nrf connect location services

[AF]

Why does the nrf connect app on Android need my location services enabled for it to work? I believe that is the case for most (or all) of the nrf apps in Android.

[endnode]

Because both Android and iOS tight Bluetooth Low Energy API access with Location service access privilege. However confusing it is for end-users...

[AF]

What I want to know is why is the app tied up to the location service?? I have used the TI app and it does not ask me to enable my location service to work.

Is nordic tracking my location??

[endnode]

Firstly Nordic nRF Connect app for Android doesn't turn the location service itself (at least not on my Android 5.0.x phone) it only has "approximate location" privilege to be able to scan for BLE devices. Secondly if you are talking about Texas Instruments Simplelink SensorTag application for Android it requires exactly the same privilege.

[AF]

The location service it requires is not approximate location, it asks you to turn your GPS ON, and the location method is 'High Accuracy' (verified on a S6 running Nougat). Also if you do not allow access to the location services the app wont function.

The TI simple link starter app does not asks for my location services.

[endnode]

Nope, nothing like "Precise location" permission listed on Play store for nRF Connect app, I'm afraid it's some misunderstanding or malfunctioning. I'm sure Nordic support team will look at it tomorrow morning Europe time. Actually adding some screenshots with app permissions as visible in App manager on your phone might help (they claim Samsung Galaxy S6 being among their test devices so they might be able to reproduce it) as well as precise HW and OS identifications.