Google is restricting which apps can see the other installed apps on your device

Google is making some new changes to the Developer Program Policy that will make it harder for apps to see what other apps are installed on your Android device. Google says it regards the full list of installed apps on a user’s device to be personal and sensitive information, and as such, will limit which apps can access this information. Specifically, Google will be restricting which apps can request the QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission which is currently required for apps targeting API level 30 (Android 11) and above that want to query the list of installed apps on a user’s device that runs Android 11 or later.

Moving forward, the use of QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission will only be permitted when the core functionality of the app depends on querying the installed apps. Developers will have to “sufficiently justify why a less intrusive method of app visibility will not sufficiently enable your app’s policy-compliant user-facing core functionality.”

Google outlines permitted uses of the QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission as follows:

Permitted use involves apps that must discover any and all installed apps on the device, for awareness or interoperability purposes may have eligibility for the permission. Permitted use includes; device search, antivirus apps, file managers, and browsers.

If an app doesn’t meet the requirements set forth above, the developer must remove the permission from the app’s manifest to comply with the Play Policy. Even if an app meets the requirements for using the QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission, the developer will still have to sign a declaration form in the Play Console. Google warns that failing to submit the Declaration Form or not meeting the policy requirements may lead to your app being removed from the Google Play Store. This new change will come into effect starting May 5, 2021. It’s worth noting that starting November of 2021, all new apps and app updates submitted to Google Play will be required to target Android 11 or above, strengthening the enforcement of this new policy.

This is a welcome change that will make it harder for apps to spy on what apps you’re using on your device. Knowing what apps are installed on your device can be used as part of targeted advertisements or for malicious purposes.

It’s worth noting that Google already requires apps that request the SMS or Call Log permissions to sign a declaration form before they can be published on Google Play. The restriction on app package visibility is just the next step in Google restricting permissions access in an effort to preserve user privacy.

Thanks for the tip Marcel Bokhorst!

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Google is restricting which apps can see the other installed apps on your device

Google is making some new changes to the Developer Program Policy that will make it harder for apps to see what other apps are installed on your Android device. Google says it regards the full list of installed apps on a user’s device to be personal and sensitive information, and as such, will limit which apps can access this information. Specifically, Google will be restricting which apps can request the QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission which is currently required for apps targeting API level 30 (Android 11) and above that want to query the list of installed apps on a user’s device that runs Android 11 or later.

Moving forward, the use of QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission will only be permitted when the core functionality of the app depends on querying the installed apps. Developers will have to “sufficiently justify why a less intrusive method of app visibility will not sufficiently enable your app’s policy-compliant user-facing core functionality.”

Google outlines permitted uses of the QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission as follows:

Permitted use involves apps that must discover any and all installed apps on the device, for awareness or interoperability purposes may have eligibility for the permission. Permitted use includes; device search, antivirus apps, file managers, and browsers.

If an app doesn’t meet the requirements set forth above, the developer must remove the permission from the app’s manifest to comply with the Play Policy. Even if an app meets the requirements for using the QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission, the developer will still have to sign a declaration form in the Play Console. Google warns that failing to submit the Declaration Form or not meeting the policy requirements may lead to your app being removed from the Google Play Store. This new change will come into effect starting May 5, 2021. It’s worth noting that starting November of 2021, all new apps and app updates submitted to Google Play will be required to target Android 11 or above, strengthening the enforcement of this new policy.

This is a welcome change that will make it harder for apps to spy on what apps you’re using on your device. Knowing what apps are installed on your device can be used as part of targeted advertisements or for malicious purposes.

It’s worth noting that Google already requires apps that request the SMS or Call Log permissions to sign a declaration form before they can be published on Google Play. The restriction on app package visibility is just the next step in Google restricting permissions access in an effort to preserve user privacy.

Thanks for the tip Marcel Bokhorst!

The post Google is restricting which apps can see the other installed apps on your device appeared first on xda-developers.

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Motorola One Hyper and LG G7 One receive stable Android 11 update

Ever since Google rolled out the first stable Android 11 build for its Pixel devices back in September last year, several OEMs have followed suit and released the update to some of their flagship and mid-range devices. However, there are still many devices for which the update hasn’t rolled out yet — particularly some legacy models where updates are not as much of a priority as they are on newer devices. This, however, doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily going to be left behind. Now, two smartphones from Motorola and LG — the Motorola One Hyper and the LG G7 One respectively — are getting updates to Android 11.

Motorola One Hyper

Launched back in December 2019, the Motorola One Hyper is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 processor with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The smartphone has now started receiving its stable Android 11 update in Brazil in the form of software version RPF31.Q1-21-20. The new build brings all the new features introduced in Android 11 and bumps the security patch level (SPL) to March 2021.

Motorola One Hyper XDA Forums

LG G7 One

The LG G7 One is the Korean company’s first and so-far only device in the Android One program. The device launched with Android 8.1 on board, but later received updates to Android 9 Pie and Android 10. Despite LG’s smartphone division has been reduced to a shell of its former self, it’s good to see that the OEM still managed to deliver the official Android 11 update for the LG G7 One.

Bearing version number Q910UM40b, the new software bumps up the Android security patch level on the LG G7 One to March 2021. The update seems to be rolling out globally with reports from users in Canada first getting the OTA. Open the Settings app and mash that “Check for updates” button to see if it’s available for you!

LG G7 One XDA Forums

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Thanks to Telegram user Victor_Rav_Def and XDA Member truefluke for the screenshots!

The post Motorola One Hyper and LG G7 One receive stable Android 11 update appeared first on xda-developers.

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Suunto 7 gets a big update with sleep tracking and turn-by-turn navigation

The Suunto 7 is getting a major software update that adds a number of new features and improvements to the WearOS-powered smartwatch. Out of the box, the Suunto 7 lacked many capabilities that are deemed absolutely essential for a smartwatch. But this new update will finally bring the smartwatch in parity with the competition.

One of the most important features (via Wareable) this new update brings is sleep tracking which was surprisingly missing from the smartwatch. The sleep tracking feature will provide a detailed sleep analysis, including sleep duration, sleep quality, and various sleep stages.

Next up, the update also adds 24/7 heart rate tracking along with a heart rate graph in the Suunto app showing how your heart rate changed throughout the day.

There is also a new health-tracking feature called “Body Resources,” which combines data on sleep, daily activity, and stress to provide you an estimate of your body resources. This is similar to Garmin’s Body Battery feature. Finally, the update is also adding support for turn-by-turn navigation alerts powered by Komoot.

The full update changelog is as below:

• Sleep (duration and stages)
• Body resources (see how sleep, daily activity and stress affect your body resources throughout the day)
• Daily heart rate (quickly check your current heart rate and follow a 24 hour heart rate graph to see how your heart rate changes throughout the day when you are active and when you rest)
• Turn-by-turn navigation alerts powered by komoot (Not available in China)

The new software update will start rolling out to the Suunto 7 smartwatch from April 19.

Suunto is also bringing a special “Titanium Edition” of the Suunto 7 smartwatch. The watch is available for pre-order on Amazon and will go on sale on April 21.

Launched at CES 2020 last year, the Suunto 7 is a rugged WearOS smartwatch from the Finish company Suunto Oy. The watch is powered by the Snapdragon 3100 platform and comes with up to 70+ sports modes and an in-built GPS.

The post Suunto 7 gets a big update with sleep tracking and turn-by-turn navigation appeared first on xda-developers.

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Suunto 7 gets a big update with sleep tracking and turn-by-turn navigation

The Suunto 7 is getting a major software update that adds a number of new features and improvements to the WearOS-powered smartwatch. Out of the box, the Suunto 7 lacked many capabilities that are deemed absolutely essential for a smartwatch. But this new update will finally bring the smartwatch in parity with the competition.

One of the most important features (via Wareable) this new update brings is sleep tracking which was surprisingly missing from the smartwatch. The sleep tracking feature will provide a detailed sleep analysis, including sleep duration, sleep quality, and various sleep stages.

Next up, the update also adds 24/7 heart rate tracking along with a heart rate graph in the Suunto app showing how your heart rate changed throughout the day.

There is also a new health-tracking feature called “Body Resources,” which combines data on sleep, daily activity, and stress to provide you an estimate of your body resources. This is similar to Garmin’s Body Battery feature. Finally, the update is also adding support for turn-by-turn navigation alerts powered by Komoot.

The full update changelog is as below:

• Sleep (duration and stages)
• Body resources (see how sleep, daily activity and stress affect your body resources throughout the day)
• Daily heart rate (quickly check your current heart rate and follow a 24 hour heart rate graph to see how your heart rate changes throughout the day when you are active and when you rest)
• Turn-by-turn navigation alerts powered by komoot (Not available in China)

The new software update will start rolling out to the Suunto 7 smartwatch from April 19.

Suunto is also bringing a special “Titanium Edition” of the Suunto 7 smartwatch. The watch is available for pre-order on Amazon and will go on sale on April 21.

Launched at CES 2020 last year, the Suunto 7 is a rugged WearOS smartwatch from the Finish company Suunto Oy. The watch is powered by the Snapdragon 3100 platform and comes with up to 70+ sports modes and an in-built GPS.

The post Suunto 7 gets a big update with sleep tracking and turn-by-turn navigation appeared first on xda-developers.

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OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro receive OxygenOS 11.2.2.2 with March 2021 patches and bug fixes

The OnePlus 9 series was announced barely over a week ago, but the regular and the “Pro” models are already receiving another update. This is one of the reasons why Android enthusiasts like OnePlus devices so much. The latest update brings the phone duo to OxygenOS version 11.2.2.2. The changelog includes a number of fixes and improvements, including a better camera experience, Android security patches for March 2021, and more.

Here’s the complete changelog for the OxygenOS 11.2.2.2 update:

• System
  • Improved the charging stability to provide a better user experience
  • Improved WhatsApp’s video clarity when giving video calls
  • Improved the vibrating performance of games such as Call of Duty and PUBG
  • Fixed the issue that the time of Last Full Charge is reset after restarting the device
  • Fixed the issue that the icon showing low battery is not displayed in the status bar
  • Fixed the small probability issue that the device may restart when playing games
  • Fixed known issues and improved system stability
  • Updated Android security patch to 2021.03
  • Updated GMS package to 2021.02
• Dark Mode
  • Fixed the issue that the navigation bar of split-screen apps might not be adapted to Dark Mode
• Camera
  • Improved the sharpness, noise and white balance of the rear camera
  • Improved the white balance performance of the front camera
  • Improved the zoom performance
  • Improved the camera stability

OnePlus 9

The vanilla OnePlus 9 is for those who want flagship performance but don't want to pay top dollar. It offers a 6.5-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a triple-camera setup tuned by Hasselblad, and the Snapdragon 888 SoC.

Pre-order from OnePlus

OnePlus 9 Pro

With a large, 6.7-inch Quad HD OLED display and a Smart 120Hz refresh rate, the OnePlus 9 Pro may have the best display on the market. The cameras, tuned in collaboration with Hasselblad, produce excellent still photos and capture superb 4K video.

Pre-order from OnePlus

Download: OxygenOS 11.2.2.2 for the OnePlus 9 Series

If you already have a OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro in your hands, then it would be a good idea to start spamming that update button as the quality-of-life improvements seem pretty impressive. In case you haven’t received the update notification yet, don’t worry – we’ll be providing the download links so you can sideload the new build without waiting for the OTA to roll out.

OnePlus 9

• Europe (11.2.2.2.LE25DA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1
• India (11.2.2.2.LE25BA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1
• Global (11.2.2.2.LE25AA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1

OnePlus 9 Pro

• Europe (11.2.2.2.LE15DA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1
• India (11.2.2.2.LE15BA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1
• Global (11.2.2.2.LE15AA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1

OnePlus 9 Forums ||| OnePlus 9 Pro Forums

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Thanks to XDA Senior Member Some_Random_Username for providing the download links!

The post OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro receive OxygenOS 11.2.2.2 with March 2021 patches and bug fixes appeared first on xda-developers.

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OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro receive OxygenOS 11.2.2.2 with March 2021 patches and bug fixes

The OnePlus 9 series was announced barely over a week ago, but the regular and the “Pro” models are already receiving another update. This is one of the reasons why Android enthusiasts like OnePlus devices so much. The latest update brings the phone duo to OxygenOS version 11.2.2.2. The changelog includes a number of fixes and improvements, including a better camera experience, Android security patches for March 2021, and more.

Here’s the complete changelog for the OxygenOS 11.2.2.2 update:

• System
  • Improved the charging stability to provide a better user experience
  • Improved WhatsApp’s video clarity when giving video calls
  • Improved the vibrating performance of games such as Call of Duty and PUBG
  • Fixed the issue that the time of Last Full Charge is reset after restarting the device
  • Fixed the issue that the icon showing low battery is not displayed in the status bar
  • Fixed the small probability issue that the device may restart when playing games
  • Fixed known issues and improved system stability
  • Updated Android security patch to 2021.03
  • Updated GMS package to 2021.02
• Dark Mode
  • Fixed the issue that the navigation bar of split-screen apps might not be adapted to Dark Mode
• Camera
  • Improved the sharpness, noise and white balance of the rear camera
  • Improved the white balance performance of the front camera
  • Improved the zoom performance
  • Improved the camera stability

OnePlus 9

The vanilla OnePlus 9 is for those who want flagship performance but don't want to pay top dollar. It offers a 6.5-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a triple-camera setup tuned by Hasselblad, and the Snapdragon 888 SoC.

Pre-order from OnePlus

OnePlus 9 Pro

With a large, 6.7-inch Quad HD OLED display and a Smart 120Hz refresh rate, the OnePlus 9 Pro may have the best display on the market. The cameras, tuned in collaboration with Hasselblad, produce excellent still photos and capture superb 4K video.

Pre-order from OnePlus

Download: OxygenOS 11.2.2.2 for the OnePlus 9 Series

If you already have a OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro in your hands, then it would be a good idea to start spamming that update button as the quality-of-life improvements seem pretty impressive. In case you haven’t received the update notification yet, don’t worry – we’ll be providing the download links so you can sideload the new build without waiting for the OTA to roll out.

OnePlus 9

• Europe (11.2.2.2.LE25DA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1
• India (11.2.2.2.LE25BA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1
• Global (11.2.2.2.LE25AA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1

OnePlus 9 Pro

• Europe (11.2.2.2.LE15DA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1
• India (11.2.2.2.LE15BA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1
• Global (11.2.2.2.LE15AA)
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from 11.2.1.1

OnePlus 9 Forums ||| OnePlus 9 Pro Forums

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Thanks to XDA Senior Member Some_Random_Username for providing the download links!

The post OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro receive OxygenOS 11.2.2.2 with March 2021 patches and bug fixes appeared first on xda-developers.

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