Google is capitalizing on Google I/O 2019 to detail how it intends to make Android app permissions and security better in Android Q, which will, in turn, make your smartphone a safer, more secure place for your data.
The biggest change to Android Q’s permissions is the addition of a more targeted system. At the moment, granting a permission in Android is an analog process — you either grant an app storage permission or you don’t. While that makes everything nice and simple, it means that there are no limits on the app where timing is concerned.
In Android Q, you’ll be able to specify that you only want to grant an app permission to access your location data while you’re using that specific app. This means a chat app will no longer be able to access your location data while it’s not being used, but you’ll still be able to send your location to your friend when you need to.
Adding new options to permissions is only the beginning. Google is also asking app developers to find ways around permissions if they don’t need to be used — for instance, by using “Retreiver APIs” to pull relevant data, instead of granting blanket permissions that make users suspicious. Google highlighted how SMS Retrieval APIs can be used to confirm text message confirmation codes without the need to ask for SMS permissions.
There are times when permissions are absolutely required, and Google is also asking developers to make the reasons behind permissions more apparent. Only 18% of Android users allow apps all the permissions they request, and the top reason for denial is that the “app shouldn’t need the permission.” In those cases, it’s on the app developer to explain why it is their app needs these permissions.
Android Q will also be locking down some of your device’s individual indentifiers, including the IMEI, ESN, Build, SIM, and USB numbers. These hardware identifiers used to be available through certain permissions. An Android Q device’s MAC address is also completely randomized when connecting to a different network. Changing the way these elements of Android work significantly boosts user security.
Two new highly requested iCloud plugins just got added to ChatGPT, giving people who rely on Apple’s Mail and Calendar services a way to search emails, check appointments, and manage their schedules directly through the chatbot.
The integration is rolling out to all ChatGPT plans, including the free tier. You can access it on the web, desktop, and iOS.
Google Play is borrowing one of the Nintendo Switch’s most useful little tricks. A new Sidekick tool called Playbacks captures a short clip after something interesting has already happened, sparing players from running a screen recorder throughout an entire game.
Playbacks is part of Google Play Store v53.8 and keeps saved clips on the phone. Google first announced it earlier this month, but the new Play Store update marks its arrival for players. Anyone who has watched a perfect win vanish because the record button came too late already understands the appeal.
Samsung’s scandal over its Game Optimizing Service, or GOS, has returned with a bill attached. South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission has tentatively fined the company 20.1 billion won, or about $15.1 million, over gaming claims made for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, and Tab S8.
The regulator says Samsung promoted the devices as gaming powerhouses without disclosing that GOS placed preset CPU and GPU limits on certain demanding games. Samsung disputes that conclusion, calling GOS a legitimate way to manage heat.