I work in a pretty bad neighborhood, and was looking for an app that let's you locate your tablet if it's lost or stolen. I know there's where's my droid, but not sure if it works on tablet's since I can't send SMS's to my View. Are there any apps that work through E-mail? Any help would be appreciated.
Settings -> Location -> Tablet finder
The description says that it "Allows you to find your tablet when it is lost or stolen." I would assume that it works through the HTC Sense account that you associate with the device.
Thanks, I saw that in the menu but couldn't figure out what controlled it. I guess I'll make a Sense account.
I logged into the htcsense.com website, but it can't locate my tablet. I have GPS turned on. I guess it's probably because I don't have 3g/4g data service?
Yeah I had the same problem, I did it through wi-fi w/ the GPS turned on. The tablet showed that the GPS was working, but the location wouldn't show up on the site. The sites in beta right now so they are probably trying to fix some issues. Once I refreshed the page though the location showed up. I don't know how well it would work in the event it was ever stolen though.
Are there any apps that would work with just wifi and not the cellular radio? Seems like most apps such as SeekDroid monitor the text messages for an activation code, I would think a wifi-only device couldn't do that.
Yeah most of the Anti-theft programs all require SMS activation, I looked into a few apps. I would try prey-anti theft its free I think you can report it as stolen from their website and it would turn on the GPS. If you try it let me know how it works.
Actually Seekdroid did work for me. Ill try it again when I change location and see if it can update the location.
It found me at home too, and I had GPS turned off. Seekdroid turned on the GPS to get my location, so seems like it only needs wifi.
Related
I am looking for an app that automatically switches off the cellular radio when wifi is connected and switches it back on when wifi loses connection. I'm not talking about the APN data connection which already does that, I'm talking about the regular cell phone connection.
According to my lack of results searching through the forums, Market, and Google, such an app does not exist yet. Currently the best app I've found to do anything remotely like this is the Airplane Mode Wi-Fi app, which is a manual switch and a slightly cumbersome one at that, not nearly good enough for how often I go in and out of wifi.
The reason I ask for this is because I use Google Voice with SIP and a prepaid plan. I want to use SIP as much as possible to save my prepaid minutes for when I really need them. When wifi and cell are both connected with Sipdroid running and I receive a call, they both ring at the same time. To be sure I don't accidentally use prepaid, I usually reject the call and call back over SIP, which is slightly annoying for both me and the caller.
Might someone be willing to create this app? Or better yet, does it already exist and I just wasn't doing the right searches?
You can turn the phone radio off with code but you need to use non-public apis and probably extra permissions. For anyone interested, have a look at RadioInfo.java (Phone Info when selecting an activity with AnyCut).
I'll add the option to the Airplane Mode Wi-fi Tool.
It was simple, I'm testing it right now, then I'll update it in the market as soon as it works properly.
UPDATE: Done, go download "Airplane Mode Wi-Fi Tool" (free) from the market if you'd like to stay updated from there, otherwise install it from the attachment here.
It only enables airplane mode if it successfully connects to a Wi-fi network, if it disconnects, connection gets dropped, or wi-fi gets disabled from the settings or widget, the phone goes back to regular radio mode.
Make sure to check the Preferences and enable/disable it according to your preferences. It's disabled as default.
Enjoy!
Perfect! Airplane Mode Wi-Fi Tool has become one of my top favorite apps with this feature. Thanks!
cant' find it on the market
sorry: I needed to search for the translated name
zorxd said:
is this app still available on market? Can't find it.
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Click to collapse
It is, Market link -- Airplane Mode Wi-fi Tool
Also, you might be interested in this one, Market link - AutoAP
I found the application on the market, however it doesn't behave as expected. I have to manually switch to airplane mode, and then enable wifi.
What I would like is a single switch to enable wifi AND disable the cellular radio.
And then a single switch to switch back to cell radio with wifi off.
I will try autoAP, thanks
How hard is it on the battery if I always leave wi-fi on even when not used?
autoap seems just fine, I just have to disable wifi to automatically enable cell radio
thanks
However I think, from a marketing point of view, you should consider a better name. Auto AP sounds like Automatic Access Point to me.
Yeah, works fine on tablets without internal 3G. This provides a battery saver.
Ok so basically all i want to do is this: find my phone if I lose it or it's stolen, even if the sim card is changed.
If the sim card is not changed-I have installed sms gps enabler and after that if I lose the phone I can enable wifi and gps with an sms, and then should use seekdroid to find the phone BUT the phone must be conected to a wifi network with internet connection to actually be able to find the phone on the site..so it kind of sucks.
So, any suggestions? As I said I can enable gps remotely but would need an app to send gps coord through sms(or something like that) and use and online app to find the phone on the map.
I think this is what you're looking for...
(hey, look, it's free)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU6oK94HHag
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.androidlost
I'm considering installing that also, but I don't have the habit of leaving location enabled (well, it still can enable it remotely through internet or SMS).
But, after all, it seems simply fantastic!!!
lots of features but for me it only works if wifi enabled and connected to a network..
you can always enable connection by sendind proper sms. Dont worry
SMS features are similar to internet features I think.
yes you can enable wifi with an sms BUT maybe the phone is in an area that doesn't have any wireless networks...and even if there are any , the phone will not automatically connect to a wireless network...
cozzz16 said:
Ok so basically all i want to do is this: find my phone if I lose it or it's stolen, even if the sim card is changed.
If the sim card is not changed-I have installed sms gps enabler and after that if I lose the phone I can enable wifi and gps with an sms, and then should use seekdroid to find the phone BUT the phone must be conected to a wifi network with internet connection to actually be able to find the phone on the site..so it kind of sucks.
So, any suggestions? As I said I can enable gps remotely but would need an app to send gps coord through sms(or something like that) and use and online app to find the phone on the map.
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Click to collapse
You can do that with SeekDroid. http://help.seekdroid.com/kb/features/sms-how-to-and-help
Put in a support ticket at http://help.seekdroid.com if you have any questions.
-SeekDroid Team
Best option will be where is my droid or whater its name is....
sycko said:
You can do that with SeekDroid. http://help.seekdroid.com/kb/features/sms-how-to-and-help
Put in a support ticket at http://help.seekdroid.com if you have any questions.
-SeekDroid Team
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Click to collapse
Ok, as I said in the first post, the phone needs wifi for you to locate it online using seekdroid website and I said that I would want something that uses only sms messaging and (eventually) real time locating on a map
Devil_Dude said:
Best option will be where is my droid or whater its name is....
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Click to collapse
Well, you're right. After many efforts I found it to be the best option for finding the phone. You just send the attention word for the gps, the gps goes on and in a few minutes you get the gps coordonates for your phone as well as a google maps link to the location. When you think you are close enough you can text the attention word and the phone will ring with max volume no matter if silent/vibrate setting is selected. Also, if sim card is changed it will send the new number to a preselected phone number.
In my opinion, if this software would have had some real time tracking through on online map it would have been perfect. Anyway, as said, I think this is the best option if you ever lose your phone or it gets stolen.
Hi all im trying to use my GPS on navigation and it doesnt seem to be working one bit i even downloaded a gps app and that wasnt picking it up also any idea's what's wrong?
TipTopFlipFlop said:
Hi all im trying to use my GPS on navigation and it doesnt seem to be working one bit i even downloaded a gps app and that wasnt picking it up also any idea's what's wrong?
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EDIT: the only real GPS dead zones are underground and on a very rare occurence when your time and date aren't synchronized with that of the GPS sattelite. Other then that, have you tried to enable GPS in settings (would be weird if it was disabled by default). It also matters if you have a data connection when using some apps (I have never gotten google maps to show me where I am when I have no data).
Hope some of this is useful to you
Dyskmaster said:
EDIT: the only real GPS dead zones are underground and on a very rare occurence when your time and date aren't synchronized with that of the GPS sattelite. Other then that, have you tried to enable GPS in settings (would be weird if it was disabled by default). It also matters if you have a data connection when using some apps (I have never gotten google maps to show me where I am when I have no data).
Hope some of this is useful to you
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Click to collapse
Thank's for the reply the GPS is enabled still no luck,you cant get data on the Galaxy Player anyway i think.
Other people must be having this problem too the thread has had about 200 view's does anyone know anything about this problem?
TipTopFlipFlop said:
Thank's for the reply the GPS is enabled still no luck,you cant get data on the Galaxy Player anyway i think.
Other people must be having this problem too the thread has had about 200 view's does anyone know anything about this problem?
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By data connection he means a wifi connection.
GPS uses data always. So it needs a data stream to get and use location services and maps.
On a phone it uses cellular or wifi but on an ipod style device or the galaxy player it needs wifi.
Without wifi it will never work unless your gps config files are modified; which is something i learned when trying to get the Acer Iconia GPS to work. And even then its probably not going to work.
Turn on wifi. I bet it works.
You now may be thinking "then what good is gps when i do not have a data connection!!?" - and my answer is exactly!!!
Gps on these devices is a gimmick and really only works when wifi is available.
True gps like a tom tom device doesnt need a wifi connection because it uses the gps link iyself for the limited data it needs plus the maps are built in.
On the galaxy player and phones the maps are downloaded at needed because they are hundreds of megs .
v_lestat said:
{snip}
True gps like a tom tom device doesnt need a wifi connection because it uses the gps link iyself for the limited data it needs plus the maps are built in.
On the galaxy player and phones the maps are downloaded at needed because they are hundreds of megs .
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Click to collapse
The Galaxy Player works fine as a standalone GPS without need of a wifi connection if you have the right kind of app. I use Sygic but there are several others. You download maps from Sygic to your player so they are available on your device. Works fine on my 5" Galaxy Player. Also there are apps like speedometers which use the GPS and work fine without a wifi connection.
I use Sygic. And also use pre recorded areas in Google Maps when I need it. No need to WI-FI, etc..
It is a good GPS 5 ".
In fact, very good.
Until now no problems experienced with GPS. If you do not connect may be related to your area.
v_lestat said:
By data connection he means a wifi connection.
GPS uses data always. So it needs a data stream to get and use location services and maps.
On a phone it uses cellular or wifi but on an ipod style device or the galaxy player it needs wifi.
Without wifi it will never work unless your gps config files are modified; which is something i learned when trying to get the Acer Iconia GPS to work. And even then its probably not going to work.
Turn on wifi. I bet it works.
You now may be thinking "then what good is gps when i do not have a data connection!!?" - and my answer is exactly!!!
Gps on these devices is a gimmick and really only works when wifi is available.
True gps like a tom tom device doesnt need a wifi connection because it uses the gps link iyself for the limited data it needs plus the maps are built in.
On the galaxy player and phones the maps are downloaded at needed because they are hundreds of megs .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GPS technology works perfectly fine without data connection. To speed up the first fix, aGPS was developped and uses a data connection when available, but data connection is not mandatory. It's what is used in most if not all smartphones (search for "assisted gps" in wikipedia).
Data connection are required by some navigation software because they need to download the maps or for some obscure reasons. It's the case with google navigation for example.
But you can use a software that doesn't require data connection and store all its map on the device and only uses the GPS signal to do the fix, as gotok pointed out correctly. An android device with a good navigation software is no different than what you call a "true gps like tomtom".
I think you just don't make the difference between GPS (the technology) and navigation software.
I agree that the samsung S wifi's GPS capabilities are not very useful "out of the box" with the limitations of google navigation, but it can work perfectly fine with a good software. Don't blame this device (or any other one) for the shortcomings of google navigation and some other software.
MervinMinky said:
I agree that the samsung S wifi's GPS capabilities are not very useful "out of the box" with the limitations of google navigation, but it can work perfectly fine with a good software. Don't blame this device (or any other one) for the shortcomings of google navigation and some other software.
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The software is definitely an issue. The SGP i got for christmas couldn't utilize its GPS at all. Regardless of what app tried to use GPS location services, i always got a location error (E.G. Location unavailable at this time.) After doing a little searching, i found that someone had an app that fixed a similar problem. I downloaded "GPS Status & Toolbox" and let it run. Its primary use is a compass and getting information about location, but after i opened it and let it download GPS configuration information, everything worked perfectly. Maps showed where i was, Facebook gave me nearby locations and so on.
Dont know if everyone figured this out already or not, but after reading over most of the thread, i didn't see a definitive solution. Just thought I'd share what i had found.
MervinMinky said:
The GPS technology works perfectly fine without data connection. To speed up the first fix, aGPS was developped and uses a data connection when available, but data connection is not mandatory. It's what is used in most if not all smartphones (search for "assisted gps" in wikipedia).
Data connection are required by some navigation software because they need to download the maps or for some obscure reasons. It's the case with google navigation for example.
But you can use a software that doesn't require data connection and store all its map on the device and only uses the GPS signal to do the fix, as gotok pointed out correctly. An android device with a good navigation software is no different than what you call a "true gps like tomtom".
I think you just don't make the difference between GPS (the technology) and navigation software.
I agree that the samsung S wifi's GPS capabilities are not very useful "out of the box" with the limitations of google navigation, but it can work perfectly fine with a good software. Don't blame this device (or any other one) for the shortcomings of google navigation and some other software.
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Click to collapse
Data connection is never "mandatory" but with some GPS chipsets, it effectively is.
Some chipsets are so crippled they are almost never able to get a lock without assistance.
See the original GalaxyS phones as one example.
The Infuse is improved but not much better.
The Galaxy S II is VERY good at standalone operation.
Galaxy Players - ???, no clue
The GPS works fine, without wifi, on the Galaxy Player 5.0. To test it, get GPS Test (free). Of all the devices I have ever had with GPS (including Nokia phones, LG Android and HTC phones, Garmin) the GPS is the fastest I have experienced. Locks indoors and on moving trains very fast.
I use CoPilot mapping and navigation program and it works great.
I use "Mapdroid" (Free) and "Navdroid" (purchased) and both work great as stand-alone apps. The maps are open source maps and can be had for pretty much anywhere in the world.
Just like a real stand-alone GPSr the accuracy and speed of start up depends on a clear view of the sky, enough time to builds it's almanac of Sats and how far you are from the location you last accessed the app ( moving great distances between uses is almost the same as being turned on for the first time). The same can be said if too much time has gone by between use (such as months).
The Sat almanac gets built when your gpsr is turned on for the first time and is used as a predictive way identifying which Sats should be overhead at the current time you turn your GPSr on. Four or more Sataltites locked in gives you a higher degree of accuracy.
John
So, while I know the NT does not have a GPS receiver, I figured there might be a location setting like the Wi-Fi iPad 2 has where it uses local wi-fi signals to determine it. However, any time I try to activate this feature either through the NT Settings app or the option that Beautiful Widgets offers, it force closes and I get bubkiss. Without this it's tough to get local weather info if I'm not in my house (because I manually set the location in that case). Just wondering if anyone had any insight as to how to get location service working on a rooted NT without it force closing? If not, I can live without it. Hopefully when CM9 comes out, we'll get that in addition to Bluetooth.
You might try these steps to get network location to work.
Yeah unfortunately that doesn't really do what I was looking for, but in any case I have my answer. Real location determination is not available yet via wifi network, you can only fool a rooted NT into believing you're in a certain location by using an app. Fair enough, but disappointing.
Google Now gave me a rather interesting message: For better location, please enable Wifi. This works even when not connected to a network.
How can the phone figure out my location by using the Wifi antenna without connecting to any networks?
Here's how I originally thought it worked: The phone sees what cell towers are available, then uses data or Wifi to look them up in a database and determines a likely location. But now the app is telling me it really just wants the wifi antenna on. Why?
Because its like when you turn on your Bluetooth it scans near by devices..you connect with them or not its not the question but you can know that how many devices are in your range got it..
Same like when you turn on wifi it searches near by connection you connect or not Google find out your near by wifi networks.. By using that nearby wifi network already registered they find you approximately locations..
we all should be polite enough to press thanks for anyone who helped US.
Oh. Then Google records the location of Wifi networks, so visible networks can be used for location lookups?
Actually, that makes sense. I remember a couple years ago they got in trouble for wardriving and said it was unintentional. It could have been related to an effort to record the location of all visible networks.
That makes sense, but I'm running JellyTime on an Inspire, and it doesn't have the biggest battery. I don't want to leave wifi on all the time. Would it make sense to use Tasker to turn wifi on for a few minutes every hour, or would Google Now even be able to gather enough location info in such a short time?
Longstreet said:
That makes sense, but I'm running JellyTime on an Inspire, and it doesn't have the biggest battery. I don't want to leave wifi on all the time. Would it make sense to use Tasker to turn wifi on for a few minutes every hour, or would Google Now even be able to gather enough location info in such a short time?
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Click to collapse
Why not test it without Wifi? Leave google maps open with Wifi/GPS disabled while you're traveling. If that looks reasonably accurate, just leave them off.
As for timing, the phone can tell your location pretty quickly, but I don't know how Google Now is written. It would probably need to have specific logic that says "check location whenever wifi gets enabled". I'm not sure whether it does.
fenstre said:
Why not test it without Wifi? Leave google maps open with Wifi/GPS disabled while you're traveling. If that looks reasonably accurate, just leave them off.
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That's what I've been doing. It works so far, I was just wondering if there was a better way.
It just doesn't seem to do much beyond weather and sports. Maybe I haven't used it long enough. Or maybe my life is so freaking boring it doesn't have a lot to work with!:laugh:
As for timing, the phone can tell your location pretty quickly, but I don't know how Google Now is written. It would probably need to have specific logic that says "check location whenever wifi gets enabled". I'm not sure whether it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering. There's a lot of info out there on what it does and how it does it. But I'd be interested in the nuts and bolts, finding out exactly what it's doing and when and how.
It is kinda neat. But kinda unsettling too.