Privacy Policy

Effective Date: February 26, 2026

Device Cortex, LLC ("we," "us," or "our") built the zCastle app as a free application. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use the zCastle app ("Service") on Android or iOS.

By using the Service, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

Connection Information

To operate, zCastle requires connection details for your home automation controller (e.g., host address, port, and authentication credentials for Homeseer). This information is stored locally on your device only and is never transmitted to Device Cortex servers. Connection data is used solely to communicate directly between the app and your home automation controller.

Analytics and Crash Data

We use the following third-party services to help us understand app usage and improve reliability:

• Google Analytics for Firebase — collects anonymized usage data such as app opens, feature usage, and session duration. Firebase Privacy Policy
• Firebase Crashlytics — automatically collects crash reports including device model, operating system version, stack traces, and app state at the time of a crash. Crashlytics Terms

These services may collect device identifiers, IP addresses, and general device information. This data is processed by Google in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Do Not Collect

We do not collect, store, or transmit:

• Your name, email address, or other personal contact information
• Home automation credentials or connection details
• Smart home device states, sensor readings, or usage patterns
• Location data

3. How We Use Information

The limited data collected through third-party analytics is used exclusively to:

• Identify and fix crashes and bugs
• Understand which features are used to guide product development
• Monitor overall app stability and performance

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. Crash and analytics data is shared only with Google through the Firebase services described above, which are governed by Google's own privacy policies and data processing terms.

5. Data Retention

Crash and analytics data collected by Firebase is retained according to Google's standard retention policies. You can learn more about Firebase data retention in the Firebase Privacy Documentation.

6. Security

We take reasonable measures to protect the information associated with the Service. Your home automation connection details are stored locally on your device and are not accessible to us. However, no method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information through the Service, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.

8. Links to Third-Party Sites

The Service may contain links to external websites or services not operated by us. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content or privacy practices of third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

info@devicecortex.com