Privacy Related Warning to Android Phone Users Re Kit Kat 4.4

After connecting android phone (Samsung Galaxy) to computer, got notification that there is FIRMWARE UPGRADE for my device. Turns out it was not spam, but in-fact a real Google-issued, Samsung distributed 'update' and 'upgrade.' Its legit and pretty polished piece of software. Slick. BUT...

WARNING: THIS NEW SOFTWARE IS FIRST TIME THAT GOOGLE, BY DEFAULT, MAKES YOUR GOOGLE+ ACCOUNT (Hangouts) the DEFAULT APP for handling your SMS (text messages).

Thus, if you have been using a GOOGLE VOICE number as your 'burner' or 'hobby' phone AND you install Android 4.4, then someone could search your google voice number and find your Gmail and Google+ page/profile.

Many a Jane Provider and Bob Hobby have used GOOGLE VOICE for calls and texts instead of their civvie phone. IF you install Kit Kat 4.4 (most recent upgrade) it may affect your privacy.

Have not done extensive testing rather aborted the upgrade for now. Other people knowledgeable about this please offer consoling words, a workaround or a sterner warning than this?

19Trees

I'm not sure how this plays in with the firmware upgrade, but if you are using a Gmail account make sure you disable Google+ because it alone is a threat to your privacy.

There's no reason you cannot change the default messaging app on your phone.
It's true, Google is pushing Hangouts on its users....but still, it is not required.

I don't like Google Hangouts at all.

I like it and use it, but I feel like Google is sitting on my shoulder following me around. jeeeze.... they monitor what I buy, what I search, who I contact.... it's fucking scary! I am afraid to do my update... lol

Haha, and that is their intention.
I've read that Hangouts is going to replace google voice eventually, which would suck.

I like it and use it, but I feel like Google is sitting on my shoulder following me around. jeeeze.... they monitor what I buy, what I search, who I contact.... it's fucking scary! I am afraid to do my update... lol Originally Posted by Holly Love

i use HO all the time and been using it. Its no different than Apples iMessages.....chat app internal to apple. Yes google has gotten smarter and tying to simplify you using multiple apps to do the same thing. One app and read it all.....i personally like mine separate so i keep it that way. family and close friends can message me and everyone else text. HO is tied to Google+ but not the voice. You just have to check people.

No different when myspace had their chat apps and phone linkage or facebook and twitter. Just remember what ever you do, the more linked the better chances you will be found out about.

My Google Voice is tied to my business-only Gmail account, with no connection to my personal one. I haven't found a way to disable Google+ but I don't use it and have the privacy settings ramped up as high as possible.