Google is now saying it’s aware of the issue and is working on a fix. However, in the meantime, it’s telling users to uninstall Skype to see if that fixes the issue. Google claims that Skype is actively using Android’s camera even when not actively running.
Google says that it’s possible other Android camera apps are causing the issue, but that “…most applications also do not access the camera when not in the foreground, so they will only trigger issues when actively used.” Skype, for whatever reason, uses the camera even when it’s not actively open.
But really, the worst part of this new update is the creepiness factor: have you ever noticed your phone’s performance slow down while you’re using it? Have you ever thought it’s because Skype is staring at you through your front-facing camera?
I’m getting chills on the back of my neck just thinking about it.
Of course, Google might have just issued the latest camera update to screw over Skype and promote its own video chat service, Google Hangouts, which is a direct competitor to Skype.
Yes, it’s an unlikely conspiracy theory. But hey, you never know.
Latest Skype Update Secretly Uses your Camera
Google is now saying it’s aware of the issue and is working on a fix. However, in the meantime, it’s telling users to uninstall Skype to see if that fixes the issue. Google claims that Skype is actively using Android’s camera even when not actively running.
Google says that it’s possible other Android camera apps are causing the issue, but that “…most applications also do not access the camera when not in the foreground, so they will only trigger issues when actively used.” Skype, for whatever reason, uses the camera even when it’s not actively open.
But really, the worst part of this new update is the creepiness factor: have you ever noticed your phone’s performance slow down while you’re using it? Have you ever thought it’s because Skype is staring at you through your front-facing camera?
I’m getting chills on the back of my neck just thinking about it.
Of course, Google might have just issued the latest camera update to screw over Skype and promote its own video chat service, Google Hangouts, which is a direct competitor to Skype.
Yes, it’s an unlikely conspiracy theory. But hey, you never know.
One Click Root Author
Newsletter
Get the latest tech news delivered to your inbox weekly.