[Q] striped down andoid only for a tracking device? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello
I'm thinking about an tracking project.
Not like "Where have you bin all the day?", more like "Where are you right now"
I would like to use an old android device to track a car by using only SMS.
The device should only be used to receive a SMS, switch on GPS, wait for signal and send back the current position.
The device don't need to provide phone functionality, internet or any UI.
The power supply should be connected to the car battery. (I hope it will not discharge to much)
Is it possible to hide the device into the glove compartment and to protract the GPS antenna?
To make a keepalive the device should send a SMS once a week to a given Number.
Is there any project how strip down an android to some basic functionality?
Is there any project which provide likewise functions?
Currently i have install CM7 on my old and CM11 on my new device.

Maybe CM7 with androidlost can do the job.
I found some descriptions about remove most apps like calender, contacts, ...
I'm not sure if the UI can be removed.

Related

[Q] How can I prove that my Android Device (SGS2) has been used by someone else?

Back Story:
My phone was left in my house (shared with other people) yesterday while I was at work. When I got home I was checking missed calls, voicemail etc and I noticed that some text messages were missing. I looked a bit more and it seems that 2 seperate sms message threads had been deleted and a number of contacts had been deleted too. Now, this has happened before to another housemate but we couldn't prove that it had been done. We are pretty sure we know who did it but I need concrete evidence that the phone was accessed.
Phone Specs: Samsung Galaxy S2, rooted, running CM7 latest nightly. I also have Cerebrus installed if that helps.
So my questions are as follows:
1) Is it possible to see what activity was happening on my phone yesterday? I don't have any "logging" software running.
2) Is it possible to retrieve the deleted SMS messages?
I work in IT so am pretty tech savvy, just not in the workings of the Android OS!
All help greatly appreciated.
P.S. I have already been able to restore the contacts that were deleted using the restore functionality in gmail.
The short answer is no. It is, at least in theory, possible to "undelete" stuff, but it isn't usually practical. Even if you did, you wouldn't have "proof" in the legal sense.
That said, I have been involved in a similar situation. Here's the approach we used. It is reasonable to assume that this behavior will continue. Therefore, get some logging software installed. Do NOT talk about it. Do nothing out of the ordinary. Just quietly install some software that will let you see what is going on with your phone. I know there are apps which will email an alert when accessed, snap a pic from the front-facing camera, log SMS to email, remotely lock the phone, etc etc. Based on what you need to accomplish, get these set up and then BE PATIENT. wait a few days (unless you normally leave your phone at home) and leave it again when the person in question might be around.
A pic would be sufficient proof I would think for confronting a roomie. If nothing else log your sms's. I use integrated Google Voice so I'd get an alert on my PC even if I didn't have the phone (very handy, that), but that may not be an option for you.
I also use SeekDroid for remote locking, and I -think- there's a remote camera provision, but it's at a higher paid level than I am subscribed to. At any rate that's my suggestions.
Or, the simple solution: Put a better lock code on your phone.
-JB
A lock code would help prevent the behavior in the future. For catching the vandal red-handed, I believe an app like Gotcha! may do what you need.

[Q] Select contact on tablet - initiate (dial) call on phone - talk on phone

Hi,
The Situation or: what I'm looking for:
1. Nexus 7 with Google Contacts app
2. Non-android phone (Nokia N8 etc.) or really any dumb phone paired to Nexus 7 via bluetooth.
3. Select phone number from Contacts on Nexus 7 -> connected phone dials the number
4. Talk on phone.
As I have a very extensive and nicely organized list of contacts in my "People" app (Google Contacts) on the Nexus 7, I would just like to be able to select a number there and have the bluetooth-connected dumb phone place the call, so I just need to pick up the phone and talk, not dial the number manually on the phone.
Right now, when I select a number in the Contacts app on the Nexus 7, Skype - of all things - starts and wants to dial that number apparently.
Instead of Skype, I want the number to be sent to the connected bluetooth phone. Surely that HAS to be possible somehow?
Even though this should only require a simple ATD command to be sent out via bluetooth and it's a functionality that every automobile bluetooth setup can do (dial from the steering wheel etc. -> connected phone places the call), I couldn't find one single, small app that does that.
In the PC world, this is sometimes known as CTI (computer telephony integration), basically you dial a number on your Windows PC (e.g. using on-board "dialer.exe" or using Outlook, and your phone places the call). So now I'm basically looking for a simple, one-way TTI (tablet telephone integration).
I did find Tablet Talk, which looks very nice, but this one needs a client software to be installed on the phone, which therefore has to be Android, so it's unusable for my case. I'm pretty much looking for a universal solution here, i.e. Android tablet to any dumb or smart bluetooth-enabled phone (or even another android for that matter), which, given that bluetooth is a universally specified protocol, shouldn't be much of a problem, in my limited understanding.
So I'm looking for any advice or pointers here:
Am I missing something? Why hasn't this been done yet? Are there any deeper problems to what looks like a rather simple task at first glance?
Is there an app out there that does this which I may just have overlooked?
From my point of view, to problems or "routines" would have to be solved/written in an app that does this:
1.) Get the Google Contacts app ("People") on the android tablet to send numbers via bluetooth or to our "middleware app" (to be named) instead of sending those numbers to the Skype app (which might just be a quirky configuration on my Nexus 7, but it illustrates the use case).
2.) ATD command to phone via bluetooth, sent from the tablet
Thank you so much for any tips or insights!
Cheers.
I also need this, did you ever figure out a way?
Congratulations on the excellent write-up of what I want as well. One thing more: I'd like to send and receive text messages as well.
As I understand, the bluetooth Message Access Profile is needed for the latter. I assume bluetooth MAP can also be used to access the tablet's phone list from your phone. For just setting up a call, I believe several Bluetooth profiles are suitable.
There's also this a topic about a remote dialer for the Note 3 on these forums. I have ordered a similar dumb phone and will post my findings!

[Q] Restrict users

Hello,
I've been looking for this but no success. Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.
I'll explain the system for the complete picture:
We've built a system for a healthcare organization which uses a SMS server, if a person pushes a button on an (wifi) alarm unit in his/her room a SMS is sent to a Samsung Xcover2 phone, a specially written app 'catches' this special SMS before the stock android SMS app will get it, diplays the room that made the alarm and from there the user of the Samsung Xcover can make a one-touch operation to make a direct connection to this room so you can speak to that person in the room. From the phone the call can be closed and the alarm unit in the room will be reset.
So far so good. We deployed a pilot project and it works really well.
Except for the Samsung Xcover. We used them straight out of the box, set the settings (no google account, wifi is not used) but from there the user is able to change ANYTHING.....and they do; different sounds, fonts, backgrounds, they make pictures......basically they make a mess of it.
And since we use a Private GSM system with nano cells there's no internal number displayed on the screen so we use a personalised wallpaper with our company's logo and the internal number (they are also used as normal internal phones for in- an outbound communication). They keep changing the wallpaper so phones get 'lost' since they can't see the number anymore.
What I'm looking for is something that basically lets us control what the user can or can't do. Preferably with the stock ROM, rooting and loading a custom ROM is an option but time consuming.
Anyone with a suggestion??

[Q] Need advice on Lollipop native / apps please

Hi All.
I've taken the plunge and ordered my S6 Edge 128gb in Emerald Green.
I'm sure everything will be just fine, but I was hoping for some pointers from the Android users for certain apps and features I use on the BlackBerry.
I've been using BlackBerry for a few years now (Z30 and a Passport) but I'm wanting a change and LOVED the look of the Edge. Just wondering if you fab people could give some assistance in either clarifying what Lollipop does natively or suggesting apps I could use to achieve a similar effect.
1. One of the things I think I will miss quite a bit is the notification light on the BlackBerry. Hence why I ultimately went with the Edge. I know the edge can have notification lights for the top 5 contacts (thats enough for me) showing when placed face down.. however. just two questions connected to this:
* Does the notification light continue to flash if you miss the call / message? i.e. continue until you pick the phone up and look
* I'm sure the notification doesn't work with the phone facing upwards or stood on a stand, but do you think this is something that a rom flash could fix? or even, maybe an app..
2. BlackBerry Hub really is very good. You have all your communications in one location, save opening text apps, Social media, then mail apps etc. How does Lollipop 5 handle messaging? Does it have a similar type of hub?
3. I run an app called Hubb++ on my Passport. Here I can tell notifications to switch off and on during certain time periods. Ideal after a long hard day in the office, get home and my phone automatically goes into silent from 8.30pm until 7am. (except for contacts I've highlighted as important and to break the silence). Again, does Android lollipop have anything like this or is there an app that does similar?
4. Bluetooth connection to the car. I have to be honest and say the BlackBerry really does nothing special in the arena for me. It's a basic rSAP connection type which allows contacts etc to be sent to my car (Audi A7). How is Bluetooth within Android Lollipop? Last time I used Android, rSAP was not working and I had to root the phone and install all sorts to get it going. To be honest, my days of rooting and messing are over (I know, that's part of the fun of Android) I'm too busy these days to spend the time learning and testing etc. I just want the connection to work. Any input please.
That's basically it. Any input and recommendations would be received with thanks.
1. There's notification light blinking on the top left of the phone for miss call, message /SMS or social app/ voicemail, email etc... You can get a short vibration when you pick up your phone and you have miss call or SMS message as well /not sure for other notifications/
2. I'm sure there's some apps you can find for the most messaging services on Google play, buy better give it a try on few and see what's best for you
3. There's apps to switch your profiles according to time settings, but I thing S6 has option to do that as well with detecting your GPS location /home, work, etc.../
4. The bluetooth should be just fine. I have no problem with Audi A5
pacho_bs said:
1. There's notification light blinking on the top left of the phone for miss call, message /SMS or social app/ voicemail, email etc... You can get a short vibration when you pick up your phone and you have miss call or SMS message as well /not sure for other notifications/
2. I'm sure there's some apps you can find for the most messaging services on Google play, buy better give it a try on few and see what's best for you
3. There's apps to switch your profiles according to time settings, but I thing S6 has option to do that as well with detecting your GPS location /home, work, etc.../
4. The bluetooth should be just fine. I have no problem with Audi A5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to answer.
Sent from my Passport using Tapatalk

Accessing Android device that has no physical buttons and executes custom app.

I have recently purchased an IQ Panel 2 (Android 5.1.1) home/office/etc. Alarm system.
I assumed I would have access to the full Android OS, not root access, just basic access like all phones and tablets. (this is NOT the case)
The Tablet/device starts with the power button and from there goes directly to the custom alarm software app.
There are NO physical buttons (other than the power button) that I can see on the board inside the case.
There is a USB port but apparently it is only for charging.
The device supports Bluetooth but only via the app and not the actual 'Bluetooth Settings' screen on Android and therefore I am unable to pair a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse.
I have the desire to add Tasker and a custom launcher such as NOVA launcher so that I can have even greater control over my Z-wave and Bluetooth devices as well as additional custom notifications etc.
A port scanner shows port 8883 open but I believe that might be for z-wave communication?
The device has expansion slots on the board. 2 are in use and a 3rd is open for a secondary image sensor and a 4th is for future expansion.
Any suggestions on how to proceed would be of immense help.
I hate the idea of returning this device because of this limitation.
I have spoke with the manufacturer Qolsys and they informed me the end-user is blocked from these features for obvious reasons.
There is a youtube video detailing everything about the device: Qolsys: IQ Panel 2 Technical Webinar (Can't post links yet)
Thanks in advance for any help.
26 views but no responses?
anyone have any ideas?
IIIHomieIII said:
26 views but no responses?
anyone have any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
contact me i have same device
Contact..
Wondering?
I just got a Qolsys IQ Panel 2. I feel the same way. Were you able to root the Panel? Using the full Andriod opens the door for a better IQ Panel.
melmel1989 said:
contact me i have same device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you also help me with this iq panel I recently got it and want full features
Update
No, unfortunately I was never able to get basic access or root access but I did accomplish the original features I wanted via an older Android phone on wifi only that I use in conjunction with the IQ Panel 2.
The secondary phone runs a few apps and sits in a separate room with the screen dimmed to near black/hardly visible screen brightness.
It performs the following functions:
Custom voice commands including disarming the IQ Panel on a weekday morning schedule at 7am and/or by talking to the Google Assistant via my personal phone or a family member's phone or a Google Assistant speaker of which we have several throughout the home.
Turning on the smart thermostat when the temperature in the home is above or below a certain temperature.
Opening the garage door via voice command and being alerted when it is open or left open as if it were a window or door sensor.
Setting voice profiles so when opening the garage door or disarming the IQ Panel only that person's voice works. My voice or my wife's but not guests or the kids voices control these functions.
Being able to have the alarm disarmed by my children's phone via Bluetooth but having the alarm disarmed notification go to email instead of text.
(Necessary because through the Alarm.com website limited settings.. my kids would be notified everytime we get home and since they don't live with us anymore that would be annoying to them daily to get texts but they still need to know the alarm had been disabled by the their Bluetooth phone proximity to the IQ Panel and email only when their phones are in proximity and disarm the alarm. Email solves this.
All of this could have been done with just the IQ Panel if we had basic access not even root but one older Android phone from the past that stays plugged in at all times solves the dilemma.
I do this by running the Autovoice app on the extra phone. Autovoice integrates with Google Assistant and between those two apps, Tasker app, the Alarm.com app, smart thermostat app, Auto-input app, and Autonotification app, Tasker send mail add-on plus a little time and setup it works flawlessly.
I believe this was less then $20 total for all apps.
Basically you can have the Autovoice app set predefined voice specific commands interact with the IQ Panel alarm.com app notifications and respond to those notifications with a predefined event.
My service is not monitored but to use the Bluetooth proximity alarm disarm feature built in to the IQ Panel 2 system you have to at least have basic service which I pay $14 a month to Geoarm.com. This also gives me the Alarm.com website service where I can set other rules that the alarm follows and the spare Android phone interacts with.
The Apps have widgets on the screen of the spare Android phone. If the IQ Panel 2 sends a notification via the app, the Autonotification app sees this and launches the Auto-input app which presses one of several widgets on the spare Android phone (as if I opened the Alarm.com app and pressed buttons/widgets myself)
It would have been nice to integrate this into just the IQ Panel 2 but about an hour of setup and configuration with an old phone on wifi only, the right apps and $40 ($20 for apps and $20 for a Google Assistant speaker) works too.
Hopefully this breakdown will help anyone with an IQ Panel 2.
Final thoughts:
I have 2 of these systems, one in my office and one at home. Since the office environment is not a family enviroment and a much more set schedule (closed at night etc.) None of this is necessary and the IQ Panel 2 works fine right out the box. With today's smart homes like mine with smart cameras, smart lighting, kids and pets with doors and windows opening at random times I think they should give us basic app installation rights on the IQ Panel 2 but..
I love this thing either way ?
I have tons of these alarm panels. I haven't tried to flash them, but assuredly it can be done.
My thoughts.
*The open port you have noticed is definitely not zwave, zwave doesn't use tcp/ip nor its ports of comm. That open port is likely a ssh or vpn to alarm.com or qolsys server for updates (tftp?)
*USB port. Have you tried using a OTG atapter? Doubt you will be able to put into debug mode for adb, but might see if you can connect with adb. Also think JTAG. But you could likely flash its firmwars the same way updates are pushed. Dust off your *nix box, run wireshark, may have to do a mitm to strip ssl, sniff out the server, intercept the update file, md5 checksums, spoof server on airgapped network, etc. But if they can update it, you can break into it.
I have been working on trying to figure out the Qolsis IQ panel. I found that it listens on two ports, 8883 and 12345.
8883 is MQTT however it requires a valid client certificate to connect which I'm trying to see if I can find.
12345 is a TCP websocket, you can connect to it with curl like curl -k https : / / 192.168.x.x:12345 and you will get a json stream of alarm events.
If you'd like, we have a thread on the Home Assistant forum where we are trying to figure this out too.
If you go to the home assistant community and search for qolsys you will find our post (I can't post links yet)

Categories

Resources