Stay away from this Temple Run 2 HD spam app on Android

Even though it has only been out for a couple days, Temple Run 2 is already one of the most popular games in the Apple App Store. An Android release is scheduled for next week, but many eager players want to play the game right now. This has led to one unscrupulous Android developer to create an app called Temple Run 2 HD in an attempt to cash in before the real game releases. If you see this app in Google Play, don’t download it.

Temple Run 2 HD is not a game at all. It only brings up a few wallpapers to add to your device. The developer notes this in the app’s description, but it’s still an obvious attempt to mislead unsuspecting users into downloading. I feel this way for two reasons. First of all, the developer should have put the word “wallpaper” somewhere in the title since there’s no game to be had. Second, the developer started the description with an overview of Temple Run 2 instead of what this app really is. Here’s the first part of the description.

“The sequel to the smash hit phenomenon that took the world by storm!

With over 170 million downloads, Temple Run redefined mobile gaming. Now get more of the exhilarating running, jumping, turning and sliding you love in Temple Run 2!

Navigate perilous cliffs, zip lines, mines and forests as you try to escape with the cursed idol. How far can you run?!”

It’s not until after these few sentences does the developer note that it’s only a wallpaper application that also adds “a few search access points” to whatever device it’s downloaded on. That’s a big red flag right there. In exchange for four wallpapers that are basically just screenshots, you’re giving this developer access to the following permissions:

• Full internet access
• The ability to read bookmarks, write bookmarks and access your browser history
• The ability to obtain your phone number, device ID and monitor whether or not you’re on a call
• The identity of devices connected to your Wi-Fi network

You’d be surprised how many people do not read app descriptions. All they see is Temple Run 2 HD by a developer called imanghi and assume it’s the real deal. If you want more proof of this, just read through the app’s review section. It’s filled with people wondering why the game won’t start.

This is a great reason why it’s always a good idea to check permissions and read the descriptions of apps before you download them. This is especially true with popular games. There’s always going to be someone looking to make a quick buck at the expense of eager fans.