Stuntman

Google+ accounts are now being used for app reviews in the Play Store | MobileSyrup.com

I am personally disappointed in this move by Google. I do not wish to have my app comments linked to my Google+ account. For that reason, I am not going to do any app reviews on the Play Store. I will still comment about the apps that I use in other forums such as this that allow the use of pseudonyms.

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9to5cynic

Good find. I'm also not thrilled with that move by Google. I'm sure it's great for some people, but not for me. I don't even like to post reviews as it is already, but this is a pretty big deterrence.

Having a review associated with a real-world identity will surely change the types of comments, but in what ways, I can only speculate.

I wonder if this will be a permanent change or something they'll reconsider at a later date.

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Stuntman

I can't see this being something that they will reverse. There will have to be a huge backlash from a majority of Android and Google+ users.

Some of the reasons just doesn't make sense to me. If developers want to contact app users, they can simply request that users email them. I have done so a number of times and have found that developers do respond to my emails about issues that I have. Developers do not need access to my G+ profile in order to respond to my queries and comments about the app.

Facebook has been criticised much about their privacy policies. It seems that Google is starting to go down that path with their policies about Google+. I do put some info on my profile. If this continues, I may just delete any info on my Google+ profile which would make Google+ less useful for everyone.

I would hope that more members on these forums would think about this. I put this thread here as I think it is the appropriate place. I just don't think it will get that much traffic here compared to the more general forums.

Stuntman

I just checked the settings in Google Play. There is now a setting that allows developers to email you directly if they want to reply to your comment. You know what? It is automatically checked.

Hadron

It won't let me post from the website without signing in to G+, but I can still review from my phone - just that my reviews are now anonymous.

I guess if you have a G+ account your phone might link reviews to it automatically, but as I don't have one I can't test that theory.

If they enforce it from the phone then no more reviews from me...

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breadnatty08

Shoot me but I haven't reviewed an app thus far, and now I have more incentive not to in the future.

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zuben el genub

I have some apps that request reviews if I think they are decent. Think I will email rating directly to the dev, and explain why I won't put the review on Play.

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KENNECTED

Why is this an issue. If you like or dislike something why not stand behind what you've written?

zuben el genub

It's an issue as we have nothing to say or do on + and Google needs to realize that some of us abhor social networks.

I got on FB to deal with Truphone's customer service. I joined Twitter since I couldn't get the Yankee's scores live during an ALC game. I keep getting emails from both as to why I'm not using the service. Since they are under different aliases, I haven't bothered deleting. I don't need another pest.

Gmash

I've never felt the need to review an app, but what if you don't have a Google + account? I don't have any social network accounts.

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saptech

I feel the same as the last two post. I remember when I got my first android and I did have a G+ account, but once I put pictures on the phone, they started uploading to G+. Well I did not want them going there. I was able to disable that auto feature.

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KENNECTED

So for you three, it's not the issue of stating how you feel, it's that you do not want to be part of a social network?

zuben el genub

In my case, you got it.

My mantra since 5th grade has been "None of your business"

At least in forums, most stick to the subject or a mod takes care of it.
Do you remember when Usenet was a discussion group? Some used to be fairly interesting in astronomy until the "Planet X" spammers got in the act.

Somewhere along the line someone will want personal info that you aren't interested in and don't want to give. Especially if it's not relevant to the discussion. Unfriend them, ban them, and there can be hell to pay.

BTW - almost every forum I belong to is under a different name.

Last edited by zuben el genub; November 30th, 2012 at 07:56 AM.

RazorSharp

It's more the principle of the thing than accountability for me. This is more privacy creep by Google. Not a move in the right direction, especially since in recent years they've been vehemently against any legislation that involves Internet regulation in the United States. Seems hypocritical of them to want to keep the Internet free and anonymous... except on their own sites.

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zuben el genub

I use Iron as a browser on the computer. Even that has the bad habit of commenting-
Boo - you have no extensions, you have no profile.

I've seen comments like that on Google's dashboard.

You want a profile? I'm a sky-blue pink alien from Alpha Orionis. We are genderless.

zuben el genub

Comscore Ranks Web, Mobile and App Traffic - Peter Kafka - Media - AllThingsD

Of course Google wants to win.

Stuntman

Also, I think it should be a choice for me whether or not I want to provide my profile to people who would view my comments. I use G+ for various reasons and I do not want to use G+ for other reasons. The same for Facebook. There are times where I do not feel it is necessary or desirable to associate personal information on these social networks to certain online activities. I do not like being force to do so. If I want to and there is an option, I'll take it. Otherwise, I want the option to opt out at least.

zuben el genub

Think they are being careful. Remember Google Buzz?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Buzz

zuben el genub

Just info on who does what.

New data on privacy policies shows 20 percent of sites may sell data | Ars Technica

Rcarnes91

Me personally I could care less, it is my review why would I not stand behind it.

dan55

hi guys,

im currently battling with google over my g+ name as it wont let me use my google account name in g+ :/ go figure

i always try to post reviews and comments for good apps on play to support the devs, but i dont want to get involved in g+ as not interested in using

cheers
dan

....this is why i dont use fbook

Rcarnes91

You don't have to use it you don't even have to put any information on there, people leave better reviews when there names are attached

Last edited by Rcarnes91; December 4th, 2012 at 08:16 PM.

dan55

ok thanks - its still overkill imo on googles part - im not going to leave any different reviews just coz my name is on it ...... actually that isnt true, as i wont be leaving any reviews if they force that

Stuntman

Apparently, that does not apply to me.

zuben el genub

Google+ introduces Communities despite persistent 'ghost town' reputation

I've got the 'fastest growing THINGY ever', boasts Google+ chief ? The Register

I'd like to see the true numbers.

One reply to a post stated that + was in the position to be the "next big thing" - but no one knows what the next big thing is or will be.

I stand by any review I've left - regardless of name.

Stuntman

Over the last little while, I have contacted developers of apps with various issues and suggestions I have. In the Play store, you can find out how to contact the developers. Every time I have sent a developer an email with my comments and feed back, I have gotten a very timely response.

Integrating G+ with the Play store is supposed to allow developers to contact G+ users regarding reviews and comments they have left. I am wondering how much of an effort will developers make in contacting users about their reviews. I do see a number of reviews where it appears the user does not quite understand how to use the app properly. I am also wondering how users feel when they are contacted by a developer via G+.

When I email a developer I am expected a response. Generally I do not like messages that I get out of the blue from someone I do not know. Perhaps I am a bit suspicious in these days of SPAM and phishing attacks.

ch1k3n123

I personally hate this change. I have no intentions of creating a Google+ because I already use Facebook and don't want another social networking program to clutter my stuff.

I used to just be able to write a bunch of quick reviews for different things that I have tried to inform the general public and give feedback to developers.

I guess I may have to create a false plain inactive account just to write reviews?

JAy3001

Anyone noticed you now 'MUST' have a google+ account to review and even rate games in the play store now?

This is madness. I hated G+ so deleted my account months ago. Now I have to use it to post reviews in the Play Store?? Mm, NO. I do not want or need it. Personally I hate the whole social media 'evil' that is out there. This has put me off Android completely!

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sherri

Agree 100%!!! Hate Google +

KENNECTED

Why Don't you like it? Is it that you feel you can't say what you really want to say?

I don't understand the issue. You're just validating the review, just as you would on any other part of google.

sherri

Because it doesn't "just" show in market. posts on your Google account. Read privacy issues on Google +.

jhawkkw

I do admit that being forced into this is quite annoying. I also see how the idea can be helpful from Google's POV by trying to get more people on G+ and try to convert them away from Facebook and/or Twitter. I just use all 3 because each has their own purpose.

kct1975

I also completely agree!

I too, have no use for Social Networking at all. I have never used Facebook, nor My Space, nor Twitter. And I will not use Google +!

I believe forcing people to have a G+ account to rate app, not only hurts users like us, but also hurt devlopers.

Just to keep my YouTube account, I actually had to go through the BS of signing up for a Google+ account, signing into my YouTube account, changing the setting in my YouTube account, and the deleting the Google+ account.

While I love my Android phone and my Gmail account, if Google forces me to have a Google+ account to have to use them, the I will stop using my Gmail account, and switch to a Windows Phone.

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KENNECTED

And how is that bad? Or is it you want to complain and be anonymous?

sherri

Nope. No issue complaining with my real name. But not all of my Google+ contacts want to know my opinion, nor do I want to know theirs. I have friends who are intense "gamers" and they rate and comment on all the games they try. I have no use for this, so to see it in a feed is annoying. Also, I don't use Google+ for social networking. I do have a Twitter account and a FB account if i want that. Very rarely use them, but that is my choice. Now, if i comment on an application, anyone who added me to a Google + account will automatically see it. Seems dumb. If I want opinions of an app, I would rather see it in the market place, as it is from people liking for the same type of app as me....

I have friends who have Google + accounts but do not have android phones. I do not needed to be notified every time they post about an iPhone app ....and vice versa. Make sense?

KENNECTED

Well to be honest, this is a form of social media and networking, correct?

I haven't made a review since the change, but is there no option to make it private or to share only with those who are in your android/google circle (if you have one).

It may seem dumb to you, but if a person added you they want to see your content.

I'm trying to look at things from both sides. I like that google is make people use thier google ID as it adds some credibility and less likely to be a fake or made up person. I wish they would institute this on youtube as it may cut down on the "First", racist, homophobic, spam, or off topic, etc. postings.

sherri

I have no issue using my name and user id in the store. Developer wants my opinion, and others thinking of getting the app want opinion, fine. My problem is it goes outside the store. Why does everyone I ever had a Google contact with need to see that?

If you and I are friends and I choose to read your opinions, great. Twitter and Facebook both use "user names", or privacy settings can be changed. Google+ doesn't.

BShroats5

I 100% love G+

mjschmidt

Okay, I just wrote a review for the Pinterest app using the Play web site (as opposed to from my phone or tablet) and so far it has NOT posted anything to my Google+ stream.

I always keep G+ open and running in my web browser, so we will see if that changes.

If not, it would seem that (at first glance) the link between having a Google+ account and reviewing apps is just to have a name with the review.

As i understand it, everyone who creates a Gmail account (which you must have to use the Play store on an android device [as we know you don't HAVE to have a Gmail account to use an Android device as long as you are okay with not using certain apps or using the Play store] ) automatically also has a Google+ account.

Unless I am mistaken, then, you don't have to create a Google+ account to leave reviews, you just have to acknowledge that you understand one is being linked to the other.

So if these reviews are not being posted to your Google+ stream, and if everyone with a Gmail account has one by default, then the issue is somewhat moot. You can post reviews with no fear they will end up on your G+ page, and you will never have to actually use Google+ itself for anything else.

In other words, while you are being "forced" to acknowledge that the name linked to your Google+ account will show in your reviews, you are not actually being forced to use Google+. If someone clicks the link to your name in the app review, and you aren't actually using Google+, that user will be taken to an empty G+ page with nothing but your name.

Of course, that may all change if it shows up in my Google+ feed, but in the 5 - 8 minutes or so since I posted the review, nothing has shown up on my G+ feed (which I have been intermittently refreshing while writing this).

EDIT: If you want to test this, any of you who don't use G+, write a review. After submitting the review, click on your name in the review and it will take you to your G+ page. If you aren't actually using G+ for anything, there shouldn't be anything there, not even the review you left.

UPDATE: As of 1:10pm (about 40 minutes since I posted it) the review I left for the Pinterest app still does NOT appear in my G+ feed. So... unless it takes a REALLY long time for it to cross-pollinate (which i doubt), your fears of being "forced" to use Google+ can be assuaged. It looks like you can post app reviews without ever having to actually use Google+. The only difference will be that your real name will appear, and if someone clicks on it, they will see your empty, lonely G+ page.

As of 3:53 it still does not show in my G+ feed so...


TL-DR: App reviews you leave in Google Play will NOT be posted to Google+. You can review apps and never need to use the Google+ account that is created for you automatically whether you like it or not.

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Last edited by mjschmidt; December 27th, 2012 at 02:54 PM. Reason: adding something. < adding update

Stuntman

I stopped reviewing apps in protest as well.

If you do you G+, then it will automatically link to your account. I don't want this to happen.

mjschmidt

As I pointed out in the post above, app reviews you leave in Google Play will NOT be posted to Google+. You can review apps and never need to use the Google+ account that is created for you automatically whether you like it or not.

zuben el genub

I said in another post - I signed up for Gmail when it first came out. I don't remember seeing anything in the TOS that you would be required to use all services or whatever services Google might initiate. The same for store under the name Market. All you needed was a Gmail account. To use Market fully, any customer should be able to leave a review as it was before. I also don't remember a full profile being necessary. Google just accepted what I put in there long ago. Google changed the rules in mid stream on some of us. Some of used YouTube before Google got it. Isn't agreeing to the TOS the same as a contract? MS and some other companies think so. If the TOS is binding on users, then it's binding on the company.

Last edited by zuben el genub; December 27th, 2012 at 04:52 PM.

KENNECTED

So the solution is to not use the products.

zuben el genub

It's the principle. If Google wanted to change policy in midstream for prior users, then the prior users should have been notified by email. I've seen no notices. I saw the information on + to post reviews elsewhere than here or Play.

I do know that Google will notify you. I got an email about Google Voice not having enough information for a forwarding phone number, and unless I verified the number, Google could no longer forward calls. Since I don't use GV, have never got a call on GV, I ignored the message. Since I did get a notice, I have no complaint even if GV discontinues the number.

I don't use most of the services. I don't believe in one size fits all. I've spread it around and kept everything separate as far as I can.

Last edited by zuben el genub; December 28th, 2012 at 08:03 AM.

mjschmidt

Except that most (if not all TOS) include the right of the company to update/modify the TOS/EULA at any time, and that they will let users know about it.

Google did that.

Let's be clear about what's really going on. Google is competing with Apple (iOS), Microsoft (Windows 8), and Facebook, and to do so they are moving closer and closer to Google, and all its products, being part of an "eco-system".

If you haven't heard that term used before in this context (and if not, where have you been?) Google isn't the first to do this. In the present context, that would be apple. With their walled garden approach to iOS, and integration of iPhone, iPod, iPad and the new iMacs, their intention is to get you to buy in to the whole "Apple" lifestyle, and by keeping you there generate more revenue.

MS and Facebook are doing the same thing in their own ways.

Google is just playing this same game in order to compete. One of the reason a lot of non-technical people gush about Apple is because of this ecosystem concept, that everything "just works" together. They can buy in to the whole thing, and never have to leave it, and be where their friends are, etc.

So that is the real reason all these changes were made. Android is no longer its own "thing", nor is Gmail, or any of the other Google components, they are all part of one big thing, which, if you wanted to, you could refer to as the real Google OS.

As I've said before, NO ONE is forcing you to use Google+. You NEVER have to use it. If you leave an app review in the Play store now, the ONLY thing it will show is your name as it is associated with your account. When someone clicks on your name, it will take them to that G+ page which will have nothing BUT your name if you've never used it. Your reviews will NOT show up on Google+. Anyone who says they will is lying, or is ignorant of the truth.

SUPER USER TIP: If you are going to keep using Android, and don't want your real name associated with your Play reviews, create a new Gmail address, and give it the name "Bob Johnson". Since Google doesn't require you to provide ID to sign up, they will not know it isn't you. Use that new Gmail account for your Android device.

TL-DR: The reality of it is as follows:

1. Companies do reserve the right to change TOS/EULA, and you agree to this when you accept the TOS/EULA. Read them.

2. Companies let you know when they are updating/modifying TOS/EULA. Google did that too.

3. NO ONE is forcing you to use G+. You DO NOT need to post anything there, EVER.

4. If you leave a review on the Play store, it will NOT show up in G+. anyone who says otherwise is lying or mistaken.

From the Google Blog Jan 24th 2012: http://googleblog.blogspot.ca/2012/01/updating-our-privacy-policies-and-terms.html

And yes, I got an emaiil about that. and EVERY tech blog wrote about it.

Last edited by mjschmidt; December 28th, 2012 at 08:02 AM.

saptech

With G+ & Twitter, my name is Saptech...I don't use FB (yuck)!

Stuntman

Wouldn't you have to purchase the app twice? I don't think you can comment on an app you did not pay for.

Digital Controller

I really don't see an issue with a Google+ account being made since you never even have to check it and it won't bother you, you never even have to add information to it.

Personally I would love to see everyone switch to G+ just because it integrates so much better with Android compared to Facebook.

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kct1975

Well for me, I would be more than happy to have my name associated with my reviews of apps on the Play Store. I have no problem with my reviews being verified on the Play Store or on YouTube.

I just have no use for G+ or any other social networking. I do not like it being forced on me!

There are those of us who are prohibited from using social networking sites because of the terms of employment of either a former job or a current job.

Even if I created a fake G+ account or fake Facebook account, I would still be in violation of my terms of employment.

Also, to those that have stated the user reviews are not currently posted to a person's G+ account, what's to say that Google won't change the TOS again to require it.

My opinion is that Social Networking is fine for those that want to use it, but it should not be forced on people who do not want to use it.

Last edited by kct1975; December 30th, 2012 at 05:26 PM.

zuben el genub

Why do I need to integrate? Play already is. I don't happen to need the other stuff.

I'd also like to have the option to log out of Play on the phone like on the computer.
You can always tell your browser to remember password.

All social networks need to allow you to delete anything you wish without deleting an account, and they all need an "eff-off" button. Sometimes "unfriend" just isn't enough.