Samsung may be interested in collecting user data from its devices as well, part of a “Context” service that will allow third-party services to offer targeted features to a mobile user based on what that person likes, The Information reports. Unlike Google and Facebook, which collect plenty of user data to deliver better ads to their customers, Samsung may use the Context features on mobile devices to improve app experiences.
Samsung would collect “what a person types, what apps they use, and what data their phone’s sensors pick up.“ However, it’s not clear when such a service will launch, as it has apparently been delayed by “disagreements over whether it would actually help Samsung sell more smartphones,” according to The Verge.
The Information has also confirmed a previous report that Google wasn’t happy with Samsung’s current customization of Android, revealing an unknown detail about their negotiations. Apparently the two giants met on the matter a day before Lenovo’s Motorola acquisition was made official by Google.
It’s not clear though what role Context will play into Samsung’s future, and whether it will have anything to do with Google’s and Samsung’s recently announced partnership. However, we shouldn’t be surprised that yet another giant corporation wants to know more details about its customers. Ironically though, a fresh Galaxy S5 teaser suggested that the handset will offer better privacy features, which contradicts the Context-related report.
