Would you like some adware on your BlackBerry? - BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community

daphne · **OS:** 4.7.1.40

I noticed on the Verizon homepage on my device yesterday there is a link for something called SIDEBAR. I did a litte investigating and found some info.

digital SIDEBAR white space is content space with mobile advertising platform | => Mobile Mage (mobilemage.com) | Mobile reviews and news

Quote:

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 18, 2008 — digital SIDEBAR, a leading provider in the mobile advertising and content discovery sector, today announced the launch of the SIDEBAR platform. SIDEBAR allows for the delivery of targeted content to white space on the screens of users’ mobile phones before and after calls and with incoming and outgoing SMS notifications.

SIDEBAR, which will soon be launched in a national consumer pilot with a major U.S. carrier, connects wireless operators, advertisers and content developers with mobile consumers. Content includes promotions which link to interactive and multimedia entertainment. SIDEBAR enables targeting of content to users by age, gender, interests, use patterns, day and time; and SIDEBAR’s “share” feature allows users to forward content to other mobile consumers, one-to-one and one-to-many.

More in the article. I found the app's website.

Digital Sidebar Home

Note it says:

Quote:

digital SIDEBAR is at the forefront of innovation offering an end-to-end solution for mobile advertising, promotion and content discovery. The company's patent-pending solution, SIDEBAR™, connects wireless operators, advertisers and content developers with mobile consumers. Targeted content is displayed to users before and after calls, with incoming and outgoing SMS notifications, and application launch. Users can interact with content at the time it is displayed or later, during leisure time. SIDEBAR is a highly personalized interactive channel for promotions, content, coupons and special offers. Consumers receive SIDEBAR content at exactly the right time - prime time - while they are engaged.

(emphasis mine)

Also:
Advertisers

Quote:

This highly sophisticated system enables targeting by demographic, psychographic, users' expressed preferences, historical use patterns, day, time and geography

So, what does that mean, besides it's going to put ads on your device?

The info on the Verizon SIDEBAR page says:

"Content, including your wireless phone number, may be intercepted by third parties with or without your or our (referring to Verizon) knowledge or permission."

What is the definition of adware?

Adware - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Quote:

Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Some types of adware are also spyware and can be classified as privacy-invasive software.

SIDEBAR sure sounds like adware to me. It would be interesting to know exactly what else it intercepts besides your wireless phone number. Targeted advertising is generally based on browser patterns, but I have to wonder what else SIDEBAR is using to determine the targeted content.

Someone at Crackberry downloaded it and posted

Quote:

It replaces your call screen with some ad crap when you are in a call etc. I promptly uninstalled it and restarted my phone.

How freakin' annoying would that be!

Now, this sure sounds like adware to me, and you might even call it trackware, but it is not the same as a virus or trojan, so don't go around thinking that. It has to be installed willingly -- it doesn't sneak on to your device without your knowledge or permission.

What is the benefit of installing SIDEBAR? The Vzw page says you will be entered to win a Voyager phone and a one hundred dollar ($100) Verizon Wireless Gift Card. I don't know this, but I'm speculating that Verizon may be the "major US carrier" in the pilot program referred to in the first article above.

At any rate, I wouldn't be caught dead using SIDEBAR given that it intercepts your mobile phone number and heaven-knows-what-else happening on your device. I don't know if BES admins can block this app or not, but I could see it might be considered a security threat, and I'd block it if possible.

djm2 · 07-28-2008, 10:40 PM

Wirelessly posted

Good catch. I'm avoiding this like the plague!

d_fisher · 07-28-2008, 10:48 PM

Great information Daphne. Thanks for sharing it with everyone.

NickfromIL · 07-28-2008, 10:53 PM

Thanks Daphne!

NickfromIL · 07-28-2008, 10:54 PM

It sure isn't worth a Voyager and a $100 gift card to be enrolled in adware that will give out my #

rachamphetamine · 07-28-2008, 10:57 PM

Man, that's insane. Good eye, daphne.

styxgroupi · **OS:** v4.3.0.12

Wirelessly posted

Great find!!! If I wanted that "stuff" I would stay on computer... God knows there is plenty of sneaky stuff there! As that old tv show goes... Danger will robinson Danger.

raven71 · 07-28-2008, 11:01 PM

Wirelessly posted (8310 Curve)

Screw that and I hope ATT don't decide to pull that crap.
Imagine how slow things will become while trying to use the net.
They are going to have to pay me to look at that crap. Sure you need to install NOW, but sooner or later crap like this is going to be mandatory.
That's if people do not start and *****

Sith_Apprentice · 07-29-2008, 12:14 AM

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry 9000 4.6.0.67)

Only way to make it mandatory is service books and those can be deleted. Any other OS related install and I am sure someone will identify the offending file and remove it from the BBs at least. Other devices may not be so lucky.

daphne · 01:22 AM

I think I read it's going to be available for Windows Mobile and other platforms, but I can't find the link now, so I'm not sure. This company got $5 million in VC funding and it sounds like they are hoping to make it big. If I had a virtual BlackBerry, like my VMware virtual machines, I'd install it to see what it does. I thought about testing it, but I don't want them getting my mobile number.

I did not find any privacy policy on the site, but maye there is something like a privacy policy when you install it.

I forgot to say... the VZW page says its a data intensive application.

daphne · **OS:** 4.7.1.40

Oh, the reason I think it works on other platforms is on the vzw page, there are download links for BlackBerry, Smartphone, and PocketPC.

I also found this:

Official Rules

HOW TO ENTER:

Quote:

SIDEBAR download: If you are a Verizon Wireless subscriber, with the following devices, Blackberry 8130, Blackberry 8703, Blackberry 8830, Blackberry 8330, Moto Q/Q9M, SCH-i760, Fusion, Treo 700w/wx and XV6800 you may download the application at digital SIDEBAR. Verizon Wireless service is not available in all areas. SIDEBAR is a data intensive application. If you do not subscribe to a plan or feature that provides for unlimited data sent and received, you will, depending on your plan, incur charges of $1.99 per megabyte or airtime for downloading and using the application. It is recommended that you upgrade to a plan that provides for unlimited data sent and received if you wish to avoid such charges.

And this:
digital SIDEBAR

But still no privacy policy anywhere.

dasunst3r · 07-29-2008, 01:31 AM

If I'm paying for the equipment and service, there is absolutely no way that piece of **** is going on my phone!

raven71 · 07-29-2008, 01:50 AM

Wirelessly posted (8310 Curve)

So there you have it data intensive. You will be trying to get info you need. Instead this thing will be eating up the time trying to get that info.
On top of that your paying for it. With or with out a unlimited data plan. This knowing every move is getting crazy.
My friend has Progressive Insurance. They want him to try a module that will tell them how many miles he drives, how fast, how many times he applies his brakes.
They say it will save money on his Insurance. In reality he will get screwed if he does not drive the way they want him too.

To much intrusion in our lives and we need to stop this crap

squeff · 07-29-2008, 06:46 AM

And, yet, people happily use Viigo, which is adware... and getting even more so in Tango. :p

Other than the chance to get something, I wonder if there's an idea of this having any benefit to the end-user. I have to be honest, if there was a reason to use this program, I'd consider it. I wouldn't mind ads if, for example, it meant that I got a substantial discount on my plan.

squeff · 07-29-2008, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikeypants

But Viigo is free and the advertisements within it are easily ignored. It's not like the ads are popping-up each time you try and read a feed.

Just you wait.

ezrunner · 07-29-2008, 07:32 AM

Wirelessly posted (off to see the wizard)

Wow will we ever be able to escape ads!

Never gonna add something like this.

UncleMike · **OS:** 4.5.0.77

I've seen that on the home screen, but didn't think that much about it other than my initial reaction was that it was probably something I didn't want. Verizon claims to block access to the built-in GPS functionality for my own protection, yet they'll allow/encourage me to put THIS on my phone, knowing that it can gather personal data without their or my knowledge?! What a crock!

PaulMdx · 07-29-2008, 08:03 AM

I'm glad to see this technology has practically no user benefit, to the point where the company can't even be bothered to pitch it that way. That's good news, because it will almost certainly mean widespread user dissatisfaction, which should prevent this from becoming the norm.

Johnny909 · **OS:** 4.5.0.124

No thanks to any asware on my BB. I get enough of that on my daily visits to the BB forums.

Thanks for the info.
J

juwaack68 · 07-29-2008, 08:41 AM

Excellent catch, Daphne!

pshift · **OS:** 4.5.0.169

Thanks. Just noticed the SIDEBAR thingy over the weekend. VZW has a lot of nerve. But if enabling the SIDEBAR also enables the GPS, it may be worth it

wabbit · **OS:** 4.2.2.194

Quote:

Originally Posted by squeff

Just you wait.

i think you are missing the bigger picture,

as for viigo, its an 3rd party app. not your service provider dimein in from both ends.

hey you pay for service, hey they pay to put ads on my phones for my service.

their is a big difference from a 3rd party app doing ads on free ware apps, then the telco running ads for a service you pay for.

wabbit · **OS:** 4.2.2.194

as for vz this is like a new low they are stopping too.

daphne · **OS:** 4.7.1.40

Remember, this is just a pilot program for Verizon. There is no indication that SIDEBAR is part of Verizon or vice-versa, or that it will be promoted indefinitely. I assume, if it goes well, it will be marketed to other mobile carriers. Whether or not it goes well remains to be seen.

I really cannot imagine any mobile users appreciating a pop-up ad when they reach a new level on BrickBreaker, or when they get a phone call.

If the pilot program with Verizon does not go well for SIDEBAR, they may have to rethink their marketing tactics.

NickfromIL · 07-29-2008, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daphne

Remember, this is just a pilot program for Verizon. There is no indication that SIDEBAR is part of Verizon or vice-versa, or that it will be promoted indefinitely. I assume, if it goes well, it will be marketed to other mobile carriers. Whether or not it goes well remains to be seen.

I really cannot imagine any mobile users appreciating a pop-up ad when they reach a new level on BrickBreaker, or when they get a phone call.

If the pilot program with Verizon does not go well for SIDEBAR, they may have to rethink their marketing tactics.

Or they will just make it more appealing to the carriers, who will then force it upon our devices.

daphne · **OS:** 4.7.1.40

It would be interesting to know if the carriers would receive any financial benefit from the program. Usually the company, SIDEBAR, would receive revenue from advertisers, and the advertisers would receive income from users who clicked on the ads or purchased things from the ads. Also SIDEBAR could potentially sell user data, like phone numbers, browsing or purchasing habits, to other companies. I may see if I can dig up some more info on this.

Thomkong · 07-30-2008, 03:34 AM

Boy, I wonder what Chad's (alltel) going to say about this?
hahaha

jodaddyyo · 07-30-2008, 05:52 AM

great post, Daphne! I tried it... provided my age, gender, etc., and I am sure I was getting the same generic crap as the next person - there is no targeting. Also, it appears to use the radio constantly so it was killing my battery.

rambo47 · **OS:** 4.7.1.57

This is why I went apesh!t when T-Mobile started pushing Facebook onto our Blackberrys. What if Verizon or whoever decides they want/need the revenue from this kind of advertising and starts pushing this sidebar onto our devices? And not long after we get the Viagra text ads, we start hearing, "Congratulations! You've been selected to win a free laptop...." at max volume, in a sales meeting with the department head. The only consolation is that he'll be hearing it too. Carriers pushing content to us is a bad, bad trend.

daphne · **OS:** 4.7.1.40

I noticed yesterday the SIDEBAR download link is no longer on my BB Verizon homepage. It would sure be interesting to know how the pilot program went. I seriously cannot imagine anyone liking this app.

rambo47 · **OS:** 4.7.1.57

No one will like it, but they need to complain loud and long about it. Like Leonidas at the end of "The 300". The telcos are the Persians and we're the Spartans, standing up against mysticism and tyranny. I feel very strongly about this. And also folks without data plans trying to sleaze data functions anyway. But I digress....

PaulMdx · 08-18-2008, 04:04 PM

Wirelessly posted

Quote:

Originally Posted by rambo47

This is why I went apesh!t when T-Mobile started pushing Facebook onto our Blackberrys. What if Verizon or whoever decides they want/need the revenue from this kind of advertising and starts pushing this sidebar onto our devices? And not long after we get the Viagra text ads, we start hearing, "Congratulations! You've been selected to win a free laptop...." at max volume, in a sales meeting with the department head. The only consolation is that he'll be hearing it too. Carriers pushing content to us is a bad, bad trend.

Absolutely agree on pushing content being very, very bad. I complained on this site about O2 pushing FaceBook onto BB's and was met with a "what's the problem" response. You've highlighted the exact worst case!

stevekerver · 03:32 PM

Hey- c'mon-- Babe of the day? Joke of the day? Trivia? Movie trailers?
Its not that bad. I find myself thumbing through it when I'm bored. I'm always curious to see what I get sent next.
...I *really* doubt anybody will ever get a loud Viagra ad in the middle of a business meeting, or have anybody abscond with your private information and/or use private information where or how it shouldn't be used- there would be no value in that at all.

rambo47 · **OS:** 4.7.1.57

The spammers will pay for your information so they can mass-market you with their garbage. There's no limit to what could show up. It's all a question of who controls the content on YOUR Blackberry. I check my spam email account (Hotmail) once a week and the sheer volume of that junk makes me fear for what the telcos could subject us to.

daphne · **OS:** 4.7.1.40

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevekerver

Hey- c'mon-- Babe of the day? Joke of the day? Trivia? Movie trailers?
Its not that bad. I find myself thumbing through it when I'm bored. I'm always curious to see what I get sent next.
...I *really* doubt anybody will ever get a loud Viagra ad in the middle of a business meeting, or have anybody abscond with your private information and/or use private information where or how it shouldn't be used- there would be no value in that at all.

That's a very naive point of view. Data like your email addresses and mobile number are valuable commodities. Companies buy and sell them all the time.

The lack of a privacy policy is unacceptable, as is this:

Quote:

"Content, including your wireless phone number, may be intercepted by third parties with or without your or our (referring to Verizon) knowledge or permission."

Maybe some people might like ads in the middle of their games, or in the middle of their sms messages, but I can't imagine why. If you like that stuff, maybe you are in the adware business yourself...

Johnny909 · **OS:** 4.5.0.124

Quote:

Originally Posted by daphne

That's a very naive point of view.

Correct 100%. Just say no to spam, malware, and addware content on blackberry.

Later

rambo47 · **OS:** 4.7.1.57

There really is no defense for spammers. They're low, vile creatures and should be dealt with in the harshest terms. Saying "it's not so bad" is a terrible attitude to take. Opening the door to these swine is the LAST thing any of us should do. Like the mighty ****roach, if spammers get a foothold in our mobiles it will be almost impossible to get rid of them.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
-- attributed to Eduond Blurke