Nova Launcher

Downloaded Nova for my S3 Mini. I like that you can quickly switch between Nova and Touch Wizz instantly. And you can lock the desktop atleast. Really cool.
 
Can anyone comment on the security aspect of these launchers? If one refers to the "permissions" tab in Google Play it is quite interesting what the launcher is capable of doing outside of your control.

In the case of Nova.....

Allows the app to create network sockets and use custom network protocols. The browser and other applications provide means to send data to the internet, so this permission is not required to send data to the internet.

Allows the app to call phone numbers without your intervention. This may result in unexpected charges or calls. Note that this doesn't allow the app to call emergency numbers. Malicious apps may cost you money by making calls without your confirmation.

Allows the app to write to the USB storage.

Allows the app to retrieve information about currently and recently running tasks. This may allow the app to discover information about which applications are used on the device.
 
HiltonP said:
Allows the app to create network sockets and use custom network protocols. The browser and other applications provide means to send data to the internet, so this permission is not required to send data to the internet.
Click to expand...

Usage/error reporting, which you can disable in the settings. Possibly needed for widgets.

Allows the app to call phone numbers without your intervention. This may result in unexpected charges or calls. Note that this doesn't allow the app to call emergency numbers. Malicious apps may cost you money by making calls without your confirmation.
Click to expand...
For quick-dial shortcuts on the homescreen.

Allows the app to write to the USB storage.
Click to expand...
To back up your settings. If you go into the settings there is a backup feature which saves your settings to USB storage. Useful when flashing ROMS that require a factory reset.

Allows the app to retrieve information about currently and recently running tasks. This may allow the app to discover information about which applications are used on the device.
Click to expand...
It's a launcher, it needs info about all the apps to show their shortcuts, widgets ect.
 
HiltonP said:
Can anyone comment on the security aspect of these launchers? If one refers to the "permissions" tab in Google Play it is quite interesting what the launcher is capable of doing outside of your control.

In the case of Nova.....

Allows the app to create network sockets and use custom network protocols. The browser and other applications provide means to send data to the internet, so this permission is not required to send data to the internet.

Allows the app to call phone numbers without your intervention. This may result in unexpected charges or calls. Note that this doesn't allow the app to call emergency numbers. Malicious apps may cost you money by making calls without your confirmation.

Allows the app to write to the USB storage.

Allows the app to retrieve information about currently and recently running tasks. This may allow the app to discover information about which applications are used on the device.
Click to expand...

That is a double edge sword, and why I love Android vs other OS's.

It doesn't hide permissions so you know from the get go what applications have access to what and its up to you the user to decide if you trust said company or not. I just wish Windows had something like this.

My view is such, if I am getting something for free I am the product and someone else is the customer, if I see a model for income ie: freemuim or sale price then it is safe to say that I am the customer. Well unless its Open Source then I can always go look at the code or compile my own.

In case of say Nova I can see them making money off sales, as well as a high user base in the developer groups, so they are less likely to abuse the permissions as well as the fact that I can see why it needs said permissions. Now compare that to something like Espier Launcher where I see no income strategy I am less likely to trust em with the same permissions.
 
HiltonP said:
Can anyone comment on the security aspect of these launchers? If one refers to the "permissions" tab in Google Play it is quite interesting what the launcher is capable of doing outside of your control.

In the case of Nova.....

Allows the app to create network sockets and use custom network protocols. The browser and other applications provide means to send data to the internet, so this permission is not required to send data to the internet.

Allows the app to call phone numbers without your intervention. This may result in unexpected charges or calls. Note that this doesn't allow the app to call emergency numbers. Malicious apps may cost you money by making calls without your confirmation.

Allows the app to write to the USB storage.

Allows the app to retrieve information about currently and recently running tasks. This may allow the app to discover information about which applications are used on the device.
Click to expand...

I generally don't care about permissions except with games and lesser known apps. I trust the outstanding apps like Poweramp, MX Player Pro and Nova Launcher Prime.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X