The Firefly 2 vaporizer

[Copacetic]

Yeah, assuming that FF isn't planning anything nefarious with your private data is fine as long as you trust them to that extent.
But do you really trust them to defend and preserve the privacy of that data without flaw?
If companies lose credit card details then it's no great leap of the imagination to consider that FF might be hacked in the same way.
Or perhaps FF will be required to release this data to president Trumps newly formed weed extermination drug warriors.

Sorry, marginally loony conspiracy theories there, but not completely outside the realms of possibility (even prez Trump)

Why risk anything at all?
I mean, what benefit does FF's knowledge of your location etc bring you?

I'm reasonably confident however that any half smart company would remove the requirement for any data gathering from an app like this before a proper launch of their device, as I imagine it's bound to hurt sales to some degree.

This can't be a deliberate policy can it?

 

[Jack Sprat]

Yeah, assuming that FF isn't planning anything nefarious with your private data is fine as long as you trust them to that extent.
But do you really trust them to defend and preserve the privacy of that data without flaw?
If companies lose credit card details then it's no great leap of the imagination to consider that FF might be hacked in the same way.
Or perhaps FF will be required to release this data to president Trumps newly formed weed extermination drug warriors.

Sorry, marginally loony conspiracy theories there, but not completely outside the realms of possibility (even prez Trump)

Why risk anything at all?
I mean, what benefit does FF's knowledge of your location etc bring you?

I'm reasonably confident however that any half smart company would remove the requirement for any data gathering from an app like this before a proper launch of their device, as I imagine it's bound to hurt sales to some degree.

This can't be a deliberate policy can it?

You'd be surprised at how many people don't pay any attention to the permissions the apps they install ask for.

 

[Slow Draw McGraw]

I may sound like a jerk, but I would like to be compensated if my data is to be used. Nothing in life is free. Including my data. FF can PM me here for your monthly fees...

 

[mitchgo61]

The other pemissions are normal bluetooth/network access. Search for "firefly vapor" on the Play store, it should be the first hit.

The iOS app, at least the one I've been using for the past six weeks, requires no permissions. None. Including location services. Doesn't even show up in the app list in Settings.

EDIT: I just updated with the released version of the iOS app, and I can confirm that it also requires no permission whatsoever and doesn't use location services.

 

[b0]

To be honest, I hope they change it because if not I'm not gonna use it. That app only need permision to conect to our FF using wireless conection, that's all.

If they're doing this is because they want our data for something. I wasn't expecting this from a brand like FireFly, really disapointed right now and not sure anymore if buying it or not...

Just think about it guys, why would they take the time (money) to make the app able to take all that data from our phone if they not gonna take something in exchange?

 

[darkrom]

The iOS app, at least the one I've been using for the past six weeks, requires no permissions. None. Including location services. Doesn't even show up in the app list in Settings.

EDIT: I just updated with the released version of the iOS app, and I can confirm that it also requires no permission whatsoever and doesn't use location services.

Most likely sloppy development or something and not something nafarious. Rather than speculate I'll just email the devs now.

 

[mitchgo61]

To be honest, I hope they change it because if not I'm not gonna use it. That app only need permision to conect to our FF using wireless conection, that's all.

If they're doing this is because they want our data for something. I wasn't expecting this from a brand like FireFly, really disapointed right now and not sure anymore if buying it or not...

Just think about it guys, why would they take the time (money) to make the app able to take all that data from our phone if they not gonna take something in exchange?

OK for once in my life I have some concrete data. I got a chance to ask FF about this.

1. It's an Android thing. Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) cannot be enabled without location permissions in Android 6.
2. FF isn't using location in the app itself, or logging any data. It's strictly a handshake thing between droid 6 and BT LE.
3. This re-confirms that ios is "permission-less".

I have some screen shots of the ios app that I will post soon, once I get my dogs fed.

 

[darkrom]

OK for once in my life I have some concrete data. I got a chance to ask FF about this.

1. It's an Android thing. Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) cannot be enabled without location permissions in Android 6.
2. FF isn't using location in the app itself, or logging any data. It's strictly a handshake thing between droid 6 and BT LE.
3. This re-confirms that ios is "permission-less".

I have some screen shots of the ios app that I will post soon, once I get my dogs fed.

Just finished emailing them but this is the kind of thing I expected. If anyone is not satisfied I urge you to do your own packet sniffing. Then we avoid needless speculation.

 

[perennialflare]

OK for once in my life I have some concrete data. I got a chance to ask FF about this.

1. It's an Android thing. Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) cannot be enabled without location permissions in Android 6.
2. FF isn't using location in the app itself, or logging any data. It's strictly a handshake thing between droid 6 and BT LE.
3. This re-confirms that ios is "permission-less".

I have some screen shots of the ios app that I will post soon, once I get my dogs fed.

For once it feels good to be corrected! Still, my anxiety dictates I'll probably download it on my hand-me-down ipad so I don't have to give permission. Thanks for asking for us!

 

[b0]

OK for once in my life I have some concrete data. I got a chance to ask FF about this.

1. It's an Android thing. Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) cannot be enabled without location permissions in Android 6.
2. FF isn't using location in the app itself, or logging any data. It's strictly a handshake thing between droid 6 and BT LE.
3. This re-confirms that ios is "permission-less".

I have some screen shots of the ios app that I will post soon, once I get my dogs fed.

Just checked online and that's true, you need GPS "on" to use BT LE. Really weird Google...

Some links:

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/...-bluetooth-low-energy-scanning-on-android-6-0

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/...an-with-android-6-0-does-not-discover-devices

 

[darkrom]

I'm just thrilled we don't have to bust out this bad boy.

 

[perennialflare]

I'm just thrilled we don't have to bust out this bad boy.

nice lol

in my defense, I've never downloaded an app that needed bluetooth before, and in my limited technological knowledge, it seems really weird to need that. Still, we can all direct our annoyances at google instead. Now the app is back in the "kind of annoying but w/e" category for me

 

[mitchgo61]

iOS app (released version) screen shots....

Just checked online and that's true, you need GPS "on" to use BT LE. Really weird Google...

Some links:

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/...-bluetooth-low-energy-scanning-on-android-6-0

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/...an-with-android-6-0-does-not-discover-devices

Yes I looked at those links before posting. (You didn't think I was making that up, did you? ) Chalk one up for iOS.

I'm just thrilled we don't have to bust out this bad boy.

We might've busted it out a little.

 

[marduk]

For once it feels good to be corrected! Still, my anxiety dictates I'll probably download it on my hand-me-down ipad so I don't have to give permission. Thanks for asking for us!

Heh. I just downloaded to an older phone running Android 5.1 and the FF2 app still needs location permissions. So it's not just a problem for Android 6+. But since FF is not storing or transmitting any location data, it's not a big deal...

 

[studmuffin]

I myself trust the two dudes who created this marvelous machine. I do not believe for one second that they have any nefarious impulses/plots to subrogate my privacy. In fact, boys and girls, the Firefly team has a standing invitation to join me in my home for High Tea. With cakes. Foshizzle.

 

[darkrom]

Someone harvesting data wants a broad audience. This is a VERY niche market.

This beats the moon landing conspiracy for me. That they wanted the user data all along, so they happened to design the best tasting vape ever as their cover

I love paranoia but I have none with firefly. Besides they already have much more valuable personal data from purchases from their store, warranty claim etc. They are trust worthy IMO.

 

[b0]

Yes I looked at those links before posting. (You didn't think I was making that up, did you? ) Chalk one up for iOS.

Of course not, just wanted to share it with the rest of the forum

 

[Copacetic]

Someone harvesting data wants a broad audience. This is a VERY niche market.

This beats the moon landing conspiracy for me. That they wanted the user data all along, so they happened to design the best tasting vape ever as their cover

I love paranoia but I have none with firefly. Besides they already have much more valuable personal data from purchases from their store, warranty claim etc. They are trust worthy IMO.

Nah, worries about FF themselves aren't the point for me (I have no reason to be suspicious of their motives), I just don't trust an app that gathers data that doesn't pertain to the use of the device in question.

It's a shame that FF are forced to require these permissions when they have nothing to do with using a vape.

Those of us not tech savvy enough to 'sniff packets' might still be suspicious (not necessarily of FF).

Perfectly trustworthy companies have lost data to both criminals, and gov' agencies.

It's entirely possible for me (and others) to take measures to mitigate any percieved, or real risk, but none of them are convenient, and that may affect some peoples enthusiasm for the device.

How many? I don't think any of us know that.

 

[Mr. Me2]

I reached out to ff and they sent me their privacy policy...

NWT Holdings, LLC (d/b/a “Firefly”) Privacy Policy



Thanks for using www.thefirefly.com’s app! Here we describe how we collect, use and handle your information when you use our application and services ("Services").



What & Why



It is Firefly’s policy to ask for as little personally-identifiable information as possible. Our mission is not to collect and mine your data. When you download our app, we may initially collect information such as your name, email and phone number. This information is captured for product registration purposes only.

We don’t use persistent cookies, nor do we collect location data or any identifiers associated with your mobile device.



Finally, we do not share data with any 3rd party sites, period.





Retention



We'll retain any information for as long as we need it to provide you the Services. If you delete your account, we'll also delete this information but please note: there might be some latency in deleting this information from our servers and back-up storage.





Links



When you click on links in our app, you may be directed to www.thefirefly.com which may, at times, track traffic referral sources. None of the limited information we collect to register your product will be sent to our website, nor any other website.





Age of Consent



By using this app, you represent that you are at least 18 years of age.





Changes



We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time, and will post the most current version on our website. If a revision meaningfully reduces your rights, we will notify you.





Contact



Have questions or concerns about Firefly, our Services and privacy? Contact us at privacy@thefirefly.com.

 

[Jack Sprat]

Someone harvesting data wants a broad audience. This is a VERY niche market.

This beats the moon landing conspiracy for me. That they wanted the user data all along, so they happened to design the best tasting vape ever as their cover

I love paranoia but I have none with firefly. Besides they already have much more valuable personal data from purchases from their store, warranty claim etc. They are trust worthy IMO.

There is nothing remotely conspiracy theory related in questioning what information a tech company is collecting about you in 2016.

 

[Tickdickler]

I'm sorry if this has been discussed before, its very late where I am and I can't dedicate the time to read through 17 pages.

I really think there needs to be an upgrade program from the FF1 like Haze has done. The FF1 has a hefty price tag. Its only been about 2 years since the first model came out. I have gone through 3 replacements and my 3rd broke after a month and I know I'm not alone here on that. I really like the FF1 when it works but I'm tired of mailing it in. Also my latest unit made a popping noise when I was inhaling through it and I got a taste of burnt electronics. That one did this after a month of casual use since I have many other vapes. I really want the FF2 but I'm not shelling out $280+ for it because of my experience with the FF1.

 

[Jack Sprat]

I'm sorry if this has been discussed before, its very late where I am and I can't dedicate the time to read through 17 pages.

I really think there needs to be an upgrade program from the FF1 like Haze has done. The FF1 has a hefty price tag. Its only been about 2 years since the first model came out. I have gone through 3 replacements and my 3rd broke after a month and I know I'm not alone here on that. I really like the FF1 when it works but I'm tired of mailing it in. Also my latest unit made a popping noise when I was inhaling through it and I got a taste of burnt electronics. That one did this after a month of casual use since I have many other vapes. I really want the FF2 but I'm not shelling out $280+ for it because of my experience with the FF1.

As they seem to be positioning themselves as the Apple of vapes I highly doubt that they will dilute their premium price structure by offering upgrades. Just take a look at how tight they keep their sales and pricing structure.

 

[Tickdickler]

As they seem to be positioning themselves as the Apple of vapes I highly doubt that they will dilute their premium price structure by offering upgrades. Just take a look at how tight they keep their sales and pricing structure.

I know it is a long shot but maybe if enough people contacted them about this it could happen. I really want to like Firefly as a company as much as I once did. I still really like the device...when it works . I will eventually mail my broken one in but I'm in no rush.

 

[RobDaBomb]

Did anybody find out why the Firefly app asks for permission to use Photos/Media/Files too?? Maybe I missed it but I didn't see an explanation for why Google required that for bluetooth.

Not saying that I have a problem with it though, just curious.

 

[snamuh]

Did anybody find out why the Firefly app asks for permission to use Photos/Media/Files too?? Maybe I missed it but I didn't see an explanation for why Google required that for bluetooth.

Not saying that I have a problem with it though, just curious.

I'm guessing to save the settings.