The developer of a series of Android wallpaper apps whose work was called into question last week over security concerns has been cleared by Google and is back in the Android Market.
We're only a week removed from the Android security saga that began at the Black Hat conference, and it looks like we have resolution that should put some of your fears at ease. It all started when Kevin MaHaffey, CTO of security firm Lookout, singled out Android wallpaper app developer "jackeey,wallpaper" and called it "a questionable Android mobile wallpaper app that collects your personal data and sends it to a mysterious site in China, (and) has been downloaded millions of times." VentureBeat was there and ran with the story, under the scary headline "Android wallpaper app that takes your data was downloaded by millions."
Later that day, Lookout amended its initial concerns, saying "there is no evidence of malicious behavior," though the data the apps were collected remained "suspicious." VentureBeat updated its story, which by this time was spreading like wildfire.
We contacted the developer, who explained that the data was collected "so I use the these to identify the device, so they can favorite the wallpapers more conveniently, and resume his favorites after system resetting or changing the phone." In other words, to remember user preferences. We published the developer's response in its entirety last Thursday.
That brings us to today. Google stepped in and took a look at things. And it found that indeed the apps weren't malicious or a threat to security, telling Computer World's JR Raphael "The developer's applications have been reviewed and the suspension has been lifted." The Android team did, however, point out to the developer that the method in which it was storing user preferences was unnecessary.
So in the end, this was a case of bad coding, not malicious intent. What can be done about this in the future? It'd be great if there were some sort of system to inspect apps before they hit the Market. Maybe not with walls as high as the app store, but something to check basic security and functionality up front. We're all about the Android Market being open to all. But with Android and the Android Market growing as quickly as they are, caveat emptor may not be the best policy any more. [Venture Beat, Computer World]
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Galaxy S10 starts receiving stable One UI 3.0 (Android 11) update in India
Samsung today started rolling out the stable One UI 3.0 update to its Galaxy S10 series phones. While the update is currently rolling out only in Switzerland, it is expected to become available globally by the end of the month.

Android Central's Best of CES 2021
Android Central presents its list of favorites from this year's CES 2021! From real products to concepts, these are some of our favorite devices that we thought deserved a shout out for their innovation.

An $800 Galaxy S21 is impressive — except in a world with the S20 FE
Samsung's new Galaxy S21 offers a ton of specs and features for just $800, but in a world where we still have the Galaxy S20 FE, does it even really matter?

These photo printers make it easy to print from your Android phone
Do you want to be able to print photos directly from your Android phone? Well, now it's easier than ever and we have found the best photo printers to choose from in 2021.