Are you that type of person who always holds their phones, takes pictures, record videos, etc.? If yes, here's a warning for you. There are apps on your phone that could be listening or recording your camera or microphone contents, without you knowing. Luckily, an iOS 14 app is now heading to Android to fix this problem. Meet the app called 'Access Dots.'
What is 'Access Dots'?
Last month, Apple announced an iOS 14 free app that allows its users to know whether someone secretly records their mic or camera. It was one of the standouts among other apps introduced in the launching. However, it's only available for iPhone users at the time.
Now, Android Police and The Next Web reported that Android users can now have access to the app, 'Access Dots.' As explained, this app monitors the usage of all your downloaded apps on your phone. Whether its a gaming or a telecommunication app, 'Access Dots' can identify which among them is a 'Peeping Tom.'
Here's how it works. When you downloaded the app, your phone will automatically show a glowing dot at the top of your screen. This is the identifier, whether your phone is compromised or not. Like in the iOS, an orange indicator means someone is accessing your mic, and the color green is for the camera access.
Once you see it at the top, check all your currently-used or remaining apps immediately, and you can identify which among them uses your mic or camera, without your permission.
Here's its difference between iOS and Android
Although the Access Dots is now available on Android, there are still minor differences with its application to iOS and Android phone users.
In iOS 14, the app is not technically an app, but a part of the new iPhone's software. But with Android users, it is a downloadable app that will show the little circle identifier on the screen, not on the status bar itself.
You also have an option to make the circle bigger or smaller, as you prefer. Or even change the colors for the camera and mic, just in case you've lost track. However, these changes will cause charges ranging from $2.50 to $27.
How many apps track your info
Privacy is a very sensitive issue between consumers and tech companies. Despite that, there are still tons of applications out there that illegally track your info, images, and documents.
New York Times reported in 2018 that at least 75 companies receive user's info like location through devices.
Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, said companies should inform their users whenever they secretly access their accounts.
"It's not right to have consumers kept in the dark about how their data is sold and shared and then leave them unable to do anything about it," he added.
