Google remotely deletes phone apps

Simon · Jun 25, 2010, 17:40:53

Google removed two free applications from Android phones this week, using a feature that allows them to delete the applications from phones remotely.

Google has not revealed the names of the applications but said they were applications built for research purposes by a security researcher. The researcher voluntarily removed the applications from Android Market, which led Google to decide to use their remote application removal feature to complete the cleanup by removing copies already installed on phones.

http://www.physorg.com/news196666500.html

WTF!! So, Google can delete what it likes from your phone?

Glenn · Jun 25, 2010, 17:42:17

Just has Apple has in the past too.

Glenn · Jun 25, 2010, 17:49:48

The BBC had an article about it this morning, I can't find it now.

pctech · Jun 25, 2010, 17:53:27

Maybe Gobble's lawyers have been on the phone.

Glenn · Jun 25, 2010, 18:18:06

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/24/google_lifts_two_apps_from_android/ has somemore info

pctech · Jun 25, 2010, 18:21:20

I knew they'd probably built it in somewhere as Apple had which is why I wouldn't have a mobile device based on either iOS or Android and am looking at Symbian based devices.

Simon · Jun 25, 2010, 18:26:27

I know they say it's for security, but knowing Google's tendency for data collection, is it not a little unsettling that they have so much control over your phone? $:-\$

pctech · Jun 25, 2010, 18:42:50

Thats what I've been trying to tell a fellow mod over on 3g.co.uk who is an Android fan.

I do try and avoid Google as much as possble because of their data retention activities.

Gary · Jun 28, 2010, 10:30:01

Quote from: Glenn on Jun 25, 2010, 17:42:17
Just has Apple has in the past too.

Nope I don't think apple has removed from the handset directly yet, just the store.

Reg quote "But unlike Google, to our knowledge Jobs has never pulled his "kill switch" lever"

Simon · Jun 28, 2010, 10:51:35

If I spend out on a sim free, unlocked, unbranded phone, I expect to be able to do what I want with it, not be controlled by Google, Apple, or anyone else. Windows Mobile might be cranky, but at least it's customisable to the n'th degree. Can say the same for BlackBerry too. They don't try to own you.

Gary · Jun 28, 2010, 11:00:51

Quote from: Simon on Jun 28, 2010, 10:51:35
If I spend out on a sim free, unlocked, unbranded phone, I expect to be able to do what I want with it, not be controlled by Google, Apple, or anyone else. Windows Mobile might be cranky, but at least it's customisable to the n'th degree. Can say the same for BlackBerry too. They don't try to own you.

That may change Simon, windows mobile is horrid from my point of view, and with apps and widgets now being the boys in town all it takes is something to step over the line and it will get removed, I expect all mobile builders will go that way as they lay out what can and cannot be done Simon.

Simon · Jun 28, 2010, 11:08:06

I wouldn't like the standard WM, Gary, but HTC put their own 'skin' on it, which makes it nicer to use.

I still think the most 'complete' OS is BlackBerry, and I may still go back to that if nothing else takes my fancy.

Gary · Jun 28, 2010, 11:20:18

Quote from: Simon on Jun 28, 2010, 11:08:06
I wouldn't like the standard WM, Gary, but HTC put their own 'skin' on it, which makes it nicer to use.

I still think the most 'complete' OS is BlackBerry, and I may still go back to that if nothing else takes my fancy.

Blackberry's are great, not my kind of phone, but i can see the appeal. The pixle density on the new iphone makes reading books on it fantastic (326 ppi) I uploaded a video shot in 720p at 30fps from my iphone today to youtube having used iMovie to edit it actually on the phone, had the fan on full blast in the room and you could hardly here it and my voice was loud and clear with the noise cancelling mic

We all have different needs and for me iPhone suits that, my apps complement my day to day life well. If you are like me finding something I like to replace my favourite gadget especially one so personal as a phone is very hard.

Justina wants a blackberry, any suggestions on which one is a good to get?

Simon · Jun 28, 2010, 11:43:02

I've only ever used the Storm (touchscreen), but I believe the Bold is also very good, if she would prefer a 'hard' keyboard. Crackberry.com is your friend.

zappaDPJ · Jun 28, 2010, 11:49:59

Personally I think it's overstepping the mark when a vendor has the ability to delete anything from your phone, computer or any other device with storage capability. I tried to stay off the anti-Google bandwagon but in recent times they have gone too far in my view.

pctech · Jun 28, 2010, 19:48:17

Google make MS seem tame.