<a href="http://netmite.com/android/mydroid/frameworks/base/location/java/com/android/internal/location/LocationCache.java" rel="nofollow">http://netmite.com/android/mydroid/frameworks/base/location/...</a><p>It appears that unlike Apple, this isn't unlimited:<p><pre><code> // Cache sizes
private static final int MAX_CELL_RECORDS = 50;
private static final int MAX_WIFI_RECORDS = 200;
</code></pre>
Edit: Seems like another very important difference is that the Android cache only keeps track of your last timestamp at a given tower. Even if this cache was unlimited it couldn't be used to plot someones position over time.
I don't understand the outrage on this-- your wireless carrier probably has an identical file somewhere as well. At least you have a copy of it.<p>My suggestion: for the next YC application, invent a way for people to sell this data back to marketeers. I'll sell my data for a lot less than what Apple's or AT&T are charging.
the problem i have with this is given the recent michigan ruling saying police can dump, retain, and peruse data from a cell phone during a traffic stop, this gives access to far more data than should be possible without a warrant, without "physical possession of the phone" in the sense of actual seizure.
I don't think anyones concerned that it tracks you with cached data (47 entries in github example, date spread would imply ~ 1 month) -- the concern w/r/t apple is that there seems to be no limit to the amount of logging retained.<p>I won't get into paranoia mode, or conspiracy theories, _but_ I am fine with either phone being aware of my location, and even my recent movements (subject to disclosure) -- I am NOT fine with that log being undisclosed and perpetual
As the owner and user of an Android phone, great, just great.<p>Let's ask the so-far unasked question: Why? Both Google and Apple built in location-caching. Seems mighty suggestive of something, maybe something like the color printer Mysterious Yellow Ink dots (<a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Yellow-Dots-of-Mystery-Is-Your-Printer-Spying-on-/" rel="nofollow">http://www.instructables.com/id/Yellow-Dots-of-Mystery-Is-Yo...</a>).