Maybe crossing the fence and jumping into the iPasture.

[Old Stoneface]

I don't trust the security of my Android devices either. It seems like manufacturers tried harder after the stage fright scare, but now are reverting back to their old ways with few and far between security patches and updates.

It's not just the manufacturers and carriers. This floated by on one of my security feeds, yesterday:

Google Won’t Fix a Flaw Used by 74% of Ransomware Until the Release of Android O

Meanwhile, the only iOS vulnerability of note was a mess-up on Apple's part wrt backups to iCloud. They acknowledged the problem immediately and issued iOS 10.1 to all devices, world-wide, in a month, with yet another improvement by way of 10.2 in the next 15-20 days.

I've deleted things like my banking app from my phone (which I liked to use to check my account when a receipt didn't print at the gas pump).

Months and months ago I removed our retirement funds management app, Amazon Prime, the eBay app, the privacy and fraud prevention/monitoring service app--essentially every sensitive app on phone or tablet.
The only sensitive app remaining on my Android phone or tablet is my keyring. That makes me nervous, but, I cannot do without it.

I've also removed every other app that I didn't regard as "necessary." I'm now moving on to apps I merely find "very useful," such as WiFi Analyzer, to reduce the number of threat vectors.

Have you looked into Blackberry? It's the cool thing to bash them, but ...

Eh, I was never a Blackberry-basher, but, still: We already have the iPads, and it's looking pretty certain we're keeping them. Neither my wife nor I have touched our Android tablets since Tuesday afternoon.

There's a lot to be said for sticking with the one ecosystem, particularly wrt things like syncing app data.

(I haven't yet decided if I'll trust my keyring to iCloud. I generally feel putting such things on "cloud" storage a Very Bad Idea.)

I'd estimate odds are now better-than-even we're making the switch.

 

[Golfdriver97]

BB may not be a bad idea. With the new device coming out and all.

 

[muckle_dabuckle]

It's not just the manufacturers and carriers. This floated by on one of my security feeds, yesterday:

Google Won’t Fix a Flaw Used by 74% of Ransomware Until the Release of Android O

Dang. That sounds scarey. Glad I deleted my banking app now. I've been researching Android security lately and totally missed this article. Thanks. I've really appreciated Jerry's articles on this Web site about Android security too.

Meanwhile, the only iOS vulnerability of note was a mess-up on Apple's part wrt backups to iCloud. They acknowledged the problem immediately and issued iOS 10.1 to all devices, world-wide, in a month, with yet another improvement by way of 10.2 in the next 15-20 days.

Yeah, I remember that. This is definitely what is attracting me to Apple (timely updates of known vulnerabilities). I need to research iPhone security some more before I decide to make the switch. Seems like Google provides more security fixes than Apple (still haven't figured out if that is a good thing or bad thing), but no one gets all of them other than Pixel & Nexus owners.

Months and months ago I removed our retirement funds management app, Amazon Prime, the eBay app, the privacy and fraud prevention/monitoring service app--essentially every sensitive app on phone or tablet.
The only sensitive app remaining on my Android phone or tablet is my keyring. That makes me nervous, but, I cannot do without it.

I've also removed every other app that I didn't regard as "necessary." I'm now moving on to apps I merely find "very useful," such as WiFi Analyzer, to reduce the number of threat vectors.

Seems like a good idea being you've actually experienced a security breach. I'm starting to weed out my apps too. I no longer sideload apps through Humble Bundle.

Eh, I was never a Blackberry-basher, but, still: We already have the iPads, and it's looking pretty certain we're keeping them. Neither my wife nor I have touched our Android tablets since Tuesday afternoon.

There's a lot to be said for sticking with the one ecosystem, particularly wrt things like syncing app data.

I can see that being convenient (the one ecosystem thing). I have the original Surface RT tablet and it syncs really well with my PCs (BTW, Windows RT doesn't even exist anymore and Microsoft is still pushing out software updates). I personally have no brand allegiance and will drop anything that doesn't provide what I want (my wife and I were one of the original cable cutters ). Android doesn't provide me with the security I want so I may move to Apple. If Apple pisses me off I wouldn't hesitate to drop them either. If no smartphone provides what I want I may just quit using them (probably too difficult). Same thing with Comcast raising Internet costs to make up for the cord cutters. If I find I'm paying too much for Internet I will just quit consuming entertainment (streaming) and move on to something else.

 

[Old Stoneface]

If no smartphone provides what I want I may just quit using them (probably too difficult).

I've considered that. Problem is: "Plain old phones" are becoming rare.

And there's my keyring... *sigh* In this respect my old Palm Centro was perfect.

 

[muckle_dabuckle]

I've considered that. Problem is: "Plain old phones" are becoming rare.

True. May have to join AARP to get one.

I think the only thing holding me back from making the switch to an iPhone 7 Plus is the fact that iOS 11 and new iPhones come out this fall. A lot of crazy rumors are swirling about both. I feel like Apple is the U.S. version of Nintendo so all of these rumors are just what fanboys want (or else the new iPhones would be $2,000), but not what is going to be realistic. Apple seems to move at a slow pace in some areas (such as design). Obviously an iPhone 7 Plus would get iOS 11, I'm just worried about any hardware specific features.

Oh, and since I'm on T-Mobile the 7 Plus has the supposedly inferior Intel modem.

 

[Old Stoneface]

True. May have to join AARP to get one.

Yeah, that ain't gonna happen (Politics)

I think the only thing holding me back from making the switch to an iPhone 7 Plus is the fact that iOS 11 and new iPhones come out this fall.

Eh *shrug* I've done the review circuit. We won't be buying new phones and the 7 over the 6S isn't a big upgrade. Plus the 6S is the last with a real headphone jack. The only advantage for us to waiting is a further drop in 6S prices. On the flip side: The danger to waiting too long is a dearth of pristine 6S'.

Oh, and since I'm on T-Mobile the 7 Plus has the supposedly inferior Intel modem.

I'm guessing this is a bandwidth question, as opposed to a radio one?

Bandwidth has never been all that big a deal to me. More important has been signal acquisition and retention. That's why I've always like Motorola devices.

I wonder what's in the 6S?

 

[muckle_dabuckle]

Yeah, that ain't gonna happen (Politics)

Haha...yep. That turns a lot of people off.

Eh *shrug* I've done the review circuit. We won't be buying new phones and the 7 over the 6S isn't a big upgrade. Plus the 6S is the last with a real headphone jack. The only advantage for us to waiting is a further drop in 6S prices. On the flip side: The danger to waiting too long is a dearth of pristine 6S'.

I've thought about going with the 6s Plus for the headphone jack and to save a $100. But the screen and camera and RAM and battery is better in the 7 Plus. The stupid modem thing is messing with my mind though.

I'm guessing this is a bandwidth question, as opposed to a radio one?

Not entirely sure and of course you can't get a straight answer on the Internet, but sounds like both. It performs terribly in low signal areas compared to the Qualcomm and a lot of people reported dropped calls and bad reception. Most of the info bashing the Intel modems comes from one study by Cellular Insights that was published last fall and repeated by everyone on the Internet. Not sure if any of the problems have been fixed with an update. The Intel modem supposedly doesn't support T-Mobile's Enhanced Voice Services and Apple is being sued by Qualcomm for "gimping" their modem to make all iPhones perform equally. Kind of a big concern for a phone. But nowadays specs are all that count and call quality/reception comes last. Rarely see call quality/reception mentioned in a review.

I wonder what's in the 6S?

I'm guessing Qualcomm, but I could be wrong.

 

[Old Stoneface]

Re: What modem the 6S' have...

I'm guessing Qualcomm, but I could be wrong.

Yup: Qualcomm. I looked it up. Thanks for that info, because I was kinda sorta thinking of holding off for a 7, myself. But, for me, the thing communicating is paramount.

So: I added it all up, tripped across a killer deal on a "new open box" iPhone 6S and pulled the trigger.

This is unusually fast for me: From "fed up with all things Google" to "completely moved over to Apple" in two weeks + one day. (Well, it'll be another three before I have the new phone, but, I'm essentially out the door.)

Now all I need is to replace my Linux box with a Mac Mini and my transformation to

will be complete!

 

[muckle_dabuckle]

Re: What modem the 6S' have...


Yup: Qualcomm. I looked it up. Thanks for that info, because I was kinda sorta thinking of holding off for a 7, myself. But, for me, the thing communicating is paramount.

That's good to know. It may take Intel years to catch up to Qualcomm. Kind of seems like the Intel modem was an experiment to move to all Intel in the iPhone 8. With one more year of experience maybe the newer modems from Intel will be better. It definitely is a huge concern though. Only thing holding me back from the switch. Have to do more research. But, yeah. If you have to struggle to communicate with a phone what's the point?

So: I added it all up, tripped across a killer deal on a "new open box" iPhone 6S and pulled the trigger.

Sounds like a solid decision.

This is unusually fast for me: From "fed up with all things Google" to "completely moved over to Apple" in two weeks + one day. (Well, it'll be another three before I have the new phone, but, I'm essentially out the door.)

LOL I'm basically the same. A few months ago I was all happy with Android and my V20. Since it was the most I've ever paid for a phone and it's not getting updates of any kind it made me jump off the deep end the last few weeks. If it wasn't for the Intel modem debate I'd be right there with you.

 

[anon(10181084)]

Android is the best. *sigh* Why not just enjoy an S8. Much better bang for the buck.

 

[muckle_dabuckle]

Android is the best. *sigh* Why not just enjoy an S8. Much better bang for the buck.

You obviously only read the title of this thread.

I can't speak for everyone, but I'd rather not spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on fragile abandonware with a distorted curved screen such as the S8, especially when my V20 is a better phone.

 

[Inders99]

Just down on Apple right now. They're in a rut without the innovative spirit of Jobs. The laptops have gone nowhere, the touch-pad is stupid, the iMacs are stagnant...the iPhones are slow to innovate. Bleh...someone fire a shot please...

 

[Old Stoneface]

Android is the best.

"Best" is subjective. It's certainly more flexible. I'm running into annoyances, already, just with the iPad. (No show-stoppers, though.) But, from a perspective of device security: I think it's pretty safe to say it's certainly not "the best."

*sigh* Why not just enjoy an S8. Much better bang for the buck.

If I was going to stay with Android, Samsung would be among the last of manufacturers I'd use. At least with Samsung's perversion of Android running on it. Samsung has an execrable track-record regarding software quality, software security, care for customer personal data, and timely updates. I would not have a Samsung "smart" anything in my home. Great hardware, though... splody batteries aside

 

[muckle_dabuckle]

I'm running into annoyances, already, just with the iPad. (No show-stoppers, though.)

Like what?

But, from a perspective of device security

On a positive note relating to Samsung security: since Samsung botched the entire release of Bixby there should be a few updates in the future to add functionality. Might as well throw in some security patches with the Bixby updates. So S8 owners may get a few bonus security updates. Don't say "Samsung never did nothing for you."

And yes, even though I bashed the S8 previously (I DO think it has good hardware) I was thinking about getting one for the reason stated above. That is how desperate I am to actually get security updates.

 

[Old Stoneface]

Re: iOS annoyances...

Like what?

Off the top of my head...

Not nearly as much app selection. Oh, there are a lot of apps, but, they all work pretty much the same. For example: Best email app I've found is the native one. None of the others were worth a damn, IMO. (Do they even know what headers are in iOS Land?) WiFi Analyzer or look-alike? Forget about it

Oddly enough: There is no way to get your personal music into iTunes without a Mac or MS-Win PC. WTH?

Apple keeps messing with the USB communications protocol and breaking connectivity with Linux. The Linux devs fix it. Apple breaks it again. *sigh*...

My favourite weather app, Weather Bug, is available ad-free on iOS... at $3/year recurring! I don't think so.

I miss my home screen widgets (Had time, current weather and calendar.)

When you install Signal Private Messenger, only messages to/from other SPM users go to/from it. Everything else: iMessage. Grrrr...

That button worries me, re: lifespan.

Having to buy Lighting cables for everywhere I already had micro USB cables.

The sole remaining Google anything I'm willing to use, Gboard, essentially mimics the native keyboard, only with swipe/flow typing and better prediction. I really wish it mimicked the Android version, or had the capability to as an option. Do not like the native keyboard layout at all. It's clumsy, IMO. OTOH: Keypresses stay showing much longer than on any Android device I've owned. They're actually useful.

 

[J Dubbs]

Android is the best. *sigh* Why not just enjoy an S8. Much better bang for the buck.

A grand+ for a disposable phone isn't what I'd call bang for the buck. But maybe that's what you were saying lol. All these disposable thousand dollar phones are just going to drive people to the low and mid-range phones....or maybe even get them to try an iPhone =-O

 

[Old Stoneface]

A grand+ for a disposable phone isn't what I'd call bang for the buck.

Not the way I'd be inclined to spend my money, even if I had money to burn. But, I was brought up by Depression Era parents. I was taught to spend wisely.

All these disposable thousand dollar phones are just going to drive people to the low and mid-range phones...

Thing is: Once-upon-a-time there was a range of decent low-end and mid-range phones that were better than their prices suggested: Motorola Mobility's "Moto" series. Sadly, that ended with the 3rd generation, after which control of Motorola Mobility passed entirely to Lenovo.

I had briefly considered a 5th Generation G. It looked like maybe Lenovo had realized the mistake in acting like itself with the 4th Generation devices and had reversed course.

Yeah... no.

I will NEVER, as long as I live, forgive Google for selling Motorola Mobility to Lenovo. That was one of the long-simmering reasons I decided to make the switch.

...or maybe even get them to try an iPhone =-O

I'm switched over, as of yesterday evening. There are some things I'll miss, truly. Among them will not be Google Now's wonky, erratic behaviour. My Lord, the speakerphone in my car actually works well, voice-dialling, finally!

 

[muckle_dabuckle]

Oddly enough: There is no way to get your personal music into iTunes without a Mac or MS-Win PC. WTH?

Yeah, Apple's file system is a huge complaint from almost everyone. Not sure if it's a security thing or just outdated software. Maybe they can improve things with iOS11. But since Apple = Nintendo maybe they'll just add a dark theme in iOS11 and call it a day and ignore other customer requests.

My favourite weather app, Weather Bug, is available ad-free on iOS... at $3/year recurring! I don't think so

Yuck. It does seem like there are a lot of paid apps in the Appstore that a free in the Playstore. I prefer paying for apps with a one-time payment if it comes with no ads. But a subscription? No thanks.

I miss my home screen widgets (Had time, current weather and calendar.)

Have you tried Apple's version of widgets? I don't think they are horribly implemented and I could probably get used to them. They aren't as pretty though that is for sure.

That button worries me, re: lifespan.

I was curious about that. It seems like you have to press pretty hard. Probably not as bad as the hole I'm going to put in my screen by pressing the broken "check for updates" button on my Android phone.

Having to buy Lighting cables for everywhere I already had micro USB cables.

That thought makes me cringe. Especially if Apple ever switches to USB C in the near future (probably not anytime soon after getting people to buy lightning headphones). In preparation for my possible switch I picked the charging cables as my "customer appreciation" free gift from Anker last fall. They sent me 1" cables. Not very helpful.

The sole remaining Google anything I'm willing to use, Gboard, essentially mimics the native keyboard, only with swipe/flow typing and better prediction. I really wish it mimicked the Android version, or had the capability to as an option. Do not like the native keyboard layout at all. It's clumsy, IMO. OTOH: Keypresses stay showing much longer than on any Android device I've owned. They're actually useful.

The stock keyboard isn't very good. Sounds like you have the 3rd party keyboard issues everyone else does. I wonder if this is another thing they could fix in iOS11?

Still happy about the switch? Looks like Apple dropped an update last night that fixes roughly 40 security vulnerabilities.

 

[Old Stoneface]

Yeah, Apple's file system is a huge complaint from almost everyone. Not sure if it's a security thing or just outdated software.

Security thing, I expect. Data files are sandboxed according to their ostensible use.

Have you tried Apple's version of widgets?

Not yet.

I was curious about that. It seems like you have to press pretty hard.

You mean to make it work? Or to (eventually) break it? You don't have to mash on it to activate.

Re: Buying Lightning cables...

That thought makes me cringe.

Eh *shrug*. I almost had to do the same when I briefly considered a Nexus 5.

The stock keyboard isn't very good. Sounds like you have the 3rd party keyboard issues everyone else does.

The stock keyboard is "just ok." Nothing wrong with it, per se. It's just a keyboard that doesn't do anything special.

Here's something interesting, though: I don't know whether it's an update or whether Gboard works differently on tablet vs. phone, but, my phone keyboard works like the one did on my Moto G.

Still happy about the switch? Looks like Apple dropped an update last night that fixes roughly 40 security vulnerabilities.

I don't know as "happy" defines it, exactly. "Satisfied" would be closer, sometimes verging on "pleased." It almost doesn't matter. Android was going to have to go, regardless. The only question was whether I'd stick with any smartphone at all.

Yeah: I got that update right not long after I got home from getting the SIM for it.

 

[Golfdriver97]

My favourite weather app, Weather Bug, is available ad-free on iOS... at $3/year recurring! I don't think so.

I think what you are seeing, in regard to fewer free apps in the App Store, is developers trying to recoup expenses of being a developer for Apple. Apple charges $99 annually, where Google has a one time fee of $25.