Google Remotely Disinfecting Android Handsets

[RobinPanties]

I wonder if they can still do that to rooted phones? If not, then, everyone who doesn't want Google to be able to do that... root your phone... otherwise, i think it's that they're able to do it, as long as they only use it to remove something that was previously offered on the Marketplace...

 

[house70]

1. Everybody does it (so fanbois can stop right here);
2. There are 2 kind of users: those who do not know/want to modify their hardware, that are happy with what the system gives them and take things as they are - those need such external protection because they can't/won't protect themselves, and then there are users that modify their devices to make them better/unique, those already have security steps in place and do not need/will not need such external intervention. this type of remote security is useful for the first category and will not affect the second category. I do not see what the bitching is about.

 

[house70]

[citation][nom]house70[/nom]1. Everybody does it (so fanbois can stop right here);2. There are 2 kind of users: those who do not know/want to modify their hardware, that are happy with what the system gives them and take things as they are - those need such external protection because they can't/won't protect themselves, and then there are users that modify their devices to make them better/unique, those already have security steps in place and do not need/will not need such external intervention. this type of remote security is useful for the first category and will not affect the second category. I do not see what the bitching is about.[/citation]
And, besides, if this were not done, all the customers in the first category would have cried "yes you fixed your Market, but where does that leave us, how can we undo the exploits, and so on"; this measure is intended for the right category at the right time. And, since you get notified about three times during this process, it's not like it is being done without knowing it.

 

[thrasher32]

Fine by me, I'd rather have Google deal with the problem than have to deal with it myself.

 

[ssddx]

the only trouble with this backdoor is if it ever gets exploited. personally i'd like a screen on the phone to come up notifying me about the problem with a button for [let us fix it] and a button for [i'll do it myself] that way we have a choice.

 

[custodian-1]

[citation][nom]tranzz[/nom]No different to windows malicious software removal tool![/citation]

You choose not to run it.

 

[Guest]

it's a damn cloud device, the device is an extension of the cloud, it like the spam filter in your in-box, those that control the e-mail server controls the spam filter, those that control the cloud controls to a greater or lesser extent your cloud device, Apple employs an equally heavy hand in this area too.

the ideal situation would be to intercept the malware before it arrives on your device, but that is not always possible. The corporate environment had this functionality for a while now, way back before the iPhone there was RIM and the blackberry, corporate IT was given the tool to remotely wipe and brick these devices if they believe the device was compromised, Android and iOS will never crack the corporate market till they allow corporates to setup and control their own cloud environment

 

[cookoy]

i'd thought google would have implemented tough security measures on the Android market apps before making them available to the public. if google is doing this just now, it's a step in the right direction.

 

[maestintaolius]

While I don't like the unauthorized access stuff, it's not like this is anything new. My BB Tour and prior smartphones have been doing crap like this for years. Heck even my old motorola cell phone (not a smartphone) would occasionally have a new icon pop up in the menu from the provider trying to sell me a new service.

 

[nebun]

[citation][nom]tranzz[/nom]No different to windows malicious software removal tool![/citation]
at least windows give you an option to install the removal tool....google does not, they just do it...wtf

 

[jalek]

So, gain access to this and you gain the ability to place your own software on android devices everywhere?

 

[eddieroolz]

I find it extremely ironic that people praise Google for connecting to your hardware through a backdoor. Yet when it's revealed that Nintendo reserves the same power, everyone suddenly slams Nintendo for reserving such rogue right.

It's sad how brainwashed people have become, to accept anything that Google does as "good". Writing that thesis paper on Google and Privacy was a real eye-opener for me, and I'm thankful to researchers for that.

 

[K2N hater]

After all these replies I come to the conclusion there are only 3 kinds of cell phone users:

1. Dumb and brainwashed iSlave addicts. They buy Apple because they have no opinion so Steve Jobs tells iThings are cool and then they simply buy, like good sheep;

2. Apple haters. They hate Apple so much they buy anything else without thinking. No wonder the phones simply brick on their own or share all data which are supposed to be personal to developers, which are sure to profit with them. They just buy them because they're not Apple;

3. Cell phone haters. They're aware the government is able to track you wherever you are, listen to your calls and even activate your camera without your knowledge. They're either criminals or paranoid geeks.