Have you ever noticed that if you install Gmail for mobile devices on your BlackBerry it tries to access your BlackBerry’s phone logs?
Darren Albers has.
Anyone care to venture why Google’s email client needs such access? I don’t remember this prompt from when I first installed it, however, I am sure that I would have blown right passed it without really reading it anyway.
Way to be observant Darren…
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Derek 03.19.07 at 2:11 pm
I can’t say I’ve noticed this prompt. I believe I may have allowed Gmail Mobile free reign access to anything it needed on my BlackBerry during the initial install. However, on a similar note, I’m a little perplexed as to why I am unable to dial phone numbers from Gmail Mobile emails directly (like I am in text messages).
My take on the matter Google is trying to gather just a little bit more information on its users. Maybe an added feature later down the road which includes cross referencing messages with previously called contacts? Maybe Gmail mobile addressbook integration?
TZ 03.19.07 at 4:11 pm
Not sure why they need this kind of access, but do we no longer trust the company that promised to “do no evil” ?
Jason 03.19.07 at 6:53 pm
GMail is invoking Phone.getActiveCall(), which returns null when there is no call. It’s part of determining when there is likely to be a network connection.
If you click “No” to the security prompt, GMail will crash, and you can see the stacktrace in the Event Log (Alt-LGLG from the ribbon)
http://www.blackberry.com/developers/docs/4.2api/net/rim/blackberry/api/phone/Phone.html#getActiveCall()
Stinsonddog 03.21.07 at 1:18 pm
The reason for that is so that you can make calls from numbers embedded in emails. If you have not accepted it properly go into options, applications, modules and reset the firewall prompts.
Richard 04.16.07 at 1:03 pm
The problem is that it doen’t catch the exception if you don’t allow the access, and GMail dies.
simon Ramson 06.18.08 at 5:31 pm
please when I try to open gmail web site,it reads a respond”secure connection not available”CLICK HERE to continue.But when I click,it reads the same respond again.I contacted my service provider they reply the error is not from their link.
PLEASE HOW CAN I ACTIVATE A SECURE CONNECTION?
my mobile number is 00233277074750.
Thank you.
simon Ramson 06.18.08 at 5:35 pm
Please how can I subscribe Gmail packet data on my phone?