Apps
Ring’s App Shares Your Personal Data With Other Companies, Says Report
Amazon’s Ring line of home surveillance products has come under intense scrutiny in recent months following a seemingly endless litany of worrying revelations about Ring’s police partnerships, account security, vulnerabilities, employee snooping, and sharing of extremely detailed location data.
Now, we have a new report to add to the pile: it seems the app that customers use to manage and control a Ring camera is sending all kinds of personal data around as well. The Electronic Frontier Foundation took a deep dive into the Android version of the Ring app, which it determined to be “packed with third-party trackers sending out a plethora of customers’ personally identifiable information.”
Moreover, the EFF adds, this data sharing happens “without meaningful user notification or consent and, in most cases, no way to mitigate the damage done.” The personal data sent by Ring seems to go to four main recipients, the EFF found: Branch, ApplsFlyer, MixPanel, and Facebook. Those recipients presumably combine data they gather from the Ring app with data they collect from other sources—either information they collect in-house or buy/trade from other third parties—to build a fleshed-out digital doppelgänger profile for any given user.
Each of those four platforms receives a slightly different mix of user data. Facebook finds out when the app is opened and “upon device actions such as app deactivation after screen lock due to inactivity.” Facebook also gets your time zone, device model, language preferences, and screen resolution tied to a unique identifier.
The EFF notes that this data goes to Facebook regardless of whether the user has a Facebook account, and it adds that the user identifier persists even when you reset your advertiser ID in your OS. Branch likewise gets several unique identifiers relating to user identity and device fingerprint, along with other device data points such as IP address, phone model, screen resolution, and DPI.
Branch describes itself as an “industry-leading mobile measurement and deep linking platform” that exists to tie as much cross-platform data as possible together into single user profiles for marketers. The other two services get more detailed information. AppsFlyer, which likewise offers an array of deep linking, mobile, and cross-platform analytics services, also receives a unique identifier as well as information about your wireless carrier.
AppsFlyer also receives information about all your phone’s onboard sensors, including the magnetometer, gyroscope, and accelerometer, and the sensors’ calibration settings. It also gathers data about when Ring was installed and launched, what app you used to install Ring from, and whether AppsFlyer came pre-installed on your device, as often happens with low-end Android phones.
MixPanel—which provides, you guessed it, user-behavior analytics and data—gets the most personal information out of the whole set, the EFF found. That firm gathers users’ names and full email addresses in addition to device information, device Bluetooth information, and app settings including information about how many locations the user has Ring devices in.
Apps
Yango Maps Launches Live Public Bus and Marine Transport Tracking in Dubai
Yango Maps, the popular navigation app, has introduced a significant upgrade for Dubai users. The app now offers real-time tracking of public buses and marine transport, providing a more efficient and convenient commuting experience.
Thanks to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)’s open data policy, Yango Maps can now display accurate and up-to-date locations of public transportation vehicles. By switching to the “Transport” tab, users can easily view the real-time movement of buses and ferries on the map.
The app also allows users to search for specific bus numbers and view their routes, stops, and estimated arrival times. This feature is particularly useful during peak hours or in extreme weather conditions, as it helps users plan their journeys efficiently and avoid unnecessary waiting.
Yango Maps continues to evolve with innovative features that aim to simplify urban navigation. By incorporating real-time public transport data, the app empowers users to make informed decisions and optimize their daily commutes.
Apps
PetWatch App Launches in the UAE
Today marks the official launch of PetWatch, a revolutionary app designed to cater to the soaring number of pet owners in the UAE. As pet ownership has surged by 25% in the last five years, PetWatch emerges as a solution to the growing demand for reliable pet care. By connecting pet owners with certified sitters, PetWatch fosters a community-driven approach to ensure the well-being of furry friends.
A recent PetWatch survey underscored the concerns of pet owners, with over 68% expressing doubts about the reliability of pet sitters. To address these concerns, PetWatch has implemented a stringent vetting process for all sitters on its platform. Each sitter undergoes rigorous training and certification to guarantee they meet the highest standards of pet care, providing pet owners with peace of mind.
“PetWatch was created out of a genuine need among pet owners. We understand the worries that arise when leaving a beloved pet behind,” said Monja Madan, Founder of PetWatch. “Our platform connects pet owners with trusted sitters and builds a community where pets are cherished as family. With love, trust, and safety at its core, we strongly believe PetWatch app will reform pet care in the UAE.”
PetWatch stands out with its commitment to quality and community. Here’s why:
- Certified Caregivers: Every PetWatch sitter completes our rigorous training program, ensuring they have the skills to provide exceptional pet care.
- Thorough Vetting: Our team personally verifies each sitter, including ID checks and in-person meetings, building trust between owners and sitters.
- Continuous Learning: Our sitters learn from professional vets and dog trainers, gaining hands-on experience and preparing them for any pet situation.
- Dedicated Support: PetWatch offers daily customer support, providing owners and sitters with expert advice and resources.
Other features include:
- Personalized Profiles: Create detailed profiles for your pet and sitter to find the perfect match.
- Vaccination Management: Track vaccination records and receive reminders for upcoming shots.
- In-App Communication: Chat, share photos, and stay connected with your sitter.
- GPS Tracking: Monitor your pet’s location for added peace of mind.
- Comprehensive Checklist: Ensure all pet care needs are met with customizable checklists.
- Easy Payments: Handle transactions seamlessly within the app.
PetWatch addresses common concerns like trust and time constraints. By connecting owners with certified sitters, offering personalized features, and fostering a supportive community, PetWatch ensures your furry friend is always in the best hands. “By combining certified expertise with robust community engagement, PetWatch empowers pet owners and sitters alike,” added Madan. “PetWatch represents more than just a platform; it’s a movement toward a better way to care for our pets.”
To further enhance the pet care experience, PetWatch is expanding its platform to include health-tracking tools and educational resources. This will empower pet owners with valuable information about their pet’s health and behaviour.
Apps
Google Photos Upgrades with AI Video Editing
Google Photos, the popular photo and video management service, has announced a significant update to its mobile video editor. The redesigned editor aims to simplify the video editing process and make it more accessible to users of all skill levels.
The new video editor interface places key editing tools front and centre, making it easier for users to access and utilize features like muting, enhancing, adjusting speed, stabilizing, and exporting frames. Additionally, the trim tool has been improved with more precise controls, allowing users to cut footage with greater accuracy.
One of the most notable additions to the video editor is the introduction of AI-powered video presets. These presets offer a variety of editing options, including basic cuts, slow-motion effects, zooming, and dynamic motion tracking. By applying these presets, users can quickly and easily create professional-looking videos without extensive editing knowledge.
Google has begun rolling out these improvements to Google Photos, but a specific timeline for the update has not been provided. You are encouraged to check your app regularly for new features to become available.