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Hi guys!
I know there is a way to create a Chrome extension which, when clicked, launches an app on the phone that vibrates the phone and plays a sound file at the loudest volume, so I can find it. Like Chrome to phone but with a different purpose.
This would be a great app for those times when you need to go but just can't find your phone even though you know it is somewhere in the home. With just the press of a button you could hear (or feel, if it's very close to you) where it is! No need to use another phone to call yours or run around the apartment getting all tired and angry!
Personally I would have used it like eight times since I came up with the idea, but I don't know Android programming or HTML (for the extension) so I can't create it myself.
where's my droid
and a couple of other apps already do this. They take a sms message and crank up the volume.
arw01 said:
and a couple of other apps already do this. They take a sms message and crank up the volume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great for some people (with unlimited SMS), but unfortunately I haven't got unlimited SMS (nor do I always have access to a second phone. If I did though I would probably call my phone instead as this request is for finding the phone when you know it is somewhere near but don't have the patience to run around and search for it)
The app I want doesn't use SMS messages for launching the app but the Cloud-to-device service introduced with Android 2.2 and at the moment only available to a small but growing number of devices.
I use the Chrome to phone app & ext (code dot google dot com/p/chrometophone) on my Nexus and although it doesn't work every time when it does work it feels like magic!
I thought it would feel as much if not even more like magic if you could use this new service to find your phone with ease. I don't need it to have all the (for some) great features like showing where the phone is on a Google map or wiping important data if it's lost, I've got other apps for that.
I want this app to be as simple as it possibly can be, again like Chrome to phone:
Setting up: Download, Register phone, Be logged into Google account, done!
Use: Be logged into Google account, click extension button, wait a sec, phone rings, done!
Now does anyone here know how to create this app or where to request it to increase the chances of it getting past the idea stage and into something usable? It would surely make my day!
I am new to Android. Just got my Vibrant. I want to protect this phone so that in case it is lost or stolen I can recover it. Could you tell me what are some of the best apps for this?
Here is a list of names I know about for now:
Where's My Droid - This is currently installed, but required me to send a text to my phone to activate the GPS and even then it won't keep the GPS active long enough to get a precise location. Furthermore, it can alert the would be robber.
Glympse - well, this is not for stolen phones
Wavesecure - couldn't find any good threads on this. Seems to have an annual subscription fee of $19. I don't want that. Just want a standalone tracker.
Remote security - Not clear that this is a good app.
TheftAlarm - Again, developed in foreign language and I don't know how good it is
MobileDefense - Maybe this is the best app, but it is still in beta and no more users are accepted. I already filled out a request.
Find My Android - Was suggested in this thread, but it doesn't seem to be different from Where's My Droid, except the notification when SIM is replaced.
Lookout Mobile Security - Doesn't seem bad, but it doesn't lock your phone remotely. Can easily uninstall the program. I also found out that I better use a different email address than the one my phone gets otherwise the phone gets an email with "location" of the phone when you look it up online. This is better than Where's My Droid since you can do it more discreetly online, without sending texts (but have to make sure the email you use is not managed by the phone).
Am I missing something? I really want to protect this phone and it is frustrating that among so many apps, we seem to be missing good anti-theft solutions. Preferably I want something that can lock the phone remotely and allow me to do things without interruptions from the thief or at least discreetly. What would you recommend?
Also, I have a rooted (stock) Vibrant.
Thanks.
Where's My Droid isn't exactly very subtle about sending out replies, the author basically said there's nothing he can do.
Most of the other options include AntiVirus and other nonsense, and are expensive or questionable.
Tasker can automatically upload GPS, respond to an email or SMS to do so.. If you send it the right command it could take pictures periodically, make an outgoing call, whatever... It's extremely flexible in what it can do.
khaytsus said:
Where's My Droid isn't exactly very subtle about sending out replies, the author basically said there's nothing he can do.
Most of the other options include AntiVirus and other nonsense, and are expensive or questionable.
Tasker can automatically upload GPS, respond to an email or SMS to do so.. If you send it the right command it could take pictures periodically, make an outgoing call, whatever... It's extremely flexible in what it can do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW! Ok, but the question is - 1.can it lock the phone remotely? 2.What happens if the thief uninstalls Tracker or changes the SIM (can you password protect it)? Finally, 3.can it take picture AND email them remotely? Otherwise, I don't see much use to this feature if the phone is gone.
Lookout seems rather good, but I have not tested it personally. I'd add a link, but I'm a new user. Should be easy to find with a Google/Market search, though.
Well that (un installing tasker)may be the case with any tech anti theft, if the thief is smart and careful they will wipe/reset/format whatever they took, rendering a soft lo jack useless
I would just get tasker and lookup findmyandroid on lifehacker, its the best current option
Captiv
Yeah, I found out about LookOut on Android forums. I have installed it. It doesn't allow you to lock the phone remotely and can easily be uninstalled.
As for Find My Android, I don't see how is it different from Where's My Droid., maybe except the part where you're notified if the SIM card is replaced.
I updated the original post.
Find my android isn't the name of the app, its what the lifehacker post is tagged as (#findmyandroid)
The program is tasker, and its more customizable and it can turn on gps
Captiv
Sure, Lookout can be uninstalled, as can any other app. But really, you should have some sort of password on your device. With pattern unlock, there's really no reason not to do so.
According to one of the devs on their forums, remote locking as well as "other features" will be coming to Lookout "very soon".
https://lookout.zendesk.com/entries/24881-remote-lock
In the meanwhile, I use WaveSecure for locking my phone and Lookout for tracking, as its mechanism seems much better.
If you want to prevent Lookout from being uninstalled, just move the apk to /system/app (assuming your phone is rooted).
I have had Wave Secure since the Beta (it is free to beta testers) and love it. I can understand not wanting to pay, but it really is a great app. They have a zip file that you can flash in recovery if you are rooted. That will prevent the app from being erased if the phone is factory reset. I have also been using an app lately called "Tasker". It can track your phone, although I have not used it for this. Here is a link to the Wiki.
http://tasker.wikidot.com/locatephone
GPS Tracker by Instamapper is the one I use most. With a text message, it will return its location via Google maps. It will continually do so for as long as you have it set up for. Every 10 Seconds, Every 2 minutes, Every half hour, etc. I used it to track my stolen phone with the laptop in the car. This app saved me from buying a new phone.
stickerbob said:
I have had Wave Secure since the Beta (it is free to beta testers) and love it. I can understand not wanting to pay, but it really is a great app. They have a zip file that you can flash in recovery if you are rooted. That will prevent the app from being erased if the phone is factory reset. I have also been using an app lately called "Tasker". It can track your phone, although I have not used it for this. Here is a link to the Wiki.
http://tasker.wikidot.com/locatephone
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Click to collapse
Same here. Glad I got it while it was still a beta!
Ran accross this article just now, relized you all had to read this. It appears HTC ****** up hard.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/1...e-numbers-gps-sms-emails-addresses-much-more/
Scary stuff.
I'm so damn tired of all companies taking the liberty to just monitor our lifes just how they like, no matter if its google, microsoft, facebook, apple or HTC. What anoyys even more is how we passivly is forced into accepting it, and just shrudd our shoulders about it. Reading this, I wish I was smart enough to strike back somehow.
The article says "Some Sensations" I'd like to know what that means
Good find.
Pikabat said:
The article says "Some Sensations" I'd like to know what that means
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try running the app...
errr ok this is scary though. i wanna ask what's htcLaputa.apk is?
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using xda premium
The offending app is HtcLogger.apk and I've only seen it in the newer ROMs - I automatically removed it before this story broke as it didn't sound useful. End of the day you just have to be careful when you install new apps (e.g. direct from trusted sources)
I really wouldn't worry too much about it, typical media hype
EddyOS said:
The offending app is HtcLogger.apk and I've only seen it in the newer ROMs - I automatically removed it before this story broke as it didn't sound useful. End of the day you just have to be careful when you install new apps (e.g. direct from trusted sources)
I really wouldn't worry too much about it, typical media hype
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the example of how we/some of us just go used to this kind of things and started to accept things we never would have a few years back.
How exactly do you determine whats a trusted source? Obviously weve already had a bunch of malwares entering the market.
I use apps only from the company in question. 'Facebook for Android' from Facebook, 'Twitter' from Twitter, etc...only use about 20 apps all in anyway so I don't think I'm at risk
I'm not saying what's been found out isn't bad - it is - I just don't really care. People are far too paranoid these days
EddyOS said:
I use apps only from the company in question. 'Facebook for Android' from Facebook, 'Twitter' from Twitter, etc...only use about 20 apps all in anyway so I don't think I'm at risk
I'm not saying what's been found out isn't bad - it is - I just don't really care. People are far too paranoid these days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not using so much apps either, on the other hand I want to be able to try some "fun" app from androidmarket without fearing theft og my personal information.
Its not about paranoia to me, I couldnt care less about wheter or not some random dude can read my sms. But Im rather angry about the companies doing just as they like, mainly to direct commercials and ads conected to your personality. Did you know facebook, after their latest update, now saves a certain cookie after your logout and sends all urls you visit with your browser back to their server..?
Well, now Im going offtopic in my own thread.
Id like to see HTC comment on this atleast.
Again, if Facebook care if I open a YouTube video every now and then then that's up to them - I'm not interesting!!
Would be nice to see what HTC say but I'm not going to hold my breath!
Im starting to loose faith in htc
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
I tried to run the app, seems like my Sensation is not affected (Dutch one, that is)
so, in order to gain any kind of advantage, those apps need to know this vulnerability exists, am i right? just deleted that apk file, along with some other ones.
As the Android Police blog appears to have melted, here's Aunty's take on it
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15149588
Oh noes naughty people can access:
The list of user accounts, including email addresses (but apparently not usernames or passwords)
A log of recent GPS locations (so you can be stalked!!!!)
Phone numbers taken from recent call logs (so people you call can be stalked!!!)
SMS data, including recent numbers and encoded messages (meh if they want to read "Park 123 543" be my guest)
HTC's response:
"HTC takes our customers' security very seriously, and we are working to investigate this claim as quickly as possible," the company said in a statement.
"We will provide an update as soon as we're able to determine the accuracy of the claim and what steps, if any, need to be taken."
EddyOS said:
The offending app is HtcLogger.apk and I've only seen it in the newer ROMs - I automatically removed it before this story broke as it didn't sound useful. End of the day you just have to be careful when you install new apps (e.g. direct from trusted sources)
I really wouldn't worry too much about it, typical media hype
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to tell if the offending app (Htclogger.apk) is on your phone without rooting?
jggonzalez said:
Is there a way to tell if the offending app (Htclogger.apk) is on your phone without rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember it appears you are absolutely fine unless you install an app which is written to access the log files.
As Androidpolice says, the info could be used to clone your device, not only read some of your contacts. Now of course, you are fine as long as you do not install any malicious app, but I would even feel uncomfortable knowing that HTC can read ANY activity from my device at ANY point in time WITHOUT asking for my permission (or even after I denied that permission as shown in the video). The VNC thingie would also bug me cuz it is an app without any apparent use for the user and it does not serve a specific purpose - its just there until "someone" needs it. Now of course HTC wants to improve on user feedback and pulling it is much more convenient than asking for it, but if they want my opinion and see what I'm using they should at least ask me for it. That said, let's hope HTC addresses this problem in the very near future and does clarify why those apps are there and what purpose they serve. I will run the test app again after the next OTA for sure.
kwiggington said:
Im starting to loose faith in htc
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
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I don't think HTC is the problem.
I believe the problem is Google.
Ever go to the Google Android market place and see what they want to run in the background before they let you in?
I don't go near the place.
majesensei said:
As Androidpolice says, the info could be used to clone your device, not only read some of your contacts. Now of course, you are fine as long as you do not install any malicious app, but I would even feel uncomfortable knowing that HTC can read ANY activity from my device at ANY point in time WITHOUT asking for my permission (or even after I denied that permission as shown in the video).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're misssing the point.
The phone has this feature so that should you enable "Tell HTC" it can then send the info to HTC, if you don't enable that it just sits on your phone as a system log.
xaccers said:
You're misssing the point.
The phone has this feature so that should you enable "Tell HTC" it can then send the info to HTC, if you don't enable that it just sits on your phone as a system log.
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Click to collapse
True, and I agree that this is not a scary thing for itself. I am not a fan of conspiracy theories, but think about a combination of things: The log is created and sits there. There is a VNC client embedded deeply in your system by your manufacturer for no reason, which gives access to your device from a remote location. I am from Germany and used to a debate about data preservation (which is illegal, in Germany), but there are other countries that have a much broader "grey-zone" for these kind of things. I wonder where those Sensations with the HtcLogger.apk are ([email protected]?). We are all running the same Android build (as long as we don't root our phones), some are affected, others aren't. I just find it weird, and I doubt that some rogue dev at HTC programmed these apk's just for the fun of it.
I have a general question for all droid phones.
To make a long story short I have a crazy ex-wife that constantly hacks into my phone. When I get a new phone she tells me the model.
She reads thru my text messages and at times has even sent texts to my contacts.
At times when I open my phone she displays her facebook picture on the phone.
Does anyone know how to stop this???
I heard that droid phones are easy to hack by using something with the email system. If this is true is there any way to stop this?
This constant hacking is driving me crazy. My service provoder will not help no matter who I talk to.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Jerry
Yeah get a restraining order... The perfect way to deal with a crazy X. Been there.
You should lock your phone. iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and WP7 all allow you to use a 4 digit code or something else (pattern, password) to lock your phone. Don't tell her what it is, and she won't be able to unlock your phone. I would be surprised if she has the ability to "hack" past that.
raydowe said:
You should lock your phone. iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and WP7 all allow you to use a 4 digit code or something else (pattern, password) to lock your phone. Don't tell her what it is, and she won't be able to unlock your phone. I would be surprised if she has the ability to "hack" past that.
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Click to collapse
Minus, or so I am guessing, she isn't any where near him when she does it...
In other words, the phone could be in his pocket, and she would still be able to hack it...
I've never heard of anything like this being done without physical access or even knowing what model phone the person has, have you? I guess if someone had access to your google account they could remotely install apps through the marketplace.
It looks like she has access to your google account sync to your droid and installed any "spy" app. Try changing your account's password, do a factory reset and don't allow any backup.
raydowe said:
they could remotely install apps through the marketplace.
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Click to collapse
If she has his email and password, I can see it possible. But either way if the phone company wont do anything. Then the easiest way is to serve her with a restraining order. My ex was this way and I had to freaking move states in order to get the hell away from her.
Even so she still followed and harassed me in the state I am in. Not in person. Electronically. I just ignored her, and the problems went away eventually.... His ex sound pretty persistent. That gets annoying QUICK! like you start having evil thoughts annoying.
Therefore I say get a restraining order. You may even be able to get a fee wavier if you qualify for it.
Change your google passwords, phone co. account password (if you pay online) lock you phone and any other accounts associated with your phone. Do get a restraining order!
Sent from my Radar 4G using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Wow I feel sorry for you man it sounds crazy... Hope you can life through it and fix everything.
raydowe said:
You should lock your phone. iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and WP7 all allow you to use a 4 digit code or something else (pattern, password) to lock your phone. Don't tell her what it is, and she won't be able to unlock your phone. I would be surprised if she has the ability to "hack" past that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing the point, this crazy woman is his ex wife so there's no way she's putting her hands on his phone but she hacks him anyway from remote !
Your wife is really crazy to do such things! Get a restraining order. Change every account associated with the device. Create new ones. Hope things would definitely change!
extrem0 said:
It looks like she has access to your google account sync to your droid and installed any "spy" app. Try changing your account's password, do a factory reset and don't allow any backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry but why do not allow any backup? what's the problem with the backup? I was hacked in a similar way and the only thing I did was clicking on a fake video I was tagged on Facebook, which installed a remote access tool. And similarly to the author of this thread, the hacker can now read my whatsapp, facebook, instagram and gallery pictures no matter how many password I change or 2FA. I would like so much to get rid of it.
I recently got a Pixel 4a 5g and originally tried GrapheneOS and now I'm on Calyx. The issue I have is the stock texting app on either OS does not support group texting which I use a lot with my family. So I had to find a 3rd party app, found QKSMS which supports group texting.
However I don't know if this is an OS or app issue, but at random, I will get old texts back. It will basically be as if it's a new text, but it's an old conversation that just replays itself. It's super annoying and also confusing because sometimes at first I think it's a real text I just got.
Is there a way to make this stop? I'm also open to suggestions on an alternate app but it needs to be something that's in the F droid store, since I don't really want to put Google play on here as it kind of defeats the purpose of having a privacy oriented phone if I start putting apps that spy on me.
I also want to stick with SMS/MMS and not signal etc, because not everybody uses all the same chat app, but SMS is just universal. Everyone I know uses it.
Anyone else ever run into this and found a fix?
Just bumping, hoping someone has a pointer for how I can troubleshoot this?