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WelshBloke

Lifer
Jan 12, 2005
33,292
11,424
136
But that really didn't answer my question. Is there an easy way to find out what permissions WP7 or IOS apps have? Someone here must have one of those phones!

So is there not anyway to find out what permissions those apps have?

Because if there's not its a bit hypocritical to rag on Android security surely?
 

zsdersw

Lifer
Oct 29, 2003
10,505
2
0
That same screen is what sold me off it.
800x600 on a 4.5" screen? That's nuts. The Samsung exec that thought of doing that needs to be fired.

Coming from an Evo... I find the other aspects of the screen outweigh the resolution, by far.. especially in the up-front price range I was willing to pay.
 

Bearach

Senior member
Dec 11, 2010
312
0
0
So is there not anyway to find out what permissions those apps have?

Because if there's not its a bit hypocritical to rag on Android security surely?

When browsing the Marketplace you will always find, with every application a list of what permissions are needed. Some permissions will ask you to allow before installation will proceed. Despite allowing upon installation, you will be asked again for things like Location based services again on first run. You can always check the marketplace for permissions. Here is a list of possible permissions (from Microsoft's site):

  • Appointments: Allows an app to access the calendar and appointment info on your phone.
  • Camera: Allows an app to access the phone's built-in camera.
  • Compass: Allows an app to access the phone's built-in compass, if available.
  • Contacts: Allows an app to access the contact info on your phone.
  • Data services: Your phone's cellular data or Wi-Fi connection.
  • Gyroscope: Allows an app to access the phone's built-in gyroscope, if available.
  • Location services: The approximate location coordinates of your phone.
  • Media library: Allows an app to access music, videos, or photos on your phone.
  • Microphone: Allows an app to access the phone's built-in microphone.
  • Owner identity: An anonymous identifier that allows an app to distinguish one person from another, but provides no personal info.
  • Phone identity: A unique device identifier that allows an app to distinguish one phone from another.
  • Push notification services: Notifications that an app automatically sends to your phone in the background.
  • Ringtones: Allows an app to access the ringtone collection on your phone.
  • Xbox LIVE: Allows an app to access the Xbox LIVE service or your account info.
 

WelshBloke

Lifer
Jan 12, 2005
33,292
11,424
136
When browsing the Marketplace you will always find, with every application a list of what permissions are needed. Some permissions will ask you to allow before installation will proceed. Despite allowing upon installation, you will be asked again for things like Location based services again on first run. You can always check the marketplace for permissions. Here is a list of possible permissions (from Microsoft's site):

  • Appointments: Allows an app to access the calendar and appointment info on your phone.
  • Camera: Allows an app to access the phone's built-in camera.
  • Compass: Allows an app to access the phone's built-in compass, if available.
  • Contacts: Allows an app to access the contact info on your phone.
  • Data services: Your phone's cellular data or Wi-Fi connection.
  • Gyroscope: Allows an app to access the phone's built-in gyroscope, if available.
  • Location services: The approximate location coordinates of your phone.
  • Media library: Allows an app to access music, videos, or photos on your phone.
  • Microphone: Allows an app to access the phone's built-in microphone.
  • Owner identity: An anonymous identifier that allows an app to distinguish one person from another, but provides no personal info.
  • Phone identity: A unique device identifier that allows an app to distinguish one phone from another.
  • Push notification services: Notifications that an app automatically sends to your phone in the background.
  • Ringtones: Allows an app to access the ringtone collection on your phone.
  • Xbox LIVE: Allows an app to access the Xbox LIVE service or your account info.

So iOS and WP7 handle permissions pretty much the same way Android does?
 

Bearach

Senior member
Dec 11, 2010
312
0
0
So iOS and WP7 handle permissions pretty much the same way Android does?

Pretty much. No OS is totally secure, of course but there is more limited permissions with both iOS and WP7, than Android. You take the good with the bad with everything. It's always a trade-off.

One problem is those whom just assume that they can keep pressing allow, and them boxes mean nothing and are a nuisance. The other problem (perhaps maybe down to Android's popularity, or because it truly is more insecure) is that there has been times when these security measures have been bypassed on Android.

I don't reasonably believe that nothing will ever hit WP7, because it's certainly possible (even highly likely) something could. As the OS gets more popular, there will also be more interest. As people find ways to give more access to the OS, there will (out of their efforts) come the possibility of malware. We don't know.
 
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