I created the service appfeed.net (in my signature) that allows users to add apps to a list and receive notifications via RSS when the app is updated or is on sale.
The service is up since 1 year now, and I have a couple thousand users tracking many apps, but I am not able to monetize it correctly to be able to maintain it.
currently the only income is from donations, which are rare, currently after the renewal for the 2nd year I am already paying from my pocket for the hosting.
The problem is that after the initial sign up, users will visit the website rarely, so ads on the website will be mostly useless. I was looking on a way to put ads in the RSS feed, but AdMob and AdSense by Google stopped offering Feed ads.
What else can I do to earn some money to be able to maintain my service?
try http://www.websitetoapp.net
This is a great service and one click to make an app.
Was going to download and try this app from the Google store but have issues with privacy concerns:
This app has access to these permissions:
Your accounts
read Google service configuration
find accounts on the device
use accounts on the device
Your location
approximate location (network-based)
precise location (GPS and network-based)
Your messages
read your text messages (SMS or MMS)
receive text messages (SMS)
access mail information
Network communication
full network access
view network connections
view Wi-Fi connections
Your personal information
read calendar events plus confidential information
Phone calls
directly call phone numbers
read phone status and identity
Storage
modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
Your applications information
retrieve running apps
Your social information
read your contacts
read call log
System tools
read Home settings and shortcuts
write Home settings and shortcuts
test access to protected storage
Affects battery
control vibration
Status bar
expand/collapse status bar
Wallpaper
set wallpaper
adjust your wallpaper size
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why does this app need to access so much of my personal information?
Yearoftherat said:
Was going to download and try this app from the Google store but have issues with privacy concerns:
Why does this app need to access so much of my personal information?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
As you know, Themer helps increase the user experience by providing valuable information straight onto your homescreen.
This includes:
1. Displaying how many unread emails/SMS/missed calls you have. (Your messages
read your text messages (SMS or MMS)
receive text messages (SMS)
access mail information))
2. Displaying your map coordinates on a map image. (Your location
approximate location (network-based)
precise location (GPS and network-based))
3. A built-in dialer app that can display your recent contact as well as allow you to call a number directly from your homescreen. (Phone calls
directly call phone numbers
read phone status and identity) (Your social information
read your contacts
read call log)
4. Display agenda information. (Your personal information
read calendar events plus confidential information)
As you can see, it's all for display purposes. If you look at other widgets on the Play Store that perform the same activities, they will also require these permissions. It just so happens that Themer has all of these features built into one app. Hope this helps clarify the matter.
Thanks for the clarification. Looking forward to trying out the app!
I have the same concerns, beginning with the need to login before using any themes. (The explanation given in the faq seems too lame for me). Looks like a terrific app but possibly not for those who worry about privacy. I'm personally too scared to try it.
One option to explore is using this app with xprivacy installed which allows one to restrict unneeded permissions. Maybe a firewall might help?
Anderson2 said:
I have the same concerns, beginning with the need to login before using any themes. (The explanation given in the faq seems too lame for me). Looks like a terrific app but possibly not for those who worry about privacy. I'm personally too scared to try it.
One option to explore is using this app with xprivacy installed which allows one to restrict unneeded permissions. Maybe a firewall might help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Anderson2,
That FAQ actually sums it up quite well. The login feature creates a security barrier for us, which even though is not the most advanced way of preventing intrusions into our theming servers, it does a good job in finding people who are trying to tamper with our systems. That and of course sending users email updates of new features if they request it.
When exactly do you need login? Just to download themes? After the download can one log out? I don't like the idea that you have access to my emails, texts, and any files your widgets access. That is what concerns me.
I don't know enough about themer because I'm afraid to use it, but I believe your zooper widget doesn't require login. (Does it?) Can you explain how they differ in the need for protection?
I have to say that I share those concerns. Why do you force users to login with their Google or Facebook accounts? I do not understand why this should be a better securitry barrier than the login data from mycolorscreen.com? I would not even give away my login data to someone I know, so why should I give away this data to someone I do not know at all???
Well said.
+1
shibadoo said:
I have to say that I share those concerns. Why do you force users to login with their Google or Facebook accounts? I do not understand why this should be a better securitry barrier than the login data from mycolorscreen.com? I would not even give away my login data to someone I know, so why should I give away this data to someone I do not know at all???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yet you log in to this forum and use it.
The explanations have been given. It's to ensure you are who you say you are when you access their servers to download the themes.
As for all the other access, Themer provides a lot of different information as explained (you DID read what he posted, correct?) GPS position, weather, etc. All of this is based on location, etc, as well as if you want unread email counts, etc. It's all there in Themer given you everything all rolled into one app, rather than having to download each piece separately. If you don't like it, don't use it. Thousands upon thousands of users are using it without any issues. I definitely like to protect my privacy, but this app is the least of your worries about privacy.
There are many other problems that could result if they didn't want you to verify who you say you are. Do you want someone to hack their servers and then you download a hacked theme that could result in even more privacy issues for you?
In the end, if you don't want to use it, don't. Nobody is forcing you to use it and they have every right to protect their investments as well. There are plenty of other apps out there you can use that can provide the same type of experience. Usually, the themes are not housed in a server so you can download them from elsewhere, but unless you're getting them from Google Play, then who is to say how safe those are? Many 3rd-party app stores are NOT the safest as they do not follow Google's security policy. At least with Themer, it's in the Google Play market and has had to go through Google's scrutiny.
A few weeks ago, the app was erroneously flagged as something that could steal your information. Google came back later and stated it was an error on their part and verified that the app is safe and it will not steal your information.
I've used it for months and nothing bad has happened to me.
There are many other ways for hackers to get your PI and this is the least of your worries.
vulcanvillalta said:
As an American, and therefore afraid of everything, I personally vote to not give out so much information. But on the other hand, IF someone wanted to get all of your information, they could probably do it without your consent. I would probably stay away from it, though. Just to "try" to be safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once Facebook introduces its anonymous login feature, our developers will implement the feature into Themer
iBolski said:
Yet you log in to this forum and use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I do use this forum, but of course I do not log in with my Google account. There would be no reason to do so - same goes for Themer. I would have no problem if Themer would ask for my login data from mycolorscreen.
iBolski said:
The explanations have been given. It's to ensure you are who you say you are when you access their servers to download the themes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think you know who I am because I enter some data that nobody ever controls? I could simply enter some Google account data I created only for Themer. But honestly, this is too much effort for me only the check if I like an app.
iBolski said:
As for all the other access, Themer provides a lot of different information as explained (you DID read what he posted, correct?) GPS position, weather, etc. All of this is based on location, etc, as well as if you want unread email counts, etc. It's all there in Themer given you everything all rolled into one app, rather than having to download each piece separately. If you don't like it, don't use it. Thousands upon thousands of users are using it without any issues. I definitely like to protect my privacy, but this app is the least of your worries about privacy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly has GPS and weather to do with my Google Account data? I do not share GPS data with Google, so I would not with Themer as well. And for a weather forecast I would simply type in 5 numbers - my zip code. This is exactly what I do right now.
iBolski said:
There are many other problems that could result if they didn't want you to verify who you say you are. Do you want someone to hack their servers and then you download a hacked theme that could result in even more privacy issues for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And because the people at Themer have may account data, nobody can hack their servers? So the solution to all hacked servers worldwide is so simple? Just giving them Google account data?
iBolski said:
In the end, if you don't want to use it, don't. Nobody is forcing you to use it and they have every right to protect their investments as well. There are plenty of other apps out there you can use that can provide the same type of experience. Usually, the themes are not housed in a server so you can download them from elsewhere, but unless you're getting them from Google Play, then who is to say how safe those are? Many 3rd-party app stores are NOT the safest as they do not follow Google's security policy. At least with Themer, it's in the Google Play market and has had to go through Google's scrutiny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I do not use it. This is the consequence.
iBolski said:
There are many other ways for hackers to get your PI and this is the least of your worries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what should be my worries if it is not giving away voluntarily my Google account data to someone I do not know???
And you forgot something: I know at least 5 people that use their Android phones without a Google account, and they also do not use Facebook. Believe it or not: these people do really exist, and they even survive without a Google and a Facebook account.
So for me there is no credible information why the people at themer need my Google account data, and why this should protect them from being hacked. Or why my Google Account data should be safer than my mycolorscreen account data. This is why I will not use themer and would not recommend it to others.
shibadoo said:
Yes, I do use this forum, but of course I do not log in with my Google account. There would be no reason to do so - same goes for Themer. I would have no problem if Themer would ask for my login data from mycolorscreen.
You think you know who I am because I enter some data that nobody ever controls? I could simply enter some Google account data I created only for Themer. But honestly, this is too much effort for me only the check if I like an app.
What exactly has GPS and weather to do with my Google Account data? I do not share GPS data with Google, so I would not with Themer as well. And for a weather forecast I would simply type in 5 numbers - my zip code. This is exactly what I do right now.
And because the people at Themer have may account data, nobody can hack their servers? So the solution to all hacked servers worldwide is so simple? Just giving them Google account data?
Yes, I do not use it. This is the consequence.
So what should be my worries if it is not giving away voluntarily my Google account data to someone I do not know???
And you forgot something: I know at least 5 people that use their Android phones without a Google account, and they also do not use Facebook. Believe it or not: these people do really exist, and they even survive without a Google and a Facebook account.
So for me there is no credible information why the people at themer need my Google account data, and why this should protect them from being hacked. Or why my Google Account data should be safer than my mycolorscreen account data. This is why I will not use themer and would not recommend it to others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You describe me exactly. I don't use my Google account to login anywhere, don't use Facebook, have phone GPS and location turned off, only enter zip code for weather, turn off sync everywhere, use a firewall, xprivacy, etc. - - and Google only thinks it has my info.
Everyone I know who is not a teenager or addicted to Facebook does the same.
vulcanvillalta said:
If you use fake names etc and are vague about your location, no, google doesnt have your name. But what about your IP address. They can tell that your pseudonym is performing functions from the specific location you are in. You might not GIVE them your name or address, but with the IP address linking you to a specific internet connection, they certainly can figure out who you are and where you are, if they want to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is why I don't want to help other sites identify me by giving them my Google login. Not everyone has Google capabilities.
The points made in defense of keeping your personal information private (and not using your Google login for Themer) are valid and understood.
However, Themer is not designed for that type of mindset.
Themer is designed for the overall market - the vast majority if you will - not for privacy advocates.
It's simply a tool that allows the general Android user base (the FB'ers, Google +'ers, i.e. Socialites) to easily login to an app designed to make their phones look cool. Most of the functionality of the Themes are far more invasive than your Google login anyway (GPS coordinates, access to text/email notifications, call logs, etc) so I really don't see the point of wildly waving your arms around saying "privacy breach! privacy breach!"
Don't use it. Cool. I'm OK with that. I'm sure they are too. But why complain about it? What is the goal? Surely you cannot think they will redesign the app for you.
So really, you're just posting on XDA to aggravate the devs. I mean, what launcher doesn't have access to all of your info? It's like complaining that a specific model of car has a license plate that can be used to identify you. Guess what? All cars do. Take the bus bro
Anderson2 said:
Which is why I don't want to help other sites identify me by giving them my Google login. Not everyone has Google capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But your phone can still identify you. You are still logged into the internet via your carrier's internet and they can definitely get who you are on the phone.
You might as well just stay off the internet completely then.
And, if you're going to stay off the internet, then why have a smart phone? You're already identified out there through your carrier. If they breach your carrier account, they have all sorts of information right then and there, more so than Google would have. Think about it. Your billing address, etc.
Don't think for a minute that your carrier is completely safe. Even Verizon has had breaches.
vulcanvillalta said:
Like I said above, IF PEOPLE WANT YOUR INFORMATION, THEY CAN GET IT. There are nasty identity thieves out there that can find all of your information SOOOO easily. So easily. So whether or not you use an app or make a phonecall or whatever, you can still be traced and you can still be monitored and your information can still be acquired. I'm not trying to be a downer, but you can either accept that you are at the mercy of whoever wants to stalk you, or you can spend the rest of your life worrying and trying to protect yourself from something you literally have no control of.
IMHO, if you can use the app and it would benefit you, you might as well enjoy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why you quoted me bro, I'm on the same page you are.
IT need to display some information about your phone
Hello dear community,
I am looking for this for quite a while.
Is there an app that will allow me to create my own cloud based dictionary? I want to improve my language skills through creating my own dictionary.
The dictionary database has to be editable online (web based), since I would like to be able copy/paste detailed definitions from different web dicts.
And of course a sync-able android app that will allow me to check some words on the go or learn while in the train
"Now" dictionary is getting pretty closer to what I wish for, but it's only available for smartphones and no browsers.
"Anki cards" is cool too, but they focus on the flip-cards learning feature which I don't frankly need. I will be completely happy with a super simple searchable custom dict.
There are some apps that allow to create custom dict file and then upload it to the SD or whatever and use it. But I want to be able to add words constantly (web or on the go)
I'm thinking - there definitely is such an app, its just me who fail to search of it properly so please help )
cheers,
Kalin
Hi there!
I would like to encourage you to check out the Spreadsheet Memo app: http://spreadsheetmemo.com
Spreadsheet Memo is a flashcard-based learning web application (combined with the power of Google Sheets to store your content) that allows you to quickly memorize things.
Flashcards can bear vocabulary, major historical dates, chemical element names, math/physics equations or even types of dinosaurs
Simply put, any subject matter that can be learned via a question-and-answer format.
You can use it for your study, as a preparation tool, knowledge check for one of your exams or to practice new vocabulary.
Sky is the limit!
See more:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UReSmwT4O9E (everything you need to know about the Spreadsheet Memo app in one video)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpreadsheetMemo (news, helpful tips and updates notifications)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpreadsheetMemo
Example Document (updated with every new release; provides the examples of how to use the new Spreadsheet Memo features)
Chrome Web Store: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/spreadsheet-memo/kkanmehahohgnfcncalgknpbnaiaomeb (you can add the Spreadsheet Memo to your Chrome Apps for quick access - this app is free, no ads and no hidden costs)
The main features and the main goals of the Spreadsheet Memo are:
It helps you to memorize things: and it works! Every lesson is composed with two rounds. The goal of the first (initial round) is to check your brain memory's performance (you reveal the answer and subjectively define its difficulty by choosing one of the following: "I knew it" or "I didn't know"). The second round (final round) is to make sure that you have remembered the new or troubling things. The progress of the current round is presented by the progress bars located near the Question/Answer cards.
Ability to use the Google Sheet documents to store your data: with all the benefits of Google documents like sharing, editing, printing, etc.
Compatible with mobile devices: you can use it on your computer but also on all kinds of your mobile devices. You're not bound to one device. So, whenever you've got some spare time, start the new lesson. You just need a web browser!
Multiple documents: you can use as many different documents as you want. All according to your needs! You can even use the Named Ranges feature offered by Google Sheets. This is a very useful way for slicing your Spreadsheet Memo documents to a smaller parts and describe those parts with friendly names.
Responsive: no unnecessary pages loading - clean, quick and simple.
You can add links and images to your content: sometimes the words are just not enough. You can add an image or a link to the internet resources to enrich your content. It could be especially useful when you prefer some additional visualization for being able to remember things quicker and better.
You can enrich your content by using Wiki Markup - supported types are: Text formatting, Indent text, Lists, Sections, External links, Images and YouTube videos.
You can add mathematical equations or formulas using the TeX or AsciiMath notation.
Your documents stay with you: by using the standard Google Sheet documents you're able to review and edit their content even without the Spreadsheet Memo app.
Secure and safe: all of your documents belongs only to you, no personal info is shared or collected, all connections are made with secure https protocol.
No ads or hidden costs: it's all for free!
Your privacy is very important and you have the right to remain anonymous.
The Spreadsheet Memo was build on the foundations provided by Google (Google Apps Script: https://developers.google.com/apps-script/) and uses all the benefits of this platform, such as:
integration with Google services (e.g. Google Sheets)
single sign-on (you don't need to remember yet another login/password. Let the Google manage and provide access to other apps, like the one to the Spreadsheet Memo app)
built-in security, stability, scalability and efficiency
This app uses the Google Authorization. Thus, when first launched, the Spreadsheet Memo will need your authorization to run. You can read more about it here: https://developers.google.com/apps-script/guides/services/authorization You don't need to know all about this - the most important info is that your email, login, password or any other personal info will NOT be passed to the Spreadsheet Memo. They will always remain your property.
Your approval of permissions will let the Spreadsheet Memo operate properly and with full capabilities.
And I'm fully aware that all the permissions might look pretty scary at first glance. And that is exactly why I've written all of this - trying my best to make you feel safe and making sure that you are well informed.
So, let me explain those permissions:
View and manage your spreadsheets in Google Drive, View and manage the files in your Google Drive - for being able to find the Spreadsheet Memo documents. This app operates only on Spreadsheet Memo documents, it has no access or even isn't aware of the existence of any other of your Goggle Drive files.
View and manage data associated with the application - for being able to store your preferences using the user properties (those preferences are private and are connected specifically with your Google account)
Allow this application to run when you are not present - for being able to run this app without additional login prompt, when you're already logged into your Goggle account - just to save your time (standard behavior of Google related products)
Know who you are on Google - standard permission to recognize you as a google user (no information is processed or collected)
View your email address, Send email as you: for being able to send you the welcoming mail (with short summary and information about your current Spreadsheet Memo assets). And the best part is that this email will be sent from your account to your account, never leaving your own context. So your email address, as well as your identity, will stay hidden and secure.
And If you don't like this app (something that, I hope, is unlikely going to happen ) you can always revoke its accesses (uninstall it). There are two ways to do this:
Just follow the instruction from https://developers.google.com/apps-script/guides/services/authorization#revoking_access_rights
or you can use the Uninstall option provided in the mail that you will receive from Google. It will be sent right after the first launch of the Spreadsheet Memo app. Look for the mail: "More information about Spreadsheet Memo with uninstall instructions." in your inbox. Any documents that you've created will stay in your Google Drive, nothing will be lost.
Wrapping things up: remember that all of your documents belongs only to you, you can uninstall this app any time you want, no personal info is shared or collected, your identity (such as email) is and will remain your own property. From the Spreadsheet Memo point of view, you're anonymous.
You can find some additional info about the Spreadsheet Memo at the https://www.facebook.com/SpreadsheetMemo page - including news, helpful tips and updates notifications.
I've been using flashcard-based apps for quite some time (Super Memo was great!) and I've found them very useful. But every one of them had some things that just doesn't work for me (e.g. troubles with data migration, lack of support for mobile devices, no statistics, etc.) - so I've decided to write my own.
One line of code to another and the idea transforms into something with its own domain name and Facebook/Twitter page.
So, feel free to check it out. And if you have any thoughts about it (like/dislike, opinions, reviews, ideas) please leave a comment. Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Jump to the http://spreadsheetmemo.com and start memorizing now!
https://www.elmundo.es/tecnologia/2020/05/015eac0d14fc6c83f94e8b4573.html
Spanish newspaper.
The phones of the Chinese brand Xiaomi would be recording the behavior of users on their own mobile phones and web history, even with private browsing activated, data that would later be sent to remote servers in China.
A Forbes investigation exposes the amount of data that Xiaomi smartphones allegedly collect from its users. The monitoring of web activity would be done through the own browser installed on the brand's devices, as well as in My Browser Pro and Mint Browser, available on Google Play.
Specifically, browsers would record web pages that the user visits or searches through services such as Google or DuckDuckGo, and would occur even if the user has activated incognito mode. Monitoring would also take place in the use of smarpthone, with the folders it opens, the status bar or the settings page.
https://www.elmundo.es/tecnologia/2020/05/01/5eac0d14fc6c83f94e8b4573.html
oh nooooo
you know google, microsoft, facebook, etc do the same? they earn money from ads and info anout people, so yes, they'd do anything to know you even when you don't want them to.
besides, people upload all data, giving away their privacy - fb, insta, twitter, youtube, etc...
there is nothing for free - you want space on servers to upload your ass and get likes, comments - you loose your privacy. thats how most dumb society gave away good internet and freedom.
the same for paying via card - it's convenient, but they know your routine and favourite places
It's known, yes but it's not a good practice. All of us change services for data, i have debloat the default browser and go on
I think you're pretty crazy in general if you use the default browser
Again this bulshits,like the chinese are very curious about what porn sites and series we watch
they are - whatever you search they produce and sell on ali, that's why they became so economically powerful.