Verizon Wireless is testing a new search tool on select Android handsets over the next few weeks. The tool, called Appflash, is developed by Evie and looks to be a replacement for Google Now.
AppFlash will serve as the device’s default launcher, or essential home screen experience. AppFlash takes over the left home screen of the Android device it is install on, where it will present a search tool for movies, music, restaurants, apps, as well as on-device content.
AppFlash will offer recommendations based on user preferences, which it will learn over time. In order for it to do that, AppFlash will collect a fair amount of user data.
According to the company’s privacy policy, AppFlash will collect “your mobile number, device identifiers, device type and operating system, and information about the AppFlash features and services you use and your interactions with them.”
The app will also see awhat apps are installed on the device, location data, and contacts.
Verizon insists the information is used to improve the AppFlash user experience, but the info may also be shared with “Verizon other firms,” such as AOL for advertising purposes.
Verizon notes that users can prevent AppFlash from collecting location and contact information, as well as opt-out of certain targeted advertisements, but they won’t be able to stop the app from collating basic data points.
