[kingdave]

Hi all,

This maybe daft question, but bear with me...!

Is it possible to have multiple logons to a tablet (specifically Nexus 7!) like you would have on a Windows PC?

Reason I ask is I have bought a Nexus (waiting on delivery) and I see it becoming the laptop replacement in the house for web searching, checking email, YouTube etc. While I trust those in my household, I don't really like the idea of them being able to access my accounts (like Gmail) but then I don't want to stick a lock on the Nexus that would stop them using it at all.

So, can we all share the use, but have our own logons that let us view our own accounts only?

Thanks!

[c4rv]

I know its dumb and must be one of the most asked for features but basically no there is no concept of user profiles in android (may happen in a future version).

There are 3rd party apps such as SwitchMe which support multiple profiles but AFAIK they all need root access which sort of makes sense.

[kingdave]

Cheers.

And damn!

[brangdon]

I think multiple user accounts will be one of the valued features of Windows 8/Windows RT tablets.

[paulbrock]

Originally Posted by kingdave

H
Is it possible to have multiple logons to a tablet (specifically Nexus 7!) like you would have on a Windows PC?
....
So, can we all share the use, but have our own logons that let us view our own accounts only?

Thanks!

You can have more than one google account on Android (I have personal and business accounts on it) I don't think the default apps will limit access for one or the other though. if you use webmail, it should work fine. or there's parental control apps available that will lock down access to certain parts.

All workarounds really - perhaps as Chrome OS and Android get closer, a sign in will be available....

[Brush Master]

Originally Posted by c4rv

I know its dumb [...] there is no concept of user profiles in android ....

If you think about where Android is coming from though... mobile phones are personal devices, not normally shared in the way a PC might be. I think of a tablet very much in the same way; its a personal device that you carry around to work, on the tube, in the park.

I don't think sharing or user profile switching deserves a high priority rank on the wish list of new features.

[John259]

Originally Posted by kingdave

I don't really like the idea of them being able to access my accounts (like Gmail)

While programs and files stored on the tablet will be public, anything online that requires logging in with a username and password should be private, provided those operations don't store anything sensitive on the tablet and you remember to log out when you've finished.

[paulbrock]

Originally Posted by Brush Master

I don't think sharing or user profile switching deserves a high priority rank on the wish list of new features.

totally agree, particularly at the price point google are setting. But then, I live on my own, so perhaps have a skewed POV

[c4rv]

Originally Posted by Brush Master

If you think about where Android is coming from though... mobile phones are personal devices, not normally shared in the way a PC might be. I think of a tablet very much in the same way; its a personal device that you carry around to work, on the tube, in the park.

I don't think sharing or user profile switching deserves a high priority rank on the wish list of new features.

From a technical pov, being unix based its already using multiple users. Its just google decided not to implement that at an interface level.

And I am guessing anybody with kids may have come across the situation where kids have borrowed the device and made changes.

[c4rv]

Originally Posted by paulbrock

totally agree, particularly at the price point google are setting. But then, I live on my own, so perhaps have a skewed POV

As mentioned, I can't see it being that difficult to implement. Android already has the nuts and bolts in place under the covers and there are 3rd party apps that can do it with root access.

And yes, I think most people who lives in a multi-person house (especially with kids) would share device, I don't think we have price point for one device per person, most houses are still at the one device per house stage, remember we are talking about tablets here.

I would also like the ability to lock down certain profiles.

[brangdon]

Originally Posted by John259

While programs and files stored on the tablet will be public, anything online that requires logging in with a username and password should be private, provided those operations don't store anything sensitive on the tablet and you remember to log out when you've finished.

Note that Android won't let you log out of gmail.

Note also, that most web sites will email you a new password if you tell them you've forgotten the old one. So if someone steals your phone, and there-by can read your email, they can access all other your web accounts too. I think this is quite a big security risk that ought to be more widely known.

[c4rv]

Originally Posted by brangdon

Note that Android won't let you log out of gmail.

Note also, that most web sites will email you a new password if you tell them you've forgotten the old one. So if someone steals your phone, and there-by can read your email, they can access all other your web accounts too. I think this is quite a big security risk that ought to be more widely known.

why are you not using screen lock if you are worried about losing your phone ?

its the same as a laptop, you would password protect that, right ?

[brangdon]

Originally Posted by c4rv

why are you not using screen lock if you are worried about losing your phone ?

As I explained, it's too inconvenient to unlock it. I'd rather just not use it for anything sensitive. It's a just a phone. I use it for games, web-browsing and phone calls. It shouldn't need to be secure.

Another reason is that I suspect anyone with physical possession of the phone, would be able to remove any software lock if they really wanted to.

[c4rv]

Originally Posted by brangdon

As I explained, it's too inconvenient to unlock it. I'd rather just not use it for anything sensitive. It's a just a phone. I use it for games, web-browsing and phone calls. It shouldn't need to be secure.

Another reason is that I suspect anyone with physical possession of the phone, would be able to remove any software lock if they really wanted to.

AFAIK, the only way to clear the lock screen is to either use google account login or wipe the settings and data from boot screen.

[brangdon]

Originally Posted by c4rv

AFAIK, the only way to clear the lock screen is to either use google account login or wipe the settings and data from boot screen.

From what I've read online, some phones can be unlocked with the password "null". There is also an approach of photographing the screen and processing the resulting image that apparently works well.

[c4rv]

Originally Posted by brangdon

From what I've read online, some phones can be unlocked with the password "null". There is also an approach of photographing the scene and processing the resulting image that apparently works well.

photographing what scene ?


And the password as null works on some phones if you know the gmail account

[brangdon]

Sorry - should be "screen". I've fixed it now.

[paulbrock]

Originally Posted by brangdon

There is also an approach of photographing the screen and processing the resulting image that apparently works well.

I can only imagine this works with pattern locks, where a bit of processing might show up the finger movements on the screen. it wouldn't work in the case of a PIN or password.

I can remotely lock and/or wipe my phone. That's enough security for me.

[MintyMan]

Anyone see this news from the other day?

Looks like multiple logins might be incoming!

http://phandroid.com/?p=102896