Samsung botches 'Find My Mobile' test, sends users '1' notification worldwide
A large number of Samsung smartphone owners around the world discovered a mysterious message on their devices overnight, a notification that the company admits was part of an internal test gone wrong.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, a new model recently launched by the company featuring a flexible display.
On Thursday morning, a contingent of Samsung Galaxy smartphone users discovered a notification was sent to their devices by Samsung. The push notification, as part of the company's Find My Mobile system, displayed the short message of the number "1" on smartphone screens.
It is unclear how many users were affected by the mysterious message, but indications show it was sent to as many users as possible via the Samsung device relocation service. What is known is that it is not limited to just a single country, with users around the world advising on social media of the message's appearance on their devices.
Along with providing a single character as the entire message, tapping the notification did nothing, when usually the action would take users to the relevant app. In some cases, users claimed the Find My Mobile app used a considerable amount of battery, though again with no indication for why it occurred.
Samsung told Yonhap News the message was sent as part of an "internal test," the message has "no effect on the customer's smartphone," and that it is "sorry for the inconvenience."
A similar advisement was made on Samsung's support forums via a "care ambassador" for the company ahead of the statement's release, with the poster believing it was a test to prove that "services are working."
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, a new model recently launched by the company featuring a flexible display.
On Thursday morning, a contingent of Samsung Galaxy smartphone users discovered a notification was sent to their devices by Samsung. The push notification, as part of the company's Find My Mobile system, displayed the short message of the number "1" on smartphone screens.
It is unclear how many users were affected by the mysterious message, but indications show it was sent to as many users as possible via the Samsung device relocation service. What is known is that it is not limited to just a single country, with users around the world advising on social media of the message's appearance on their devices.
Why did my Samsung give me a Find My Mobile notification that just said 1 1? pic.twitter.com/BqSEFwkuA1
--(@SketchShiba)
Along with providing a single character as the entire message, tapping the notification did nothing, when usually the action would take users to the relevant app. In some cases, users claimed the Find My Mobile app used a considerable amount of battery, though again with no indication for why it occurred.
Samsung told Yonhap News the message was sent as part of an "internal test," the message has "no effect on the customer's smartphone," and that it is "sorry for the inconvenience."
A similar advisement was made on Samsung's support forums via a "care ambassador" for the company ahead of the statement's release, with the poster believing it was a test to prove that "services are working."
Comments
Sounds familiar doesn't it?
Google and Apple would necessarily have to know on an OS level for push notifications and firmware/software updates as well as activation of certain services such as emergency reporting of a car crash or whatever. Apple for example may disable or modify specific features as you move between regions which may not allow an otherwise common function, something Google also does. Many (most? all?) other OEM's also have a direct connection to their devices, ie OnePlus, LG, Motorola for various fixes/security updates and notifications.
The cell providers of course know where you are at all times and some apps you use will also regularly record your location.
While you can entirely opt-out of the OS-level location services as long as you can deal with the inherent use(lessness) problems in doing so I'm not aware of how to easily disable the carriers knowing the location of your phone. I'm sure with enough time, effort and knowledge you can cover your tracks for the most part but it's not for the common user. That's what burner phones are for, not a personal one.
A joke maybe?