Google’s new Data Safety information is now live in the Google Play Store, which means developers have to submit information about how their apps collect, use, and protect information about you. But ahead of launch, some users noticed that Google had also removed a Play Store feature that showed which permissions were used by apps, which means that the only way to know for certain would be to download and install an app.
That didn’t go over real well, and now Google is promising to bring permission info back to app listings in the Play Store.
In other Android-related news, Google is launching new audio switching technology designed to let you use one pair of wireless earbuds with multiple devices, while automatically switching input from one device to another depending on context. The feature will launch first on the new Pixel Buds Pro, which are up for pre-order for $200 starting today and which will be available starting July 28th. But Google says audio switching support is coming to some Sony and JBL headphones within weeks.
Google introduces audio switching technology that lets you use one set of wireless headphones with multiple Android devices. Watch a video on your phone, but audio will switch to your phone if you answer a call, for example. Debuts with Pixel Buds Pro. https://t.co/38vmsT4Jmq
— Liliputing (@liliputingnews) July 21, 2022
Google says it’ll bring app permission listings back to app descriptions in the Play Store in response to community feedback following their recent removal. https://t.co/mYLACi3gwz
— Liliputing (@liliputingnews) July 21, 2022
System76 Oryx Pro Linux laptop is now available with an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, up to NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti graphics, and a choice of 15.6 inch or 17.3 inch 1080p 144 Hz displays. Prices start at $2199. https://t.co/5lkTSd4G8e
— Liliputing (@liliputingnews) July 21, 2022
Early look at a prototype of the upcoming Retro Pixel Pocket, a Game Boy-style handheld with a 3.1 inch, 720 x 720px display (328ppi), an Allwinner A64 processor, a 3,000 mAh battery, and an Android 7-based operating system. https://t.co/Bdaw2eJrfB
— Liliputing (@liliputingnews) July 21, 2022
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I haven’t installed a new app since the list of permissions was removed. Who thought this was a good idea? Install an app so you can find out what permissions it uses? All you personal information has already been hoovered up by the time you Uninstall.
I don’t think that the Google Android developers use their own product. I am very careful what I install on my Android tablet and try to have no personal info or contact information on it.
It’d more accurate to say that the Play Store developers’ management, or the executives, don’t use their own product. And I could see that happening if their issued company phones have strict application control, or they know exactly what they’re doing and don’t want to be affected by it. The developers themselves are likely too numerous for NONE of them to use Android as a personal phone even though I could see most of them using iPhones. But google is a monster, one more machine now than human, so the human parts of itself would be scared to speak up…at least, not without a hashtag they can get behind.