[LINK] Question about the app: must location be turned on in order for Bluetooth to work?

[Kim Holburn]

https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/connectivity/bluetooth

> Bluetooth permissions
> 
> In order to use Bluetooth features in your application, you must declare two permissions. The first of these is BLUETOOTH. You need this permission to perform any Bluetooth communication, such as requesting a connection, accepting a connection, and transferring data.
> 
> The other permission that you must declare is ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION. Your app needs this permission because a Bluetooth scan can be used to gather information about the location of the user. This information may come from the user's own devices, as well as Bluetooth beacons in use at locations such as shops and transit facilities.
>
> Alternatively, on devices running Android 8.0 (API level 26) and higher, you can use the CompanionDeviceManager to perform a scan of nearby companion devices on behalf of your app without requiring the location permission. For more on this option, see Companion device pairing.

Companion devices are not relevant here. I'm pretty sure
access_fine_location requires location permission.



On 2020/05/4 10:00 pm, Roger Clarke wrote:
> On 4/5/20 5:41 pm, jwhit at internode.on.net wrote:
>>   I just read a CQU review of the App where the writer said:
>> "In regards to enabling location permissions, it’s important to note
>> this isn’t the same as turning on-location services. Location
>> permissions must be enabled for COVIDSafe to access Bluetooth on
>> Androidand Apple devices."
>> So, despite the app not collecting location data, other apps that
>> would like it but you don't want them to will be?
> 
> That sounds inaccurate.  As in 'partly right, but not as written'.
> 
> Can you point to the source?
> 
> Most posters have been pretty careful and precise up until now.
> 
> Misinformation from sceptics *as well as* enthusiasts won't help anyone.

-- 
Kim Holburn
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