Sick of Google - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm sick of Google. I'm stripping all apps out.
What are the best non Google to replace them with?
I've got rid of Google market for another but should be able to get anything.
Tnx.
Sent by reversed alian technology.

Get an iPhone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

dont flash gapps, or just install the ones you want, i always remove google services i dont need.

scream4cheese said:
Get an iPhone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
To OP: You own a GOOGLE Nexus 4. What did you expect from it? And good luck getting rid of Google on your phone. Let's see how functional it is with 3rd party apps.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

You're sick of a cohesive integrated service platform that's given to you100 percent free of charge?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

A truely great Google app is the 'play store' app, so you can download replacements for the rest of the Google apps

scream4cheese said:
Get an iPhone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And then jailbreak it and get cydia - just to be different

andrew.golby said:
And then jailbreak it and get cydia - just to be different
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Nova Launcher and a widget can offer more than jailbreaking an iPhone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Go with a windows phone. Best way to get away from Google.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

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Try amazon app store or just google some alternatives.... LOL
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/android-app-stores/

Weezle
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Try out the F-Droid app store.
It has a respectable collection of FOSS applications which might be something you'd want.

I agree, I'm tired of these company looking at what I'm doing ever second of my life. This will be an issue in the future.....There's a method to their madness....they are integrating everything to trap us and people are just following along like good sheep. Smh
And you people making fun are straight morons if ya can't get what the op is saying. "Buy an iPhone" haha haha so funny as well as soooooo original.
As asinine as it may sound, there are some of us who still value our privacy.
Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using xda app-developers app

3dupunk said:
I agree, I'm tired of these company looking at what I'm doing ever second of my life. This will be an issue in the future.....There's a method to their madness....they are integrating everything to trap us and people are just following along like good sheep. Smh
And you people making fun are straight morons if ya can't get what the op is saying. "Buy an iPhone" haha haha so funny as well as soooooo original.
As asinine as it may sound, there are some of us who still value our privacy.
Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You make a good point here - Google is certainly 'buying' out data and information. They are not in the cell phone making business - rather, they are in the data and analytics business.
Did you think Google was making and selling Nexus devices this cheap just out of the goodness of their own hearts?
A Nexus device is sold at a significant cost reduction that is subsidized by Google for a reason. In today's day and age, if you truly value your privacy, I'd recommend canceling your internet package and surfing the web form your local library. Aside from that, someone is always watching what you're doing - Google or otherwise.

3dupunk said:
I agree, I'm tired of these company looking at what I'm doing ever second of my life. This will be an issue in the future.....There's a method to their madness....they are integrating everything to trap us and people are just following along like good sheep. Smh
And you people making fun are straight morons if ya can't get what the op is saying. "Buy an iPhone" haha haha so funny as well as soooooo original.
As asinine as it may sound, there are some of us who still value our privacy.
Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then Toss all all credit cards, all shopping cards, Cancel the internet and dont make phone calls. All of these things do the same thing google does. IT has been happening for years and will continue to happen as long as we allow it. Removing some google apps may help a little but it is nothing in the long run.

Get a notepad and a pen. Have fun living in 1995.

People, stop being mod edit
You can replace Gmail with just the stock email app. No trouble there.
There are third party market apps. Forgot what the name is, but it's decent as long as you stick to the safe apps (aka not the obviously fake Chinese knockoffs)
For calendar, you can keep the stock calendar app.
For maps, your options are rather limited. Most good maps are paid apps, so you need to get them from Google Play. Not sure how you can fix this without resorting to piracy
Use color note to replace keep.

snapper.fishes said:
People, stop being mod edit
You can replace Gmail with just the stock email app. No trouble there.
There are third party market apps. Forgot what the name is, but it's decent as long as you stick to the safe apps (aka not the obviously fake Chinese knockoffs)
For calendar, you can keep the stock calendar app.
For maps, your options are rather limited. Most good maps are paid apps, so you need to get them from Google Play. Not sure how you can fix this without resorting to piracy
Use color note to replace keep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For appstore, just use Amazon and FDroid.
Actually there are lots of good maps alternative, you just need to spend some money. I use Sygic, it take longer to enter locations and more base on navigation rather than locale discovery, but it's better than Maps when it come to direction, especially outside of USA. CoPilot GPS is also decent.
ColorNotes still use internet, I prefer my offline Memo app from my Samsung Galaxy S, still working on KitKat.

Ichigo said:
I'm so sick of Google watching me as I sleep, or taunting me as I shower.
Leave me alone Google!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am I the only one that doesn't care if Google or whatever watches me, and tracks me? I mean, there's no harm to it. They know I like Dubstep? So be it!
The good thing is, they use that data to make your user experience a lot better. Like, my youtube home page is full of Dubstep.
I don't have a problem with them knowing everything. I have nothing to hide, and I couldn't care less, as long as they use the info to make my life easier.

gbarayah said:
You make a good point here - Google is certainly 'buying' out data and information. They are not in the cell phone making business - rather, they are in the data and analytics business.
Did you think Google was making and selling Nexus devices this cheap just out of the goodness of their own hearts?
A Nexus device is sold at a significant cost reduction that is subsidized by Google for a reason. In today's day and age, if you truly value your privacy, I'd recommend canceling your internet package and surfing the web form your local library. Aside from that, someone is always watching what you're doing - Google or otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need no schooling on Google and its ways, I've written quite a few papers for school on them so I GET WHAT THEY ARE ACTUALLY DOING and that's what scary IMO. I find that people who suggest cutting everything off are morons (not saying you) because what they are really doing is mocking w/e. I shouldn't have to worry about prying eyes is my point.
Z4nd4r said:
Get a notepad and a pen. Have fun living in 1995.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Soooo original, did you come up with that all by your self?
Sent by flying midget

Related

[News] Google will remotly install new code

are you confortable with that?
When 21 rogue apps started siphoning off identifying information from Android phones and installing security holes, Google yanked the lot from Android Market, and called the authorities to boot. But what of the 50,000 copies already downloaded by unwitting users? That's what Google's dealing with this week, by utilizing Android's remote kill switch to delete them over the air.
But that's not all, because this time the company isn't just removing offending packages, but also installing new code. The "Android Market Security Tool March 2011" will be remotely added to affected handsets to undo the exploit and keep it from sending your data out, as well as make you wonder just how much remote control Google has over our phones. Yes, we welcome our new Search Engine overlords and all that, so long as they've got our best interests at heart, but there's a certain irony in Google removing a backdoor exploit by using a backdoor exploit of its own -- even one that (in this case) will email you to report what it's done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source:
http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2011/03/update-on-android-market-security.html
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/google-flips-android-kill-switch-destroys-a-batch-of-malicious/
Im sure if you were on the receiving end with a malware infested phone you'd be thanking google for remotely fixing your phone, i guess only when they start abusing that power will people get annoyed and demand change.
I guess that the end justifies the means in this case...
Yeh I'm fine with that. I doubt Google will abuse this feature- look at the negative backlash that Amazon had for remotely deleting from customers Kindles.
msolus said:
Yeh I'm fine with that. I doubt Google will abuse this feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not quite sure about that!, but well i'm probably too much old school, maybe a bit paranoid or conservative =).
The "For your own good", never sound well to my hears, anyway don't be surprise if Microsoft start doing that, one day, on your personal desktop/laptop.
Starting slow by removing trojan apps and one day, choosing what you have to use or not without your consentment?...not really GNU/GPL.
Google already know, who you are, which face you have (ty the front camera ^^), who are your friend, where you live, who you call, your habits etc... a way to much in one hand.
"Don't be Evil" they said (i'm still laughing on that)
I don't see anything wrong with this, and I think if Google ever decides to use this function for 'evil' it will get so much bad rep, that it's just not worth it.
How do you know they see all those things? Android is open source, and I doubt the Android-versions that is sent to the OEM's has these spy-code inside. Don't think they would agree with that, because of potential lawsuits and problems, e.g. EU-related problems.
I don't mind at all.. They have the power on Chrome too, and they never abuse it. I trust Google, I just woudn't trust Apple.
OP, Google already have your gmail, contacts, coordinates, search history, credit card number, and God only knows what else. This tiny little thingie won't change anything. However, they'd better remotely install Gingerbread on my phone, lol.
Unrealwolf said:
OP, Google already have your gmail, contacts, coordinates, search history, credit card number, and God only knows what else. This tiny little thingie won't change anything. However, they'd better remotely install Gingerbread on my phone, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid by what i see here (but i don't blame anyone), everyone agree...well, maybe a different generation or perhaps my job force me to be more sensitive to that kind of things...who now
Unrealwolf, most of my data are fake: google account, no contact, neither sync, and no way i'll give my credit card number/real name or more.
But hey let's see how it'll go (the result in a couple of years will not be a surprise for me)
Microsoft did install a 'Malicious Software Removel Tool'. And have updates that are installed silently (but that happens very rarely).
And through the normal update process they can install everything they want.
personal info already leak out to everywhere since you born, do you have a mobile, in a school, bank account, visa,diving license, etc... just live with it.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Is it really the first time that Google installed things remotely? At least they updated apps without interaction on my mobile. And these updates can contain any code they want. So who saves you from Trojans that come inside, say, Maps? Also, some devs showed that apps can install other apps without the user even notices that (I think there was a malicious angry birds app)
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
I am thankfull as they state only being sent to infected phones as we have few android phones and only my one got message so yes im glad there doing this
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
retskrad said:
How do you know they see all those things? Android is open source, and I doubt the Android-versions that is sent to the OEM's has these spy-code inside. Don't think they would agree with that, because of potential lawsuits and problems, e.g. EU-related problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well going by the trouble that Google got with street view in the EU, im not sure they'd like to risk more fines
ttf said:
are you confortable with that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i love the idea
that will keep our phones clean, and warez free
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Would be better to fix the bugs, though...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Not too comfortable with this because if google can do it even a hacker can do it.
Also I noticed that after I did a search for CMS in google, the next day I got email from a CMS vendor, so think about it, very weird to the say the least. This has happened many times.
Sent from my GT-I9000
And Elvis is still alive...
Google has already an app with root and net access on the phone: the Market (or the services behind). Otherwise they could not install or uninstall anything on the phone. And yes, market is able to install without notifying the user. But if they're doing this well and encrypt the communication, no hacker should be able to use this feature to break into your phone.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
C-o-M said:
And Elvis is still alive...
Google has already an app with root and net access on the phone: the Market (or the services behind). Otherwise they could not install or uninstall anything on the phone. And yes, market is able to install without notifying the user. But if they're doing this well and encrypt the communication, no hacker should be able to use this feature to break into your phone.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My grandma said: never say never
Well it's not really about hacker problem, it's more about a non gouvernmental entity with that much power...but well some can live with it, i just can't.

Android Market bug with using side loaded & 3rd party Market apps

Just wanted to give you all a heads up on what I've recently experienced.
With Google tossing out a handful of apps for $0.10 a day, I jumped on the purchasing bandwagon like many of you. When Fruit Ninja became available at this discounted rate, I attempted to purchase it from the Android Market ("Market").
The problem is that Google has a bug in its' Market; where it may randomly recognize paid applications that were side loaded and/or acquired through 3rd party Market applications, such as Amazon. I had originally obtained Fruit Ninja from Amazon as the FAOTD and had it installed on a previous EC05 rom build. The Market decided to falsely link that app to my Google account as purchased.
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Due to this false link, both the Market app and Market website displayed Fruit Ninja as purchased. However, when I tried to install the application from the Market, I received an error saying that I need to purchase the app. So I'm stuck in an endless loop.
I've contacted the Market app support team and have had this escalated up the chain so they can have this well documented. The initial support contact admitted Google is aware of this bug, but he was unable to do anything as a first level support contact. I figured I'd escalate this issue because had this been a $15 app, like Documents To Go, I would be angry.
Hopefully you all don't run into this annoying Market bug.
I think they (Google) are having problems with Google Wallet/Checkout right now.
I'm getting all sort of broker errors on the web interface and having problems processing payments.
Don't know if it will help, but maybe running market doctor with titanium will help...
saramon said:
Don't know if it will help, but maybe running market doctor with titanium will help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it won't sadly. This is something on Google's end. When I hear back from the next level of support, I'll post an update here if any new or updated information is discovered.
stud_muffler said:
I think they (Google) are having problems with Google Wallet/Checkout right now.
I'm getting all sort of broker errors on the web interface and having problems processing payments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Central just confirmed it with a link to the Goggle groups as their source.
stud_muffler said:
Android Central just confirmed it with a link to the Goggle groups as their source.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that may be a completely separate issue from what I mention in this thread, but good looking out.
I can't buy anything today :-( I want game dev story!!!! It just says an error has occcured please try again.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
xopher.hunter said:
I can't buy anything today :-( I want game dev story!!!! It just says an error has occcured please try again.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you bill to sprint? i was having problems too. i would select payment method "bill to sprint", and then when i go back to the apps market page, i would get "an error has occured".
i called sprint and they asked me to reenter my msl via some ## code, do a profile and prl update and then try again and everything worked just fine. took less than 5 min.
xopher.hunter said:
I can't buy anything today :-( I want game dev story!!!! It just says an error has occcured please try again.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem. Were you trying to charge it to your sprint account? I solved mine by just trying to buy it like 5 times.
xopher.hunter said:
I can't buy anything today :-( I want game dev story!!!! It just says an error has occcured please try again.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try again. I had that earlier today. Now the purchases are going through.
jasonsf said:
Try again. I had that earlier today. Now the purchases are going through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me and I wasn't billing through Sprint.
Yesss I got through, I didn't even get the option to bill my sprint account but now I'm up to .50 cents over on my bill. Lol
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
To Nikon and everyone else getting "The download of "[insert app here]" was declined because you haven't purchased it.":
I also downloaded an app from Amazon's Free App of the Day, FlexT9 keyboard (I mostly love it, but it's a little quirky on occasion). Unfortunately, I had the same issues as Nikon, and was stuck on version 1.4.0.0, while the Market version was up to 2.0.0.0. Damn you Amazon, and damn your trickery! (Well, at least it was free! )
I can't remember exactly what I did to fix this problem, but I did overcome it. Here's what I think worked, and some combination of these steps should fix it:
In Titanium Backup find the offending app in the list under the [Backup / Restore] tab
Be sure you have a current backup of the app and its data if you so desire
Long-press the app to bring up the additional menu
Click [Detach from Market]
Click [Open system details...]
Click [Clear Data] and [Clear Cache] -- This may or may not be necessary, I don't remember if this was part of what I did or not
In System Details click [Uninstall...]
Reinstall the app from the Market
???
Thank me and profit! (Well, technically you're paying for the app now, so you'll see a loss from a financial standpoint, but hopefully a gain in features and stability. )*
* I'm gonna feel like a jackass if that isn't quite the right steps, but that's basically what I did and the Market allowed me to purchase and install the latest version of FlexT9.
Thanks for the reminder of the .10$ deal I hadn't been following it, but I just went and got asphalt 6 for 10 cents! XD
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Fire n mage said:
Thanks for the reminder of the .10$ deal I hadn't been following it, but I just went and got asphalt 6 for 10 cents! XD
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a message saying not compatible when I opened asphalt 6 so I got a refund, good thing I was on wifi
Sent from my Samsung Legen-wait for it-dary! 4g
Pretty stupid that they have this bug, you would think a company like google would know what they were doing.
It may not be a Google-exclusive issue.
This bug comes up for me when I restore an app using Titanium Backup (which by default marks the app installation as having come from the market). The subsequent market link isn't really valid and you get the "..because you haven't purchased it" error message. My workaround thus far has been creating a group named "DetachFromMarket" which I freeze&defrost, resulting in the apps no longer showing up in the Market.
I haven't experienced the apps showing up as "installed" when sideloading them, though I do a LOT of backing up and restoring. The only way around this for me what the wipe/uninstall dance posted above, then quickly buy/install the app using the old version of the Market right before it auto-updates.
Further, Amazon's App Store has the same fundamental issue. Buy and install an app through the Android Market, and the Amazon App Store will likely start triggering update alerts for it (for the same damn version, no less).
Im running into this as well, any fix would be nice!
AmericanJedi001 said:
To Nikon and everyone else getting "The download of "[insert app here]" was declined because you haven't purchased it.":
I also downloaded an app from Amazon's Free App of the Day, FlexT9 keyboard (I mostly love it, but it's a little quirky on occasion). Unfortunately, I had the same issues as Nikon, and was stuck on version 1.4.0.0, while the Market version was up to 2.0.0.0. Damn you Amazon, and damn your trickery! (Well, at least it was free! )
I can't remember exactly what I did to fix this problem, but I did overcome it. Here's what I think worked, and some combination of these steps should fix it:
In Titanium Backup find the offending app in the list under the [Backup / Restore] tab
Be sure you have a current backup of the app and its data if you so desire
Long-press the app to bring up the additional menu
Click [Detach from Market]
Click [Open system details...]
Click [Clear Data] and [Clear Cache] -- This may or may not be necessary, I don't remember if this was part of what I did or not
In System Details click [Uninstall...]
Reinstall the app from the Market
???
Thank me and profit! (Well, technically you're paying for the app now, so you'll see a loss from a financial standpoint, but hopefully a gain in features and stability. )*
* I'm gonna feel like a jackass if that isn't quite the right steps, but that's basically what I did and the Market allowed me to purchase and install the latest version of FlexT9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some reason when I tried your steps it doesn't seem to work for me... I have been trying to get Slideit keyboard with no luck
Follow up on the original issue this thread was about, rather than the derailed topic.
My support ticket has been pushed to an "engineer", but it is a confirmed bug with acquiring an application through side loading and 3rd party market applications. The support contact I talked to said it could be 1 of 2 things:
1. A particular application leaving bread crumbs on the device after uninstalling that the Google Market still picks up; or,
2. Just a bug associated with non-Google Market installs.
After reinstalling Fruit Ninja from Amazon, I tried using MyBackup Pro's market link breaker and it says it successfully removed the Market link, but nothing changed on Google's end. I'm at the point where I think it's an issue that Google needs to sort out.

(App-Discussion) Not Available For People With Root (Think It's Fair?)

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Ok going to start this thread as today we see are first game available on Google's Play Store (Chaos Rings by Square Enix) become "This game cannot be played on rooted devices"
What does this mean for us Root users, Custom Rom users, Modders, Themer's and so on. Will we ever be able to play new games or run apps on our device's without losing are right to an open product?
Example Questions to start us off =
What is your thought's on this matter?
Are company's right to leave us out to protect there products for piracy?
Will this catch on?
Would you give up Root for a certain app you wanted?
The question is, how long will it takes until we root user find a root using way to use not-for-rooted-phones apps on rooted phones
Sent from my MT27i using xda app-developers app
IE-coRe said:
The question is, how long will it takes until we root user find a root using way to use not-for-rooted-phones apps on rooted phones
Sent from my MT27i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lets hope this happens. Not sure if seen away to run Google films/video yet and guess this is the same sort of thing. Love the way that more of the people (like me) that brought this app are rooted (5star rating for people without root =25) and (1star rating for people with root = 33) Ha Ha.
Just temp unroot in SU.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
MilkyJoePD said:
Just temp unroot in SU.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does not work all the time and we should not have to anyway, having root is not illegal so why should we be judged for having it. Some of us buy their games/apps so we should be able to play them without having to Mod/Fool them.
PS. Already tried this with this app.
Haven't run in to any app that wouldn't work because of my rooted phone yet. But when I eventually do, I will most likely use some bad language, may even hurt my hand banging it to my desk.
Seriously
I just sent this in an email to [email protected]. Feel free to write your own complaint letter, one letter may fall on deaf ears, but maybe if enough of us let Square Enix know how we feel they'll do something about it? (Well, probably not, but it's worth a try.)
To Squeenix:
"Really? I can't believe this.
I WANT TO GIVE YOU MY $13 to play Chaos Rings, but now you're telling me you don't want my money?
Even though I've rooted my device, I pirate nothing, and am happy to pay developers for their hard work, but not when the developer INTENTIONALLY BLOCKS 20% OF THEIR USER BASE.
Seriously, what is the point of blocking root users? I'm not going to give up root, what I am going to give up is your games, and you'll be missing out on the revenue you could have had. In fact, by excluding android power users, you're forcing more people to pirate your game than ever before, especially once someone figures out how to hack your apk to make it work on root.
Now you look like a-holes, and have a horrible rating on the google play store from all the people who bought your game before you mentioned that it doesn't work on root. Way to go. I miss the good old days when Squaresoft used to be a respectable company that cared about making great games for the people who wanted to play them. Those days are long gone now."
The King of Fighters Android announced the same in its store description but doesn't block to run the game in rooted devices.
Square Enix is free to do it and at least they warning about it before you buy the game, however it's bad news for mobile gaming because denying the freedom to root the phone in the Android plataform is against the users and themselves.
Great fail to lose players/users of the app/game. I'd bet someone will make an patch. It will be same as "unhackable" Kindle Fire.
Sent from my Xperia Play using xda app-developers app
I bought the game because I wanted to support devs who give us more polished games than the usual freemium games you find all over the play store... Sad they see it that way, while you really don't need root to pirate games if you want to (note that I have root and have numerous games i paid for, and none that I pirated). The workaround for this specific game is so lame I can't understand why they thought it would be a good idea to implement (hint: rename your Superuser apk...). It is quite worrying though, and we have to hope that the backlash SE is getting on this will ensure that other devs won't follow the same route using more drastic measures to detect root (say, if chaos rings deleted the obb file when detecting root, I would have given up much more quickly...)
Also I think the email address from the play store is not monitored (got an automatic email back telling me to check their support site instead). I did receive a response back now asking me if my device was rooted... Will answer now and let them know what I / we think
---------- Post added at 07:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:40 PM ----------
leetxperia said:
Great fail to lose players/users of the app/game. I'd bet someone will make an patch. It will be same as "unhackable" Kindle Fire.
Sent from my Xperia Play using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just do a quick Google search.. The game is already available without a root check on some forum... Oh and probably without a license check too...
Are they within their rights? Of course they are its their bloody game. Does it make good business sense? There is the real dilemma and i suppose only time will tell. IMHO it doesn't take root, or half a brain for that matter, to find alternative app stores with pirated games on it so I can't really see the justification for it. But at the end of the day to root or not is a choice and this should be one of your considerations when you make that choice.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Well here goes... Feel free to copy and paste part of the message if it can help
------
Hi There,
Thanks for the feedback.
My device is indeed rooted, as are the devices from many other customers of Square Enix as is apparent from the numerous negative comments in the play store.
I am not sure whether this is the proper channel to voice my concerns, but I would like to urge SE to reconsider their position on this, as rooting and pirating games are two different activities altogether. Pirate versions of Chaos Rings are actually already available on the net, and these do not require root to run. And while I have always rooted my Android devices, I don't have a single pirated game, that is not the point of rooting.
By excluding rooted users, you are creating a very bad image for your company in the android community (I am sure you will see many articles pop up around the web about this in the coming days), not to mention you are losing customers and money for chaos rings but also many of your future titles.
And that's a shame really, because your titles are in general of much higher quality than many games available on the play store, and there most definitely is a market for them even among rooted users, as was proven recently with the success of final fantasy 3.
I would be thankful if you could forward this message to the relevant recipient, or if you could give me such an address to send it myself.
Thanks,
Ed
It only hurts them. My guess is it is a higher level executive decision or something that the people who made the decision don't even understand what root is. It definitely isn't the same as pirating...not even close.
The game will get hacked regardless which means this only hurts legitimate sales. If people can't buy it the right way they are much more likely to obtain it by other means.
I'd buy the game if i wanted to play it and was allowed but will not have the option now. If i get the itch to play it in the future i will play it regardless of whether square lets me pay them or not.
Wait. So "Not available.." for root users is here because of piracy? Cracked apps can be installed without root huh?
Sent from my Xperia Play using xda app-developers app
Well, they specifically look for the presence of a superuser package, so really, if it's not a very badly informed decision from some out of touch executive to counteract piracy, I have no idea why they would do that. To me, it sounds like "Hey, did you see Netflix tries to detect rooted device to prevent against piracy? Let's do the same for our app, surely it will prevent our games from being pirated!". That's obviously ridiculous and inefficient, especially seeing the way they implemented it. I mean, we know how to root our device, but don't know to hide our superuser app? Really? The fact that the game just crashes without a hint as to what happened is also frankly crap. At least tell me you won't allow me to play because I'm rooted, and let me know how I can get a refund.
I'm a bit torn now... If nobody buys this thing, then the same execs who made that smart decision will say once again that Android sales were poor because of piracy, and it will be ages before we see another title from them. So yeah, cant' really recommend you to buy (although the game itself seems quite good from my 30 minutes of play time), but if you bought it you've got two options:
- You can request a refund from Google (the support person I talked to at Square Enix specifically told me to do that if my device is rooted)
- Try this thread where we discuss a convenient way to hide/unhide superuser app through a script http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1932078 (you might also be able to use some "temp unroot" app, but the one I tried didn't work on my Note)
leetxperia said:
Wait. So "Not available.." for root users is here because of piracy? Cracked apps can be installed without root huh?
Sent from my Xperia Play using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No question. Its their product and so have every right to apply whatever limitations they want to it. With that said, its the right of the buyer to leave 1 star and refund the payment, should they so wish
Yea they can do whatever they want but if everyone stops buying they're stuff then they'll definitely think twice
Galaxy SIII via XDA premium
I was not going to even buy Chaos Ringss, I'm only sending you this because: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931778 and I figured I would help them.
So I take it your assuming because we have root it means we're criminals or pirates, I root, but I don't pirate anything, in my opinion all users who know how to root know how to obtain pirated games, I bet there is a cracked Chaos Rings around somewere with root check disabled, etc... Your only encouraging pirating by making rooted users who want this game go else were to get this game.
I don't support pirating, and I do root every device I have, and that isn't because I pirate anything, I root to have more customization options for my Android Device.
Either way you will lose business with this.
Copy and paste if you like.
Yeah of course they have the right. That's what consumerism and free enterprise is all about. But we have the right to read the description and not buy their games, and not buy any of their products because you don't believe in what they're doing. Your wallets will speak louder than anything.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Well. They wont sell much copies if almost anyone has root.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app

Charging for a pro version of an app that offers no new features.

Ok I was in the play store this week and I tried a few cool apps that gives you a free trial period. Once the trial period is over you get a notification on the screen telling you that the trial has ended and you need to update to the pro version for a 5.00 fee but all the pro version do is remove the notification that pops up adding no new features that you would get from a pro version of a free app. Would you consider this to false advertising or just a blatant rip off?
Love the 90s good times
I would say rip off. I don't mind the apps that have a free version and paid. When they are the same and the "pro" is a donation version type of thing.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
daniel4653 said:
I would say rip off. I don't mind the apps that have a free version and paid. When they are the same and the "pro" is a donation version type of thing.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I kinda figured it was a rip off. I was using ex dialer and I was asked to pay a fee for the pro version after the so called trial has expired so I emailed the app developer and asked what comes in this pro version he said nothing it just removes the notification asking you to pay for it. So why call it a pro version if it offers nothing new? If you want money for an app just straight out charge for it but don't railroad someone into buying by lying in your wording. Glad we can turn app notifications off with this phone. So now I no longer get that annoying pop-up.
Love the 90s good times
If it's a trial version, then it's doing what it is supposed to do. You could have an iPhone. You'd be lucky enough to even have trial versions of software. Once you buy something in the app store, you're stuck with it. At least the play store has a fifteen minute refund period after purchase in case it's not what you're looking for, or didn't work, or whatever. We're spoiled with the play store. If you like an app a lot, and the price of the full version is reasonable, why not throw the Dev a few bucks for their time, effort, and appreciation for their app? Sometimes trial periods aren't very long enough to determine if the app is really what you want. I'll agree with that. I'm not saying the OP is cheap, I'm saying a trial program doesn't run forever, except for maybe winrar... Lol
Please read forum rules before posting
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And if the app stated it was a trial version be grateful it still functions for free with just a nag screen. These are usually clearly stated in the description. If not then there is a place on the app screen to complain to Google.
oscarthegrouch said:
If it's a trial version, then it's doing what it is supposed to do. You could have an iPhone. You'd be lucky enough to even have trial versions of software. Once you buy something in the app store, you're stuck with it. At least the play store has a fifteen minute refund period after purchase in case it's not what you're looking for, or didn't work, or whatever. We're spoiled with the play store. If you like an app a lot, and the price of the full version is reasonable, why not throw the Dev a few bucks for their time, effort, and appreciation for their app? Sometimes trial periods aren't very long enough to determine if the app is really what you want. I'll agree with that. I'm not saying the OP is cheap, I'm saying a trial program doesn't run forever, except for maybe winrar... Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know how winwar trial period ends and ask you to pay for it but it continues to let you use it for how ever long you want but you never buy it. Now I'm all for paying for an app if it's an actual paid app and have features that do not come in the free version. But when you tell people that the pro version has nothing different than what's in the free version and all you really doing is asking for a donation to stop the app from spamming you with the trial period has ended notification than that's a problem for me especially if the app never stops you from using it ever. There's a proper way to ask for a donation no need to be deceitful in your wording.
Love the 90s good times
kennyglass123 said:
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
And if the app stated it was a trial version be grateful it still functions for free with just a nag screen. These are usually clearly stated in the description. If not then there is a place on the app screen to complain to Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you read the word pro version in your mind you would think if I pay for this I will get added features nope just removes a nag screen. That's the only problem I have. Paying for a good app isn't a problem for me.
Love the 90s good times
No offense but ex dialer clearly states it is a trial version. Good news is the dev isn't trying to rip anybody off as they let you keep using it after the 7 days. Nothing wrong with wanting to get paid for something you developed.
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SGS4 Sent
ifly4vamerica said:
No offense but ex dialer clearly states it is a trial version. Good news is the dev isn't trying to rip anybody off as they let you keep using it after the 7 days. Nothing wrong with wanting to get paid for something you developed.
SGS4 Sent
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with you on that. Just don't call it a pro version if it's really not. That wording is very miss leading. I usually get the pro version of most of my apps for the purpose of getting the features that come with the pro version. Now I'm not trying to bash the developer of the app. I don't agree with the way it's worded.
Love the 90s good times
So it is only the use of the word "pro" that bothers you on this.
kennyglass123 said:
So it is only the use of the word "pro" that bothers you on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That's like downloading a demo for a game and being asked to pay for the full game later on to find out that the full game is identical to the demo with nothing new.
Love the 90s good times
E The Magnificent said:
Yes. That's like downloading a demo for a game and being asked to pay for the full game later on to find out that the full game is identical to the demo with nothing new.
Love the 90s good times
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the rules of a "trial" version are different than a "demo". Trial implies there is a time limit before something happens, it stops working, features stop working, or a nag screen to "pay you cheap sonofa....." LOL. But I can understand being spoiled by apps like Titanium Backup where the Pro version unlocks many great features. Perhaps if he just named it "Nag-free" we would not be in this thread right now.
kennyglass123 said:
But the rules of a "trial" version are different than a "demo". Trial implies there is a time limit before something happens, it stops working, features stop working, or a nag screen to "pay you cheap sonofa....." LOL. But I can understand being spoiled by apps like Titanium Backup where the Pro version unlocks many great features. Perhaps if he just named it "Nag-free" we would not be in this thread right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nag free sounds a lot better.
Love the 90s good times
Allow me to summarize this for you:
This is a paid app. The dev was nice enough to let you use the full app (completely unrestricted!) for a whole week before buying it. The dev was totally forthcoming about the trial period in the app description. You downloaded it, used it for a week, and are now complaining that it was only a trial period. You're also upset that you're not getting extra features (that were never promised to you!) after using a paid app for free for an entire week.
Wait, developers want to earn money for the apps they develop? What a bunch of greedy a$$holes!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
E The Magnificent said:
Yes. That's like downloading a demo for a game and being asked to pay for the full game later on to find out that the full game is identical to the demo with nothing new.
Love the 90s good times
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A trial version is a trail version, an honest person would uninstall the trial version after the free period ends or pay for the app. Why don't you think the developer deserves to get paid. You obviously thought the app was useful or you would have deleted it. Pay for the app or remove it from your phone. This wasn't advertised as a free version and pro version, it was advertised as a trial version. Stop stealing the sugar packets and pay for the app!
maxpower7 said:
Allow me to summarize this for you:
This is a paid app. The dev was nice enough to let you use the full app (completely unrestricted!) for a whole week before buying it. The dev was totally forthcoming about the trial period in the app description. You downloaded it, used it for a week, and are now complaining that it was only a trial period. You're also upset that you're not getting extra features (that were never promised to you!) after using a paid app for free for an entire week.
Wait, developers want to earn money for the apps they develop? What a bunch of greedy a$$holes!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this. They didn't offer a "free" app and tell you to pay for the "pro" version which you found out was not any different than the free version. This is a trial. Which means you get to try the full version of the software for free to see if it is something you like and want/need. The same for a demo game. It isn't a free game in which they are telling you to purchase the pro version. They are letting you try the game out to help you decide if you want to purchase it. I'll even go one further. An app that has ads but makes you pay for a version that gives you all of the same features without the ads is fine with me. The developers spend a large amount of time creating and supporting these apps. They deserve to get paid for it. And if they aren't doing anything shady to get paid, which they aren't in this case, then support them. And if you don't like it don't use the app.
crawrj said:
I agree with this. They didn't offer a "free" app and tell you to pay for the "pro" version which you found out was not any different than the free version. This is a trial. Which means you get to try the full version of the software for free to see if it is something you like and want/need. The same for a demo game. It isn't a free game in which they are telling you to purchase the pro version. They are letting you try the game out to help you decide if you want to purchase it. I'll even go one further. An app that has ads but makes you pay for a version that gives you all of the same features without the ads is fine with me. The developers spend a large amount of time creating and supporting these apps. They deserve to get paid for it. And if they aren't doing anything shady to get paid, which they aren't in this case, then support them. And if you don't like it don't use the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's definitely a prevailing "something for nothing" attitude with smartphone users in the general public, but I always kind of thought that the XDA community was different. Hopefully this thread was just a fluke.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
You guys are misunderstanding the OP. It is the nomenclature that is tripping him up not the fact that the trial ended. The Author is calling the paid app the Pro version and the OP has come to expect added features in Pro versions...just a simple case of identity, not paying.
If he can take issue with the dev's "pro" verbiage, then I can take issue with his "rip off" verbiage. Charging for your app after the clearly-disclosed trial period ends isn't a ripoff, with or without a "pro" designation.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
maxpower7 said:
If he can take issue with the dev's "pro" verbiage, then I can take issue with his "rip off" verbiage. Charging for your app after the clearly-disclosed trial period ends isn't a ripoff, with or without a "pro" designation.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again I agree with you. I comprehend exactly what he said. Take post 3 for example. And what you call the paid version has nothing to do with this. Again, if they gave you a free version and made you pay for a pro version but didn't change anything that would be wrong. A trial by any name is just that. A trial of the software before you pay for it. Once the trial period is over [email protected]@ or get off the pot. It is neither a bad practice or an underhanded ploy. And the terms are clearly laid out when you install the app. So again, pay the well earned money or don't use the app. Simple as that.
Sent from my Galaxy S4

Latest Facebook app permissions!!?

Have you seen the latest apps permissions which they're quoting on the play store as 'bug fixes'
I've uninstalled and gone back to version 3.8!!
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Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Download files without notification
Change network connectivity
Disconnect wifi
Send emails without user knowing!
Read confidential information
Read text messages?!
Call numbers that may cost money
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Install xprivacy.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
coorsleftfield said:
Install xprivacy.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will it work on ART?
I think it's just ridiculous that Facebook developers think asking for thanks much permission just for a social network app is ok/acceptable!!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Heh... This reminds me of that South Park episode. Apple and the human centipede.
I used to never pay attention to permissions...but after seeing this it is ridiculous. I'm installing xprivacy as we speak. But imagine all the data that they get from people who don't root or use privacy tools on their phones??
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
klin1344 said:
I used to never pay attention to permissions...but after seeing this it is ridiculous. I'm installing xprivacy as we speak. But imagine all the data that they get from people who don't root or use privacy tools on their phones??
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if u ever get ur identity stolen by them u could easily sue them..i dont think a multimillion dollar company would want to go bankrupt for committing frauds
they are making multi million from users data... so you have to take care of your own privacy
installing xprivacy now ... thanks to those who suggested this app
Hrmmm, so let me get this straight...
**Runs automatically at startup
**Can open internet connectivity at will without user consent
**Can download files at will without user consent
...isn't that malware (by definition)?
I have mandated that my wife uninstall that bloated POS FB app since a few months ago when the permissions started getting bad... but this update takes the cake! I'm telling everyone I know to just use FB through a web browser!
Thanks OP
I'm going to give tinfoil a try.
It is essentially a "pretty wrapper" as the dev puts it for the facebook mobile site. Thanks for the post OP, I hadn't thought about what permissions the FB app was using with the latest update, I need to pay more attention.
If anyone wants the Facebook app before the latest (the one without all the permissions) its here - https://mega.co.nz/#!50l2mArA!cfLEwuLOT7-72Cknq3M4hAJtHAMWXxqK7P0X-tiBEDs
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Is friendcaster okay to use?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Tin foil hats anyone?
Seriously, fair enough if you want to worry about this but I personally couldn't give a toss. I have an unlimited data plan so if it wants to turn my WiFi off (which it NEVER has) then go for it. If they want to read my SMS, go right ahead seeing I get about one a week!
If you're not happy about it, don't use Facebook at all
Xprivacy doesn't work on ART
It's the sending emails without user knowing that seems questionable more than anything else to me
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Ben36 said:
Xprivacy doesn't work on ART
It's the sending emails without user knowing that seems questionable more than anything else to me
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can say with 100% certainty that it has not sent an email to anyone from my address to date cause if it did I'd have a copy on my laptop when Outlook downloads my emails
It probably hasn't to anyone to be fair but why request those ridiculous permissions
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
EddyOS said:
I can say with 100% certainty that it has not sent an email to anyone from my address to date cause if it did I'd have a copy on my laptop when Outlook downloads my emails
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why is the permission there? If it does not use it why did they added it there?
And when they didnt use the permission till now it doesnt mean they will not use it in the future.
The only way is not xprivacy...
Take care of your data and do not install crappy apps... If all users accept such behaviour, there won't be changes... You are responsible for your data....
VIVAN las Tapas
Mikulec said:
Then why is the permission there? If it does not use it why did they added it there?
And when they didnt use the permission till now it doesnt mean they will not use it in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know and, to be honest, don't really care. My data is everywhere these days and unless it affects me monetarily I'm not concerned. If I was concerned I wouldn't have smartphone at all
Mikulec said:
Then why is the permission there? If it does not use it why did they added it there?
And when they didnt use the permission till now it doesnt mean they will not use it in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly.... 5 updates down the line they won't need to ask permission as you already granted it and forgot about it by then
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