Why should an android timer need net access?

Darqref · 06-24-2017, 05:27 PM

I was just looking for a simple timer - I was making cookies and wanted another timer in addition to the manual kitchen timer on the stove. Everything I looked at wanted Network access, and most of them wanted lots more permissions.

Is there a real reason why a simple timer needs net access? I can maybe understand wanting to prevent the phone from going to sleep, but why, other than advertising, would a timer need to access anything other than the phone's clock?

Anyone got a favorite android timer (for an old phone, android 4.1.2)?

cromag · 06-24-2017, 07:11 PM

Look for "Army Knife for Android." It includes a timer with the ability to run multiple simultaneous timers, compass, flashlight, etc.

I don't remember it needing any permissions or access. I'm pretty careful about that, myself.

I think the name was originally Swiss Army Knife, but someone complained.

EDIT: I just looked it up. It does need access to the camera -- that's for the flashlight function. They really do seem to be above board.

Cinisajoy · 06-24-2017, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cromag

Look for "Army Knife for Android." It includes a timer with the ability to run multiple simultaneous timers, compass, flashlight, etc.

I don't remember it needing any permissions or access. I'm pretty careful about that, myself.

I think the name was originally Swiss Army Knife, but someone complained.

EDIT: I just looked it up. It does need access to the camera -- that's for the flashlight function. They really do seem to be above board.

Except for now being unable to see, I love you. I tested the flashlight in a dark room close to my face.
That app is awesome.

cromag · 06-24-2017, 09:37 PM

Who said that?!?!

Cinisajoy · 06-24-2017, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cromag

Who said that?!?!

I Love you

jswinden · 06-25-2017, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darqref

I was just looking for a simple timer - I was making cookies and wanted another timer in addition to the manual kitchen timer on the stove. Everything I looked at wanted Network access, and most of them wanted lots more permissions.

Is there a real reason why a simple timer needs net access? I can maybe understand wanting to prevent the phone from going to sleep, but why, other than advertising, would a timer need to access anything other than the phone's clock?

Anyone got a favorite android timer (for an old phone, android 4.1.2)?

No. Unfortunately a lot of apps, especially free ones, ask for a bunch of permissions so they can basically send data to various companies. The app developers are likely getting paid to provide data, and you are the guinea pig whose app history is being data mined. A lot of people don't understand that, but that is often why the apps want permissions they don't need to have. Refuse the permissions. If the app won't run without them, delete it and find one that will. There is a lot of sleaziness in app land, so be careful about those permissions you grant.

badgoodDeb · 06-26-2017, 03:28 PM

First impression on the title: something something Android something something Electric Sheep.

(Now I have to google to find out what that vague memory WAS.)

poohbear_nc · 06-26-2017, 03:45 PM

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

06-24-2017, 05:27 PM	#1
Darqref space cadet Posts: 334 Karma: 2999999 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Seattle area Device: Rocket PRO, gen3, Pocketbook360	Why should an android timer need net access? I was just looking for a simple timer - I was making cookies and wanted another timer in addition to the manual kitchen timer on the stove. Everything I looked at wanted Network access, and most of them wanted lots more permissions. Is there a real reason why a simple timer needs net access? I can maybe understand wanting to prevent the phone from going to sleep, but why, other than advertising, would a timer need to access anything other than the phone's clock? Anyone got a favorite android timer (for an old phone, android 4.1.2)?

06-24-2017, 07:11 PM	#2
cromag Surfin the alpha waves ~~ Posts: 26,283 Karma: 459765791 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: New Jersey Device: Jetbook Lite & Mini, Nook STR, Kobo, Hanvon N516, Kindle 2, Androids	Look for "Army Knife for Android." It includes a timer with the ability to run multiple simultaneous timers, compass, flashlight, etc. I don't remember it needing any permissions or access. I'm pretty careful about that, myself. I think the name was originally Swiss Army Knife, but someone complained. EDIT: I just looked it up. It does need access to the camera -- that's for the flashlight function. They really do seem to be above board. Last edited by cromag; 06-24-2017 at 07:15 PM.

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06-24-2017, 09:37 PM	#4
cromag Surfin the alpha waves ~~ Posts: 26,283 Karma: 459765791 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: New Jersey Device: Jetbook Lite & Mini, Nook STR, Kobo, Hanvon N516, Kindle 2, Androids	Who said that?!?!

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