Rating: We have ways of tracking your phone down
Given that Android handsets are being used in a business environment, it’s no wonder that ActiveTrakwill launch a version of its GadgetTrak anti-theft and data wiping software for Android phones next week at CTIA Las Vegas.
The software’s ability to track down a lost or stolen Android handset is impressive.
The company calculates that when trying tto determine the smartphone’s location GPS is oftwn not available. For instance, the device might be indoors or in a dense urban environment. So the GadgetTrak software will not only attempt to use cell tower triangulation but it will also try Wi-Fi positioning, too.
For ease of use, the GadgetTrack software is installed and administered from a web-based control panel. Organizations and businesses can therefore use ActiveTrak’s software to protect and recover smartphone inventory via the control panel which enables administrators to manage devices and data.
For example, if the device is either lost or stolen, the user or administrator simply logs into his or her account to activate selected features. If the Android smartphone is simply lost, the software has the ability to trigger a remote ping that initiates a loud noise from the handset – even if it is in silent mode.
Another useful facility it protection against tampering. Not only is the handset configuration password protected, if the thief changes the SIM card, the device will send the phone’s new number to a pre-selected recipient.
Alternatively you might want to send an SMS to the handset which will then display a message such as “Oi! Gimme back moi phone!” on the handset’s screen.
Or you could try offering a reward, of course. It’s even possible to instruct the phone so you can have a chat with the handset’s finder or thief.
If everything has really gone pear-shaped, then it might well be necessary to utilise the remote data wipe facility. But don’t despair because if GadgetTrack has been set up correctly, if will be automatically backing up data on a regular basis. So if you have to wipe a device, you can send all your saved contacts to another Android phone.
For those who might have been wondering, besides the forthcoming Android version, GagetTrack is already available for Blackberry and Windows Mobile.
The whole alarm triggering capability reminds GoMo News of the first time it experienced a remote trigger which caused the handset to “scream”. That capability was demonstrated by Sychronica which nowadays specialises in email synchronisation instead.
