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Vape tool app

MrMeowgi

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Got a notification to ight from Google play store that vape tool was taken off the play store as it's stealing your data. I've never had any issues with it and wonder what's up. Tons of other vape apps still on the play store. Anyone else get this notification? Really sucks if it's messed up. The only vape app I've used in years for building coils.
 

5150sick

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I got it too
I had the free version.
 

GillyDaKidd78

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My phone scanned vape tool today and said the app was fake and steals data. It was removed as harmful from my phone. Just wanted to see if anyone else has this issue?
 

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MrMeowgi

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My phone scanned vape tool today and said the app was fake and steals data. It was removed as harmful from my phone. Just wanted to see if anyone else has this issue?
I did as well. It didn't uninstall but it tried. Someone on the app tried to say that someone posted a video on Fb scrolling that app and that's what caused it. I call bullshit on that one. Odd though that not everyone in the app has the issue. I've had the paid version for years. And all the other vaping apps are still on Google play. Maybe Google is trying to crack down as well and I'd say it's the most popular vaping app one play store. But why would it pop up that the app is stealing info. Damn I wanna keep that app. I reached out to the developer on this one through the app. Hopefully he has better insight. Hell maybe hell share some people's info with me. . If he does we all get free vapes. Lmao
 

MrMeowgi

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I can't find it on the play store now. It seems to have been removed.
Yep. It's no longer on the play store. It didn't uninstall on my phone. Wonder if I should though. Maybe Google play is being truthful and not just getting rid of the vaping apps. Cuz the rest are still there
 

r055co

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It sucks for I use it and it's been highly recommended. Google just pulled it from the playstore. It scans without permission your phone and uploading data.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
 

MrMeowgi

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It sucks for I use it and it's been highly recommended. Google just pulled it from the playstore. It scans without permission your phone and uploading data.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
Yea it sucks. So best to rid of it? I got the notification this morning as well. I've got the pro version so I can get it back once they fix it hopefully without having to pay again. That works for most paid apps
 

Bigrick

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I have free version. Have not recieved notification. Should I deleat it? What does everyone think?
 

5150sick

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I had the free version and it got the warning yesterday.
I just deleted it.

Let's hope it was just a mix up and the app will be back.:)
 

r055co

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Yeah sucks, I removed it and hopefully it's a screw up on their dev team. I have the Pro so there is no reason why it should be sending any data back to them. The free should only be sending advertisements.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
 

MrMeowgi

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I have free version. Have not recieved notification. Should I deleat it? What does everyone think?
I did. Hopefully they get it figured soon though. I use it all the time
 

BobsHere

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I got a simliar notification, can't remember what it said. Ignored it but guess I should ditch it...
 

5150sick

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Interesting because there are still numerous Vape Apps out there that have not been pulled

I noticed that too.
Besides why remove a "vape" app that keeps people from blowing their faces off?
 

The Cromwell

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Saw a thread over on ECR where the guy that developed the app I think was defending it.
Sounded kinda wussy though with no specifics like denying that it uploaded your data and such....

disclaimer:
No dog in this fight since I use a flip phone :)
 

MrMeowgi

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See that he's made available to side load the app, I very highly recommend NOT doing it. Side loading opens you up for a massive security hole. He freely admits some of the code he used may have Malware in it.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
I'm not one to sideload for that very reason
 

gsmit1

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The pro version still runs fine on my phone as of 2 minutes go with no warnings and neither Bitdefender nor stubborn trojan killer find anything either.

I don't know.

Not saying anybody should do it, but I've sideloaded numerous apps when I had a rooted S6 with no problems.

If he releases a pro version APK, I'll probably play guinea pig.
 

lordmage

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the main issue i think caused the google trigger is possibly for a while now they (google) required apps to actually ask for permission for the things that are coded for it(the app) to use... aka location, reading stuff (sms other other data point) and storing stuff plus the transparency act and other Eula required stuff. combined with a strong anti malware stance even in the Ad providers. there is a whole thread on Reddit.
what i find alarming is that the DEV need only remove those codes and clean up and update his Code to the current API.
then perhaps make a striped down ad free version / Full (paid) pro version without all that data sniffing ad code crap.

or simple remove the bad codes and provided proof that it is not malware infected. and in most cases his responses are less the professional it seems he wants to keep it as is with possible bad ad code or what not without providing proof is code is clean. heck most Devs either use github or something to at least show the concept code is clean. heck i would simply rewrite the code for a free ad free less feature packed version or simply only offer the pro version those who know and need it would pay for it. i also think both version may have been compromised either directly or indirectly
 
Hello, excuse me but I just copy the statement I wrote on other social media.

Hello. Vape Tool developer here. I'm working on this app as my full-time job, so when I received information that my Google Play account has been terminated I had mini heart attack. I would never insert any malicious code in my app, and I'm sure it was a mistake on their side (it happened 2 times already). I didn't even get information why exactly they flagged Vape Tool as malicious software. I requested appeal to Google Play and waiting for response. If they reject, i won't give up. I will put all my resources to build VapeTool webapp and become free from Apple and Google censorship. Additional advantage will be desktop support which was requested many times.
 
After 5 days I think that the situation is clear that Google Play won't reactivate Vape Tool. Some people ask me to show the Google ban statement, here it is. It's everything I received, and still, don't know what exactly was the issue. Some of you believe that its real malicious software, some of you wonder if it's a war against the vape industry (Apple and Facebook started this war 2 years ago, and now Google joined). To be honest, I don't know where is the truth. Tech people are aware that building app is more like assembling ready parts than crafting every part on my own. In software, those parts are called libraries, which I have been using a lot. There is a chance that one of them was malicious. Then I understand why Google decided to suspend the app. It's like finding faulty batteries in tesla assembly lane, they must stop it, replace it and resume. Where Google did something like, find a defect, stop it, throw everything to trash saying "they are bad" and go away. I could understand if it was some beginning app. But Vape Tool has grown to over 1.5M downloads and 250k active users over 4 years. Here I think is not fair. Therefore the theory about the war against vape industry gets more likely.

What's next

  1. Replace all suspicious libraries - those which require permissions, and are not popular throughout the android development community. Here is a scanner raport from apk: https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file...5922a9154827823aa8eafd3753ca4050056/detection

  2. The app will be still available through direct .apk download https://vapetool.app/download_apk . Updates will need to be downloaded manually (the app will notify you about the update). Here is also Vape Tool available on the alternative store (it will automatically update so I recommend this method) https://com-stasbar-vapetool.en.aptoide.com/?store_name=catappult&app_id=46782606

  3. I've already started preparing to build Vape Tool Webapp, which I wanted to do anyway to solve compatibility issue (developing iOS, Android, and desktop app separately is time-consuming and expensive, whereas web app works on all platforms).
FAQ

  • Should I change the password to my account I used to login to Vape Tool Cloud? No, "Login using Google/Facebook/etc." authentication, is safe because you never enter the password directly into the app. The app only knows that this third-party service (like Facebook or Google) proved that you are the owner of the account with email [email protected]. I trust this third-party service, third-party service trust you, so can I trust you that this email is yours.

  • Did I lose all my recipes? If you were synchronized with cloud, your content is untouched. If you weren't, then you should have an auto backup that VapeTool does on every app exit in your device storage. in /storage/emulated/0/VapeTool/ folder. You can install the app again from https://vapetool.app/download_apk or https://com-stasbar-vapetool.en.aptoide.com/?store_name=catappult&app_id=46782606, go to Settings->Restore

  • I downloaded the apk file and now I don't have Pro version. Login to your Cloud account and your pro version should be restored. If you haven't used Cloud before, we need to activate your pro version manually. To do so, please send your purchase proof at [email protected] from the email you used to buy VT Pro on Google Play.
 

SteveS45

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Nothing better than getting the Facts from the developer~! Thanks @stasbar I am thinking it is also related to a Vape War but Google bans emailing any executable files even when compressed into a Rar or Zip so who knows what they are thinking.
 
Hello,
After 3 weeks of ban, I'm pleased to announce Google Play team decided to unlock Vape Tool, and it's officially back!

[Vape Tool Pro](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stasbar.vapetoolpro)
[Vape Tool](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stasbar.vape_tool)

Please download the app from Google Play to receive auto-updates.

I still don't know what was the direct cause for a ban. After long-time waiting, they just decided to accept my appeal.

I hope it rebuilds my credibility in the eyes of people who didn't believe just my words (what I fully understand).

I would like to thank those of you who supported me during this period, it means a lot for me, and motivate me for further work.

Meantime I was working on Vape Tool Webapp which is finished in ~30%. I decided to make it [open-source](https://github.com/vape-tool/VapeTool-Webapp) It will be ready for beta tests soon, about which I will keep you informed.
 

gsmit1

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Hello,
After 3 weeks of ban, I'm pleased to announce Google Play team decided to unlock Vape Tool, and it's officially back!

[Vape Tool Pro](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stasbar.vapetoolpro)
[Vape Tool](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stasbar.vape_tool)

Please download the app from Google Play to receive auto-updates.

I still don't know what was the direct cause for a ban. After long-time waiting, they just decided to accept my appeal.

I hope it rebuilds my credibility in the eyes of people who didn't believe just my words (what I fully understand).

I would like to thank those of you who supported me during this period, it means a lot for me, and motivate me for further work.

Meantime I was working on Vape Tool Webapp which is finished in ~30%. I decided to make it [open-source](https://github.com/vape-tool/VapeTool-Webapp) It will be ready for beta tests soon, about which I will keep you informed.
I saw that and got the update this morning. :)

Congrats and thanks for the great app!
 

gsmit1

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Member For 4 Years
I hope it rebuilds my credibility in the eyes of people who didn't believe just my words
I saw you were getting some heat over at Reddit and from one guy in particular pretty heavy, no matter what you said.. I defended you because, even though I'm not a dev myself, I have been deep in the computer world for a long time and after a while you get a nose for these things. Nothing about your situation seemed crooked at all.

People who do what you were being accused of, don't do it wide open in public like this, over a long period of time almost ever.
 

GillyDaKidd78

Member For 3 Years
I appreciate the heads up! I am a student studying website development and can understand your side of this setback. I will be re-installing now. I am working on a couple projects for the vape community as well and this has let me see some of the pitfalls to look for. Thanks for the information.
 

gsmit1

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Member For 4 Years
@stasbar

Is there a problem with Vape Tool Pro and the Google play store again? I'm trying to recommend it to somebody.
Thanks:)
 
I never liked the app for a couple of reasons:

Their community is toxic as shit. People steal pictures of builder's coil creations, post them as their own and there's always a dust-up over it. People are generally unhelpful and shit on people who use products they don't like. And then there are the people who just think it's Instagram and post pictures of themselves. Also, most of the useful tool content is gated behind payment despite being able to find similar libraries of information on other, much more informative vape websites.

Not everything needs an app.
 

SteveS45

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Not everything needs an app.

If I have to install an App or Software then sorry I will use something else. Couldn't agree more with the part about Apps. Just my personal preference.
 

MrMeowgi

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I love this app :)
I do as well. I've had the pro version for a few years. Not everyone on there are as bad as stated above. Nice to pics from people that aren't members here. I've even seen gsmit1 on there. And I've never had the coil tool fail me. Just works easier for me than some of the alternatives
 

gsmit1

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I do as well. I've had the pro version for a few years. Not everyone on there are as bad as stated above. Nice to pics from people that aren't members here. I've even seen gsmit1 on there. And I've never had the coil tool fail me. Just works easier for me than some of the alternatives
I didn't even notice the community really until a few months ago. If people are spoofing coil builds as their own, then shame on them. I just pop in there to look at the pictures :) Yes, I've bumped into @MrMeowgi over there too :)

The reason I wound up paying 3 bucks for the app is because it's a small price and it wound up being extremely useful. I use it several times a day. It's easy and intuitive and the interface is well laid out.

Yes, the dev uses "libraries." The rest of the work it took to build the app is well worth 3 bucks to me

I quite frankly cannot stand steam engine. It is clunky, overly complex and anything other than intuitive. That's me. It is wildly popular so clearly people love it. Who am I to tell them they shouldn't?
 

MrMeowgi

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I didn't even notice the community really until a few months ago. If people are spoofing coil builds as their own, then shame on them. I just pop in there to look at the pictures :) Yes, I've bumped into @MrMeowgi over there too :)

The reason I wound up paying 3 bucks for the app is because it's a small price and it wound up being extremely useful. I use it several times a day. It's easy and intuitive and the interface is well laid out.

Yes, the dev uses "libraries." The rest of the work it took to build the app is well worth 3 bucks to me

I quite frankly cannot stand steam engine. It is clunky, overly complex and anything other than intuitive. That's me. It is wildly popular so clearly people love it. Who am I to tell them they shouldn't?
I just couldn't figure out steam engine. I really like supporting devs if possible. Hell I'm even vip on Tapatalk in hope to make it better eventually.
 

gsmit1

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I just couldn't figure out steam engine. I really like supporting devs if possible. Hell I'm even vip on Tapatalk in hope to make it better eventually.
Steam Engine took a lot of work and they provide it for free. I would never want to be understood as trying to take that away from them

That said, I went over there the other day for the first time in over a year and was immediately reminded of why I very much prefer this app. A few taps and there's my answers without having to dig or guess what stuff means.
 

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