Google owns up to a remote "kill switch" in Android

[MeMongo]

I guess we all assumed that they had some way of killing apps, but Google comes out and confirms that they do.

An uproar erupted when iPhone users discovered a so-called remote kill switch on their phones -- will it spur the same reaction in users of the G1, the first Android phone?

In the Android Market terms of service, Google expressly says that it might remotely remove an application from user phones. "Google may discover a product that violates the developer distribution agreement ... in such an instance, Google retains the right to remotely remove those applications from your device at its sole discretion," the terms, linked to from the phone, read.

http://www.computerworld.com/action/...8&pageNumber=1

It should be noted that it took a nosy developer to out the iPhone's kill switch.

[foxdie]

I guess we all assumed that they had some way of killing apps, but Google comes out and confirms that they do.

http://www.computerworld.com/action/...8&pageNumber=1

It should be noted that it took a nosy developer to out the iPhone's kill switch.

Agreed, kudos to Google for being honest about it, I for one thing it is a good idea, it gives them the ability to remove harmful software if someone decides to slip an exploit into their app.

I also highly doubt Google will abuse the killswitch either, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple abused it just to kill off tethering apps, I don't think El Goog would be that harsh

[happyandyv]

Agreed, kudos to Google for being honest about it, I for one thing it is a good idea, it gives them the ability to remove harmful software if someone decides to slip an exploit into their app.

I also highly doubt Google will abuse the killswitch either, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple abused it just to kill off tethering apps, I don't think El Goog would be that harsh

I absolutely think it is necessary for the ability to be there. What if? Right? Now if something goes wrong with an app. they allow on the market, you can fall back on blaming goo for it and have them fix it, lol... Not relaly... But still I'm not worried, and wouldn't be unless I was out there trying to develop malware so..

[MattyMatt5481]

google wont kill apps just because it doesnt fit their marketing strategy. it would probably do this for safety purposes

[ariesboy]

google wont kill apps just because it doesnt fit their marketing strategy. it would probably do this for safety purposes

We all assume that Apple will do "X" and google will do "Y", but the reality is the kill switch allows google / apple to remove an app, any app. Whether it is due to malicious intent of the developer/app, abuse of the user, or any reason.

http://www.computerworld.com/action/...icleId=9117279

The Android Market business and program policies also include an item that says users can return any application for a full refund within 24 hours of the time of purchase. In the absence of a trial version of applications, this offer will let users return an application that might not deliver exactly what they expected.

From the above quote, it sound more for the protection of the user. Hopefully they wont remove tethering apps or streaming a/v app, just because it is sucking a lot of bw.

A good question is also: Does the kill switch only effect applications create & available through Android Market or will they be able to kill a home grown app installed outside of AM?

[oomikeyboy]

Would kill switches only work for G1's with tmobile? How about all those jailbroken/unlocked iphones, hasn't/couldn't apple theoretically "killswitch" those phones that have violated the agreement?

[Musso]

i heard the iphone also takes a picture of you everytime you go back to the home screen or smething like that

[damnitpud]

I heard steve jobs steals your sole, if your picture is taken by the iphone!

[VikingDave]

I heard steve jobs steals your sole, if your picture is taken by the iphone!

I hope that's not true, I'm kinda fond of the bottom of my feet.

[Audemars]

LMAO @ VikingDave.

We have a winner!