After Google announced the new
Google Play services update that moved it to v3.0. a new icon automagically appeared on people’s devices. Not just on Nexus devices, but all Google certified Android devices. The new icon is simply a direct access app to the same settings you would see if you went toÂ
Settings > Accounts > Google. There is a small difference though, this ‘Settings App’ has an additional setting that the other method doesn’t and that would be access to your ‘Apps with Google+ Sign-In’.
This is the new area where you can fine tune what apps you have signed up with and signed up for using your G+ profile. As you can see I haven’t signed up anywhere, so mine is blank. You can hit the ‘Learn More’ link and take a read about what it is all about.
So why toss out a new icon to devices and not tuck it in the current settings location? That location of the device would most likely need to be updated via a software update from carriers and OEM’s. We all know how quick they are to get things out to all the devices they support. So it was much easier and just as effective to flip on an app from Google. After all, Google does have control over your device. Remember a while back where there was some malicious software in an app in the, back then, Market? Google simply pulled the app on their end and it took it off every ones devices. Adding an app from them isn’t a hard task.
In short, the app is real, it isn’t some virus or strange app that you picked up from something else today. It is from Google. Until we start seeing more apps that are using the G+ Sign-In options it is just another app for you that takes up space. You can always hide it in most popular home replacements, but at some point you will probably need to tweak a few things.
Via Android Police
