Why the Kill Switch Makes Sense For Android

Technologizer writes "It came out this week that Google's Android phone OS, like the iPhone, has a kill switch that lets Android Market applications be disabled remotely. But it's a mistake to lump Google's implementation and Apple's together — the Google version is a smart, pro-consumer move that avoids all the things that make Apple's version a bad idea."

Comments

Re: Why?

[Dolda2000]

It may sound remote, but you may want to try RTFA:ing. I know it's not going to happen, though, so I'll summarize why it's OK for Google. :) The thing is that Android allows for installing programs from -- hear and be astonished! -- other sources than Google itself, unlike Apple. Without any extra or undue inconvenience. And, Android's kill switch is only for the programs that come through Google's own app store. So, you can probably pretty much bet that it's only going to be used to regulate malware, or Google's app store won't last long. Or if Google does misuse it, you'll just have to download the program in question directly from its developer.

Mod parent up!

[ElNotto]

And, Android's kill switch is only for the programs that come through Google's own app store. So, you can probably pretty much bet that it's only going to be used to regulate malware, or Google's app store won't last long.

Mod parent up! All the overreaction to this "news" is because people are ignoring (or ignorant of) the fact the "kill switch" is in the terms of service for the Android Market. The consumer isn't agreeing to let Google delete any app, just any app from the Android Market. If Google abuses this, people will just go to a different web store such as Handango for their android apps.

Re: Why?

[TubeSteak]

And, Android's kill switch is only for the programs that come through Google's own app store.

[Citation Needed]

FTFA: Furthermore, keep in mind that this kill switch will only affect apps distributed through the Market, not those installed from the Web.

Which cites : http://www.appscout.com/2008/10/android_contactssync_syncs_con.php
(As far as I can tell, Google's power to revoke apps off your phone only applies to stuff in the App Market. The much-vaunted "kill switch" comes from the Android Market terms of service, so if the developer is outside the Android Market, it probably doesn't apply.)

Which links to nothing relevant and provides no support for his statement.

Until we hear from Google, this is all just conjecture from blogs.
And based on TFA's tone, this post comes to mind

Re:Citation needed [Re:I don't agree]

[dnwq]

Because the infamous "kill switch" statement is part of the Android Market Business and Program Policies (see Product Removals). If you don't use Android Market, you're not subject to the kill switch.

And you can get your Android apps elsewhere without jailbreaking, unlike the iPhone.

Re:I don't agree

[lysergic.acid]

let me make this clear: i don't have anything against jailbreak. i'm a ardent supporter of homebrew on the PSP.

the iPhone and PSP are both absolutely amazing pieces of hardware. they are truly marvels of modern engineering. and while the PSP's beautifully designed XMB interface perfectly complements the device's slick and sexy exterior, it is still lacking in many respects. now, the iPhone's touchscreen interface is even more impressive than the PSP's in terms of stylish aesthetics and supreme usability. but the iPhone too has its drawbacks in its software.

it saddens me that these two marvels of portable engineering are held back from their true potential by simple software problems which have their roots in not so simple corporate policies and anti-consumer attitudes held by Apple and Sony. here are the major complaints:

Sony PSP

• closed platform (no 3rd party or homebrew apps).
• constant updates to break compatibility with CFW/homebrew without adding any value to the system.
• intentionally locked out of the PSN/Playstation Store unless you buy a PS3.
• PopStation crippled to prevent playing self-ripped/converted PSX games (forcing users to repurchase PSX games they own off of the PSN).
• No Skype for PSP-1000 owners (unless you run homebrew Furikup).
• No booting ISOs off of a memory stick, which eliminates the loading problems associated with UMDs.
• No access to useful homebrew apps like better media players, ebook readers, etc.

iPhone

• closed platform (no homebrews apps).
• updates designed to brick jailbroken iPhones.
• all 3rd-party apps have to be approved by Apple and distributed through Apple's App Store.
• competing apps are removed by App Store without notice.
• NDA suppresses discussions about app rejections, and users receive no refund.
• Kill Switch function to delete all App Store installed applications.

Android

• open well-documented platform (all 3rd-party/homebrew apps alloved).
• Android source is released under the Apache License an GPL.
• 3rd-party apps can be distributed either through Android Market or any other means.
• imposes no conditions on non-Android-Market applications.
• open source OS gives users complete freedom to customize their system.
• Kill Switch function only used for removing malware purchased off of Android Market (for which users will be reimbursed).
• is devoted to the advancement of open standards.

Neither Sony nor Apple support homebrew/CFW/jailbreak. as a result, if you want the freedom to use your own device as you see fit, you need to void your warranty, and Apple/Sony have shown that they will actively try to combat such practices. i can't speak for Apple, but i know that Sony's anti-consumer attitudes have resulting in their releasing useless update after useless update without ever fixing the problems with the official PSP firmware that drive consumers to homebrew/CFW.

Google encourages developers to write applications for Android and do not try to control the distribution of 3rd-party apps. they support 3rd-party software rather than wasting resources to impede their development. the Android Developer Challenges issued by Google offers $10 million in prize money.