Smartwatches have become an essential part of our daily lives, and Layers Watch, a Chinese white-label product, has caught many eyes with its claims of innovation. This paper takes a closer look at the official Layers Watch app to understand how it’s built, the tools it uses, and whether it complies with local regulations. We used ethical reverse engineering to gather insights without breaking any rules.
How We Conducted the Analysis
We carefully examined the app using publicly available methods, ensuring we did not violate intellectual property or terms of use. The aim was to explore the app’s internal structure and its reliance on other software tools, often called libraries.
Main Libraries Used in the App
The app claims to be fully developed by Layers Electronics Private Limited, but our analysis shows it depends on several popular libraries:
com.tencent.qcloud.tuicore.interfaces.TUIInitializerio.grpc.LoadBalancerProviderio.grpc.ManagedChannelProviderio.grpc.NameResolverProviderio.grpc.ServerProviderkotlinx.coroutines.CoroutineExceptionHandlerkotlinx.coroutines.internal.MainDispatcherFactory
What These Libraries Do
Each library plays a specific role in making the app function smoothly. Here’s a simple breakdown:
1. com.tencent.qcloud.tuicore.interfaces.TUIInitializer
This library is from Tencent, a Chinese tech giant. It manages essential app functions and connects with services like:
- Customer support tools
- Contact management features
- Chat services with classic and modern designs
2. io.grpc.LoadBalancerProvider
This tool ensures the app efficiently distributes tasks over the network. It works with services like:
- Basic load balancing
- Advanced round-robin task allocation
- Detecting and managing network issues
3. io.grpc.NameResolverProvider
Helps the app connect to servers by converting web addresses into machine-readable formats.
4. io.grpc.ServerProvider
Manages the server-side operations of the app to handle user requests effectively.
5. kotlinx.coroutines.CoroutineExceptionHandler
Ensures that errors in the app’s background tasks don’t crash the system.
6. kotlinx.coroutines.internal.MainDispatcherFactory
Makes sure the app performs smoothly on Android devices by managing key processes.
Key Findings
1. Dependency on Tencent
The app heavily relies on Tencent’s tools, which are banned in India due to security concerns. This raises red flags about the app’s compliance with local laws.
2. Misleading Claims
The app claims to be fully developed in-house, but its dependence on external tools tells a different story. This could be seen as misleading to users.
3. Privacy Risks
Using Tencent services might lead to data being routed or stored outside user-friendly jurisdictions, raising questions about user privacy and data safety.
Legal and Trust Issues
1. Breaking Local Laws
Since Tencent’s services are banned in India, the app’s use of these libraries could lead to legal consequences for Layers Electronics Private Limited.
2. Loss of Trust
Users might lose trust in the brand if they feel misled or concerned about their data privacy.
Steps to Improve
To avoid further issues and build a better reputation, Layers Electronics should:
- Switch to Allowed Tools: Replace Tencent libraries with open-source or legally compliant options.
- Be Transparent: Clearly mention all third-party tools used in the app’s documentation and terms.
- Regular Checks: Periodically review and update the app to stay in line with current laws.
The Layers Watch app shows great potential but faces challenges due to its reliance on banned tools. By adopting better practices and following regulations, the brand can improve its trustworthiness and market position.
Future studies could explore alternative tools for smartwatch app development that prioritize user safety and regional compliance.
This article is just an abstract of what we noticed. We have conducted detailed research on the app, which is available upon request.
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