Home Screen Replacement - ADW.Launcher

[REMilk]

Internet access, for one, is a big deal. That makes it possible for apps to upload your SD card contents, contact data, and identity to a server. I rest easy knowing that this isn't possible with ADW, Nemus, and Zeam. It kind of annoys me when an app asks for too many privileges. It's an invasion of privacy and a security risk. That's why I always try to support devs who are responsible with the privileges that they require.

I think before trashing an app as it may need permissions that you feel are unnecessary, you need to understand the functionality that the app is providing by having this permission. For example, Go Launcher EX needs internet access to support Notifications for GMail, along will polling and displaying Google Calendar, Facebook, Twitter, data and other services. Even the 'offical' Twitter app needs internet access for this data. Therefore, based on your argument, it is possible for the Twitter app to upload your data also.

[NoBloatware]

I think before trashing an app as it may need permissions that you feel are unnecessary, you need to understand the functionality that the app is providing by having this permission. For example, Go Launcher EX needs internet access to support Notifications for GMail, along will polling and displaying Google Calendar, Facebook, Twitter, data and other services. Even the 'offical' Twitter app needs internet access for this data. Therefore, based on your argument, it is possible for the Twitter app to upload your data also.

I don't see where I'm trashing the apps. I've said repeatedly that I personally do not want my launcher to have access to Internet, SMS, etc. If anything, I'm bringing to light the excessive privileges that many devs are using.

Why is it that other launchers allow you to display Google Calendar, Facebook, Twitter, data and other services without requiring the privileges of GO Launcher EX? It has been reported a few times that GO Launcher EX "phones home".

Yes, you're absolutely correct: the Twitter app could upload your data. That's the whole point that I'm making. I'm not going to put my trust in GO's devs. Why don't they release their source code? Why don't they acknowledge ADW whose code they based their launcher on?

[REMilk]

I think it is time for both of us to stop beating a dead horse. I respect your position.

[Fr33dom]

I think before trashing an app as it may need permissions that you feel are unnecessary, you need to understand the functionality that the app is providing by having this permission. For example, Go Launcher EX needs internet access to support Notifications for GMail, along will polling and displaying Google Calendar, Facebook, Twitter, data and other services. Even the 'offical' Twitter app needs internet access for this data. Therefore, based on your argument, it is possible for the Twitter app to upload your data also.

That seems inaccurate. Go Launcher takes the same approach ADW does in that it uses a companion app to provide the notifications. If internet access were required for this functionality, it would be tied to the companion app and not the main app. Neither ADW nor its companion app need those permissions to accomplish the feat. I fail to see why they would.

[AHiLdesigns]

I'm not defending Go Launcher, but I'm also not sure if you guys have taken the time to really look over Go Launcher Ex's features.

There's several different ways an application can be written, the most important two are Java, and Web-based. From what I could grasp from my business partner (an IT Genius), Java is a closed programming scenario that keeps the app solely to the phone--no net connection necessary. Web-based apps are bawically web-pages populated on your screen. Whether or not you actually see an address bar is regardless of that fact. Its possible to blend these.

In the case of Go Launcher Ex, clearly the launcher itself is a closed app... but the inclusion of the "Go Store" is an obvious web-based feature. They connect you to the net to display their themes, as well as what themes you've already installed. Now, how exactly can anyone expect that very simple process to work if it doesn't have an internet connection (for server connection), a means to read the information on your phone (to see what themes you have at that access), and some form of data conversation between their server and your phone happening in the background that checks from time to time to see if you're in need of a notification of new themes?

Yeah. Permissions that invade our privacy are bad. But I see a lot more fingers pointing at developers who have no choice in the category that their necessary permissions land... rather than saying to google: hey, redo your permissions and especially their taxonomy so we know who to be pissed at in a way that's fair and accurate.

Like is said, for all I know Go Launcher Ex is the devil. But I'm using it, the ui is easy to learn, I like the themes, I like the level of customization, and the accessory apps... and I'm rational enough to understand that while it may require some permissions other apps don't, its also offering more, and in a way that's attractive and feels professional.

Of course, it doesn't handle folders all that well, and I get some lag sometimes depending on the lwp I may have on, but overall I've been pretty happy with it.

Anyway, thought you guys might like to hear some more informed thoughts so at leats you can sling the mud at the right people.

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