Locale and flurry agent collecting info

[esocid]

I discovered this while scanning a log dump after an app crashed on me and spotted something called "flurry agent" sending something. After a quick search, I found one other forum (androidcommunity.com) with a post about it. Their site (flurry.com) describes collecting analytics for developers.

Now, using it, and telling your users it's sending potentially identifying information to a third party is one thing. Making no mention of it, whatsoever, is another. If it sent normal download and usage statistics and info such as make/model and OS, that would be no problem. However, along with that info, it apparently sends the IMEI number.

This is sketchy part #2 that Locale has done. The first being, telling you there is an update, when there isn't one in the market, and forcing you to pay for it, without telling you in advance. I was informed of this after I suspected something, and ignored the "update" request. I do like the program, and would have considered paying for it, but not $10, and especially not being deceived into it too.

I know Locale and Flurry are legit, but not notifying your users you are collecting information, and potentially identifiable information, doesn't sit well with me. It isn't mentioned on Locale's website either. The user did mention Flurry will be encrypting the info, but I can't verify that.

Just a heads up to anyone using Locale.

 

[mihalich]

Thanks for the heads up. I was using the free beta version, which just expired within the last day or two. No way I'm paying $10 for this. I'm more inclined to write my own app that does something similar.

- Joe

 

[Scouter]

Not willing to pay for Locale either, wife used locale for work since they can't have cell phones at all, she was able to set a work locale and an everywhere else and the app silenced her phone while at work. I would consider paying $4.00 for app but no more, anyone know any other apps that would work for wife?

 

[MarkHirt]

Check out Setting Profiles. I'm testing out the lite version now if it works I'll gladly pay the $2.95

 

[icstars989]

I have no problem paying $10 for an app if it's worth it, but Locale has been so broke for so long for me that I don't care about my Beta expiring. Coming across this little tid bit too makes it even easier to say goodbye.