It is rather unusual to hear of Samsung being uncertain about a shiny new feature it has in the backburner, but that is rumored to be the case here. The manufacturer is said to have a new service ready that collects contextual user data but is unsure whether it should actually release it to the public.
This new service is called Context and its purpose it to give app developers the tools to access data from various sources like location, sensors, or search results. These pieces of information can then be used to deliver personalized content or suggestions based on the user’s location or habits. Given the rising interest in these types of smart apps and services, it almost seems normal that Samsung would want to take a whack at it as well.
However, this Context service might be delayed or may even be shelved because Samsung isn’t sure whether it will be worth making it available at all. There seems to be some contention that this new feature won’t really add anything substantial to the company’s mobile business in the long run. Privacy concerns aside, there is a growing number of smart apps, smart launcher, and smart covers, not to mention virtual personal assistants, that it seems strange that Samsung is considering not jumping on board.
One other theory, far-fetched as it may be, revolves around Samsung’s recent pact with Google. While the public reason for its renewed relationship with the Android maker is over patents, there is already some talk about Google trying to rein Samsung from taking its Android version too far astray. This refers mostly to Samsung’s customizations that, while sometimes useful or interesting, sometimes make Android almost invisible. It might be strange, however, to see this being applied to the rumored Context service, but we are, of course, not privy to such behind the scenes discussions. That said, Samsung’s Context is not exactly revolutionary and users might appreciate one less thing that attempts to monitor their lives.
VIA: The Verge
Update [March 12, 2015], I have been sifting through bloatware and features to completely uninstall and I have come across “Context Service 2.0.3” so they clearly decided to go with it. Couldn’t find an updated article on the matter so thought I’d share. I completely removed it and have had no negative repercussions from doing so. I personally keep away from every ‘anonymous data collecting’ as I don’t trust them entirely.