airdroid-android apps. scary permissions

Blintok57 · 12-31-2012, 09:38 AM

So been using my Nexus 7 for a couple of weeks and a samsung Galaxy Ace.

Was looking at installing AirDroid but read the permissions page on it first and it stopped me in my tracks. (AirDroid allows you to transfer files wirelessly)

AirDroid can send txt msgs without your permission. use the camera to record anything at any time without your knowledge. View and read any email. modify and delete files on your usb storage. prevent the device from sleeping. There is much more in detail if you read the page. too much to list here.

pretty scary when you read all that. its more like it is a virus app. Am i just being over cautious (paranoid?) i read some of the permissions on other apps (like google maps) and it has pretty much the same permission page.

so is AirDroid safe to use?

hapmas77 · 12-31-2012, 10:03 AM

It is safe. All those permission are required so airdroid can create connection to your PC and to access and modify data and files in your android phone from your PC.

afv011 · 12-31-2012, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blintok57

pretty scary when you read all that. its more like it is a virus app. Am i just being over cautious (paranoid?) i read some of the permissions on other apps (like google maps) and it has pretty much the same permission page.

so is AirDroid safe to use?

AirDroid is safe. But you are right to check the permissions apps request. Some developers list the permissions and why they need them, but most don't. If downloading from the Play Store, pretty much all apps are safe to use, though you have to keep an eye because every now and then somebody sneaks in some malware. Just use common sense.

Kirtai · 12-31-2012, 05:15 PM

It's worth checking permissions since some ask for far more than they need.

AirDroid does need them though, it's essentially a remote control system for Android and needs access to those things so it can give you access to them from your PC.

Blintok57 · 01-01-2013, 01:37 AM

thanks everyone. i figured it was ok after i checked the google maps app permission and it was just as scary. so figured it was just standard disclaimer info. i guess the part about it using the camera at any time for any reason with out notice weirded me out. visions of some hacker spying on me

Daniel Jones · 01-03-2013, 01:31 AM

Hey Blintok57
Using AirDroid is SAFE. Since it provide you feature to access, text, modify and much more from computer that is the reason why it needs this much permissions on your Android phone.

Teknikal · 01-03-2013, 07:27 AM

I always pause when I see "services that cost you money" 9 times out of 10 that's as far as I go. Airdroid I would presume is pretty safe and I can see why it would need a lot of permisions as it's basicly controlling your phone over wifi.

VaultBoy · 01-07-2013, 02:33 AM

Yeah, the "services that cost you money" permission always catches me off guard and I go on a research journey to find out more.

12-31-2012, 09:38 AM	#1
Blintok57 Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 470242 Join Date: Dec 2012 Device: Nexus 7 -32g	airdroid-android apps. scary permissions So been using my Nexus 7 for a couple of weeks and a samsung Galaxy Ace. Was looking at installing AirDroid but read the permissions page on it first and it stopped me in my tracks. (AirDroid allows you to transfer files wirelessly) AirDroid can send txt msgs without your permission. use the camera to record anything at any time without your knowledge. View and read any email. modify and delete files on your usb storage. prevent the device from sleeping. There is much more in detail if you read the page. too much to list here. pretty scary when you read all that. its more like it is a virus app. Am i just being over cautious (paranoid?) i read some of the permissions on other apps (like google maps) and it has pretty much the same permission page. so is AirDroid safe to use?

12-31-2012, 05:15 PM	#4
Kirtai Addict Posts: 253 Karma: 1292106 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: PRS-505, PRS-650, iPad, Samsung Galaxy SII (ICS)	It's worth checking permissions since some ask for far more than they need. AirDroid does need them though, it's essentially a remote control system for Android and needs access to those things so it can give you access to them from your PC. __________________ What with ebooks slowly murdering the print industry in its sleep, why not take the opportunity to mess around with the format in ways we never could before? — Yatzhee in Extra Punctuation

01-07-2013, 02:33 AM	#8
VaultBoy Addict Posts: 206 Karma: 1683142 Join Date: Nov 2012 Device: Kindle of many shapes, PIPBoy 3000	Yeah, the "services that cost you money" permission always catches me off guard and I go on a research journey to find out more. __________________ Revolutionizing safety for an uncertain future.

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12-31-2012, 10:03 AM	#2
hapmas77 Enthusiast Posts: 43 Karma: 472050 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia Device: ipod Touch 32GB, iPad 3G, Galaxy Tab 8.9, Tab 7.7, Kindle Keyboard	It is safe. All those permission are required so airdroid can create connection to your PC and to access and modify data and files in your android phone from your PC.

01-01-2013, 01:37 AM	#5
Blintok57 Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 470242 Join Date: Dec 2012 Device: Nexus 7 -32g	thanks everyone. i figured it was ok after i checked the google maps app permission and it was just as scary. so figured it was just standard disclaimer info. i guess the part about it using the camera at any time for any reason with out notice weirded me out. visions of some hacker spying on me

01-03-2013, 01:31 AM	#6
Daniel Jones Enthusiast Posts: 28 Karma: 478014 Join Date: Dec 2012 Device: iPad 2, iPhone 4S, HTC Desire V	Hey Blintok57 Using AirDroid is SAFE. Since it provide you feature to access, text, modify and much more from computer that is the reason why it needs this much permissions on your Android phone.

01-03-2013, 07:27 AM	#7
Teknikal Addict Posts: 280 Karma: 2336626 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Belfast Device: Sony T1, Nexus-7	I always pause when I see "services that cost you money" 9 times out of 10 that's as far as I go. Airdroid I would presume is pretty safe and I can see why it would need a lot of permisions as it's basicly controlling your phone over wifi.


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