Permission usage

[Quantum-Future]

Hi, I want to know about this permission: Run foreground service with the type "dataSync"
What is used for?
In the description of features it is said that this app does not use Internet access, so I don't understand the "DataSync". What information is synced?

[IamDg]

Hi @Quantum-Future, sorry for the late reply!

The foreground‑service permission is required to ensure execution when the app is in the background (so the OS doesn't kill it). Right now, the service manages only the rest timer, elapsed time and notifications during a workout but the long‑term plan is to let it handle additional functions (e.g., exercises). Android 14+ requires the declaration of the type of the service, and dataSync was the closest match though it’s still not ideal.

Regarding the network permission, you can check by yourself that LibreFit doesn't request it. From AndroidManifest.xml you’ll see the following permissions:

    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC" />

Let me know if that answers your questions!

[Quantum-Future]

Thanks for the explanation !
Maybe the other option is to use the specialUse type of service (FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SPECIAL_USE). Not a functional difference, but it doesn't give the impression that some info is synced somewhere.

[IamDg]

Initially, the foreground service was declared as you suggested but it was changed to avoid triggering manual checks in Google Play (in case LibreFit is released there) as described here:

In addition to declaring the FOREGROUND_SERVICE_TYPE_SPECIAL_USE foreground service type, developers should declare use cases in the manifest. To do so, they specify the element within the element. These values and corresponding use cases are reviewed when you submit your app in the Google Play Console. The use cases you provide are free-form, and you should make sure to provide enough information to let the reviewer see why you need to use the specialUse type.

Instead, dataSync was the best fit among the other options, in particular, local file processing because it syncs UI with the on-device data about the ongoing workout:

Data transfer operations, such as the following:

• Data upload or download
• Backup-and-restore operations
• Import or export operations
• Fetch data
• Local file processing
• Transfer data between a device and the cloud over a network

At the end of the day, I don't think it matters much, but I can revert it back to specialUse if that's the best solution.

[Quantum-Future]

Ok, I understand the reasons.
There's no pefect fit for this case. Maybe specialUse is better, but knowing that the review process at Google could be complicated, it's better to leave it like it is now (dataSync).
Thank you for the detailed explanations !