Google needs access to . . . should I give these people that much for a free app?
 

My wishy-washy ass has about 5 days left on my 2 week return policy with T Mobile. I sort like this HTC M8 but I'm not digging the way the free apps want access to everything short of my social security number. Today I looked into jukebox apps and these peope want a lot:

Identity

Contacts/Calendar

Location

Phone

Photos/Media/Files

Device ID & call information

Maybe I'm kidding myself, maybe Google is getting all of that already. OTOH, my Apple fan IT tech client claims that Apple is less intrusive on these matters. I'd be happy to spend $20 or $30 on apps that I'd had some chance to research if it means I won't have a moving ad at the bottom of the screen and won't be yielding access to personal info. Android fans forgive me, but I'm also thinking I like the smaller size of the iPhone 5s better plus the better camera (supposedly).

Thoughts?

Permissions can be tweaked after installation:
A Hidden Android 4.3 Permissions Manager Lets You Set Rules App-by-App

At least Android is more open to hacks that allow such tweaking, unlike iOS.

Total surrender of privacy - why I don't have a smart phone. If I live long enough I will probably cease resistance and be assimilated.

Besides, I don't like phones.

How long before you are required to have one and keep it powered up. ankle bracelets for the masses :D

I only put up with it at all because I take solace in the presumption that it's not me they're watching but rather the demographic I represent. It is a bit dicey though. Not sure I want them to be bothering my contacts in any way.

What app?

How did you know about that? It's worse than I thought. Privacy is gone.

Just wanted to clarify what apps you were installing, if they were from google themselves or what. IMO if it made you second guess downloading it then that's a good thing. That's why listing the permissions like that is mandated for apps to be on the play store. There are countless BS free apps out there on other platforms (*cough* WINDOWS) that dont tell you any of that stuff at all.

I know it isn't convenient but if you use your telephone much like the old fashioned things in the 1970s that were fixed in your house to a long wire then you can regain some privacy. Write down all of the numbers you need to dial in a little book - dial them and then delete them from the phone's memory...

Oh man. Those days seem to be gone. It's weird because before long I'd memorize frequently dialed numbers. Not any more. Don't have a clue what anyone's number is.

However, now as long as you have a device that can access it, you're as smart as the interweb . . . ;)

Yeah I know those days are long gone for many people. Before long you'll step in your car and say "Grandma's house" it'll drive you there and you won't know how the heck you got there or where you are...

...the problem is that convenience is costing privacy

One of my aunts has had the same number for, not sure, 50 years or more. Hers I have memorized. And mine. No others.

I figured it out when comrade Snowden said 'A') they can access your mic and cam if your phone is on, and, 'TWO') they can spoof you when you turn it off so you think it is off but it is not. The only solution is to pull the battery - he never said that last part. My guess is that after a hard power down it is not spoofed when you replace the battery, but why do that before you want to make a call?

You can still live on the grid and be unseen by the Machine. Mr Finch & Co. does it.

Just gotta know how.