Does Automagic 'phone home'?

[Wibbly]

I want to set up Automagic on a phone to be used by someone else (as a panic button). If I install Automagic using my Google Play account and then remove that account from the phone, will Automagic stop working ultimately?

[MURTUMA]

Application licenses using Google's apis are tied to your account. That can't be bypassed without hacking the app or some other methods, which I'm not going to disclose here.

[Wibbly]

So the phoning home to check licencing is not under the app's control?

[MURTUMA]

It depends on which way the licensing is implemented to the app. I know some basics but not enough details in this matter, so I won't go into them. However, I know that Goolge's licensing system is tied to the account.

[Wibbly]

OK. Thanks. Will see if Martin can provide any further insight for Automagic.

[Martin]

Automagic checks the license from time to time in Google Play when a network connection exists. The license check is usually executed for the first few starts of Automagic or when the data of Automagic is cleared.
If you clear the data or reinstall Automagic, it will check the license again and might show the 'License invalid' dialog. Please note that you will not automatically receive app updates when Google Play is not available, additionally the features relying on Google Play services will not work.
Theoretically there exists an unofficial and mostly untested way to create a license file that can be installed on a device so it will skip the Google play license check. Contact me at info@automagic4android.com if you would like use/test this mechanism.

[Wibbly]

Thanks Martin - I'll be in touch if I go down this route. I may be able to leave my account configured if I feel I can reliably protect it from being abused by accident. Phone is for a family member.