Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how Car Launcher (“we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, and shares information when you use our mobile application (the “App”).

By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Policy, please do not use the App.

1. Information We Collect

We designed Car Launcher to collect as little personal information as reasonably possible. However, some information is required to create and manage your account and subscription and some information may be collected automatically or via third-party services that are integrated into the App.

1.1 Account and Authentication Data

The App uses Firebase Authentication to manage user accounts and to distinguish between trial, Basic, Standard and Premium users.

When you create or use an account, we may collect:

Your email address (and optionally your name, if provided).
A unique user ID generated by Firebase and technical information related to authentication.
Information about your subscription status (trial, Basic, Standard, Premium) and related timestamps.

1.2 Information Stored in Our Database

We may use Firebase services (such as Cloud Firestore or Realtime Database) to store limited information related to your account and subscription, for example:

Your Firebase user ID (UID).
Subscription tier and expiry or renewal dates.
Basic settings or preferences required for the App to function.

We do not intentionally store sensitive categories of personal data in our database.

1.3 Information You Provide Directly

If you contact us by email or other channels (for support, feedback, etc.), we may receive and store the information you voluntarily provide, such as your name, email address, and message content.

1.4 Information Collected Automatically

When you use the App, certain information may be collected automatically, such as:

Device information (device model, OS version, language).
Basic app usage information (screens opened, interactions).
Log data and crash information (for diagnosing problems and improving stability).

This information is typically collected through third-party libraries (for example Google services or other SDKs) and is used only to maintain and improve the App.

1.5 Location Information

The App may access your location in order to provide navigation, maps, and location-based features, such as:

Turn-by-turn navigation.
Showing your position on a map.
Displaying local weather information.
Optionally improving recommendations for nearby radio stations (if supported by the services we use).

Location data is processed primarily by Google Maps / Navigation SDK and possibly by third-party weather services. We do not store your precise location on our own servers.

You can control location permissions in your device settings. If you disable location access, some features of the App may not work correctly.

1.6 Permissions and how we use them

The App requests certain Android permissions in order to provide its core functionality. Below is a summary of the main permissions we use and why:

Location – Used to provide navigation, maps and local weather information (for example showing your position on the map and calculating routes). We do not store your precise location on our own servers.
Contacts (READ_CONTACTS) – Used to show and search your contacts in the in-car Phone interface so you can quickly place calls. Your contacts are processed locally on your device and are not uploaded to our servers or shared with third parties for advertising.
Calling (CALL_PHONE) – Used to start phone calls directly from the launcher (for example when you tap a contact or recent call). We do not record or store the content of your calls.
Notifications – Used to display system alerts and media controls (for example music playback controls) inside the launcher. Notification content is handled by the Android system and is not stored on our servers.
Draw over other apps (overlay) – Used to show floating controls or mini-windows over other apps (for example floating return back button). We do not use this permission to capture the content of other apps.
Audio files / storage access – Used to read and display audio files stored on your device, USB storage, or SD card so the App can provide local music browsing and playback features. On newer Android versions this applies to audio media access, and on older Android versions storage access may be required for compatibility. We do not upload your audio files to our servers or use them for advertising.
Modify system settings (WRITE_SETTINGS) – Used only when you enable the screen orientation lock feature. This allows the App to control the system screen rotation setting so the display can remain locked to Portrait or Landscape according to your selected Display preference. The App does not use this permission to modify unrelated system settings, and no information accessed through this permission is collected or uploaded to our servers.

2. How We Use Information

We use the information described above for the following purposes:

To create, manage and authenticate user accounts.
To determine and enforce your subscription status (trial, Basic, Standard, Premium).
To provide the core functionality of the App (navigation, maps, media controls, radio, weather, etc.).
To maintain and improve the App’s performance, stability, and user experience.
To troubleshoot issues and provide customer support.
To protect against misuse, fraud, or security threats.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

3. Third-Party Services

The App integrates with several third-party services and SDKs. These services may collect information as part of their normal operation, in accordance with their own privacy policies. We strongly recommend that you review their policies.

3.1 Firebase (Authentication & Database)

We use Firebase Authentication to handle user sign-in and account management, and we may use Firebase Cloud Firestore or Firebase Realtime Database to store data related to your account and subscription status.

These services are provided by Google LLC. Data processed by Firebase is handled in accordance with Google's terms and privacy policy. For more information, please see Google's Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy.

3.2 Google Maps / Navigation SDK

We use Google Maps Platform / Google Navigation SDK to provide map and navigation features, such as displaying maps, calculating routes, and turn-by-turn navigation.

3.3 Spotify Integration

If you choose to connect your Spotify account, the App uses the Spotify Android SDK (App Remote) to display “Now Playing” information (such as track title, artist name, album artwork, and playback state) and to send playback control commands (play, pause, skip) to the Spotify app installed on your device. The App does not record or capture audio.

In addition, some optional Spotify features (such as browsing your library, liked songs, playlists, saved albums, or searching) use the Spotify Web API. At this time, these Web API features are available on an invite-only beta basis due to Spotify platform requirements and quota/review limitations.

We do not store your Spotify password. Spotify authorization is handled through Spotify’s login flow. Access tokens are stored locally on your device (in app storage) to enable Spotify features and typically expire after approximately one hour. Expired tokens are not used by the App. You can remove this locally stored authorization data by clearing the App’s storage in your device settings or by uninstalling the App.

Spotify is an independent service and processes your data under Spotify’s own Privacy Policy.

3.4 Radio Browser API

The App uses the Radio Browser API to provide access to internet radio stations (for example, searching and listing radio stations and their streams).

3.5 WeatherAPI.com

The App uses WeatherAPI.com to provide weather information such as current conditions and forecasts.

3.6 Geoapify

We use Geoapify to provide address autocomplete and search suggestions in the search bar on the Home Widget screen. When you enter an address or place name into this search field, the entered search text is sent to Geoapify in order to return relevant address and place suggestions.

Depending on the search configuration, we may also send the selected language and a geographic filter, such as a country filter, to improve the relevance of the results. We do not send your precise device location to Geoapify through this feature, and we do not store these search queries on our own servers.

3.7 Analytics and Crash Reporting

If we use analytics or crash reporting tools (such as Firebase Crashlytics or similar tools), they may collect anonymized or pseudonymized usage data and crash logs in order to help us understand how the App is used and to improve stability.

4. Data Storage and Retention

We aim to store only the minimum amount of data necessary to provide and improve the App.

Account and subscription data are stored in Firebase for as long as your account is active or as required by law.
Any logs or diagnostic information (if collected) are retained only as long as needed to analyze and resolve issues, or as required by applicable law.

5. Data Sharing

We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

With service providers and third-party partners that help us operate the App (for example, Firebase, map/navigation, media, radio, weather, analytics, crash reporting).
For legal reasons, if we are required to do so by law, court order, or governmental authority, or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
In connection with a business transfer, such as a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, in which case we will take reasonable steps to ensure that any successor honors this Privacy Policy or a similar policy.

6. Children's Privacy

The App is not directed to children under the age of 13 (or a higher age if required by the laws of your country), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

7. Your Choices and Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have certain rights regarding your personal data, including the right to access, update or delete your data, restrict or object to processing, or withdraw consent where applicable.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version within the App and/or on our website and update the “Last updated” date at the top of this document.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or about how your data is handled, please contact us at:

Developer: Car Lab
Email: support@car-lab.app

Privacy Policy for Car Launcher

Summary