Komrad - OFF No Longer Means "OFF" -- Android

[Frosty]

OFF No Longer Means "OFF" -- Android

The Market Ticker ® - Commentary on The Capital Markets
 
Posted 2013-08-05 22:11
 by Karl Denninger
 in Editorial
Ignore this thread

OFF No Longer Means "OFF" -- Android
 
Oh boy.....


It might be a bit much to say that one of the new features packed into Android's 4.3 upgrade is controversial, but it's definitely one worth knowing a little bit more about. As those who have taken a spin around the Android 4.3 ROM have noticed, Google has made a change to devices' Wi-Fi settings in Android 4.3.

"To improve location accuracy and for other purposes, Google and other apps may scan for nearby networks, even when Wi-Fi is off," describes Google.

That's not controversial?

Those "other purposes" probably include targeting advertising at you...... and?

But what WiFi networks are in the immediate area is just as good as a GPS fix in most cases and better in some, as it will pinpoint indoor locations that are otherwise impervious to a view of the sky.

Oh, once Google has that data I'm sure they'd never use it for a nefarious purpose  -- or let someone else have it who might (e.g. the cops, Obama, your soon-to-be-ex's divorce attorney, etc) -- right?

Off should mean off.  But see, the line is a bit blurred nowdays.  After all Google now is going to sell a phone that will have an "always on" microphone, but of course it too will "only" work when you address it directly, and never at any other time......

And of course burying the "I meant off damnit" setting in a submenu is a peachy-keen thing too.

"Ad-supported" things, folks, only work if they can sell you the ads.  This means knowing exactly where you are with the maximum possible precision. 

That data is extremely valuable to a lot of people under all sorts of circumstances -- not just the people who want to advertise to you.

[TAB]

um thats not exactly new.  Phones pretty much have always scaned for networks.  Many even "ping" for them when signals get low.  Its only with the increase in tech in both phones and towers that they have been able to pinpoint you.  Even if you don't have a gps they can still track you down to feet.

[Solus]

I read a story yesterday about "Smart Toilets" being "hacked" with the hackers being able to control it's programmed functions...whatever they are...

I'm not to worried...I don't have any use for a toilet that is smart...or a phone that lets me be tracked or voice monitored.

Just say no.

[tombogan03884]

The only out fit that has a larger database on US citizens than Google is the NSA.
And Google is better organized.

[Big Frank]

Everyone should get rid of their "smart" phones. I'd rather have a dumb phone or no cell phone at all.

[Sponsor]

[billt]

Everyone should get rid of their "smart" phones. I'd rather have a dumb phone or no cell phone at all.

I agree. The fact is that if you want to play with these toys, you're going to have to accept government tracking of your every move. No matter if you like it or not. The only way around it is as you said.....Just get rid of them for a "dumb phone". What turns me off to all of this kind of crap are the insane monthly service charges they get away with. I've got guys where I work who have monthly contracts anywhere from $150.00 to over $200.00 a month. For what? I have a camera, a phone, and a map. All together they didn't cost me what these guys are paying for a single month of service. And we wonder why people can't save any money.

[Solus]

You can get some very basic cell service for around $20 a month.

Probably not enough minutes for a serious user, but for me, I have the phone for emergencies when I am driving..or when my land line is down at home.  It is off 99% of the time. 

The phone is supplied free so it is to feature packed, but it does have Blue Tooth which is a great boon since I wear hearing aids.

I guess even the free phones might be suspect, but, for me, since I don't use it to receive calls, I can remove the battery and just insert it when, and if, I need to use the phone.

[PegLeg45]

I agree. The fact is that if you want to play with these toys, you're going to have to accept government tracking of your every move. No matter if you like it or not. The only way around it is as you said.....Just get rid of them for a "dumb phone". What turns me off to all of this kind of crap are the insane monthly service charges they get away with. I've got guys where I work who have monthly contracts anywhere from $150.00 to over $200.00 a month. For what? I have a camera, a phone, and a map. All together they didn't cost me what these guys are paying for a single month of service. And we wonder why people can't save any money.

And.... on top of all that, there's this:


Too much technology out there these days so beware………..

[TAB]

metro pcs has unlimited talk and text for $25  and the phones are from 15- 40.   when it comes to smart phones, they are often used by companys to track thier employees and also as time cards. 

[alfsauve]

You guys have read about the tracking trash dumpsters in London?

They pickup Wi-Fi signals as people pass by, store them in a database and then can plot the path of people walking around London.

http://www.tuaw.com/2013/08/13/trash-cans-tracking-iphone-data-in-london/