 3 month old rant from Reddit?
This isn't a request for help, nor is this development related - it sounds more like an open letter to Samsung. What will this acheive?
Anyway, hope this allowed you to vent some frustration and find some peace. May you find happiness with whatever new device you eventually buy.
LavenderBirch said:
To start: I've been highly anticipating this phone. I've had two Google Pixel 3 XLs that my SO and I have been using since release day. Probably one of the best overall phones I've owned, first phone to make it past the two year mark before attempting replacement. I've had cell phones since 1996 mind you (I was in high school at the time and lucky enough to have a job in web development / system administration and I was on-call for the company I was employed by, but I digress). Anyway...
I've worked in enterprise security (consultant, FTE and on the vendor side) for the bulk of my professional career post-college. I've been, generally, OK with both Android and IOS over the years - give or take different areas of concern/complaint. I own a number of iPads and iPhones currently, but my daily driver is the P3XL.
I didn't realize Samsung was as bad as they currently are for hidden apps and outlandish permissions in their own ecosystem of software.
The first problem I noticed was that Facebook is installed by default. Red flag. I uninstalled and immediately went to look through the system apps to validate there were no other Facebook components lying around. And there are. There are three Facebook components you cannot uninstall but can only disable: Facebook App Installer, Facebook App Manager and Facebook Services. If you're keeping your Galaxy S21 and don't use Facebook I'd recommend disabling them and validating background data is disabled as they may be reenabled on system updates (I'm not sure if that's true or not). The reality is they very well could be and you wouldn't know it - given the circumstances I'd err on the side of trust - but definitely verify.
The second problem I ran into was Microsoft OneDrive. Again, not able to uninstall it - you can disable it. Obviously these apps are all part of the system image and is the reason you can't actually remove them. FFS.
The third, and final nail, is Bixby Voice. This app cannot be uninstalled, cannot be disabled and all permissions are immutable (meaning they cannot be changed). I understand Samsung is, and has been, trying to force Bixby on it's users for years. I thought Samsung had moved on and relinquished control. I was, unfortunately, wrong. Final nail in the coffin for me.
So... Does Google do this on Pixel devices? Sure, to an extent with Google components. Does Apple do this on IOS? Yes. The difference is that the Google apps on a Pixel device aren't harboring controls that can't be overridden. I can turn off permissions on the "Google" app, say - the microphone permission, even though it may break functionality. I can live with that. But I'm not OK with giving control up to something like Bixby Voice that has, literally, every permission 24/7.
I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the complacency involved with being OK with this and that's the rationale for returning the device. So, Samsung, if you're reading this (who am I kidding, you're not) - what an amazing phone with regard to the hardware. Truly top notch, truly polished and pushes all of the right buttons. You didn't lose a customer because the phone wasn't designed well. You lost a customer because it's clear that on top of the $1200+ phone you have the audacity to treat your customers as if they don't care - that they're not concerned with privacy in the least, and you clearly don't want them to be given what you've delivered. The reality is Google isn't a bastion of hope in that department either. Nor is Apple. But the Pixel line and IOS devices give end users a level of control if they're willing to give up features or functionality. I'd be fine with Bixby being on the phone if I could disable it and know that it's not able to phone home. But that's not possible sans drastic measures. Measures that would lock me out of functionality I do use.
So Samsung. No, you don't get my money and a complacent response to your privacy ignorant stance. I won't waste my time with the Samsung brand moving forward. I hope others voice their concern and skip Samsung until these things are handled correctly. I know I'm a minority at this point in time, but the tides are slowly changing.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/l6hn2y
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Click to collapse
apart from being unable to disable Bixby or revoke permissions from Bixby I dont see what your actual problem is?
Yes, FB and 3x services are installed but as you rightly stated they can all be disabled. Problem solved
Whilst Bixby cannot be disabled, you can pretty much limit where it is in use... e.g. set Google Assistant as default.
I have worked in I.T. for almost 40 years and although not in the field of I.T. security like yourself, I think I know enough about the topic to secure my home devices like phones computers and routers.
Samsung is not perfect but they are a heck of a lot better than most smartphone manufacturers.... 3 years OS upgrades, monthly security patching on the S and Z ranges, etc.
Just my own personal thoughts, don't shoot me for wondering if perhaps you are overly sensitive being an ITSEC professional.
sesnut said:
jesus christ you waited 3 months to repost this wall of text from reddit?
just return the phone and go away, no one cares
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You DO realize the guy is entitled to his opinion and also that you're not in a position to censor his posts.
You disagree with him? Speak up or don't read further.
Muzzling people for having different opinions led to nazism...or communism.
Ipse_Tase said:
You DO realize the guy is entitled to his opinion and also that you're not in a position to censor his posts.
You disagree with him? Speak up or don't read further.
Muzzling people for having different opinions led to nazism...or communism.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sesnut is also entitled to his opinion. Seems like you're also trying to do the muzzling.
Why not just say "led to racism or veganism" if you're just throwing out terms without knowing what they mean. Silencing of personal opinion did not lead to Communism.
Just in.../developing story/: "local woman Jessica Landis told reporters Tuesday that she suddenly realized she was the same age her parents were when they were her age"
Woman Suddenly Realizes She Same Age Parents Were When They Were Her Age
ATLANTA—Noting the event had caused her to rethink the chronology of her entire life, local woman Jessica Landis told reporters Tuesday that she suddenly realized she was the same age her parents were when they were her age. “It’s just crazy, I’m turning 27 next month, which is the same exact...
local.theonion.com
LavenderBirch said:
To start: I've been highly anticipating this phone. I've had two Google Pixel 3 XLs that my SO and I have been using since release day. Probably one of the best overall phones I've owned, first phone to make it past the two year mark before attempting replacement. I've had cell phones since 1996 mind you (I was in high school at the time and lucky enough to have a job in web development / system administration and I was on-call for the company I was employed by, but I digress). Anyway...
I've worked in enterprise security (consultant, FTE and on the vendor side) for the bulk of my professional career post-college. I've been, generally, OK with both Android and IOS over the years - give or take different areas of concern/complaint. I own a number of iPads and iPhones currently, but my daily driver is the P3XL.
I didn't realize Samsung was as bad as they currently are for hidden apps and outlandish permissions in their own ecosystem of software.
The first problem I noticed was that Facebook is installed by default. Red flag. I uninstalled and immediately went to look through the system apps to validate there were no other Facebook components lying around. And there are. There are three Facebook components you cannot uninstall but can only disable: Facebook App Installer, Facebook App Manager and Facebook Services. If you're keeping your Galaxy S21 and don't use Facebook I'd recommend disabling them and validating background data is disabled as they may be reenabled on system updates (I'm not sure if that's true or not). The reality is they very well could be and you wouldn't know it - given the circumstances I'd err on the side of trust - but definitely verify.
The second problem I ran into was Microsoft OneDrive. Again, not able to uninstall it - you can disable it. Obviously these apps are all part of the system image and is the reason you can't actually remove them. FFS.
The third, and final nail, is Bixby Voice. This app cannot be uninstalled, cannot be disabled and all permissions are immutable (meaning they cannot be changed). I understand Samsung is, and has been, trying to force Bixby on it's users for years. I thought Samsung had moved on and relinquished control. I was, unfortunately, wrong. Final nail in the coffin for me.
So... Does Google do this on Pixel devices? Sure, to an extent with Google components. Does Apple do this on IOS? Yes. The difference is that the Google apps on a Pixel device aren't harboring controls that can't be overridden. I can turn off permissions on the "Google" app, say - the microphone permission, even though it may break functionality. I can live with that. But I'm not OK with giving control up to something like Bixby Voice that has, literally, every permission 24/7.
I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the complacency involved with being OK with this and that's the rationale for returning the device. So, Samsung, if you're reading this (who am I kidding, you're not) - what an amazing phone with regard to the hardware. Truly top notch, truly polished and pushes all of the right buttons. You didn't lose a customer because the phone wasn't designed well. You lost a customer because it's clear that on top of the $1200+ phone you have the audacity to treat your customers as if they don't care - that they're not concerned with privacy in the least, and you clearly don't want them to be given what you've delivered. The reality is Google isn't a bastion of hope in that department either. Nor is Apple. But the Pixel line and IOS devices give end users a level of control if they're willing to give up features or functionality. I'd be fine with Bixby being on the phone if I could disable it and know that it's not able to phone home. But that's not possible sans drastic measures. Measures that would lock me out of functionality I do use.
So Samsung. No, you don't get my money and a complacent response to your privacy ignorant stance. I won't waste my time with the Samsung brand moving forward. I hope others voice their concern and skip Samsung until these things are handled correctly. I know I'm a minority at this point in time, but the tides are slowly changing.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/l6hn2y
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, is that what you wrote down as your return reason ?
Samsung's Facebook contract is ending soon.
But, I don't care because I always disabled Facebook like you said anyways. I have a thread about it here somewhere.
As far as Bixby is concerned: I disable it as much as possible from within the phone. I see no evidence that it is actually running though. The OS says it isn't using ANY RAM ever. Also, you can just use ADB to disable it.
Go to the Samsung Privacy Center and the Do Not Sell site to maximize your privacy settings if you like.
Kawaisa said:
Sesnut is also entitled to his opinion. Seems like you're also trying to do the muzzling.
Why not just say "led to racism or veganism" if you're just throwing out terms without knowing what they mean. Silencing of personal opinion did not lead to Communism.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm....selective reading much? Also...history is recorded in books if you can get someone to read them to you.
Wow...some people here lack elementary logic. You know, not everything is about you.
Shockingly, others have the same right to speak and ***** and moan....however you want to call it.
Please send my regards to the local communist cell.
Ipse_Tase said:
Ummm....selective reading much? Also...history is recorded in books if you can get someone to read them to you.
Wow...some people here lack elementary logic. You know, not everything is about you.
Shockingly, others have the same right to speak and ***** and moan....however you want to call it.
Please send my regards to the local communist cell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it worth mentioning the original topic was phone related and not political or philosphical...
Guys, OP just came here to throw some shade at Samsung, vent some frustration and never came back for a discussion. New member. This is his only post on xda. It was obviously a hit and run stunt.
The guy who started the fire has left and in his place, we're sitting here fighting and bickering about stuff like communism?
I guess it was just bait .Let's stop replying to this thread here. It's pointless now.
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(delete)
Kodijack said:
I took a good search and haven't found a single app that is just like a screensaver, desktop or a clock. 99% of apps are music and navigation.
Hard to believe no one thought of a generic "desktop"-app with widgets or whatever. Especially with coolwalk it could be really nice.
But maybe you guys know something like this and my searching just sucked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... I can't understand what you wrote and what you are looking for, although I've been using android for 12 years. Even if it involves AA.
Please could you expand your description?
Now I understand your message as a regret that there is no revolution in the field of development of Head Units.
I don't think that will happen soon. Development will evolve.
The priority when driving is the safety of all users of the road and its surroundings.
I think that the plan for the development of the head unit is written out in stages, which require the achievement of so much development of protection measures while driving that the driver's inattention and distraction cannot be the cause of anyone's danger.
Currently, head units are deliberately poor in functions so that they can be simple to use and not distract the driver from his primary task: safe driving.
I think fiddling with the phone and projecting an image onto the head unit screen or vice versa, and focusing attention on widgets and other bits and pieces that phones have, can only be safe if passengers do it.
Google only allows certain apps on Android Auto.
Normally navigation, communication and music apps.
It's just a question if Google allows a clock app. I'm pretty sure that there were already people with this idea.