Permissions

This post describes, defines, and discusses the permissions that need to be granted in order to install Speech2RTT®.

Android permissions are simultaneously an Android accessibility app developer’s best friend and worst enemy. Some of the best accessibility apps available, from the most reputable accessibility app developers, need what some may deem “unnecessary permissions.” At the same time, concerns surrounding the negative impacts of spyware and malware sometimes make permission requests needed before installing a new app a scary experience.

If such is the case for you, ask yourself the following questions when installing one of the apps:

  1. Is this app from a trustworthy developer?
  2. Does the developer explain to me why they need the permissions being asked for?

By the way, if we peaked your interest, and you’d like to check an apps’ permissions before you install it, here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to Google Play;
  2. Lookup any app;
  3. Scroll down to “ADDITIONAL INFORMATION;”
  4. Under “Permissions” click on “View Details;”

Speech2RTT® Communicator’s permission requests are as follows:

  • Access Contacts: Enable users to select the contact listing of the individuals they wish to communicate with, from their contact list;
  • Send and View SMS Messages: Enables users to validate and link their phone number to the services being offered by Speech2RTT® Communicator.
  • Access a devices location: Enables our system to automatically validate the country code preceding your phone number.
  • Record Audio: In the Android world, capturing sound audio for any purpose is called “Record Audio.” Unfortunately, there’s no way to change this wording, although we’d like to. 🙂 This permission is necessary in order to provide Speech2RTT® Communicator access to your microphone so that you can use our speech recognition and transcription services. We are not recording your audio. For more detail please click this link.

Interesting Fact:

Just so that you are aware, many, highly popular, Android apps require “Record Audio” permission in order for them to work. Here are but few examples:

  • Amazon Alexa
  • Amazon Fire TV Remote
  • Amazon Music
  • Amazon Shopping
  • Badoo
  • Facebook
  • Firefox Browser
  • Google Chrome
  • Google Translate
  • Google Voice
  • Google+
  • Hangouts
  • Instagram
  • Maps
  • Messenger
  • Netflix
  • Pandora Radio for TV
  • Skype
  • Snapchat
  • SoundHound
  • Twitter
  • Waze
  • WhatsApp
  • YouTube
  • And the list goes on and on…

Want to check the permissions you granted to the apps currently installed on your Android device?

We suggest using “PermissionDog.” It lists all the applications you have installed and checks out what permissions each app is using. Note: We are not being paid for endorcing, no have we any interest in, PermissionDog. We just love the app and the valuable information it provides to Android users!

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