When we are enjoying the convenient of smart phone, our personal data are revealed in the big data era at the same time. According to the reports of The New York Times, we can know some android games are secretly using your microphone to track your TV habits for better ads. More details available in the following contents. BTW, you can also get professional app rank boosting service here. 

The Times says that it identified more than 250 games on the Google Play Store that include just one specific type of software for monitoring users’TV habits. It's from a company known as Alphonso, and the apps that include it — the ones that disclose it, at least — often don't make what they're doing particularly clear. Most apps seem to hide their disclosure in their description, beneath a “read more” button.

Yet these apps, once downloaded onto a smartphone, have the ability to keep tabs on the viewing habits of their users — some of whom may be children — even when the games aren't being played. The report mentions a company named Alphonso, which is allegedly using this type of spying tool/software. There also appears to be some confusion regarding the exact functioning and the role of the said software. And surprisingly, most apps seem to hide this inclusion within the description.

The game developer has also reportedly agreed on tracking TV viewership details. The research has also revealed that the Federal Trade Commission had warned companies about the similar behavior in the past. The NYT has also stated that some of these apps continue to monitor a phone’s microphone even after they're shut down. 

And while most of these apps appeared to be on the Android platform, the report also mentions that that some similar apps are seen Apple’s App Store as well. Both the alleged Apple and Google apps request for microphone access so users have to grant permission before the app can be used.

Alphonso refuses to disclose a list of what apps and games are using its software for this purpose. Although Alphonso announced its software doesn't listen to “human voice”, users think it's creepy to track TV habits. Stay tuned more related news. Besides that, our top app store optimization services can be helpful to increase your app rank. Your deserve the best ASO service!