Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Shmesh - UV Index ("Shmesh", "the app", "we", "us", or "our") handles information when you use the app. Shmesh provides UV index forecasts, current UV conditions, safety guidance, widgets, notifications, and advertising-supported app features.

Information We Collect or Use

The app may collect, process, or access the following information:

• Approximate or precise device location, if you grant location permission.
• Saved location preferences, including last selected latitude, longitude, and location name.
• UV forecast data for your selected or detected location.
• App settings such as selected language and first-launch status.
• Device and app diagnostics, crash logs, and performance information through Firebase Crashlytics.
• Usage analytics through Firebase Analytics, such as screen views, app events, language selection, UV values, and feature interactions. Shmesh does not include precise coordinates in its Firebase Analytics events.
• Advertising identifiers and ad interaction data through Google AdMob, where available and permitted.

How We Use Information

We use information to:

• Show UV index information for your current or selected location.
• Provide hourly UV forecasts, recommended exposure times, safety advice, widgets, and notifications.
• Remember app settings and improve the user experience.
• Diagnose crashes, improve reliability, and understand general app usage.
• Show ads and support the app through advertising.
• Allow you to share UV information using Android's share sheet, such as WhatsApp, SMS, email, or other apps.

Location Permission

Shmesh requests location permission so it can provide UV information for your current area. If you do not grant location permission, some features may be unavailable or you may need to search/select a location manually. Location coordinates are transmitted securely to Open-Meteo to request location-specific weather and UV forecast information. They may also be stored locally on your device as your last selected location. Shmesh does not sell your precise location or use it to personalize advertising.

Notifications and Widgets

The app may use notifications, background work, and widgets to show UV information and refresh UV data. These features may use your saved location so the displayed UV information remains relevant.

Advertising

Shmesh uses Google AdMob to display ads, including banner, interstitial, and app open ads. Google and its partners may collect or use device identifiers, advertising identifiers, approximate location, ad interaction data, and other information as described in Google's policies. You can learn more at Google Advertising Policies.

Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics

Shmesh uses Firebase Analytics and Firebase Crashlytics. Analytics helps us understand general app usage. Crashlytics helps us identify and fix crashes. These services may collect device information, app version, operating system version, crash traces, installation identifiers, and app event data. We do not use these services to collect your name, phone number, messages, or contact list.

Sharing UV Information

If you use the share button, the app creates a text message containing UV information and opens Android's share sheet. The selected third-party app, such as WhatsApp, SMS, email, or another messaging app, handles the shared content according to its own privacy policy.

Third-Party Services

The app may rely on third-party services including:

• Google AdMob for advertising.
• Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics for analytics and crash reporting.
• Open-Meteo for weather, geocoding, and UV forecast data.
• Android system services for location, notifications, widgets, and sharing.

Data Sharing

We share data only as needed to operate the app: coordinates and location searches with Open-Meteo for app functionality; analytics and diagnostic information with Firebase; and advertising-related information with Google AdMob. Google Mobile Ads may collect and share IP-derived approximate location, app interactions, diagnostic information, and device or advertising identifiers for advertising, analytics, and fraud prevention. We do not sell personal information.

Data Retention

App preferences and cached UV forecast data may be stored locally on your device. Analytics, crash reports, and ad-related data may be retained by Google/Firebase/AdMob according to their own retention policies. You can delete local app data by clearing app storage or uninstalling the app.

Request Data Deletion

Shmesh does not create user accounts. To delete information stored locally by Shmesh, clear the app's storage in Android settings or uninstall the app. To request deletion of data associated with your app installation from services operated for BIH Studio, email support@bihstudio.com with the subject "Shmesh data deletion request." Do not include precise location or other sensitive information in your email. We will verify and process applicable requests, subject to data that must be retained for security, fraud prevention, or legal obligations. Advertising and analytics providers may retain independently controlled data according to their own policies and user privacy controls.

Your Choices

You can control your information by:

• Granting or denying location and notification permissions in Android settings.
• Clearing app data or uninstalling the app.
• Managing advertising personalization in your Google or Android privacy settings.
• Choosing whether to share UV information through another app.

Children

UVIndex is intended for a general audience and is not directed specifically to children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information through the app, please contact us.

Security

We use reasonable measures to protect information handled by the app. However, no mobile app, device, network, or third-party service can guarantee complete security.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a new "Last updated" date.

Contact Us

For privacy questions, support, or deletion requests, contact BIH Studio at support@bihstudio.com.