Develop Bugs

1 week Desire: What's good, what's bad

Hi!
I thought I'll just give a little feedback after having the Desire for one week now, if anyone has any more infos or thoughts please post! I'm on a T-Mobile UK 18 month contract.
What's good:
- the screen is absolutely fantastic, pictures and especially HD videos look amazing
(I downloaded the Lady Gaga - Telephone 1080p version from Vevo, converted that to 800px width and when I first saw the video on screen I was actually speechless for a minute)
- the speed in general is great, it's like a little laptop
- internet surfing is great, especially when flipping through the animated browser windows
- the 3G speed is excellent, I always get 1.5 - 2 MB everywhere in central London and it's always an HSDPA connection on T-Mobile
- I'm very happy with the phone in general, since I saw Steve Jobs' presentation of the new iPhone OS I'm even happier, multitasking and the general UI doesn't look anywhere near as nice as HTC sense!
What's bad
- no app storage on SD cards (only when rooting etc.)
- the volume, especially when playing movies, is far too quiet when using the speakers or headphones. i can barely hear conversations when all volume controllers are on maximum. i was planning to use the Desire as a media player for long flights etc. because videos look totally amazing on the screen, but if I can't figure out a way to boost the volume without rooting etc. that's my biggest point of concern
- the app situation could be better, but i guess after summer/autumn this year so many people will have bought an Android phone that the demand will boost the development of new apps greatly, so I'll just be patient
I did send an email regarding the app storage on SD and the volume issue to HTC 3 days ago and I'm still waiting for an answer. Will post it here once I get it.
So if you have any points to add, or any infos regarding the above, please post!
Thanks
Dean

I see 1 problem and that's the app situation. There are plenty good but you're right not as much as there could be...but there will be.
The other 2 points will be fixed when root is public. Louder volume hack and apps2sd.
Root is simple. People always create a 1 click solution like they did on the HTC Tattoo.

Please see this thread for a whole list of what's bad.
But what's good about this device far outweighs all those bads

Try using in-ear headphones if the volume isn't loud enough. Technically the volume output will be the same/similar, but they'll block out most (if not all) of the background noise from your surroundings. Makes for a very clear and loud enough sound.

@ ephumuris
sorry i'm actually quite new to Android, what does "root going public" mean exactly, is that a solution where you won't destroy your warranty and can install apps2sd etc?
@ carrige
thanks for that, but i'm actually using in-ear headphones… mp3 music is fine, but movies are not loud enough. I was searching for headphones with a built in amplifier but couldn't find anything.

WIFI SUCK
THE WORST part, the WIFI setting and capability IS SUCK!
Unable to detect hidden WIFI??? Even my HTC HD is able to do that! damn...hopefully they can fix that in some ROM update.

kuailan said:
THE WORST part, the WIFI setting and capability IS SUCK!
Unable to detect hidden WIFI??? Even my HTC HD is able to do that! damn...hopefully they can fix that in some ROM update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a bit curious, is it because of the weak ass antenna (ala iPad) or just ill coded firmware? Because if it's the former, there's nothing to do about it but replacing the handset...

What is that hidden WIFI?
kuailan said:
THE WORST part, the WIFI setting and capability IS SUCK!
Unable to detect hidden WIFI??? Even my HTC HD is able to do that! damn...hopefully they can fix that in some ROM update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

kuailan said:
THE WORST part, the WIFI setting and capability IS SUCK!
Unable to detect hidden WIFI??? Even my HTC HD is able to do that! damn...hopefully they can fix that in some ROM update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean can't detect if not broadcasting SSID then mine can. WiFi is pretty good on my Desire - No complaints.

If you mean can't detect if not broadcasting SSID then mine can. WiFi is pretty good on my Desire - No complaints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is excellent with WiFi too, much better than expected.
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

th3 said:
Mine is excellent with WiFi too, much better than expected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, except that when using Wifi power saving, it sometimes refuses to reconnect to the AP, requiring a device reboot (or just leave the thing for 30 mins or so). Coverage is excellent, stability (once connected) seems excellent.
Question to the OP: why are you using hidden SSIDs anyway?

daern said:
Question to the OP: why are you using hidden SSIDs anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed... If you're that paranoid a MAC filter does the job well enough.

Been using it 3 days now.
A minor design flaw I think is the non-hot-swappable SD card slot.
I have a Touch Pro and I've worked with the Legend where that is a feature.
But no biggie, really.

[Q] Best app to track lost phone?

Hi Guys,
I wanted to know what any of you find to be the best app to find a lost phone. I wanted to know what the best app is to date since things can change over time, and I havent used this type of service for over a year. Some features I'd like are GPS tracking but little to no battery drain, and the ability to sound an alert even when the phone is silent or on vibrate. Thanks for any and all input.

Just me but I use the one that comes with 'Kaprasky Security', it is very accurate in my country of Canada so just try that or wait for other responses
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium

Cerberus is by far the best.

This is what I use and is the best and has lots features highly recommend.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.myboyfriendisageek.gotya
Sent from my GNex {GSM} T-Mobile

RogerPodacter said:
Cerberus is by far the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this. No monthly or annual fees. Just pay $4 one time and it covers up to 5 devices.
Here's some of the features:
It has three ways to protect your device:
- Remote control through the website www.cerberusapp.com
- Remote control via text messages
- SIM Checker (for devices that have a SIM card): you will automatically receive alerts if someone uses your phone with an unauthorized SIM card
Remote control allows you to perform many operations on your device, like:
- Locate and track it
- Start a loud alarm, even if the device is set to silent mode
- Wipe the internal memory and the SD card
- Hide Cerberus from the app drawer
- Lock the device with a code
- Record audio from the microphone
- Get a list of last calls sent and received
- Get information about network and operator the device is connected to
- And much more!
Cerberus automatically enables GPS if it is off when you try to localize your device (only on Android < 2.3.3) and you can protect it from unauthorized uninstalling - more info in the app configuration.
The app works even if the device does not have an internet connection thanks to remote control by sms messages. Also, the SIM Checker feature allows you to know the new number to send texts to, if the SIM card is changed. Texts received and sent for Cerberus remote control will not start any notification and will not appear in the Messages application.
Cerberus does not drain the battery because there is no background service running: it will activate only if there is a remote control request and will stop afterwards.
More features for rooted devices: complete uninstall protection (a thief will be able to delete Cerberus only by flashing another ROM), GPS auto-enabling even on Android > 2.3.3. More info on the website in the Help section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check it out.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5sc2Ryb2lkLmNlcmJlcnVzIl0.

ddpacino said:
Hi Guys,
I wanted to know what any of you find to be the best app to find a lost phone. I wanted to know what the best app is to date since things can change over time, and I havent used this type of service for over a year. Some features I'd like are GPS tracking but little to no battery drain, and the ability to sound an alert even when the phone is silent or on vibrate. Thanks for any and all input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Lost can do everything you want and more. Best of all, no fees!

GreatBigDog said:
Android Lost can do everything you want and more. Best of all, no fees!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used that to find my wife's phone. Did a remote install too as I didn't have it on the device. .. Amazing.
I've heard a lot about Cerberus, but it needs to always be running on your device from what I can see. Can you remote install and configure it only when you need it? If not, that's a pretty dangerous app to allow basically all functions of your phone to be accessed online...

I use avast! Mobile Security. You can install the application and then enable Anti-Theft. Once it's set-up and installed, you can uninstall avast! Mobile Security. (I'm unable to provide links, but they have a webpage that describes the necessary steps better.)
You can then use a bunch of different commands via text message to locate/lock/unlock/etc. your phone. You can specify two phone numbers to be the only phones that can communicate with your device, or you can leave it open. (Commands sent to your device must contain your pin code and then the command.)
The FAQ for the app says it does not run in the background and is only activated when a text command is sent to the phone. (I think this program only works if you're able to receive text messages to your actual number. Not via Google Voice.)

avast mobile security is awesome!

I use cerberus...they have features such a remote recording of video and audio which I don't think is available on SeekDroid which I was on before
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

I've tried Lookout mobile security, but like Prey a bit better

Another vote for androidlost here!

Phonelocator pro hands down beats them all - check it out
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.rvo.plpro
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

ddpacino said:
Hi Guys,
I wanted to know what any of you find to be the best app to find a lost phone. I wanted to know what the best app is to date since things can change over time, and I havent used this type of service for over a year. Some features I'd like are GPS tracking but little to no battery drain, and the ability to sound an alert even when the phone is silent or on vibrate. Thanks for any and all input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy a ball of yarn at the hardware store for a few cents. Tie one end to the phone, one end to your wrist.
Never lose the phone.

Avast can get location even if GPS, wifi, mobile data and location service are turned off, if you are rooted. Cerberus can't.

B1ny said:
Avast can get location even if GPS, wifi, mobile data and location service are turned off, if you are rooted. Cerberus can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure if you allow Cerberus administrator privileges, it can turn on GPS/Wifi/Data on by command...

Pretty sure it can't.
anton2009 said:
Pretty sure if you allow Cerberus administrator privileges, it can turn on GPS/Wifi/Data on by command...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

B1ny said:
Pretty sure it can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay... I just tested it now with Cerberus dashboard (online website where you can send commands from) with my phone unlocked right in front of me. Sent command "start tracking" and saw with my own eyes the WIFI and GPS toggles go from OFF to ON. Wifi and GPS still on... Sent command "stop tracking" and WIFI and GPS toggles went from ON to OFF.
---Edit---
Sorry, I was wrong about the administrator privileges, by enabling that, it will allow you to erase your data/sd card remotely. To get WIFI and GPS to turn on when you send the tracking command, you have to push Cerberus to /system/app

I see a flaw in all of this:
Factory reset = GG

convolution said:
I see a flaw in all of this:
Factory reset = GG
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cerberus help page, and I quote:
"I have a rooted device. Can I get additional features?
Yes! If you have rooted your device you can integrate Cerberus into your ROM and get two additional features: complete uninstall protection (Cerberus will even survive a wipe/factory reset) and GPS auto-enabling even on Android 2.3.3 and later. To have these features uninstall Cerberus, then download cerberus.zip, put it on the sd card and install it from recovery. Cerberus is also available on ROM Manager."
Taken from avast! Mobile Security app page, and I quote:
"Self-Protection
Extremely difficult for thieves to remove (especially on rooted phones), Anti-Theft protects itself from uninstall by disguising its components with various self-preservation techniques. On rooted phones it is able to survive hard-resets and can even disable the phone’s USB port."

[Q] Is it possible to take pics from the Lock Screen without entering your pin code?

I think IOS has this right, just to take a quick pic I dont want to have to enter my pin code or do my security pattern.

You have the option to swipe left..but only with slide to unlock. I can't say I've seen any iPhone with that function though.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

iphone 4s definitely has this feature even with Pin Code enabled, I have one in front of me.
Herman76 said:
You have the option to swipe left..but only with slide to unlock. I can't say I've seen any iPhone with that function though.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Personally, I disagree ... If I lock my phone, I don't want people to be able to do anything with the phone. Isn't that the point of the lock?

Well, that's why we have these things called options.
I lock my phone because if I lose it or its stolen I dont want anyone to have access to my data...I dont care if the only thing they can do is take pictures...as a matter of fact I would encourage this so I can track them via GPS info on the pics
tjhart85 said:
Personally, I disagree ... If I lock my phone, I don't want people to be able to do anything with the phone. Isn't that the point of the lock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

If you are rooted I guess tasker or similar app can be configured to take pictures for you on lock screen.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Then remove the pin if you want easy access to the camera.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA

Yes, the while point of having a lock is to "lock" out other people from using your phone...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I bet if i didn't mention IOS in my OP I wouldn't have had all these unhelpful replies
Since when did Android become the land of no options/customizations?

The idea itself is quite nice.
Maybe android itself won't make it possible? I could imagine that there are just no permissions to execute anything without unlock. However the community is insane and solves problems like that.
I don't use any lock so I can't tell you if any rom I used so far had this kind of feature

How are the replies not helpful? The fact is you can't.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

So it looks like you can do this with a few 3rd party apps.
Right now I am testing this Setting Profiles.
I have Profiles setup to disable Lock when connected to my home WiFi or my cars Bluetooth.
It has disabled the Lock Screen & Pin entering all together while home, but I will test this out more today during my travels.
If settings profile doesn't work well, then I will try this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.benhirashima.unlockwithwifi&hl=en
Unlock With Wifi which seems to do most of what I use Settings Profiles for anyway.
And Josh, most of the replies just said "why" would I want to do this.
Thanks Herman76 for pointing me in the right direction.
joshnichols189 said:
How are the replies not helpful? The fact is you can't.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

This might be possible because you can use wallet without unlocking the phone even with corporate email.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk 2

Delayed Lock
Update:
Although Settings Profile did what I wanted, it was screwing up my Bluetooth connection. (Seems the app hasn't been updated in months...)
Right now I am testing Delayed Lock Free Trial.
It has plug-in to disable the Pin Lock based on Wifi AP connected, Bluetooth Device or GPS Location...so it brings me to the slider unlock screen where I have my Camera as an option (AOKP)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...CwiZGUuajR2ZWxpbi5kZWxheWVkbG9jazIudHJpYWwiXQ..

AOKP gives you an option to view the standard slide lockscreen before viewing the secure lockscreen, but you still have to put in your pin/pattern after sliding over to the camera. This isn't what you're looking for, but it seems to be a bit faster than putting in the pin THEN opening the camera app (especially if you enable the quick pin unlock in Rom Control).
There's also the option of using the above method with face unlock. After sliding, you'd move to face unlock then open to the camera app.

Reasons
@RichAP your efforts are well appreciated as you did actually try to find a solution and not just bring reasons for 'why you shouldn`t use this feature', however I`ve come across the same question as the person who started the topic and I thought I`d give a more detailed explanation of what is the app he is looking for.
This could come quite handy to most users who may want to capture a picture close to 'instantly'. For example if you wanna challenge your camera`s ability to take a picture of a fast moving object such as your neighbor finally jumping off his house, having to put a password/pin/pattern would result in you missing the moment and you don`t want that. A better example is something which happened to me today. An idiot nearly drove into the car i was in, popped his head out of the window, started swearing at everyone and then drifts away. I wanted to take a picture of his number plate, in case anything would go sideways, but by the time i unlocked my phone he was long gone.
As the person who started the topic mentioned, this feature is available in iOS (i`ve seen it on iphone 4s about 2 months ago), but the security measures have been taken into account too; you can only take pictures, but you cannot view them unless you pass the security measures (therefore if your phone gets lost/stolen, whoever has it can only fill up your memory with pictures in the worst case scenario, but what`s that good for when you can`t access them ?). I personally hate apple with a passion, but this is the only feature i`ve come across which i couldn`t find on android yet. Of course now this is down to the developers if they are interested to implement this, i only showed under what circumstances you can use it. Oh and why does apple have it (and amazingly, doesn`t charge the users ridiculous amounts of money, it`s actually built-in the OS) and android doesn`t (even as a 3rd party app) is a good question, as apple never gives its users more than 1% on top of the very basic (for free).
I do apologize for jumping in quite late, however I just got a galaxy S3 3 weeks ago and I`ve just come across this today. If anyone found an alternative or something which is already on the market, may I please ask how do i find it ? Thank you in advance.

I'm sure with the 4.2 update you can take pictures even when the phone has a pattern/pin lock, or at least I can on the paranoid 2.99 beta9 rom

You can do that in 4.2
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Anyone realize the last reply is 6 months ago, which means there is no 4.2.....................................................................

I dont think its a good idea to enable camera without unlocking the screen.
Sent from my MT11i using xda app-developers app

[INFO][UPDATED 11/3] What do your NFC tags/tectiles do?

So I thought I'd make a thread about some of the things we are doing with our new GS3's and it's uses with NFC! Sure we can all google some of the uses but why not share some things not mentioned and share ideas. I think this is a good place to do just that!
For those of you that are unfamiliar with NFC and what it stands for/means, you can Wiki it, or I actually thought this was a better explanation.
A good app and very useful to have is NFC Task Launcher from the Play Store. It writes tags, erases tags, locks tags.. all done with your GS3! I can't remember if there was a free version or not. Either way, well worth the couple or few bucks that it cost.
It's also got a list of places to get blank NFC tags. I bought my starter pack for like $15 or $20 bucks and it came with a ton of tags, and a keychain!
User dhendy91 has made a Guide for Google Wallet. Be sure to check out his thread for another great use for NFC.. don't forget to press his Thanks button!
(Link removed)
And it gets better! User meyhemer has created a MOD to use NFC with the screen off or phone locked! Great stuff.. please visit his thread and show him some thanks as well!
Here's a list of places you can order NFC tags from here in the US: (NFC tasker has the same list!)
www.Tagstand.com
www.buynfctags.com
www.tagsfordroid.com
www.identivenfc.com
For more links and info regarding NFC right here on XDA, Click Here. Chances are if you have questions, they are answered in that section. Feel free to ask here too!
Love to hear some more suggestions and ideas or whatever else you guys are doing with NFC. Chime in even if you haven't put that idea to use yet!
UPDATED 11/3
I'm gonna try to compile a list of some ideas and uses we have so far!
Call these tasks whatever you want, I'm jut going to call them whatever comes to mind for simplicity sake.
Bedtime/Night mode- set ringers, media, and notification volumes down to a minimum or silent when you go to lie down.
Car Mode- Turns on Navigation, GPS and maybe even thrown on some tunes
WiFi Toggle- Have a tag to turn on and connect WiFi to a specific Network.
Work Mode- Change ring/notification volume when your at work, connect to network, sync work email when your at... work
Disable Sync- Could also be used as nightime thing to save battery when you go to sleep.
Check-ins- Use a tag to check into a certain place.. your gym, school, etc..
Ads, or offers in shops- "where a user could tap on one, and be taken to a promotional page on x site, that could be tracked using a tracking code".
workout/bicycle routine- pretty neat idea
Coffee anyone- a tag can have an URL command turn on your coffee expresso machine!
Door locks- http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/yale-demos-nfc-enabled-residential-locks-germaphobes-rejoice-v/
Come home- A tag to fire up wifi and whatever else you may want when you get home
Message/Letter- Write a note on a tag, send it with a care package!
Screen Timeout- Adjust your screen timeout along with another task
If you find this thread useful don't forget to slap the THANKS button!

I just having boring one's.
Toggle WiFi and connect to a specific network.
Turn on GPS and open Google Navigation
Change ring/notification volume when I'm at work

Lol.. though simple they are pretty cool and neat to see em work. It'd be nice if every phone had NFC.. that way you could make a wifi one for your house without ever having to give up your password! That would be cool..
sent from my Galaxy S III

Are the tags re-writable?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA

accordex said:
Are the tags re-writable?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most are.. you can also lock some tags so they can't be rewritten.
sent from my Galaxy S III

Do u recommend any particular nfc tag to choose from? Are the ones from ebay as good?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

ceo.mtcl said:
Do u recommend any particular nfc tag to choose from? Are the ones from ebay as good?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. they are all pretty good. I used RapidNFC and the starter pack I got came with different size tags.. a bunch of ultra lights and a couple ntags, which I think is just a bigger chip.
Should be noted the ultra light tags though can't do things like web URLs.. not big enough apparently.
sent from my Galaxy S III

Yo
Just ordered mine from RapidNFC,
I plan to set one up next to my bed to disable syncing when I go to sleep and save battery cause signal is so poor from my bedroom, set phone to silent and enable my alarm, then tap again in morning to undo it and send text messages trolling my missus who is working away at the moment.
Also plan to stick one to my desk in work to silence the ringer, connect to work wifi and turn on auto sync for my work email.

I like the work tag.. I can see lots of people using that idea!
sent from my Galaxy S III

Don't forget guys that some of the smaller tags won't allow u to store enough info on them to do more than one or two tasks.
Go a 1k tag and that will allow you to pop a few tasks at a time on it.
Oh an I have a tag on my door for checking in at home, switch wifi on and change to normal sound profile.
In work a tag on desk activates silent profile, disables wifi and checks in on foursquare.
Used nfc quite a bit on my Nokia N9 and it's a really handy feature to have on a phone.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

This is all new to me. But seems amazing.

is NFC something that you have to actually enable on the phone, or is it always on?

gavinfabl said:
This is all new to me. But seems amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. pretty cool stuff and very useful for phones!
Wond3r said:
is NFC something that you have to actually enable on the phone, or is it always on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you just have to tick it on. Menu> Settings> More> (then tick the NFC box.. ) also take a look around in there.. turn on S-beam as well.
I'm gonna set some more up this weekend just to mess around and see what I can put on some of these tags!
sent from my Galaxy S III

Oh so i guess it constantly runs in the background using battery waiting to detect a tag

Do you need a second tag to set your phone into "daytime mode" when you wake up? I've been wondering about this for a bit?

Wond3r said:
Oh so i guess it constantly runs in the background using battery waiting to detect a tag
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm getting minimum 12hrs of usage off a single charge so I dont notice any battery drain.. also I don't think its constantly searching for a tag.. it just recognized the chip when it comes close enough to one.
ChrisHRocks said:
Do you need a second tag to set your phone into "daytime mode" when you wake up? I've been wondering about this for a bit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a toggle option on the NFC Tasker app. So basically you set 2 tasks.. the first time you tap the tag it does the first task and the second time it does task 2.. more or less making it a toggle. Just set it up like that.
sent from my Galaxy S III

Coreym said:
I'm getting minimum 12hrs of usage off a single charge so I dont notice any battery drain.. also I don't think its constantly searching for a tag.. it just recognized the chip when it comes close enough to one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try a charge with the NFC off and see the difference?
I dont see how it can sense a tag near it if its not 'searching' for one. same goes for bluetooth and wifi.

If you are concerned about your battery life you can always do all those tasks the NFC tag does manually, and drain your living hours
I think it is worth whatever the drainage the nfc will do comparing to switching all the different toggles manually and doing it every single time you get into the car, get into the office, house, and whatever you have used those tags for.
Just sayin...

Wond3r said:
try a charge with the NFC off and see the difference?
I dont see how it can sense a tag near it if its not 'searching' for one. same goes for bluetooth and wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah beats me but I will try a full charge without NFC ticked and see how it does!
sent from my Galaxy S III

If you haven't already, check out Microsoft's on{x}. It's a program which has similar functionality to NFC chips. Once my SGS3 arrives, I'll be doing some development on these.

Security Apps

I recently thought I had lost my phone but I had just misplaced it at home. Because I had powered it off I was unable to locate it by making it ring and I thought it had been stolen.
Unfortunately, I hadn't set a lockscreen pin or installed a security app to help locate and control my phone remotely so my phone was totally unprepared for the situation.
I hurridly set about changing sensitive passwords using my laptop then I tried to remotely install a security app called "Android Lost" and when I eventually found my phone the app was automatically installed but did not work because it needs to be run and activated.
So, I have learned my lesson from this experience and I have now set a lockscreen password PIN and installed and registered "Android Lost".
Now if I really lose my phone I am not completely helpless and I will not power it off unless it is on charge.
I hope my experience acts as a warning to others who have not taken phone security precautions.

Yeah that's basically the first thing I did with the Nexus 4, I ended up going with Cerberus which was about $4aud for a account which I can use on my two previous phones and tablet should I decide to take it away since the Nexus doesn't have USB OTG support.
Does basically everything, my most wanted feature was the invalid pin/pattern photo, where if you put the wrong pin/pattern in it'll take a photo & Email it to me.
Thankfully haven't needed to put it into action but I make sure to test it after each ROM upgrade just in case it doesn't work.

I think the app "Plan B" will work in that situation. Never tried before though.
Using "Wheres my droid" myself.

parker09 said:
Yeah that's basically the first thing I did with the Nexus 4, I ended up going with Cerberus which was about $4aud for a account which I can use on my two previous phones and tablet should I decide to take it away since the Nexus doesn't have USB OTG support.
Does basically everything, my most wanted feature was the invalid pin/pattern photo, where if you put the wrong pin/pattern in it'll take a photo & Email it to me.
Thankfully haven't needed to put it into action but I make sure to test it after each ROM upgrade just in case it doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your informative reply. I've switched from "Android Lost" to Cerberus which looks better.

Cerebus, Android lost or where's my droid?

I tried Cerberus because of all the positive comments I had seen on xda. I can personally say it is by far the best one out there. I've used seek droid, where's my droid and nearly all of them but Cerberus just seems to do more
Sent from my Nexus 4

ltylty123 said:
I think the app "Plan B" will work in that situation. Never tried before though.
Using "Wheres my droid" myself.
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Plan B doesn't work on 4.0+
I use Cerberus.

parker09 said:
Yeah that's basically the first thing I did with the Nexus 4, I ended up going with Cerberus which was about $4aud for a account which I can use on my two previous phones and tablet should I decide to take it away since the Nexus doesn't have USB OTG support.
Does basically everything, my most wanted feature was the invalid pin/pattern photo, where if you put the wrong pin/pattern in it'll take a photo & Email it to me.
Thankfully haven't needed to put it into action but I make sure to test it after each ROM upgrade just in case it doesn't work.
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Yeah, I use Cerberus as well (got it for free quite some time back when the developer was having a "free for life" weekend special). Also, it's worth mentioning that once bought you can use it on up to 5 devices (which is great if you have multiple phones).
In addition to doing what is quoted above it also lets you do all kinds of things in the web interface. From locking the SIM to tracking the phone's location over a given time period to being able to pull up call and text logs. All of that in addition to the usual features of locating your phone (via GPS) and setting off an alarm (that is insanely, and occasionally scary, loud).
I highly recommend it to my friends and family members. Definitely think you should give it a go. If I hadn't gotten it for free I would gladly have paid for it. Never had to use it (beyond showing off its capabilities to people looking for a security app), but it gives me peace of mind knowing it just works (and does so after ROM flashing).
Also, if you have root and enable it as a device administrator it'll do quite a bit more. From locking your phone to remote wipes to uninstallation protection (of course a complete wipe from recovery will beat that, but there's only so much you can do or not do in that case).

I like the way Cerberus can take a picture of someone trying to crack the lock screen pin and email it. I wonder how difficult it is to get past a screen lock pin?

How big is the impact of Cerberus on battery life guys?

Lexus fan said:
How big is the impact of Cerberus on battery life guys?
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Almost no impact at all

Anyone using avast?

I just got my Nexus 4 and have yet to setup a security app. I used Prey on my last phone and it seemed pretty good. Anyone know how it compares to these other apps?

Lexus fan said:
How big is the impact of Cerberus on battery life guys?
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No impact at all. Since the app doesn't run until you manually send commands from the web interface. And even then the app doesn't really "run" per se. There's no visibility at all it's even there, minus the icon in the app drawer. (And you can even hide the app and make it so it's only accessible by dialing a certain code from the phone dialer.)

i want to install these 'lost my phone' apps but dont they really drain the battery and you have to turn on gps and location settings on? also if the thief who steals your phone will read up on how to reflash and wipe the phone? it will render these apps useless

I've been using Cerberus for some time now and it's absolutely perfect! Every part of it functions just as it's intended to and the app has practically no impact on battery life. Great stuff!

elbel86 said:
I just got my Nexus 4 and have yet to setup a security app. I used Prey on my last phone and it seemed pretty good. Anyone know how it compares to these other apps?
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I was using prey, but thanks to this thread I just switched to Cerberus - much better deal, interface, and functionality - plus a couple extra features if rooted. Totally worth the USD4.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium