Community Forums

wagonmaster2 · 07-11-2019, 08:42 PM

Several of the Satellite finder apps are asking to access photos, media, and files on my device. Also to take pictures and record video. Allow or Deny.

Why would an app need things like that, and should the app be allowed to access those items? I'm always a little cautious about what I allow so when I Deny the app closes.

What happens if I Allow?

vsheetz · 07-11-2019, 08:49 PM

How about the Winegard app? I don't recall it wanting such permissions. But maybe so.

Mtn. Lion · 07-12-2019, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2

Several of the Satellite finder apps are asking to access photos, media, and files on my device. Also to take pictures and record video. Allow or Deny.

Why would an app need things like that, and should the app be allowed to access those items? I'm always a little cautious about what I allow so when I Deny the app closes.

What happens if I Allow?

They don't need those things, they want them. Definitely for illegitimate reasons. If you allow, they will slurp your data, associate it with your profile and probably sell it or do god knows what. The data will become theirs to do as they please. Deny and don't use that app.

450Donn · 07-12-2019, 07:14 PM

Like a lot of apps the developer sells your information to make money. Deny it or be prepared for a boat load of spam.

wagonmaster2 · 07-12-2019, 08:51 PM

Thanks all. It's good to know I'm doing at least one thing right by Denying all those request. Appreciate the responses to my thread. Have a great week-end.

luvlabs · 07-13-2019, 09:22 AM

The Winegard app will, on first use, ask you for access to the camera. This is so the visual satellite finder part of the app will work. You activate the app, point your smartphone towards the sky, and the satellites will appear in their locations on your screen. Works great especially when you are trying to avoid obstacles like trees.

I would delete any app that ask me for access to non-related functions.

TLGPE · 07-13-2019, 06:18 PM

Thanks, VSHEETZ, thanks LUVLABS. I just downloaded the Winegard app and it seems to work fine. I went through the request for the camera OK, but there was no further request for proprietary info, but they wanted permission to send me advertisements. I declined and it all works, but only as someone else suggested in the landscape mode.

I have used several apps like this and most work for a while but then get squirrely. Maybe this one will be a keeper.

Tom

wagonmaster2 · 07-20-2019, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLGPE

Thanks, VSHEETZ, thanks LUVLABS. I just downloaded the Winegard app and it seems to work fine. I went through the request for the camera OK, but there was no further request for proprietary info, but they wanted permission to send me advertisements. I declined and it all works, but only as someone else suggested in the landscape mode.

I have used several apps like this and most work for a while but then get squirrely. Maybe this one will be a keeper.

Tom

What is the "landscape mode" on a smart phone, and what generally is the mode the phone is working on?
Where is the mode change made? I'm still learning all the little aspects of my new (almost 2 years old) smart phone.

twinboat · 07-20-2019, 10:22 PM

Landscape mode is having the picture wider then tall.

egwilly · 07-21-2019, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2

What is the "landscape mode" on a smart phone, and what generally is the mode the phone is working on?
Where is the mode change made? I'm still learning all the little aspects of my new (almost 2 years old) smart phone.

Turn your phone 90 degrees and take the pic.