Got a DJI drone as a birthday present and instead of having me install from the Play store they want me to install an apk directly from their website.
Does anybody know why this app isn’t on the play store? Is this legit or just a vector for malware?
Regardless of company size or popularity, that is sketchy. While not perfect by any means , google play affords some security scanning and privacy awareness info on apps that are published there. Others are probably right. And I bet DJI probably wanted to skip that step to trade for ease of management. But any time you install something off a non play store repo you take on a little extra risk.
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I’ve owned two dji products, the Air2S and osmo… 3? Both needed apps downloaded not via Google Play.
Given the size and reputation of DJI, you shouldn’t have any concerns.
Given the size and reputation of DJI, you shouldn’t have any concerns.
I’m sorry, but i disagree with this mentality. The size of a company means nothing. We’ve had so many security breaches from companies large and small. Be it from malice or incompetence.
And speaking of reputation, this, this, and this doesn’t really scream “good reputation” to me.
Yeah remember the time that Sony (a large and well-respected company) intentionally included a rootkit on some 22 million audio CDs?
You mean the one they eventually provided an uninstaller for? Only for it to hide the rootkit and install a backdoor. While violating multiple open-source licenses. And then receiving a slap-on-the-wrist fine for the whole thing?
It was comical. I still can’t believe they got away with it.
Good points and solid sources.
Thanks for the correction.
Given DJI is Chinese and a similar size Chinese company was found spreading malware you should worry.
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You might consider buying a cheap 7" tablet on Amazon and using that for your dji. Assuming your controller can handle the size. I have an older dji and that’s what I do. Nothing of importance on the tablet. I think a Lenovo 7" was like $99 when I got it.
From memory there’s a fee in order to publish an app the the play store so I would assume they’re circumventing that by hosting the app on their own website. You could also upload the app to virustotal and see what that says if you are concerned.
There are no fees to publish on the Google Play Store.
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i sold my DJI drone recently but used their app. I couldn’t tell you why they want it off the play store, but i never experienced an issue with viruses. Google play protect should scan it regardless i believe
I didn’t know that Play did that but apparently it will scan the app and remove it is anything is found so that does make me feel a little better about trying it out
DJI is a chinese company and it is easier for them to just publish an apk rather than submit to all app stores
I thought I heard DJI was sanctioned by the US government; maybe that’s why it’s not in the Play store
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I wouldn’t do it. Not on a device with other important information. Maybe on a separate one like some suggested.
