Re:

[Tamsyn Michael]

Thanks for that link Dale. It's an interesting one. :)

Ken, this looks like it might be good for you:
http://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdcategory=System&fdid=com.menny.android.anysoftkeyboard
Note the 'voice input' - I don't know how good it is, but it could be
good for your rides.

On Tue 12 Mar 2013 11:15:37 CST, Dale H wrote:
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> On Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:32:23 +1030
> Ken <k...@waggies.net> wrote:
>
>> At the risk of continuing a thread that isn't really about hacking per se,
>> but hey, we are geeks who own phones, right?
>>
>> Dale, I take your point about spyware.
>> I'm resigned to Google and Samsung taking everything but my first born, via
>> the phone.
>> At least Optus aren't now, but I could live with that too.
>>
>> Reality is, the phone software has all got so complex that we really don't
>> know what secrets are being squirted up.
>> And... with Google at least, unless you agree to ALL their permissions, you
>> lose a lot of functionality (eg navigation).
>>
>> What I do take exception to, is apps which are effectively spyware.
>> Why would an application that turns on and off the flash LED to give a very
>> useful torch, need to read contacts, accounts details, phone details, have
>> full network communications etc?
>> I loaded one which doesn't ask for any of those, but very popular
>> flashlight apps do seek all those permissions, and one has over 1M
>> downloads.
>> It is why I haven't yet loaded a swype app. All the ones I looked at want
>> to access everything on my phone (or so it seems).
>>
>> Ken.
>>
>
> That is an interesting one, why would a flash light need permissions
> for contacts. tongue in cheek perhaps it for morse coding your friend
> down the road.
>
> yes I must admit there is some apps out there that need the strangest
> permissions, most them I avoid if can.
>
> Also another good place to find apps is http://f-droid.org/ it a FOSS
> Android repository, it worth checking out if your wanting to keep away
> Google a bit more.
>
> - --
> Best Regards
> Dale
>
> MB: 0488 932 022
> WWW: http://dale.id.au/
> Blog: http://blog.dale.id.au/
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[Ken]

Thanks Tamsyn.
I hope that isn't related to the Ask search toolbar etc that Oracle attempt to foist on us with each Java update.
Wants to read the contacts, but doesn't request network comms (probably can still send off my contacts details via a browser, not sure on that).
Will give it a go.
Voice input I'm OK for. On a quick try, Samsung voice input (S Voice) looks pretty good.  -Allows me phone dialling which I'd like for on the bike, but haven't tried it while mobile yet.

Ken.

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[Ken]

Sadly no swype with that, Tamsyn.

[Ryan Leach]

Predictive keyboards want access to your address book to autocomplete your contacts...

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[Jamie Mackenzie]

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2013/03/ask-lh-why-does-this-android-app-need-so-many-permissions/

[Ken]

Thanks Jamie.
Good read, and good suggestions for apps that monitor app behaviour on Android phones.

Ken.